Want to set up mechanical handbrake on 2020 RT LTD for an amputee Vet

[obiwanbill]

Hey, has anyone else with a 2020+ RT LTD fabricated a mechanical hand brake? I'm missing right leg, can't keep riding side saddle to use left foot to brake.

Saw a short video, seemed to me the author appeared to rush thru it as if he was explaining procedure to guys that already knew how to do it. If you've done this, please share the detailed info.
1. Off of what kind of bike did you get the hand control and handlebar bracket? Need brand/model. No dealer of junkyard has them listed by size.
2. How long of a clutch cable did you use? Brand?
3. After snaking it under the tupperware, how did to attach it to the existing brake pedal?

Folks, please don't tell me to go to local dealer; with asking about mods they act like you just walked in with Kryptonite. Please don't tell me to go buy the $1600 unit with a "slave unit". This 70 yr old gimp blew most of insurance and savings on this "retirement buggy" (you can't take it with you).

Thank you

[Freddy]

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...rake&p=1232376

[larryd]

Hey, has anyone else with a 2020+ RT LTD fabricated a mechanical hand brake? I'm missing right leg, can't keep riding side saddle to use left foot to brake.

Saw a short video, seemed to me the author appeared to rush thru it as if he was explaining procedure to guys that already knew how to do it. If you've done this, please share the detailed info.
1. Off of what kind of bike did you get the hand control and handlebar bracket? Need brand/model. No dealer of junkyard has them listed by size.
2. How long of a clutch cable did you use? Brand?
3. After snaking it under the tupperware, how did to attach it to the existing brake pedal?

Folks, please don't tell me to go to local dealer; with asking about mods they act like you just walked in with Kryptonite. Please don't tell me to go buy the $1600 unit with a "slave unit". This 70 yr old gimp blew most of insurance and savings on this "retirement buggy" (you can't take it with you).

Thank you

There is a very knowledgeable member on here that has a 2020 Limited (Marsala Red??? with matching trailer) with his own design hydraulic hand brake...He uses all over the counter easy to purchase components...I think he's from VA...I have not seen any posts from him in quite some time AND his name slips my mind...Hopefully you can do some searching around the forum and can come up with his contact info...In the mean time I'll give it some thought to see if I can come up with it...larryd

[larryd]

There is a very knowledgeable member on here that has a 2020 Limited (Marsala Red??? with matching trailer) with his own design hydraulic hand brake...He uses all over the counter easy to purchase components...I think he's from VA...I have not seen any posts from him in quite some time AND his name slips my mind...Hopefully you can do some searching around the forum and can come up with his contact info...In the mean time I'll give it some thought to see if I can come up with it...larryd

Here he is...This is not the post about his 2020 model but the earlier ones he's done...Hope he can help you out...larryd

This handbrake that I design that I put in 2008 is simple- safe and cheap.
I have put them on my 2008-2012-2014 Spyders with well over 50,000 miles with no problems.

ISCI kit that came after that are high quality handbrake.
I never meant to sell to anybody else it was all about what I needed for my own Spyder.

I shared everything on this website at that time to help others. The parts to build this are less
then $200 if you have the ability the ingenuity and the confidence to do this it's simple.

As I have repeated over the years too many BRP officials this should be an option that they offer.
With highway pegs getting your foot back to the foot brake sometimes is not fast enough and that's
the only reason why I put it on mine was safety.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...tive-to-Cables


Nexus
.....

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Here's a start to finding the material. https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...pass-handbrake

This should get you going down the road of the project! https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...rake&p=1232376

[obiwanbill]

I found this idea from the ancient history section of this site. Posted in 5/16 from 3whlLefty. Less costly/less complicated than a Hyro ISCI set up (with issues of cost) or a mech cable set up (with the issues of attaching handle & cable to handlebar and brake pedal). I had to get use to using my left foot in my car to drive & brake; I think I could get use to a floor mounted hand brake on RT LTD as well. It would appear to be able to bolt on in minutes rather than removing Tupperware, welding, etc, to set up clutch cable manual system or an ISCI system.

Any thoughts?

[Knizar]

I found this idea from the ancient history section of this site. Posted in 5/16 from 3whlLefty. Less costly/less complicated than a Hyro ISCI set up (with issues of cost) or a mech cable set up (with the issues of attaching handle & cable to handlebar and brake pedal). I had to get use to using my left foot in my car to drive & brake; I think I could get use to a floor mounted hand brake on RT LTD as well. It would appear to be able to bolt on in minutes rather than removing Tupperware, welding, etc, to set up clutch cable manual system or an ISCI system.

Any thoughts?

Definitely have to look into increasing the return spring tension on the pedal with the weight of that contraption bouncing down the road. I'm not sold on that approach, but it might be OK for your needs. Better have a qualified tech look into that theory. We all want you out there riding, but we also want you to be SAFE!....Bill...

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

The big downside is you have to take your hand off the throttle to operate the brake. If you're in a situation where you need to be steering in an emergency, and need to hold both handlebars, and brake at the same time you could be royally screwed. I say it's usable, but far from the best solution.

[larryd]

Here is a picture of NEXUS's 2020 with his hand brake set up...

Was this a preorder or dealer stock on hand?

It was a preorder- put it out for bid from 4 dealers in my area in Virginia in November.
No trade-in-the difference in price from one dealer to another was quite interesting.

The one who ended up ordering it in late November was $1000 cheaper than everybody else.

I have now disassembled it in my shop and am installing many different things. I couldn't wait
to get her Tupperware off and look under her skirt.


https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...1&d=1585651386

Can't live without a handbrake. I wish BRP could understand

SORRY, I can't copy & paste picture??? Maybe someone else can??? Thanks in advance...larryd

[OldAge]

If I remember correctly, ( and that doesn't always happen ) somewhere in my forum travels, I saw mention of someone who had added linkage from foot brake to a supplemental pedal on the left side. I am not that familiar with the structure underneath ( just purchased bike and am not near it right now ) But am thinking it should be possible. Certainly worth looking at since you already use left foot with auto. If a handbrake can be added, should be able to add foot unit.

Now a useless added comment: I also use my left foot for braking with my auto and I have both feet. Just as easy and cuts down reaction time by a tad.

[cptjam]

Bill, I think it might work, but, you will need added springs. You throw codes if the brake is ridden. A better solution is ISCI, but, a mechanical link from right to left would be easy. I’ll look at that when I get home from Florida.

[LongIsland]

Perhaps you can reach out to the Road Warrior Foundation. I don't know if this charity is still supported by this forum, but it is still supported by US Spyder Ryders. As they work with BRP to provide Spyders to disabled veterans they may be able to assist you.

[obiwanbill]

I did it. Got larger brake pad from big bike parts/value ass'ries. Drilled 1/2" hole. Bolted 2' long steel threaded shaft with lock washers both sides. Covered with pvc pipe to prevent exposed threading from tearing up pants.(all st Lowe's) . Put stick shift handle on end. All weight leans to rear, not pressing down on pedal to mimic foot riding brake. Feel like in teens when using a stick shift in car. About 2" travel at handle, works like champ. And hundreds cheaper than alternatives. 😁

[Joel The Biker]

It looks like it leans back quite aways. You could put a bend in it to get it closer to the bars. Might make it better for panic stops. That is a great simple solution though. Congrats! Ride safe!

[obiwanbill]

Handle rests by my knee, easy to find

[Mikey]

Good for you!!! Good job!!!