Thumb Brake

[yorkie_chris]

I think that's a very bad idea myself. Keep the 2 systems separate or ignore the back entirely. I would ignore the back, much easier.

First time I've heard the back brake being ignored. I use mine a fair bit; filtering and skimming speed when not heading is a straight line, especially in the wet! I thought this was all pretty crucial stuff

find the rear gives me far more control than the front?

i dont use the back ether .. had a few near misses when using the back in the wet on my old bike (very sharp brake) used to lock up under just a touch so got in to the habit of not using it, plus the sv rear is CR*P in my opinion

[ophic]

Originally Posted by barwel1992

i dont use the back ether .. had a few near misses when using the back in the wet on my old bike (very sharp brake) used to lock up under just a touch so got in to the habit of not using it, plus the sv rear is CR*P in my opinion

The rear brake is as good as it needs to be. You can lock the rear wheel quite easily - how much better do you want it?

I once managed to miss the pedal cos my foot did something weird in some new boots. I was entering a roundabout and wanted to scrub some speed into the turn - I had to use the front instead and the bike felt like it was gently jack-knifing. Only a minor brown trouser moment.

^ well mine is utterly pants !!! its got new (500mile) pads as well so will see what its like after its been bled (having banjo switch fitted)

A locked up rear end is easier to handle than a front one!!

[ophic]

Originally Posted by sauluk

A locked up rear end is easier to handle than a front one!!

not always. The rear losing traction is the main cause of highsides - usually at the point that it gains traction again. The front - well you'll either recover it or lowside.

^ and id all ways choose low side, i dont fancy been flung in the air and been 17+stone in my gear i dont like the thought of landing on a arm leg or neck

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by SAMMY650

Hi all,

I'm looking at modding my K6 SV by switching the rear brake to thumb operated brake as I've been told I can't ride my bike due to ongoing medical issue with right knee, but the sv is my only transport.

Does anyone have any experience using thumb brakes?

Does it effect the braking power at all? Does the orignal lever have to come off, or does stay on and is still usable along with the thumb brake?

Any and all info much appreciated.

Have you considered a clutch master cyl fitted backwards on the right bar?

If you can scavenge one (you may need a longer bar too) then fit it see if it looks do-able and measure line length between centers you need, I know a man who makes lines.

If you need more length on right bar then you should have no trouble finding a competent welder on here, will only take 5 minutes.

Amputees have been riding with thumb brakes for years so it shouldn't be difficult to find a properly engineered solution. On the subject of engineering, what are the requirements of the DMV or whatever it is called in your parts. In these parts it is engineering certificates + DMV inspection and approval. Anything less may void the roadworthy, compulsory TPI and insurance.

So far it is only Richie's post that has come up with something useful. I'd follow that up with an email to GP Tech.

Cheers