Thumb Brake

[slr_daz]

Well guys after 9 years of owner ship I finally finished my thumb brake, mind you this was the 6^th attempt. I had tried many options, a lever to cable to lever actuating the master cylinder of various sorts but could never get enough pressure to operate the brake.

This latest incarnation gives great feel and operation, not enough to lock the wheel but real slowing power. Add to that the satisfaction of making all parts myself it a great feeling. Just had to share with you all. Oh why go to all this trouble, had a bad prang about 30 years ago in which my lower right leg had to be amputated, hasn’t stopped me though just a lot slower then I used to be but lovin every second.



I'll let you know how it works out.

Daz

[Aladinsaneuk]

Good work

[javamac10]

That's awesome. Good to hear someone as persistent as you to keep doing something they enjoy!

[go_modem_go]

This is absolutely brilliant!

I could use this set-up - with my Gilles Variobars, the choke lever ring top is in the way of the fairing. Blocks a higher, more comfortable set-up (1cm can make a huge difference!).

And I don't like the rear foot brake lever either - it's somehow in the way, considering the fact that I use it rarely. A thumb brake would suit me just fine!

Sadly, no chance to get thumb brakes past any TÜV / MoT tech control over here if you haven't got an impairment...

Falco riders are ingenuous!

What is next?

Integrated two-step 2-wheel brakes, like some Guzzis and Hondas?

I really liked the "CBS-ABS" (Combined Brake System) integrated system on an '06 European Honda CBF1000 during a long and fast ride all across the Alps a few years back (Falco water cooler was damaged by a tractor veering into me, I hired this Italian-made Honda to continue the trip).

With the rear lever also actuating 2 out of the 12 front brake pots.

Perfect for navigating very tight 170° hairpins in the Alps, all whilst leaving the front fork relatively free of braking forces.

The 2011 CBF1000F dual-CBS-ABS is apparently even better (although these bikes are otherwise boring as f*ck...). Could do with something like this on the Falco, without any of the other boring Honda stuff...

@DAZ: We know you want it. Start your test series - you'll have some takers!

[Bigralphie]

Fantastic

[D-Rider]

Ingenious - and very nicely done

[TexOz]

hasn’t stopped me though just a lot slower then I used to be but lovin every second.



I'll let you know how it works out.

Daz

Nice one Daz - looks to be a quality production.

Re going slower, my memory of Mick Doohan's rear thumb-brake was that it helped him go bloody fast and, at the time, other GP riders wanted it too!

[falco03]

awesome! i was wondering a long time ago if or when it could be done. i think it is a great idea. it won't upset the bike's geometry while cornering.

[slr_daz]

Thanks for the words of encouragement guys. I admit that the master cylinder sitting up near the interments is not ideal but how it worked out. I did think about turning it upside up once bled but left it how you see it.
As for getting rid of this bike ummm don’t think I can, really enjoy this thing so much. I was thinking about a Multistrada 1200 (always promised myself one if Ducati made a water cooled engine version) but I would have to keep this as well. I don’t think the better half would go for two rego’s and insurances each year.

Cheers

[Hansie]

Great piece of home engineering!
Have bad ankle (not so bad as yours offcourse) which laks feel so very diffecult to use the rear brake well.
Tried a few things but didnt got it right (not so profi as yours though)
Thumb brakes are for sale if you google but at hidious prices.
Thumbs up!

[RossGuzzi]

Well done!

[banjaxxed]

that's a pretty clever adaptation, hats off

[bump909]

Very nice work! I'd consider this if my rear brake worked well enough.. and if I was that technical of a rider.

[SoulDaddy]

R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

[Falcopops]

Awesome work mate