Forward-brake plus Mid-brake?
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 54
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From: Tacoma, Wa.
Forward-brake plus Mid-brake?
Here's a challenge...I have an '03 Superglide with mid-controls and highway pegs. I like the setup for all those reasons expressed in the recent thread about forward vs. mid controls....changing positions, more control with mids, laid back comfort with forwards, etc.
There's this little bird back there that keeps warning me that in an emergency situation I won't be able to get my foot back to the brake fast enough and in the split second that I will lose in transferring my foot to the back peg/brake pedal I may be toast.
I don't want to start another mid vs. forward control debate nor about trying to stretch to use one's heel , but just whether anyone else has pondered modifying the bike in order to have BOTH a forward brake pedal and a mid brake pedal and found a solution.
There's this little bird back there that keeps warning me that in an emergency situation I won't be able to get my foot back to the brake fast enough and in the split second that I will lose in transferring my foot to the back peg/brake pedal I may be toast.
I don't want to start another mid vs. forward control debate nor about trying to stretch to use one's heel , but just whether anyone else has pondered modifying the bike in order to have BOTH a forward brake pedal and a mid brake pedal and found a solution.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 125
Likes: 7
From: Tarentum pa
I have often thought of that too. But having the shifter hookup also. Has to be a way to do that??? Would be nice to have both mids and forwards both.
Last edited by cutter4292; Sep 18, 2010 at 06:17 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: NC
It can be done no problem. You would however be stuck using aftermarket forwards with a built in reservior. The kind that dont use the actuating rod like HD models use. Then its a matter of plumbing lines. You are thinking correctly as no matter what anybody says rear brakes ARE important in an emergency situation. If you want to confirm plumbing of the lines in this particular scenario you should check out the Japanese Stunt Riders forums. They use a extra decomp lever over the clutch for an additional rear brake so they can still use the rear brakes while their feet are not on the pegs. They also retain the brake pedal as well. I think thats what info you are looking for.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 353
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From: Seattle Area
In an emergency, you would definitely want to use both brakes. That is, if you want to stop in the minimum distance. 
If you want to brake long...don't bother with the rear.
I switched to forwards instead of hwy pegs because I wanted to be at the brakes, and I found that I was mostly riding at the hwy peg position.
As parts eeter said, you need two ways to control the hydraulics to the rear brake. In theory, you could build some type of linkage that would work at both positions, but it wouldn't be much fun to find out it didn't "quite" work.
If you want to brake long...don't bother with the rear.I switched to forwards instead of hwy pegs because I wanted to be at the brakes, and I found that I was mostly riding at the hwy peg position.
As parts eeter said, you need two ways to control the hydraulics to the rear brake. In theory, you could build some type of linkage that would work at both positions, but it wouldn't be much fun to find out it didn't "quite" work.
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Seattle, WA
While it might be possible to fashion a brake rod that was actuated by either forward or mid position, I concur with jim425 that it would suck to find out that it "didn't quite work" the hard way ....
I say this having tried a couple of times to modify a brake rod, only to have the rod crap out on me ... fortunately under non-emergency conditions ....
I was 'shade tree engineering' the rods, though ... I suppose if you designed and had one professionally fabricated by a reputable machine shop/fabricator you might be okay ... but I suppose then your question should be what is your cost/benefit break-even point ... (how much are you willing to spend) ...?
R/
'Chop
I say this having tried a couple of times to modify a brake rod, only to have the rod crap out on me ... fortunately under non-emergency conditions ....
I was 'shade tree engineering' the rods, though ... I suppose if you designed and had one professionally fabricated by a reputable machine shop/fabricator you might be okay ... but I suppose then your question should be what is your cost/benefit break-even point ... (how much are you willing to spend) ...?
R/
'Chop
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: NC
No need for a linkage rod,The aftermarket forwards only use a hydrauilic brake line which you would piggyback via a double length banjo bolt onto the existing mid brake reservior. Linkage rods would be a sloppy method and look clumsy as well.