Parking brake for trike?

brianl · Jun 26, 2013

Does anyone have a parking brake on their trike and is it worth it? I'm still 2 weeks away from them installing a Roadsmith on my Goldwing. I opted not to have the parking brake installed ($500 option) and figure I can just park it in gear. I've read some posts, I think they were tri-glides, where the brakes were sticking. I was just wondering what everyone else does and if I made the right decision.

Rick Kay · Jun 26, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

I did not have the parking brake installed on my conversion, and I don't miss it at all! Unless your state requires it, I'd say you made the right decision.

rmrc51 · Jun 26, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

When I bought my "Wing-Smith", lol, she already had the parking brake installed. Now ask me how many times have I used it. (zero). I always park the trike in gear.

How-ever, being that I do have the parking brake, when she's in the garage I do set the brake occasionally just for the reason of not letting the cables bind or rust in place as I'm sure many of us have experienced with the emergency brakes on our cars in the past.

As was mentioned above, make sure your state doesn't require a parking brake for trikes. That would be my only concern.

And by the way,,,, you're gonna LOVE the Roadsmith!! :10:

slick rick · Jun 26, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

:gah: :gah:....For $500.00 I'll put a rock under the wheel if necessary ......ThumbUp

427dave · Jun 26, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

I have a 2011 Triglide with a factory parking brake. I have 38,000 miles and the brake quit working around 1000 miles. Don't miss it at all, just park in 1st gear. If I were to be on a steep hill I would use one of those $500 rocks from Slick rick.

brianl · Jun 26, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

rmrc51 said:
When I bought my "Wing-Smith", lol, she already had the parking brake installed. Now ask me how many times have I used it. (zero). I always park the trike in gear.

How-ever, being that I do have the parking brake, when she's in the garage I do set the brake occasionally just for the reason of not letting the cables bind or rust in place as I'm sure many of us have experienced with the emergency brakes on our cars in the past.

As was mentioned above, make sure your state doesn't require a parking brake for trikes. That would be my only concern.

And by the way,,,, you're gonna LOVE the Roadsmith!! :10:

I'm sure I will. I ordered the kit on 4-19-13 and it's taking a lot longer than I originally thought to get to the dealer. I'm sure it will be worth the wait. They tell me the kit is built and they're waiting for it to be painted at the factory. It's supposed to be delivered on 7-5-13. I'll still be able to get a lot of nice summer riding in but it would be nice if I had it now.

2006gold · Jun 26, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

I use a velcro strap that I keep wrapped around the throttle. Just wrap it around the front brake lever and the throttle and there you are. Very cheap but effective.

bustedwing · Jun 26, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

Another option that is also a thief deterrent is the Mico lock. Activated by a switch you mount whenever you wish, it works by stopping return of brake fluid from the rear wheels until you flip the switch again making brake system normal.

Bikerbozo · Jun 26, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

I've used my parking brake on TG on some occasions. Note it has been replaced by HD with a better model. Took two dealers to adjust it correctly. That said, I also carry a large O-ring that I can wrap around front brake handle, if needed. I don't trust parking in gear on anything steep. Not that I do it too often.

Rsw · Jun 26, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

bustedwing said:
Another option that is also a thief deterrent is the Mico lock. Activated by a switch you mount whenever you wish, it works by stopping return of brake fluid from the rear wheels until you flip the switch again making brake system normal.

Went to their website and they are sure proud of them. He would be better off to just get a regular line lock like this one. IMO $365.00 for a electric line lock is over priced.

VW Brakes

lboos · Jun 26, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

I have only had my T/G since Jan. I use the P/B all the time, I have not had a problem with it, Its the reverse I don't like, and have only used it a couple of times just to see if it works, if your on level ground, you don't need it, and if you try and use it on a slight up grade, it wont work right, what a waste :gah:.
I think the P/B is all in getting use to using it.
I would rather Harley took the money they spent on the P/B, the mickey mouse rev. and about 90% of the radio equip. and put that money in a internal rev. gear..... JMO

alwrmcusn · Jun 26, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

I also keep a Velcro strap around my drink holder for use should I deem it necessary. I do ALWAYS park in 1st gear also.

2002Trike · Jun 26, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

2006gold said:
I use a velcro strap that I keep wrapped around the throttle. Just wrap it around the front brake lever and the throttle and there you are. Very cheap but effective.

I to, use a velcro strap. It works GREAT!!!!!

Richard. Wales UK · Jun 26, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

Hi

A parking brake (handbrake) is a legal requirement over here.
It has to be a mechanical brake, not hydraulic.
When I bought my trike the handbrake only worked on one back wheel, I have fitted new cables and made it work on both back wheels.
Use it every time I park

Richard

rayg5102 · Jun 26, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

I have one on my 2010 TriGlide and as mentioned in an earlier thread...I've driven off more than once with it one. Shows you how well it worked. (yes past tense)
I don't deal with it any more.

bustedwing · Jun 26, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

Wow, I spent about half of that three years ago, but could have been different model. They are pricey but I use mine constantly and especially like the antitheft aspect. If you don't know where the switch is or which one it is you can't unlock the brakes.

ladyff1481 · Jun 26, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

Both of my Roadsmiths came with a parking brake, never used them and certainly would not pay $500 for it unless required by law.

jgbarbourjr · Jun 27, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

Mine came with one. I rarely ever use it. I just leave it in gear when I park it, but everything around here is flat.

mhgoldwing · Jun 27, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

I live in northern Arkansas where there is virtually no level parking and some is on pretty steep inclines. I use my parking brake often. It relives the strain on the transmission on steep grades plus, the engine may not hold. I don't like using the front brake as that keeps a constant pressure on the brake system which will lead to expansion of the rubber lines and less effective braking.

Bottom line, if you live in flatland and are never going to very hilly country, then don't get it.

rmrc51 · Jun 27, 2013

Re: Parking brake fir trike?

mhgoldwing said:
I live in northern Arkansas where there is virtually no level parking and some is on pretty steep inclines. I use my parking brake often. It relives the strain on the transmission on steep grades plus, the engine may not hold. I don't like using the front brake as that keeps a constant pressure on the brake system which will lead to expansion of the rubber lines and less effective braking.

Bottom line, if you live in flatland and are never going to very hilly country, then don't get it.

Good points made! ThumbUp