Relearning the Foot Brake

[shaka]

I got a 1998 EV last week. I'm in awe of it, especially so because the last bikes I owned were late 1960's and early 1970's BMWs and Nortons. My only difficulty is trying to unlearn the old foot braking sequence; it seems that it's deeply embedded in my motor memory. I saw a footbrake "upgrade" that claims to operate without having to first lift one's foot from the footboard and onto the heel peg (2-step sequence vs. 1-step.) I'd like to hear opinions about whether the upgrade works as advertised, and whether an old dog can learn new tricks.
Thank you for your replies.

[Lannis]

I got a 1998 EV last week. I'm in awe of it, especially so because the last bikes I owned were late 1960's and early 1970's BMWs and Nortons. My only difficulty is trying to unlearn the old foot braking sequence; it seems that it's deeply embedded in my motor memory. I saw a footbrake "upgrade" that claims to operate without having to first lift one's foot from the footboard and onto the heel peg (2-step sequence vs. 1-step.) I'd like to hear opinions about whether the upgrade works as advertised, and whether an old dog can learn new tricks.
Thank you for your replies.

I've ridden EV's so equipped, with a pedal where you just slide your foot forward on the footboard and the pedal is then under your foot without having to "lift" it.  It's certainly more "direct" than the Harley-style brake pedal.

But for me, any "footboard" bike is a no-go.    I've gotten used to just swiveling my ankle to use the brake, and having my feet under me for support.   Having them out front, and having to lift my entire leg (no small job I'll tell you) to actuate the brake doesn't work for me any more ....

Lannis

[Caffeineo]

I put floorboards on my 99 Bassa and really like it. I would just pivot my foot on the heel to get the toes (ball) on the brake lever and it worked just fine. Of course I would cover the brakes anytime I thought someone may do something unexpected.......wh ich is quite frequently. That worked good for me but, you need to find what works good for you.

[LowRyter]

I like the stock setup.  Getting your foot on the numb gives you leverage like riding with pegs, like the best of both worlds.  But lately I've been working on my EV and left the Airhawk seat cover off and it threw off my feel and did nearly wad it up when my heel didn't find the nub.  Only happened once but it was a little disconcerting. 

[Graham UK]

I had the standard Guzzi set up on my first (2004) Cali and grew to love it.  My present (1999) Cali has the supposed 'advanced brake pedal' mod, and I don't like it as much, because I have to bend the front of my foot upwards to use it, with the heel remaining on the footboard, where as lifting my foot onto the nub got it at just the correct angle to apply sensitive pressure to the brake pedal.  I never had a problem getting my foot onto the nub for emergency stops (not that I had more than a few!), and through congested areas I'd just keep my foot on the nub so I was ready to hit the brake.  I agree with the comment above that it's the best of both worlds.

[balvenie]

            Never liked the nub on my 04 Cali and removed it, early in my ownership. I practice moving the toe of my boot to the pedal from the footboard, while riding down my cul-de-sac to the main street. Gives me confidence in my ability to brake, if nothing else and I rehearse it during the ride-proper. Hasn't failed yet...............