This is Part 1 of a 5 part series discussing the parts used on a stunt bike. As stunting has progressed as a sport, so has the technology that allows the rider to execute certain tricks and protects their motorcycle. At first glance a stuntbike may appear to be a confusing Frankenstein of a metal, but in reality stunters spend countless hours modifying, perfecting and maintaining their bikes. Stay tuned to learn the tricks of the trade.
For a stunter, there’s no greater friend than the rear brake. While in a slow wheelie, a careful combination of back brake and throttle sustains the wheelie. Nearly every trick involves some integration of the rear brake, so why not have two?
In sport bike freestyle, the second rear brake is referred to as a “handbrake.” The master cylinder for the handbrake is usually mounted under or on top of the clutch lever. Currently, there are numerous products and companies dedicated to developing handbrake technology. One simplistic option for adding a handbrake to your bike is called an adapter and integrates into the stock rear master cylinder, sharing a single caliper. Another option is a dual caliper, where a special bracket allows you to mount two calipers on your rear rotor, dedicating a line and caliper to your handbrake.
Devoted stunters normally run a dual caliper set-up that allows them to switch fluidly between hand and foot brake; because the adapter set-ups normally experience a necessary pump-up period while moving from one to the other. Dual caliper set-ups have evolved to allow numerous options like; combinations of 1-6 piston calipers, over-sized rotor set-ups and mounts for traditional or radial calipers. After market exotic master cylinders can be used or stock masters from another modern day sport bike.
The handbrake is useful for wheelie tricks that don’t allow your right foot to be on the foot peg. I’m sure you have seen stunters jumping from seat to tank, the handbrake allows this transition. Riders normally use the handbrake by pulling and releasing the clutch with the index finger and operating the handbrake with their middle finger. The handbrake is one of many products developed to push stunting technically and stylistically to the next level. Those who practice sport bike freestyle are a resourceful bunch and will continue to modify their machines to try whatever wild vision they have.
This article is 1 of 5 in our Series on Stunting. Be sure to check out the rest of these articles from Leah
Part 1 - Handbrake | Part 2 - Crash Cage | Part 3 - Stunt Bars | Part 4 - Safety | Part 5 - Modifications
