Thank you. I have to play a bit with the suspension. The front shocks are set at the minimum resistance, which I believe allows it to dive a bit much into corners. Other than that, suggested body position on corners and curves are a "?" for me. I'd appreciate thoughts on that.
The only thing I really find lacking is the absence of a hand brake. An aftermarket one is available and may be an addition in the near future. I believe it was one of your writings that suggested covering the brake lever when unsure of what might happen ahead, and that has become a habit that I would like to keep!
I have fabricated a cable-operated hand brake lever. Like yourself, I have years of reaching subconsciously for that front brake lever, and it's too much of a shock for me to reach and not find one. I normally use both brakes when stopping, but a front lever also is useful for pushing the rig around, loading on a trailer, etc. when it's not practical to use the foot brake.
In my system, an aftermarket brake lever pulls a cable (from a jet ski or quad or something) that actuates a bell crank down at the rear of the pedal. A (welded on) boss on the brake lever simply allows the hand brake to apply the foot pedal--avoiding any hydraulic tie-in to the dual master cylinder/ABS.
In normal use, I'll reach for both brakes, apply the front, and then for additional stopping power, apply the foot brake. The "front" lever will apply about 50% of the braking from the foot pedal. The foot is stronger than the hand.
I know there are aftermarket firms making the handbrake. Curiously enough, I heard that DOT regulations make it illegal to sell a trike with a front brake lever, which would explain why BRP doesn't offer one as an accessory. So far, the majority of Spyder buyers are those with no motorcycle experience, so they wouldn't notice the "missing" front brake lever.
pmdave