In the heart of motorcycle racing’s most exhilarating event, where legends are made and records are shattered, there exists a realm where precision meets Honda. The Isle of Man TT, an iconic race that challenges both man and machine, recently witnessed a groundbreaking revolution that echoed through the winding roads of the island. At the heart of this Honda was the RaceTorx Thumb Brake – a game-changing innovation that left enthusiasts and experts alike in awe.
Michael Dunlop – racing Isle of Man TT 2023
Embracing the Challenge: The Isle of Man TT
For decades, the Isle of Man TT has been the ultimate proving ground for riders and their machines. Spanning over 37 miles of public roads, this challenging circuit demands unparalleled skill, nerve, and control. In such a high-stakes environment, every fraction of a second counts, and every nuance of control matters. It’s in this crucible of racing excellence that the RaceTorx Thumb Brake showcased its revolutionary prowess.
The RaceTorx Thumb Brake: Precision Redefined
At the heart of the Racetorx Thumb Brake lies a simple yet powerful concept: control at your fingertips. Designed for riders who seek the ultimate edge in manoeuvrability and braking precision, this system redefines the very essence of motorcycle control. With a gentle touch of the thumb, riders can seamlessly modulate their braking force, empowering them to navigate the twists and turns of the Isle of Man TT with unparalleled finesse.
The thumb brake, made from a combination of Ti 6A1-4V titanium and T6 billet aluminium provides 4 points of movement to allow the rider full customisation to suit their riding style. With the choice of various thumb paddles on offer this thumb brake truly is finished for the professional. The premium high-grade materials along with attention to detail in the thumb lever finish ensures reliability and accuracy when crucially needed at high octane speeds.
RaceTorx Thumb Brake – Michael Dunlop’s Honda
How does the thumb brake kit work?
It’s a left thumb-operated rear brake. The thumb brake provides more control simultaneously when braking and leaning into corners. They are also great to help with wheelie control and stunt riding.
Thumb brakes are great additions for any motorcycle from a 300bhp MotoGP bike to a 50bhp 450cc Supermoto or a Motocross bike and trails for technical routes.
The Australian 500cc world champion legend ‘Michael Doohan’ was the start of the thumb brake when he seriously injured his right leg so switched to a handlebar-mounted thumb-operated brake. Doohan, then in the 90’s, won several championship races with the use of the thumb brake, and others quickly noticed the benefits of having the thumb brake for themselves.
Today the thumb brake is one of the most popular aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories out there.
Michael Dunlop: A Legend Triumphs
In the midst of this revolutionary advancement stood a legend in his own right – Michael Dunlop. Known for his extraordinary talent and tenacity, Dunlop embraced the RaceTorx Thumb Brake at the start of 2023, elevating his riding experience to unprecedented levels. As his bike roared through the Isle of Man TT circuit, the RaceTorx Thumb Brake became the silent yet powerful partner in his victory, allowing him to unleash the full potential of his machine.
Since adopting the RaceTorx Thumb Brake Dunlop has gone to win many races this year with the most famous being the Isle of Man TT where Michael equalled John McGuinness’ record of 23 wins.
For all you Dunlop fans out there we have incredibly exciting news to share. We will have Michael’s TT winning bike, featuring our Thumb Brake, on our stand at the Motorcycle Live Show at the NEC new month.
Michael Dunlop’s Honda Race Bike
A Paradigm Shift in Racing Dynamics:
The impact of the RaceTorx Thumb Brake at the Isle of Man TT wasn’t just a momentary triumph; it marked a paradigm shift in the way riders approach their craft. The marriage of innovative engineering and the spirit of racing excellence has opened new doors for riders worldwide. As enthusiasts and professionals alike marvel at the precision and control offered by this groundbreaking technology, a new era in motorcycle racing has dawned.
Join the Revolution:
As we reflect on the triumphs of the Isle of Man TT and the revolutionary impact of the RaceTorx Thumb Brake, we invite you to join the ranks of riders who are embracing this groundbreaking innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned racer seeking that competitive edge or an enthusiast hungry for the thrill of precise control, the RaceTorx Thumb Brake awaits, promising a journey of unparalleled victories on the road and the track.
Welcome to the future of motorcycle racing – where victory is not just a destination, but a continuous, exhilarating journey. Welcome to the RaceTorx Thumb Brake revolution. Unleash your triumph. Unleash victory.
Want to see our Thumb Brake in action?
We’ll be exhibiting at the Motorcycle Live show at the NEC in Birmingham from the 18th to the 26th of November 2023 on stand 4A15. We’ll have our full array of motorcycle high performance parts and accessories on display. If you’re going, come and say hi.
What bikes are the Thumb Brake compatible with?
The thumb brake kit is a universal kit for the majority of motorcycles, road bikes, race bikes, adventure bikes and even motocross bikes. We have the most adjustable thumb brake on the market and even then, our kit, on some bikes can touch fairings, tanks, or frames. This being said, with the adjustability within our thumb brake, in the majority of circumstance, you can work around it nicely enough.
Motorcycles with handlebars have the most clearance whereas if using clip-ons you can have some challenges, the Ducati V4 Panigale has no room and the fairing would need some modding, Ducati V2 Panigale is similar with more clearance but still touches at full lock.
Adventure bikes, motocross bikes and streetfighter bikes all have clearance and so wouldn’t face any issues.
The list would be endless but to give some idea of bike styles which our kits are fitted with no problems at all see below:
- Ducati V2 WSBK
- Ducati V” & Ducati V4 (moto Rapido) BSB
- CBR1000 (Michael Dunlop) IOM TT
- Kawasaki zx10 (FS3 BSB)
- Aprilia RS660
- KTM super duke 1290
- Yamaha Tenere 700 & World raid
- Yamaha MT10
- Yamaha YZF 250
- Yamaha YZF450 & WR450
- KTM 690 SMCR
- KTM250 2 stroke
- KTM 300 EXC
- Yamaha R1M
- BMW M1000 (Tas BMW BSB)
- Honda CRF450
- Honda SP2
Again, this is not a list of the bikes the kit will only fit but a list of bikes that our kits are already fitted to. If in doubt, please get in touch.
Fitting service:
We offer a fitting service at our workshop. Location – Peterborough UK PE4
3-5 days for fitting the thumb brake kit. This gives us the time required to work out the braided brake line length and order which on average costs £65.
The fitting service for a thumb brake is £75.
FAQ’s:
Q: Can you run in-line with ABS?
A: Yes, you can keep the ABS intact
Q: Can you run directly to your rear caliper?
A: Yes, you can remove the foot brake pedal and master cylinder completely and feed a new braided brake line direct from the thumb brake master cylinder to the rear caliper.
Q: Can you run the thumb brake in line with the rear foot pedal?
A: Yes, you can, the rear master cylinder would require a RaceTorx junction valve ” https://racetorx.co.uk/product/rtx450 “, there are only 5 variants to suit the master cylinder you have, here is a link to the RaceTorx junction valves https://racetorx.co.uk/product/rtx450 these are quite universal to Brembo, Nissin and non-branded units.
Q: How do you build the kit?
A1: If you want to fit the Thumb brake direct to the caliper, (NON-ABS models) Remove the rear foot brake pedal and master cylinder and remove the braided line (be sure to keep the brake fluid clear from the bike as much as possible, also when removing the surplus parts clean any residue spilled)
Fit the thumb brake and feed a pipe or cable up to 10mm thick in the routing location you want, this would be from the thumb brake master cylinder port down to the rear caliper routing under the top yoke, under the tank and down the right side of the bike. This is so you can work out the length of braided line you require.
A2: If you want to fit the thumb brake in conjunction with your rear foot brake, (This includes ABS models) Remove the reservoir on your foot master cylinder, some will be a screw-in adapter, some with a teardrop adapter with a small M4 bolt, others will be a plastic adapter pressed into a donut-like rubber, these just pull out with a good tug and wiggle (don’t be shy). Clean brake fluid that will spill out and in the area the junction valve locates, then fit the correct “junction valve” to suit the master cylinder. RaceTorx so far does the Cylinder type that screws into the built-in reservoir and the Teardrop type.
Fit the thumb brake and feed a pipe or cable up to 10mm thick in the routing location you want, this would be from the thumb brake master cylinder port down to the rear foot master cylinder routing under the top yoke, under the tank and down the right side of the bike. This is so you can work out the length of braided line you require.