Glad you are OK. You need to sign up for a bike safety course and learn to use the front brake instead of trying to modify the rear pedal. The front brake needs to be your primary braking tool and has most of the bikes stopping power (60-80%). If you only rely on the rear brake, you will get into trouble again. If you have a twin-disc Speedmaster, you are even in better shape. In an emergency situation, to stop in time, you have to be prepared to grab a fistful of front brake and apply the rear to stabilize the bike.
Your name doesn't show your region. I'd locate and take the MSF course, they offer a beginner and advance course. If you have track near you, they will also offer courses (and perhaps more aggresive braking instruction than the MSF). I'm not sure I agree with the MSF's stance on locking the rear brake up (I try to avoid that and find the pedal makes modulation difficult).
I only use the rear brake in low-speed, parking lot situations to control manueverability or on loose gravel, etc where the front wheel can easily wash out.
Many racers don't use the rear brake at all, evening during exremem braking. Those bikes have more effective front brake setups than ours (we'll never be able to do a controlled "Stoppie") But they know the power comes from the front brakes.
These sites might help get a better understanding:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-Safety/braking-tips.htmhttp://www.msf-usa.org/Keep us posted.
