Bending levers to reshape?

[Shorts]

I'm curious if it's possible to bend the brake (hydraulic) and clutch (cable) lever to the fit I need.

I *imagine* they are cast aluminum.

The real option I want is a shorty adjustable brake lever and an adjustable clutch. I need the clutch lever positioned a little closer to the bar so I can grab it easier. And the brake to be shorty to give room to my fingers that are on the clutch (see 'first bike + right side controls' post if you're asking "why?").

I'm having a lot of trouble finding what I need here. I went online, but the searching is tedious and unfruitful (word?). I went to the bike shop and the guy said 'not available' when I asked for a shorty brake lever, but he scampered around the shop looking. I can easily purchase from a US company, but I do not know what levers for American model bikes would fit my bike. I do not want to buy random things to see if they fit. All I do is throw money away and have parts I can't use and eventually throw or give away.


BTW, I have a brand new clutch assembly that'd go great on a dirt bike Bought it to see if it'd work with my setup - that was a no.

[Gadjet]

What you want Shorts, is the entire clutch lever assembly from a Ninja 500R/EX500. They have a dial adjuster to move the lever closer or farther away from the grip.

Bike Bandit has all the individual parts, but no listing for the entire assembly, but your nearest Kawisaki dealership should be able to get you the whole thing. The Ninja's front brake lever assembly has the same dial adjustability, but this would involve replacing your master cylinder assembly as well.

[Shorts]

Hmm, ok. I'll see what I can gather up.

I like that adjustable clutch lever. My greatest concern with switching an entire assembly is whether or not it will fit in the same as the current assembly, all jig-saw puzzled together and all. I'll check on it though, it may very well work.

That brake assembly is nice too, but I'm not sure I wanna open that barrel of monkeys again just yet I anticipate next time opening it up going to a remote mc system. I have seen them for my bike, I believe with an adjustable lever as well.

[TechTMW]

Hi Shorts, I wouldn't recommend bending it. It will really weaken the aluminum - especially if you don't bend it perfect the first time and have to readjust.

[Shorts]

Hi Shorts, I wouldn't recommend bending it. It will really weaken the aluminum - especially if you don't bend it perfect the first time and have to readjust.

That's what I was wondering, especially using a torch or not.


I've looked online for the Ninja parts, still thinking though. In my search I've come across levers from CRG and Pazzo which I really like, Pazzo especially. Though I don't know if or which mainstream streetbike would fit.


I'd be nice to be able to just test fit and see...here's CBR600...here's the... Anyone have spare levers they be willing to priority over??


I'll keep looking. I need the clutch perch to have a longer arm that makes the cable step out away from the bars so that it clears underneath the brake MC and doesn't bind the cable. I also that the clutch safety switch to think about. That is what takes up a lof of the room underneath the MC.

I'll try to get a pic under there so there's an idea.

[TechTMW]

Hey, I don't know if you have access to it, but the latest issue (Sept) of MOTORCYCLIST magazine has an article featuring a rider with the use of only one arm. Might be worthwhile for you to look at because they show the setup of his bike... maybe some things (Or products) you haven't considered..

[crazy5dave]

Looks like You have a Honda VTR 250? Most japanese bikes are buying there Master cyclinders and clutch perches from only about 3 companies. Nissin, Tokiko or brembo. Honda likes Nissin. Most are univerasal fit. Look for dial adjusters on new levers. Since you live in japan this should be easy. Go to a decent bike shop and look through the catalogs. Kijima, plot, easy rides(not the American one)and others. THeyll order you anything you need. You should find something. I ll try to check that model at work soon to see what exactly the bikes useing. Japan has lots of motorcycle only parts stores. Unlike america. try some of them. Like Race one, Bike up or some local one. Sorry, Dont know where Misawa is.

[Shorts]

TechTMW, I'll swing by the BX and pick up the magazine if they have it, thanks for the heads up. I do enjoy checking out other riders mods and ideas.

crazydave I'm so glad you chimed in The MC on my bike is a 11mm Nissin unit (reservoir and mc all in one), yes it is a '00 VTR 250. I checked wth my local Honda guy, brought in my lever and asked if he had a shorty available, but said "no, sorry". He's got plenty of catalogs, I ordered my cables and hoses from him, so I'll go back by and see if we can pick something out. I would like a shorty adjustable brake lever and a regular size adjustable clutch lever (cable)...of course, preferably in black for both.

Will any Nissin-modeled bike's lever fit? Or are the dimensions specific to the Nissin model and MC bore size?

I found a couple stores online(eseed, webike, ilovemotor), but my reading skills are lacking (I can pick out the sections and products). I would like to know more sites though. My trouble is also ordering if I do find something. I cannot fully fill out the forms on the checkout page

Misawa is a small city, North of Sendai and Hachinohe up Rt 338. We're in the NW corner of the Aomori prefecture. A big landmark is Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge - we are slightly east of that. And on the southern tip of Lake Ogawarase (sp? I know I butchered that!).

[Shorts]

I went up to my Honda guy and looked through catalogs, but came away empty handed again (except for the mirror holder I finally picked up).

He asked me to take him a picture of what I wanted. He wasn't real sure about "adjustable" levers. Then he'll call around and check the main parts supply or something (I forgot who he said exactly).

I asked him cross reference MCs/levers, but the only one he did was the Hornet 250, which it matched, but I already knew that. But I was hoping to make more progress.

Anyhow, I ran into an another american servicemember there that needed some help so I helped with the translation and whatnot. Come to think of it, I pretty much sold that bike to that lady, Honda guy should hire me for the ultimate means of communication with these gaijin!

Oh I found a map:

[Shorts]

Not lever related....


I read the article on George Niedoba (Sept 06 Motorcyclist) and have gotten in contact with him about his mods. From his prompt responses and attitude, this guy is really something

I don't know if I'll adopt exactly his setup, as I really should get stared somewhere, and my setup is a good place to start. But he's definitely given me some things to think about for the future.

If you can, hit his site and sign the guestbook.

www.optionmoto.net