I just got new clutch & brake levers for my bike. Are they easy to install? I got installation directions with the levers, however they aren't the most helpfull 
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Installing levers
- Thread starter FemmeFatale
- Start date
invictus43
Well-known member
They're easy to install. The question is, if they're not OEM or reputable aftermarket, can you recognize if they're fitting and functioning properly.
If you have a plunger style brake then they wouldn't need adjusting, Clutch, you just feel were the tension is on the ones you have now and set them to that and then ride and adjust them more if needed depending on where you like the friction zone.
I just recently bought and installed levers myself... All I needed was a 10mm and a flat head and it was easy as pie, no instructions or prior experience either. Just hold up the new levers to the old ones, take a peak at some YouTube videos and take pics as you go along to help you and it should be just as easy for you.
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Installing the levers is dead simple. Just make sure that any and all return springs or switch plungers go in where they belong - and if your clutch or brake switch has a projecting rod that gets pushed in to activate the switch, be careful around that so that you don't break it off.
The slightly more tricky bit, is ensuring that the brake lever is adequately allowing the master cylinder piston to go out far enough so that the master cylinder's internal vent is working correctly. Heard of cases where crappy aftermarket levers wouldn't let the piston extend far enough to expose that little vent hole. The results weren't pretty. (Uncontrollable front wheel lock-up at speed, resulting in a bike cartwheeling down the track.)
Even this, is not very tricky ... but you have to do it. If you can pry the brake pads back from the brake disk (thus retracting the caliper piston) by at least a millimeter or two, it's good. If the lever feels unusually stiff while riding, or if the brake actuation point seems to be moving outward, STOP NOW (using the *other* brake - not the affected one!), you have a problem.
The slightly more tricky bit, is ensuring that the brake lever is adequately allowing the master cylinder piston to go out far enough so that the master cylinder's internal vent is working correctly. Heard of cases where crappy aftermarket levers wouldn't let the piston extend far enough to expose that little vent hole. The results weren't pretty. (Uncontrollable front wheel lock-up at speed, resulting in a bike cartwheeling down the track.)
Even this, is not very tricky ... but you have to do it. If you can pry the brake pads back from the brake disk (thus retracting the caliper piston) by at least a millimeter or two, it's good. If the lever feels unusually stiff while riding, or if the brake actuation point seems to be moving outward, STOP NOW (using the *other* brake - not the affected one!), you have a problem.
So I had Ted from Rosey Toes install them....I don't have all the tools and also didn't wand to be messing around too much with brakes.
But I wanted to say I LOVE Rosey Toes. Sure it's not a glamourous shop, but they know what they're doing, the prices are fair. Ted takes the time to teach you about the bike....as a matter of fact he called me over to watch him. I definately recommend this place.
Oh and did I mention that he's a jokester.
Would definatly go back to them for all my service just based o the fact that he has no issue teaching you and since I'm new to all this, I really do appreciate the advice.
But I wanted to say I LOVE Rosey Toes. Sure it's not a glamourous shop, but they know what they're doing, the prices are fair. Ted takes the time to teach you about the bike....as a matter of fact he called me over to watch him. I definately recommend this place.
Oh and did I mention that he's a jokester.
Would definatly go back to them for all my service just based o the fact that he has no issue teaching you and since I'm new to all this, I really do appreciate the advice.
Mr.Azim
Well-known member
Don't forget to swap out the collar on the clutch lever (if the new lever didn't come with one); usually you need to take the OEM collar out from the clutch lever (or the one that was there before) and put it in the new lever. This is where the bolt goes through.... otherwise the clutch lever won't sit properly.
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