Levers for small hands?

[andreis]

Hi everyone,
I have a nifty little problem for you folks..
I'm trying to get the curvy I have tailored for my special lady friend. She's kinda tiny - 161cm (~5'4"). I've thus far bought another saddle which I've carved & re-holstered and now she can reach the ground just fine (will reach even better when she'll get her a* boots), but, unfortunately, the levers still leave a lot to be desired.

I obviously need to get her some nice levers that take a shorter reach from the handlebars. I've found these (can't afford pazzos's / crg's) :

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300506408462#ht_6832wt_1064

and the thread that discusses them (yes, I did use the 'search' function..), but can't see anywhere how far does the reach adjust to. Will buying them solve my problem (and possibly make the curvy look nicer)? If put in the shortest reach adjustment position, will they require less of a reach than the standard curvy levers (I'm looking for about 3/4 of the standard reach)?
If so, will there be any substantial difference between the shorter length model and the normal length one (I quite fancy the shorter ones)?

Oh, and to be completely cheeky, if I modify the reach adjustment, will it require readjusting the throttle & clutch cable?

[rictus01]

I don't have an SV, but on the short version the adjustment range is about an inch from setting 1 through to 6, so upto an inch closer to the bars is possible.

the levers are a dirct replacement so you shouldn't need to change any cables.

Cheers Mark.

[andreis]

Thanks for the input, Mark. Now all I have to do is get someone to maybe post a picture of a set fitted on a curvy and then I can easily compare. I do hope that these fit curvys as well :-s

So, anyone got pictures?

[rictus01]

yeah they do do them for the 99-02 version, but as said can't help with the sv bit myself.

[Reeder]

I've got some shorter ones on my pointy and they're much nicer to use than the standard ones. I tend to use three fingers on the clutch and two for the brake and it's lovely, so if you fancy the shorter ones go for it.

As Rictus says with the adjustment is spot on.

Sorry I haven't even got any pics of them on my pointy, not that you wanted to see that anyway :)

[andreis]

Sorry I haven't even got any pics of them on my pointy, not that you wanted to see that anyway :)

Picture whoring never hurt no one :p
But I have seen them on other bikes and they do look very nice :D

[hongman]

I have a curvy and some Titax levers (shortys).

They are definately a nice upgrade to standard, the only thing I will point out is some people (inc myself) have found issues with the clutch side not disengaging the clutch switch when on the shortest setting.

I ended up disconnecting the clutch switch, others managed to fiddle a way round it.

[MJC-DEV]

I've standard length billet motormart levers, the low settings 1, 2 are a lot closer than 'standard' but I found that the levers could touch the bars. While you can set the clutch with the adjusting screw, you can't do much if the brake lever touches when you really need it! Also the clutch cut out switch may need modifying as per hardware threat. Be aware that stubby levers will need more 'force' than standard as the 'lever' is shorter. so she may prefer the lower pull force of standard size.

[SIII]

+1 on mjc-dev post. I would also think twice about stubby levers due to the increase in force required. I didn't expeirence any probs with the switch tho'.

motomart levers - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pro-Clutch-Brake-lever-Suzuki-SV-650-S-DL-650-/220751795978?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item3365d5170a

6 days delivery from china, cheaper than the ones you linked above and quality is excellent for the money.

[hongman]

I've never noticed any increase of force required...? And I have silly little girly arms.

[MJC-DEV]

Depends how you normally pull them. 4 inch from pivot needs less force than 1 inch from pivot but more travel (physics of levers). I find it less tiring to use 4 fingers on clutch lever in traffic than using 2.

[SIII]

Basic engineering principle of moments - Force x distance = turning force

If you are closer to the pivot you have to apply a greater force to produce the same turning moment!

Just commenting that if his missus has wee hands, she would probably be better off with the longer levers.

Although stubby levers look way cooler and make the bike much faster.:smt040 And I managed easily to do my stoppy with stubbies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[hongman]

Oh, I'm not arguing the physics of it, just saying the difference to me is so negligable its not even a consideration.

The state of one's cables etc probably player a far bigger role!

[richwill68]

ZX9R clutch lever and bar mount, span adjustable, no cable mods needed. Works a treat, easy to find at the breakers yard and not too pricey. Used one for the last 3 years with no complaints.;)

Regards

Rich

[electricheadx]

Bought a set of these last week.
Adjustable, Folding and can be adjusted to be long or shorty's

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Folding-Foldable-Levers-Suzuki-SV650-S-DL650-VStrom-/270689232270?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item3f0655e58e

[andreis]

I wrote a long reply and now I have to write it again because I wasn't signed in.. sigh...

Well, I was saying that I was aware that the shorter ones would require a bit more strength to pull in, but the following apply :

1. The increased force only applies to clutch, as we don't pull the front brake fully in that often. The clutch action is rather light on my sv

2. Although the lever is longer, it doesn't mean the point where you apply pressure is that much different from the shorter one. For example, I tend to pull the clutch with 4 fingers, but only the first 2 actually apply serious pressure

3. The zero-th principle of physics, the principle of blingtastness, states that if something looks the dogs danglies on your bike without impeding function, all other principles are to be ignored :D

And with all of the above in mind, I think I'm gonna go for the ones with adjustable length that electricheadx provided a link to, simply for the fact that they have the ability to fold, which will make them worth their money in a couple of stop-loose balance-drop moves that everyone does in their motorcycle riding beginnings...

Thanks for all the input everyone

[rictus01]

I think I'm gonna go for the ones with adjustable length that electricheadx provided a link to, simply for the fact that they have the ability to fold, which will make them worth their money in a couple of stop-loose balance-drop moves that everyone does in their motorcycle riding beginnings...

Thanks for all the input everyone,

just a point to note, the shorter ones don't touch down as the bar ends hit first, so they don't break either as denoted by the missing snap point as they have on the longer ones.

folding or short both is overkill.

Cheers Mark.

[andreis]

,

just a point to note, the shorter ones don't touch down as the bar ends hit first, so they don't break either as denoted by the missing snap point as they have on the longer ones.

folding or short both is overkill.

Cheers Mark.

Yeah, I know, but that doesn't mean I won't buy them :p
I kinda like the idea that I'll be able to adjust the length (although I'll probably use it exactly once) and I can use the folding to justify why I'm spending more money than I should ;) (I am worried about the engineering of it though - if that bolt doesn't tighten it properly, it will move vertically when it shouldn't)

[rictus01]

up to you, but that's more than double the going rate for the shorter ones, your money your choice.

[electricheadx]

Here's a few shots of the ebay levers mentioned above

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x108/electricheadx/SV650S/20110505_001.jpg


http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x108/electricheadx/SV650S/20110505_002.jpg


http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x108/electricheadx/SV650S/20110505_004.jpg