Front Brake "hack"

[wayne]

I'm a small guy, small hands. Also a lifetime two finger braker. The stock lever is just that bit too far away from the grip for a relaxed but positive curl of my fingers. Tried to train otherwise but I know in an emergency, I'll default to the trusty two fingers.

Have recently been riding with a lot of modern bikes and improving my braking has been on my mind.

I had the old front brake lever left over from the restoration of my '81 GS/GSX1100. and it fits perfectly (doesn't allow the stock front brake light switch, but the M RE5 was not fitted with a front brake light in my state, AU).

The dog leg effectively moves the lever closer to the grip and allows a very positive grip for my two fingers. Have been riding with this last thousand clicks. What a transformation. It's like having boosted front brakes. It also gives me much finer feel and control in certain circumstances. There's no downside. The lever remains well away from the grip even on a practice crash stop.

I'll pull it of and polish the black off one of these days:

[timpa136]

Covering the brake was impressed upon me in riding school 47+ years ago, particularly around any traffic. I need to remember that.

The new 4 click adjustments to levers is a welcome advantage. If one doesn't mash their fingers in a panic stop, your good.

Tim

[pmcburney]

Hmm, cool hack.

The GSX series bikes employed the same brake light switch arrangement (i.e. crap) - what's the deal with the lever, differently-shaped where the switch fits?

[wayne]

Away from home ATM. Back in a few days. I bought another switch for the GSX recently and yes, they're the same but can't recall the difference on the lever. Will check when I'm back.