Hi everyone. I'm very glad that I stumbled onto this site as it has SO much information related to my new (for me) VFR800. What a great bike that does exactly what I've always wanted in a motorcycle.
So here's my situation: The angle of the brake lever is restricted in further adjustment by the master brake cylinder. I need to move the lever even farther down as my fingers constantly hit the inside of the lever rather than allowing for a smooth brake application. :blink:
What I NEED is to find a good replacement for the stock lever and master brake cylinder. I assume, anyway, that both of those items will have to be replaced unless there's an option available to replace only the brake cylinder.
First of all, welcome to the site and please post pics of your bike ASAP. To answer your question, the break lever can be replaced easily without changing the master cylinder. There are a number of aftermarket manufactures the provide high quality racing type levers. AVG, and Pazzo are a couple. Happy riding.
I think you're saying it's not the reach, but the angle? You can't rotate the assembly far enough forward so that your wrists are in line with your forearms in a normal riding position? I can see where that could potentially be a problem - reservoir built into the cylinder assembly will hit the bar tube riser if it's rotated too far forward. I think you might have two options - a different master cylinder with a remote reservoir though I'm not sure what would have the correct piston size (someone here will know), or if you don't need to go too far forward you might consider removing a small bit of aluminum from the riser. I know this sounds a bit drastic, but I believe the left side actually has a notch cut in the riser for the clutch switch wires so I think it would be safe.
I think you're saying it's not the reach, but the angle? You can't rotate the assembly far enough forward so that your wrists are in line with your forearms in a normal riding position? I can see where that could potentially be a problem - reservoir built into the cylinder assembly will hit the bar tube riser if it's rotated too far forward. I think you might have two options - a different master cylinder with a remote reservoir though I'm not sure what would have the correct piston size (someone here will know), or if you don't need to go too far forward you might consider removing a small bit of aluminum from the riser. I know this sounds a bit drastic, but I believe the left side actually has a notch cut in the riser for the clutch switch wires so I think it would be safe.
Good luck!
That's exactly right! I need to be able to angle the lever more and I'm hitting the riser bar with brake cylindar. I've moved it as far as it will move. But replacing the cylinder means replacing the lever as well, doesn't it?
I think you're saying it's not the reach, but the angle? You can't rotate the assembly far enough forward so that your wrists are in line with your forearms in a normal riding position? I can see where that could potentially be a problem - reservoir built into the cylinder assembly will hit the bar tube riser if it's rotated too far forward. I think you might have two options - a different master cylinder with a remote reservoir though I'm not sure what would have the correct piston size (someone here will know), or if you don't need to go too far forward you might consider removing a small bit of aluminum from the riser. I know this sounds a bit drastic, but I believe the left side actually has a notch cut in the riser for the clutch switch wires so I think it would be safe.
Good luck!
That's exactly right! I need to be able to angle the lever more and I'm hitting the riser bar with brake cylinder. I've moved it as far as it will move. But replacing the cylinder means replacing the lever as well, doesn't it?
Maybe.If you use a master from another Honda, maybe not. I did a quick search of the site (search is your friend) and found a couple of discussions where a 5th gen master was replaced with an early Superhawk master with remote reservoir, and I know the Superhawk lever is a direct replacement for my 6th gen lever. Once again though, the real secret is to find one with a piston size that matches the 6th gen. That will ultimately determine what lever you need.
Shindy sells a line of Nissin master cylinders. I put one of these on my old Ducati to replace the craptastic, non-rebuildable Bimbo (Brembo) unit which had blown seals, and liked it a lot. I have thought about putting a set on my VFR - I have the same issue, I like my levers at about 45 degrees, and this is not possible with the stock setup. Does anyone know the size of the clutch master cylinder ? Link to Shindy's site: http://shindypro.com...type.key30.html
That drives me nuts - my pet peeve about every VFR I've owned. Try to rotate the M/C tight down against the riser and the brake light wire will short, blow the fuse and you won't have a brake light. Honda knew about this gripe for years from owners but stuck with the same design - at least up through the 6th gens. If you don't want to go the M/C route, you could install one of these - then you s/b able to adjust all you want. I don't have these, but have seen a couple in person. They do change the riding position.