bent front brake lever

[gohabsgo k75]

Well as I was doing my spline lube, I had no helper to steady the bike as I was ratcheting the rear up with a tie down strap to the beam in my garage and unfortunately, my bike tipped over gently, landing on the handlebar.  I did not notice that the front brake lever had bent, just that the grip was pierced by the handlebar.  Looking at the lever now, it looks like a banana but the curve is so smooth, it almost looks like it is supposed to be that way, until you compare it to the clutch lever which is straight.

So, I am wondering, is it possible to bend it back?  Has anyone tried that or will it just snap off?  Failing that, is there a procedure outlined on here somewhere that describes how to
replace the bent lever?

Cheers,
Larry

[frankenduck]

Aluminum alloys are very brittle.  If you try to bend it back is will most likely break or, at the very least, be a lot weaker.  I'd recommend getting a replacement.  I might have one.

[motodude]

Uh, I don't know if yours is bent or not but the levers are not identical.  Clutch is straight, brake is curved.  Prolly why you noticed a nice smooth factory lookin' curve.

Before you go bending, replacing or ?? you might want to compare it to another brake lever.  It couldn't hurt.

Tom

[gohabsgo k75]

Is this really how curved it is supposed to be?   If it is, I guess I didn't bend it after all.   :2thumbup:

Larry

[mystic red]

I don't think so.;)

[gohabsgo k75]

I don't think so.;)

That's not mine, that is one that is for sale on fleabay!  I'll check mine for scratches once I get outside.

[motodude]

I don't think so either.

I have a '90 and a '95 K75.  On the '95 the levers, while not an exact match, are much closer to being identical than the '90.

I'll see if I can get some pictures this evening.

Tom

[gohabsgo k75]

I have confirmed scratches on the end.  It is definitely bent :(

So, where oh where can I get a used one in mint condition?  I just checked with Wolf in London and they want 85 bricks for a new one.

Larry

[Inge K.]

Check this.

Inge K.

[gohabsgo k75]

Check this.

Inge K.

Hi Inge,  I was just looking at that!  I'm not sure if I want to try flaming out my bike though.  Has anyone here actually tried heating aluminum parts and straightening them?  I'd have to get a torch and then if it doesn't work, I'm stuck buying a replacement anyway.  I think the easiest would be a replacement
if one can be found somewhere.

[Inge K.]

I'm not sure if I want to try flaming out my bike though.

Who does......it is possible to remove the lever from the bike.....you still have to, if you gonna change it out.

Inge K.

[seantx]

Not sure if you have this fixed or not as this post is a few weeks old.

My clutch lever was banana'd like the one in the pic above. I taped a large socket to the back of the lever to act as a fulcrum point then bent it back with a long cheater pipe. Go VERY slowly and take your time and it can be done without snapping anything. Have done this on several bikes actually using this method and no broken levers or perches as of yet (touch wood).  See profeshanul drawing below. You can move the socket to where the bend is most pronounced.

[gohabsgo k75]

Not sure if you have this fixed or not as this post is a few weeks old.

My clutch lever was banana'd like the one in the pic above. I taped a large socket to the back of the lever to act as a fulcrum point then bent it back with a long cheater pipe. Go VERY slowly and take your time and it can be done without snapping anything. Have done this on several bikes actually using this method and no broken levers or perches as of yet (touch wood).  See profeshanul drawing below. You can move the socket to where the bend is most pronounced.

Thanks.  I'll keep this for future reference.  I have ordered a straight one from Drake which should be a simple task to replace.

Larry