Bent Levers and Oil Change OOPSes

[Kerry]

The October issue of Rider magazine includes a pair of interesting Tech Tips.  The second one is pretty straightforward, but what do you think about the first one -- is it worth a shot?

[manofthefield]

Definately worth a shot, I think I'll try that with my clutch lever before I make the trip to the dealer.  It might save me 11 bucks, and there's really nothing I've got to lose

[Kerry]

I assume that the mallet you use should be made out of wood.  Or maybe rubber or rolled-up leather or some other "shock-absorbing" material.

:dunno:

[SPARKPLUG1977]

i have 40 or so levers in my "parts bin" if yours breaks i'll try to find one to match up for you.  Note: they are all in the parts bin(not all very pretty)

[John Bates]

How about placing it in a vise with a few stratigically placed wood shims and a gentle but forceful squeeze? :dunno:

[Kerry]

How about placing it in a vise with a few stratigically placed wood shims and a gentle but forceful squeeze? :dunno:

That might work, but it seems like the "unyielding" nature of the vise behind the shims would make it pretty risky....

[MacDuff]

Just say NO!  Not on my bike.  

What happens when if the lever fails while I am riding?  Can I get her stopped in time with just rear brake?  You know Murphey's Law.  It will fail when you need it the most.  

Just my thoughts for the day.  

MacDuff

[The Buddha]

I have straightened clutch levers fine with the pipe on it when on the bike method, and of course I have snapped a few... no hard and fast rule.
OK wood... OK I'll try that next time. BTW the levers are made of crystallised crap... so if it doesn't break its probably pretty much OK.
Cool.
Srinath.

[manofthefield]

Well I tried pounding on my clutch lever with a regular hammer on a piece of wood.  I was getting nowhere with that, no matter how hard I pounded, most likely because my lever was curled around so far.  After twenty minutes of off and on pounding i got impatient and tried to bend it straight using a trailer hitch reciever as my 'pipe'.  That didn't last very long before I broke it. :lol:   It's kinda like 'How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?'  The world may never know if you can pound a lever straight because I got impatient with the damn thing and then CRUNCH! :dunno:

[cernunos]

This all sounds like the "jump over a Dollar to save a Penny" thing. Double cycle fatigue properties of cast Zinc and Aluminum are horrible. If you love your Baby G go buy her/him new or good used levers. I love my little GS and this forum too.

C.......