Adjustable brake and clutch levers - Solved!!!!!!!!!!

[adidasguy]

I was at my dealer today (Renton Motorcycles) looking for adjustable clutch and brake levers. With short fingers and thick gloves, I need them in closer. They couldn't find any company that listed them for the GS500.

Has anyone replaced the clutch and front brake with adjustable levers? If so, what brand and model?

Thanks.

OK - Update - Problem SOLVED and so simple!

Went to zook dealer today for SOC ride. Checked with parts department (they're a zook only dealer, so they have all parts in stock). They took out the new non-adjustable and the older adjustable and compared. Looked the same. Bought one - if it doesn't work, bring it back,.

Well - it is a direct replacement! Just order the older part  57300-32C10 - the older adjustable brake lever. Replace your non-adjustable brake lever. No modifications required. No changing of brake cylinder. Or order adjustable levers off of ebay.

I wondered why companies advertised levers compatible with all GS500's when I had been told they changed in 2003 and were not compatible.

Why didn't anyone know they were compatible?

[tialloydragon]

I have the brake lever and master cylinder off a late 90's to early '00's SV650 on my GS500E, which is adjustable (previous owner installed.)  Apparently the hook up is the same (either that or I have one SV650 caliper on my front wheel.)  Not sure about my clutch lever.

I have little hands too, so the brake lever is set at the closest setting.  Clutch hasn't really been a problem for me. 

[lucifer_mr2]

I've got the brake lever for a Kawasaki zxr750. Not sure of the part number, but it was a universal piece. No idea about the clutch (I just adjusted the free play so it was closer where I needed force).

[tt_four]

My bike had an adjustable brake lever on it when I got it, it's a '91. I assumed they just came that way? Maybe mine is an aftermarket lever. I did notice when I rode with someone the other week on a GSF that theirs did not have an adjstable lever. The clutch lever I fixed by just wrapping a ziptie around the body of the black part that clamps to the bar, so it starts between body, the lever, and the cable, so the lever doesn't have the ability to go all the way back out, and then I just readjusted it accordingly. You can't even see it when you put that rubber boot back over everything.

If that's really confusing let me know and I can take a picture.

[ineedanap]

EDIT, THIS IS WRONG!!!

You can use pretty much any adjustable brake lever off of any 90s or early 00s japanese sportbike.  Most if not all of them use a conventional (non radial) nissin master cylinder.  That means all of the brake levers are interchangable.  

I've mixed and matched levers between lots of bikes.  

Clutch lever is an oddball GS500 only part, though.

[gsJack]

My 97 GS500E and 02 GS500 both came with adjustable brake levers and I assumed all years did but not so.  The parts fiche pictures all look like adjustable ones but part numbers are different.  An 02 brake lever assembly is $47 and a 04 lever is $15 and no longer says assembly, quite a difference.

I recall a few years ago when I needed to replace my broken 02 brake lever I searched quite a bit because of the oem price.  Suzi parts fiches said the brake lever assy for my 02 GS was the same as the number for a SV650 model so I ordered a Motionpro lever for the SV for about $20 and it was not the same.  It had more freeplay installed and did not trip the switch to shut off brake light when released.  I ended up taking the lever assys apart and using the old GS pivot part with the new SV lever and adj parts and it worked out OK.  Can't say for sure if the Motionpro SV lever was correct or not but it did not fit my GS when I recieved it.

[ineedanap]

On second thought, Jack is right (as always).  I'm positive there is one lever that fits a couple million sportbikes from the mid 90s to the 2003 or so.  I don't think that the GS uses that lever, though.  Oops.

For a while I was mixing and matching brake levers from other bikes on my GS500.  Now I'm doing it with a SV650.  I've had a busa thru that entire time. In my head I combined them into one super awesome bike.  FORGET EVERYTHING I SAID!!!  

[adidasguy]

OK - Update - Problem SOLVED and so simple!

Went to zook dealer today for SOC ride. Checked with parts department (they're a zook only dealer, so they have all parts in stock). They took out the new non-adjustable and the older adjustable and compared. Looked the same. Bought one - if it doesn't work, bring it back,.

Well - it is a direct replacement! Just order the older part  57300-32C10 - the older adjustable brake lever. Replace your non-adjustable brake lever. No modifications required. No changing of brake cylinder. Or order adjustable levers off of ebay.

I wondered why companies advertised levers compatible with all GS500's when I had been told they changed in 2003 and were not compatible.

Why didn't anyone know they were compatible?

[black and silver twin]

OK - Update - Problem SOLVED and so simple!

Went to zook dealer today for SOC ride. Checked with parts department (they're a zook only dealer, so they have all parts in stock). They took out the new non-adjustable and the older adjustable and compared. Looked the same. Bought one - if it doesn't work, bring it back,.

Well - it is a direct replacement! Just order the older part  57300-32C10 - the older adjustable brake lever. Replace your non-adjustable brake lever. No modifications required. No changing of brake cylinder. Or order adjustable levers off of ebay.

I wondered why companies advertised levers compatible with all GS500's when I had been told they changed in 2003 and were not compatible.

Why didn't anyone know they were compatible?

What is zook? ive never heard of them, post a link so I can order one, PLEASE!!

[adidasguy]

Nickname for Suzuki dealer.
Order from your local dealer. Aurora Suzuki in Seattle has it in stock. That's where I got it today. Rode tonight and works perfect. After all, it is a factory original part (not 3rd party).
various people advertise adjustable levers on ebay. I've ordered some but can't comment until they come in. One does have carbon clutch and brake levers. I have ordered them. I'll update when they come in and advise if 100% compatible or not.
Another thing I did that helps for short fingers is to rotate the controls up about 5 or 10 degrees. Rotate up to where they feel better for your hands. That made them more comfortable even before I replaced the brake lever.

[Suzuki Stevo]

I have posted on more than one occasion that an 05' V-Strom brake lever will work on a 500F.

[adidasguy]

Good to know. Thanks. Your Vstrom lever has 6 positions. The factory GS lever has 4.
What did you use to move your handle bars backwards a few inches?

[Suzuki Stevo]

What did you use to move your handle bars backwards a few inches?

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2016/210/

[adidasguy]

I got them in today from ebay sellers.

bikersplanet sells an aluminum one. Nice. Fits well. Has 6 adjustments where the Suzuki original has 4. $10 + p&h is a good deal. OEM part is $50. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300435485551&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT

i5motorcycle sells a pair of carbon covered adjustable brake and fixed clutch levers for $15 + p&h. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370394012030&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT
I put both on and they work fine. The only difference is their brake lever does not adjust in as far as the others. You can fix that by using a dremel and grinding off about 1/32" from the shim. Overall, I like it because the black/carbon fiber color looks cool.

So now I have spares in case the bike falls over and the lever gets bent again.

Maybe compatible adjustable levers can be put into an FAQ. For a month since I got my GS500 people have told be there were no adjustable levers or I'd have to replace the master cylinder to get adjustable levers.

Glad I did a little research and thanks to stevo for his replacement lever.
(and thanks again to Suzuki Stevo for the tip on twistedthrottle. I'm going to get the lights from them, mirror extensions and a handlebar clock.)

[grahamlocklin]

I was also looking for adjustable brake levers. The dealer told me they didn't make them and that older ones wouldn't fit. I asked to give it a try anyway. Turns out its a perfect fit. We ordered one for a previous year and its work fine.

It has 4 positions. Cost was $17.50 Canadian.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkSgEHBuIcU

Part number on the bag it came in: 08-0170. (seems a bit short)

[007brendan]

Yeah, my 98 had an adjustable break lever and I'm pretty sure it's stock.  Clutch lever isn't adjustable though.

[adidasguy]

I had also done the same - the Suzi only dealer had old & new parts and compared them. The old one was an exact replacement. But with only 4 positions, I left on one I bought from ebay that had 6 positions. It would be nice if Suzuki just told dealers that the older levers work just fine. It would have saved us all a lot of work. Or just put the adjustable levers on the GS500's instead of trying to save a couple dollars by putting on the cheaper lever.
Glad you got 'em on your bike now.

[libindaniel2000]

Ebay is great for the levers. I have an 01.
I got both my brake and clutch levers for a total of $30 including shipping and it works like a charm. All you need to do in search as "year number GS 500 levers".
The brake lever has 6 positions.