Size of Brake & Clutch levers

Discuss everything about Honda GoldWing. Feel free to ask any question related to GoldWing.

Moderators: CYBORG, Oldewing, robin1731, Forum Moderators

Post Reply
Kool_Biker
Chrome Member
Chrome Member
Posts: 101
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2011 1:25 am
Location: Greece

Size of Brake & Clutch levers

#1

Post by Kool_Biker »

Hello,

I find both, the brake and clutch levers on my 1976 GL1000 a tad too big to operate comfortably and wonder if any other members have a similar issue.

Are there any compatible levers available in the marketplace which could fit slightly smaller hands?

Many thanks
Aris
Aris
Athens, Greece

'1976 GL1000 K1
User avatar
Whiskerfish
President
President
Posts: 36852
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2006 9:34 pm
My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/whiskerfish/
Location: Norfolk Va

Re: Size of Brake & Clutch levers

#2

Post by Whiskerfish »

I have not seen any that will work with the current perches. Many after market systems are adjustable.
"Agreement is not a requirement for Respect" CDR Michael Smith USN (Ret) 2017
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!

Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
User avatar
gregforesi
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 4965
Joined: Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:42 pm
My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/Greg+Foresi/
Location: Venice, FL

Re: Size of Brake & Clutch levers

#3

Post by gregforesi »

The outward stop on the clutch handle is the perch where the cable enters. You could de-adjust the clutch a bit and put a shim in (JB Weld?) so the handle can't go all the way to the perch. You could probably move it back 1/2" or so without any adverse effect on the clutch. Heck, you could drop different size screwdrivers into the gap between the lever and the perch and see how it feels.
The front brake is tougher. I don't have a stock one. I think you would have to remove some from material from the feature that hits the master plunger. That would move the actuation point closer to the grip. I suppose you could add a shim in there so it couldn't travel as far away from the grip. I think I'd want a second one to practice on for that.
2006 GL1800 (Brutus Maximus)
1978 GL1000 (White Trash - 2012 BOTY
(If you want to discuss the Trashmobile, Webers, Rearsets, Clubmans, or other stuff then send me a PM.)
"Getting old ain't for sissies" - Phyllis Diller
"So how much you gonna spend to win that $5 trophy?" - Cyborg
User avatar
robin1731
Membership Admin
Membership Admin
Posts: 21724
Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 8:31 am
Location: Decatur, Indiana

Re: Size of Brake & Clutch levers

#4

Post by robin1731 »

Or you could try something like these. https://www.ebay.com/itm/182294173657?f ... Swo3pWeutR
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
User avatar
pidjones
SUPER BIKER!!!!
SUPER BIKER!!!!
Posts: 3237
Joined: Wed May 22, 2013 4:06 pm
Location: East TN

Re: Size of Brake & Clutch levers

#5

Post by pidjones »

I have small hands also. My solution has been to rotate the perches (and, if necessary the control units) on the handlebar to permit easier use. My left fingers were bad about slipping off of the clutch until I did this. Still using stock levers, though. Remember to grab some 14mm wrenches to re-adjust your mirrors if you try this!
"Love 'em all.... let God sort 'em out!"
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
1975 Red GL1000 project - ex Pistol Pete project
1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
1978 GL1000 with '75 engine - the Hunley
Ex 1978 GL1000
Ex 1979 GL1000
Ex '79 CB750F rat bike
Ex '86 SEi
Ex '77 GL1000
Ex '76 RD400
Ex '72 Penton 125 set up for flat track
Ex '73 RD250
Ex '68 TR6C - chopped
Shadowjack
Silver Member
Silver Member
Posts: 654
Joined: Fri May 26, 2017 11:07 am

Re: Size of Brake & Clutch levers

#6

Post by Shadowjack »

Honda used long levers on GLs, and shorter levers on other bikes of the era. You may be able to find some that are different that would work, but there are also differences in the pull ratio and material thickness. A local motorcycle scrapyard would be a good place to pick through, but I think most are likely melted down by now.
Kool_Biker
Chrome Member
Chrome Member
Posts: 101
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2011 1:25 am
Location: Greece

Re: Size of Brake & Clutch levers

#7

Post by Kool_Biker »

Ideally all I would like to do is swap the levers with other existing types, to 'fix' the problem.

But there are good ideas here too so will give it a try and report back. I'm sure I'm not alone in this.

Many thanks, Aris
Aris
Athens, Greece

'1976 GL1000 K1
Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “GoldWing Tech Discussions”