Chinese aftermarket levers - as deadly as some people say?

[senpai71]

Hey folks,

Has anyone had any GOOD experiences with the cheap Chinese aftermarket brake/clutch levers you find on EBay?

I'm trying to find OEM replacements for my 2000 Triumph Sprint ST, and they're hard to find and hella expensive. Or maybe I could get some high-end aftermarket ones (ASV or Pazzo, perhaps?) but again - pricey for a bike which is old and isn't even worth that much any more.

The ones on EBay are cheap, but many of the reviews you see out there say they're deadly. But then, that's because I'm searching for "aftermarket chinese brake levers motorcycle" which probably won't surface many positive reviews anyway...

Thoughts?

 

[lost.in.cali.]

I bought these in 2015. have been great after 20k miles

https://www.amazon.com/CTG-CH-077-A...SL-077-GRY&dpPl=1&dpID=41snnuYqr7L&ref=plSrch

 

[Junkie]

I've had good experiences, but I'd be hesitant to run one on the brake side (clutch it's less likely to cause an injury)

 

[Maddevill]

I have used Chinese lever sets on my last 3 bikes with absolutely no problems at all. My current ones fold up in crashes, look great and I think are great value. A precaution though, on my friend's rear sets, we had to Locktite every bolt or they would fall out.

Mad

 

[Maddevill]

There have been reports of brake levers that had the brake master cylinder plunger shaft drilled too shallow. This caused the brakes to drag and overheat. The fix was drilling the hole deeper. Keep that in mind.
Chinese products get better every year. They even make the new Benelli bikes now.

Mad

 

[Starpower]

The last 3 sets I had were flawless. 2 of them had a better fit than OEM.

 

[senpai71]

Well, I bought some, so I guess I'll find out. I just can't justify the cost of pricey levers on this cheap bike.

 

[Tally Whacker]

I've had them on my last two bikes, aver 80,000 miles with no problems at all other than anodizing fade.

 

[dravnx]

Prolly have 80,000 miles on a set, clutch and brake, on my Vstrom. Bought them on Ebay. The forum wags said I would die in a flaming ball of melted plastic and metal if I used them.

 

[HadesOmega]

Been running an ebay set on my ZR7 and Empulse for a while now. They seem fine. One of them had a problem staying on one of the adjustment detents, it would slip but doesn't do it anymore must've worn the detent in so it locks better.

 

[doc4216]

Bought them for my VFR, no issues and felt great.

 

[somesuch]

Speed Metal Cycle Gear levers

I had a cheap set of levers from Cycle Gear (Speed Metal) that looked like a re-packaged Ebay levers. The fit was OK on the clutch side, but the brake side I had to file a bit so that the return port was not blocked by the lever pre-loading the piston (I did a stoppie on Winchester and Stevens Creek, had someone help me drag the bike to the curb as the front brakes were locked - lucky!). After a couple of months of use, one of the roll-a-click bearings broke apart, and Cycle Gear exchanged it (with some resistance). Used that bike for just another 1K miles or so, and sold it, so don't know how well the replacement one lasted.

CRG levers on another bike were absolutely flawless lasting many miles, surviving crashes, end delivering enjoyment

The CRG levers felt better too, and did not have the sharp corner of Speed Metal that ate through the pair of gloves I had.

 

[PorradaVFR]

I’ve had three sets of the eBay alternatives. The first were slightly long which resulted in a “click” when they would hit the bar end, even when adjusted outwards. Gave those to a friend. The second set were great - but the red bit faded and I didn’t like that look so I got a monochrome set I use to this day. Hard braking, no problem and no issues - I do lubricate the roller pin now and then as you should anyway.

 

[newbiker]

Prolly have 80,000 miles on a set, clutch and brake, on my Vstrom. Bought them on Ebay. The forum wags said I would die in a flaming ball of melted plastic and metal if I used them.

That's usually the advise you get from people who don't think out of the box. The world has evolved a lot!

I've had them on my last two bikes, aver 80,000 miles with no problems at all other than anodizing fade.

Good for you!

Bought them for my VFR, no issues and felt great.

Great - and where can I get these for my new ZX6r, looking for adjustable for track use and daily commute/etc. :ride

 

[Biga]

I had a cheap set of levers from Cycle Gear (Speed Metal) that looked like a re-packaged Ebay levers. The fit was OK on the clutch side, but the brake side I had to file a bit so that the return port was not blocked by the lever pre-loading the piston (I did a stoppie on Winchester and Stevens Creek, had someone help me drag the bike to the curb as the front brakes were locked - lucky!). After a couple of months of use, one of the roll-a-click bearings broke apart, and Cycle Gear exchanged it (with some resistance). Used that bike for just another 1K miles or so, and sold it, so don't know how well the replacement one lasted.

CRG levers on another bike were absolutely flawless lasting many miles, surviving crashes, end delivering enjoyment

The CRG levers felt better too, and did not have the sharp corner of Speed Metal that ate through the pair of gloves I had.

Same here!!! But after trying many different ones I found the OEM's are best. Better feel to it... and cheap...