Front Brake Lever Replacement

[marsdog]

If anyone has short fingers as is my curse, you then know it can be difficult to maintain proper thottle control and keep a couple fingers covering the front brake lever on the R, especially when lane splittling LA's freeways where that extra grip on the brake at slow speeds can make all the difference.

I had the pleasure recently of riding a '05 R1200ST as a loner and noticed that the lever had a distinct bend in the middle which helped tremendously in getting my fingers around that lever without compromising my grip on the throttle. I don't know if that lever is on all the newer beemers, but I'm wondering if that lever, or even a third party lever, can be installed on a '02 R? Before anyone mentions, I already have the adjustment set to the tighest setting (1), but in my opinion it makes hardly a difference from the widest setting (4).

Thanks,

Mario

[bimrluvr]

I have the same issue. I can suggest three things to try before looking for replacements:

1. loosen the controls and turn them up a smidge, tops of reservoirs should be just about level.
2. get a hand exerciser from Walmart, Target or wherever, and use it...stronger fingers move faster and need less grip to pull hard (and good for manly handshakes)
3. rely more on your foot brake during slow lane-splitting

[greer]

I have the same short-finger trouble. Doug (husband) took out the knurled adjuster knob and filed down the #1 flat so that the lever does come back closer to the grip. He did this for both my clutch and brake. Made a big, big difference.

Sarah

[marsdog]

Sounds like a great idea, I'll look into it. But for me the issue is just the brake because I split traffic alot and subtle trottle control while covering brakes is essential.

Thanks!