Brake Lever pulling in harder by accident w/ downshift rev match?? V7 Stone

[TimmyTheHog]

I think my fingers are too short to downshift rev match without accidentally pull in the brake lever even harder.

Basically as the weather is FINALLY getting better and FINALLY got my bike from the shop, I went out for a lovely ride.

Everything went okay as I am still getting familiar with the bike until I try to downshift rev match.

When I was trying to downshift and rev match, I noticed that I keep on pulling my brake lever harder during Rev matching because my fingers are too short!!!!

This caused me to brake harder by accident as I was revving up the engine when the clutch is pulled in....scary moments as the car behind me almost got caught off guard.

ALSO, I noticed I had to twist my throttle quite a bit to rev up the engine, maybe a good 3/4"~1" twist, to match instead of just a blip twist, maybe 1/4"~1/2" twist, i had with my other bikes...anyone else had to twist that much?

Has any body else noticed this? I heard about adjustable lever MIGHT solve the accident pull...but I can't seem to find the threads within this forum...either that or I am not awake yet.

whelp?

P.S. if you think you saw a similar post in Guzzitech, you are not dreaming :P I did post there.

[rocker59]

The Brembo adjustable levers are widely available.

MG Cycle is one option:

http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=38&products_id=3111&zenid=02585f63cb54b4af7ffed0ece7c8a934

[TimmyTheHog]

Geez...so simple...

Thanks Rocker59...

Hopefully this will solve my stubby finger issue...

[Kev m]

How about subtracting one or more fingers from the lever?

Also if it needs the much twist to rev, are you sure you've got the throttle play set efficiently?

[TimmyTheHog]

How about subtracting one or more fingers from the lever?

Also if it needs the much twist to rev, are you sure you've got the throttle play set efficiently?

GOOOOOOOOOD question regarding to the free play...

It felt okay when was riding her except downshifting...but maybe I was just twisting a bit more to compensate? 

I will check it tonight...

and since as always the "awesome guzzi manual" does not provide a spec, what kind of free play should I be looking @ for the throttle?

[Sasquatch Jim]

one eighth inch or under free play on the throttle.

[TimmyTheHog]

one eighth inch or under free play on the throttle.

Thx Jim...

Now all I can think about is the stupid throttle play...LOL...

Hopefully it is just my stubby fingers not happy...

[fotoguzzi]

wondering why your hand is even on the brake lever when downshifting? I brake first then downshift to power out of the curve.

[Triple Jim]

wondering why your hand is even on the brake lever when downshifting? I brake first then downshift to power out of the curve.

I also normally get my braking done first, then blip to downshift as needed. 

[TimmyTheHog]

oh?

I was taught and had been practicing with braking & blipping @ the same time as I am slowing down...

On top of that, I do have my rear brake applied at the same time...more or less for the brake light to be on while I downshifting...

Perhaps I need to rethink my training...

[Triple Jim]

Nothing wrong with doing it your way.  On a track it's probably necessary.  I just normally don't on the road.

[Roebling3]

Are both brake and clutch levers adjusted clockwise for you to have a straight line from shoulder to your extended hand, resting on the grip? As Kev M and another suggested; it's all about the fingers on the lever (index & middle), 3rd & 4th on the grip. A variable ratio (rotary ramps), throttle conversion may help. +1 adjustable levers.  R3~   

[TimmyTheHog]

Nothing wrong with doing it your way.  On a track it's probably necessary.  I just normally don't on the road.

I see...

I guess I am trying to be "extra careful" as I know dry clutch are more finicky compare to wet clutch which is what I am used to.

hmmm...well, maybe just my fat stubby fingers are playing the trick...my old shadow lever was more of bend comparing to my stone...

Can't wait to get off work and check my free plan and play with the levers...lol...

[fotoguzzi]

  I brake first then downshift to power out of the curve.

On second thought, I might be still using a little rear brake when downshifting.

[rodekyll]

Don't want to disagree with the 2-finger technique, but after many years of doing 2-finger pulls on both brake and clutch, I can't really use those fingers much anymore, not even for simple things like working scissors or pliars.  Think of a fur seal playing piano -- that's me.  I'm not saying it's JUST m/c riding that did this to me, but I'm sure it didn't help.

[Muzz]

I too have short stubby fingers.

I almost didn't buy my Breva back in 2004 because I could not reach the clutch lever. There were at the time no adjustable levers available. I tried a piece of 4 wire telephone cable placed between the lever and the body. Works perfectly and is still there. (More Guzzi content ). In fact, when the agent did the first warranty service they wondered what the hell it was and threw it away. I told them they could darn well dive in to the rubbish and find it (they did ) and I was able to ride off. I do have to be really particular with the clutch cable adjustment but that is no biggie.

I actually have to really think as to what I do on the downshift. I think I have it down one if not two gears before I actually brake. I also roll the throttle with the thumb occasionally while using the brake, but it is a tad awkward as it is quite a stretch. Touch on the rear brake for final adjustment of speed. Ya go with what you were given.

I must admit the short fingers are a real pain. I am still using for most occasions my 1970 sheepskin gloves, which fit nicely. I find with quite a large palm that by the time I get a glove that can fit my palm the fingers of the glove are way longer than mine, and clutch and brake use become impossible.

[Huzo]

I too have short stubby fingers.

I almost didn't buy my Breva back in 2004 because I could not reach the clutch lever. There were at the time no adjustable levers available. I tried a piece of 4 wire telephone cable placed between the lever and the body. Works perfectly and is still there. (More Guzzi content ). In fact, when the agent did the first warranty service they wondered what the hell it was and threw it away. I told them they could darn well dive in to the rubbish and find it (they did ) and I was able to ride off. I do have to be really particular with the clutch cable adjustment but that is no biggie.

I actually have to really think as to what I do on the downshift. I think I have it down one if not two gears before I actually brake. I also roll the throttle with the thumb occasionally while using the brake, but it is a tad awkward as it is quite a stretch. Touch on the rear brake for final adjustment of speed. Ya go with what you were given.

I must admit the short fingers are a real pain. I am still using for most occasions my 1970 sheepskin gloves, which fit nicely. I find with quite a large palm that by the time I get a glove that can fit my palm the fingers of the glove are way longer than mine, and clutch and brake use become impossible.

If it works I guess it must be ok, BUT, does this mean that the clutch free play at the other end has been taken up and is permanently wearing ? Also the lever has to be fully out, to re prime the hydraulics through the tiny hole in the piston. I'd just check that.

[Huzo]

I think my fingers are too short to downshift rev match without accidentally pull in the brake lever even harder.

Basically as the weather is FINALLY getting better and FINALLY got my bike from the shop, I went out for a lovely ride.

Everything went okay as I am still getting familiar with the bike until I try to downshift rev match.

When I was trying to downshift and rev match, I noticed that I keep on pulling my brake lever harder during Rev matching because my fingers are too short!!!!

This caused me to brake harder by accident as I was revving up the engine when the clutch is pulled in....scary moments as the car behind me almost got caught off guard.

ALSO, I noticed I had to twist my throttle quite a bit to rev up the engine, maybe a good 3/4"~1" twist, to match instead of just a blip twist, maybe 1/4"~1/2" twist, i had with my other bikes...anyone else had to twist that much?

Has any body else noticed this? I heard about adjustable lever MIGHT solve the accident pull...but I can't seem to find the threads within this forum...either that or I am not awake yet.

whelp?

P.S. if you think you saw a similar post in Guzzitech, you are not dreaming :P I did post there.

Sounds like you haven't adapted to the bike due to your newness to it, and are gripping the throttle like buggery. Like a good guitarist, you'll eventually have two fingers gripping with on force on the throttle and a different amount on the lever. Just ride the bugger and try to stay out of pressure traffic situations for a while.

[TimmyTheHog]

Sounds like you haven't adapted to the bike due to your newness to it, and are gripping the throttle like buggery. Like a good guitarist, you'll eventually have two fingers gripping with on force on the throttle and a different amount on the lever. Just ride the bugger and try to stay out of pressure traffic situations for a while.

Ya...well, guess the only way for me to learn is to keep riding :)

Checked the free play of the throttle yesterday night. Was just over 1/16" to 1/8"...guess I am good there...maybe that additional twist is still me not used to the bike yet...

Today is pissing again...hopefully tomorrow is better so I can tame the guz before she takes me :P

Thanks all for advices and tips!

[Muzz]

If it works I guess it must be ok, BUT, does this mean that the clutch free play at the other end has been taken up and is permanently wearing ? Also the lever has to be fully out, to re prime the hydraulics through the tiny hole in the piston. I'd just check that.

Brake lever is fully out, I haven't altered that.

As I said, much care is taken on clutch adjustment. It is fully out, but is set so that only just releases. Hardly ever needs altering.

Without bringing the lever in I had to use my thumb alone to brace against the force of the clutch which was very tiring; now I have most of the palm as well. Just that the clutch adjustment is something I do on the pre-flight check.

[Huzo]

Ya...well, guess the only way for me to learn is to keep riding :)

Checked the free play of the throttle yesterday night. Was just over 1/16" to 1/8"...guess I am good there...maybe that additional twist is still me not used to the bike yet...

Today is pissing again...hopefully tomorrow is better so I can tame the guz before she takes me :P

Thanks all for advices and tips!

No worries ! Just keep riding in non pressure situations and you'll begin to forget about it. By then you'll be ok. BTW, have you ridden much in the past ? If you have, then you'll understand how it's possible to adapt to a different machine and it's idiosyncrasies. You'll be fine, just stay out of pressure situations.