New V7 levers install complete

[tonUPRacer]

Just got some spiffy adjustable Mistral clutch and brake levers for my Racer. I've never swapped levers before and was wondering if there are any tips or gotcha's to be aware of? Also, since I've seen a fair amount of issues with clutch adjustment on the V7s, I'd like to avoid that since mine has been sterling for 5 years now. I do plan on lubing cables as long as I'm working on them.

thanks in advance,

Andy

[sign216]

My tip is to use Dri-Slide bike aid as a dry lube for the cables.  Good stuff.

Joe


https://www.drislide.com/products/drislide-bike-aid-moly-lubricant

[tonUPRacer]

Thanks Joe!

[TimmyTheHog]

taking both lever out is pretty straightforward

• Brake Lever is piece of cake. Just make sure your brake master cylinder is matched up with the hole on the new lever.
  
• but when you are going to put the clutch lever back on the bar, make sure the clutch cable is SECURELY ON THE clutch arm on the engine case side...
  
  I fought with that arm FOREVER and couldn't over come the force of the clutch spring because it was easier to install the lever onto the casing first.
  
  When you try to put the clutch lever back on the bar, the cable will have JUST enough slack for you to put the lever onto the lever casing.
  
  For me it was quite snugged and I had to pull the clutch cable quite a bit...just be slow and smooth with it. The cable shouldn't snap with the force you are about to pull on the cable to get the lever to clear the casing.
  
• And yes, DO use a cable lube as Joe suggested...
  
  When applying the cable lube, make sure you see the lube comes out the opposite end of the cable...just wipe off the excess when the lube comes out. This way you can also flush out some dirt into the cable housing.
  
• Spray lube @ both the cable & the pivot points. Do not over tighten the pivot points or you will find yourself having 2 super stiff levers.

Hopefully this makes sense...

[tonUPRacer]

Thanks Tommy very helpful. Any special tools or techniques? Just needle nose pliers or otherwise? As for securing the cable by transmission any suggestions there? What aftermarket levers did you go with? I'll post pics when I'm done. Hopefully I'll get to it this weekend.

[TimmyTheHog]

upload link direct

Thanks Tommy very helpful. Any special tools or techniques? Just needle nose pliers or otherwise? As for securing the cable by transmission any suggestions there? What aftermarket levers did you go with? I'll post pics when I'm done. Hopefully I'll get to it this weekend.

No real special tools required and just as you said, needle pliers, wrenches, and screw driver.

For the cable by the transmission side, just make sure the knob is within the claw looking part of the arm and the end of the cable casing is seated within its holder.

Nothing special but just need to make sure they are in before the lever is in the lever casing. There are just not enough slack to put the cable on to the arm and cable holder by the transmission after you already installed the clutch lever.

I went cheap adjustable levers...kind of regretted with the decision but whatever, it works as I kind of needed one at that time...broke my clutch lever because I wasn't paying attention 

[malik]

I've changed a few clutch cables recently, and the levers on both V7s. The cheap Chinese Pazzo knock offs from eBay (lots prettier & well made). I used only a screwdriver & a spanner - at the top end. Of course, I had to remove the sidecover & take out a couple of hoses & one breather so my fingers could access the gearbox end with the operating arm. DO ensure that the spring between the arm & the case has not fallen out. Mostly they don't, but sometimes they can, so it is wise to check.

[tonUPRacer]

So I finally got around to install my new Mistral adjustable levers. As promised photos included. Installation was quite easy as was lubing the clutch cable. I completed one test ride and I can say I'm extremely satisfied. I'm a small guy and have small hands so, these are a real improvement. 2 finger shifting and braking is now a reality for me. Highly recommend these parts.

[TimmyTheHog]

 

Looks good!