KZR's Bikes of the Month for 2024

Replacing the front brake lever on a 1979 Kawasaki 1000 LTD.

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04 Sep 2021 08:14 #854800 by Old Kaw Boy
Probably not a tough task, but just looking for veteran advice.  What is involved in changing my bent front brake lever.  The bike was laid down at a stop sign, gravel helped, and bent the brake lever.  Needs to be replaced.
 

Help please.

Thanks, 
Old Kaw Boy

OLD KAW BOY


1979 LTD 1000

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  • hardrockminer
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  • Sustaining Member
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04 Sep 2021 08:50 #854803 by hardrockminer
You should only need to unbolt and remove the old one and install the new one.

I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.
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04 Sep 2021 09:11 #854805 by Mikaw
HRM is correct. I’ll just add there a lock nut on the bottom under the master cylinder remove it first. Then the bolt (pivot) unbolts from the top standard righty-tightly. When installing apply some water proof grease to the hole in the new lever and on the flat side at the hole. You will see the wear marks in the old handle. Install bolt and snug it down. Then the lock nut on the bolts exposed threads. Use two 10mm wrenches and hold the bolt from turning and tighten the nut. 

1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
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04 Sep 2021 09:25 #854807 by martin_csr
For stuff like this I use Permatex brake caliper grease. in the little packets. 
The lubricant is waterproof, doesn't attract dust n grit & stays put.

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  • gd4now
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  • Denco where did you go?
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04 Sep 2021 09:34 #854808 by gd4now
I agree with all that has been said  But would add that you should make sure there is no other damage from the fall.  

1977 KZ650 B1
Pods and Denco header


OLD KAW OWNERS SMILE ALOT

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04 Sep 2021 09:58 #854810 by TexasKZ
To the good advice above, I would add carefully cleaning the pivot screw, the area in the master cylinder where the lever mounts, and the inside of the brass bushing in the lever. A rag or paper shop towel soaked in rubbing alcohol will do the trick. 

1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24
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08 Sep 2021 04:54 #854980 by Old Kaw Boy
I agree.  Other damage includes multiple scratches on the back of the right mirror, scratched stator cover, rubber on foot peg torn and dent on the right side of the gas tank from my knee     I'm guessing since there are no scratches.  Mirror sanded and buffed, looks very good.  Brake lever and foot peg will be replaced.  Tank taken in for Paintless Dent Removal, waiting for results and the! side cover will go in for repair at the end of the riding season.  Warning!  After drinking multiple beers, your brain fails to operate as normal, which is something a 65 year old man knows but fails to respect on occasion.  Fortunately the is a minor accident that will help remind an old man in the future.
 

OLD KAW BOY


1979 LTD 1000

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  • 78z1Joe
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  • My man cave is my garage....
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08 Sep 2021 08:27 #854988 by 78z1Joe
Hi  sorry about the dropped bike, glad you are ok... At 63  I begin to wonder about riding.... Of course the past two summers, covid speaking... no riding here.
And two beers = bed time for me... 
However.... 40 years ago...... as long as I didn't put my feet down, balance was good.  no matter when the bar closed.....

1978 KZ 1000
1982 GS 300 training bike
Previous Rides...
75 RD 350
72 CB 500 Four
72 SL 125
71 CT 70
69 3 1/2 HP mini bike

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