Ducati Monster Forum

Looks like the same manufacturers of those Rizoma look-a-like bar end mirrors are making levers now...I picked up a set of the mirrors and was pretty happy with them..might give these a try...

Not a bad starting price... anyone have a set yet?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-Monster-696-2008-2010-CNC-Brake-Clutch-Levers-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem415164db65QQitemZ280538438501QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-Monster-696-2008-2010-CNC-Brake-Clutch-Levers-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem415164db65QQitemZ280538438501QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories)

I can't see an adjuster bolt - the bolt to adjust for freeplay.
Maybe it's there, but it's not visible.
Without it, these are worthless - even dangerous.
So, I would check that first.

This is the one: (you could send them my picture and ask)
(http://i329.photobucket.com/albums/l394/stopintime/2008031-1-1.jpg)

Hmmm...neither my CRGs nor my Pazzos have that bolt. 

I guess levers for your bike (non coffin master) is different and will have a different solution, but surely there must be a way of adjusting freeplay?

My FP levers, AFAIK dont have them either.  but im sure there is someway to adjust that else where.

I suppose it's the threaded plunger - you know the one with a tiny glued set-screw.
It serves the same purpose, but it's much more complicated to access  [roll]

Hmmm... I might have found at least one good thing about the coffin masters.
They are real easy to adjust to perfection - which should be done for every bike.

Bandit masters are (were) coffins.  I don't remember ever adjusting freeplay.  The new masters are radial Nissins with Pazzo levers.  No free play adjusters there either.

I'm assuming thats a generic picture.....the ad says they will fit a 999 master, but looking at the lever the one pictured sure won't.

Personally, I'll stick with CRG. They're local (US), and we know they are good quality. An extra $30/lever isn't much for assured quality.

Pass.

extra $30?  CRG levers are $95/pair???

A bit more $s for me by the time they hit my doorstep... about $100 more per pair for the CRGs...

I'm Canadian... [cheeky] I really could care less where they are manufactured as long as the quality is there...Most quality items I purchase for my bikes come from overseas and I find US quality VERY low on a number of products since the recession hit...

That said, I usually avoid Chinese products (hence why I ask for opinions and first hand experiences with Chinese products before buying them)





I'm thinking the picture is generic judging by the number of diffent models they list...

noooo   lol  95 each

I think that's a new product for M-label.  Never seen them before.  Damn cheap for a set of adjustable levers.  Never bought anything from M-label so I have no FHE with their products.  I currently have Pazzos but if I was looking for some levers I would probably try those out.  Looks like you may be the guinea pig for these.  Let us know what you think.  Check with them and make sure they have the piece to depress the neutral safety switch on the clutch side.  I had gotten a cheap set of adjustables that didn't and had to make a workaround until I got the Pazzos.

I wish! I assumed the $62.95 price in the ebay ad was per lever...guess I didn't read close enough (and still haven't). I'll still stick with the local guys.

I'm going to order a pair of those CRG knock-offs from HK and see what I see.

I'm pretty sure:

The machining will be just as good as anything coming out of the US.
The black anodizing will be terrible, and fade away soon in the sun.

#1 is important to me, #2 I could care less about (as I will be sending a lot of parts to anodize in the winter for the "final mod")

Looks like some factory in China is just knocking these out and selling them to people here. M.Label obviously doesn't make these, but does resell them.

http://www.dhgate.com/cnc-adjustable-brake-and-clutch-lever-for/p-ff808081292a032a01294682c18c0a13.html (http://www.dhgate.com/cnc-adjustable-brake-and-clutch-lever-for/p-ff808081292a032a01294682c18c0a13.html)

FWIW, I bought a pair of those Rizoma Reverse Retro Mirror chinese knockoffs and they have held up quite well and been pretty awesome.

+ one on the mirrors, mine are great.

Those levers linked above arn't even the cheap ones....found them for $39 SHIPPED lol...

LOL where?
LINK LINK LINK PLEASE

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270597713161&viewitem= (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270597713161&viewitem=)

Monsterparts also has a set cheap, but don't know anything about them.

http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/ADJLEVER/CB-Reservoir/ADJLEVER.html (http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/ADJLEVER/CB-Reservoir/ADJLEVER.html)

Wow. Thanks for sharing.
If you purchase a set please update the thread with your impression of the product.

As soon as they get here, I will post up :)

looking forward to a review as well....I'm sure anything would be an upgrade over my stock levers

So I just looked at the set of Pazzos that I have, and my levers have that adjusting screw along with the roll-a-click adjustment.
but... is there really a point to being double adjustable?
(http://i20.ebayimg.com/05/i/001/49/b6/cfe3_12.JPG)

Coffin master levers have that screw. It's very much easier to adjust than most others.
The point of the clicker is to adjust distance from bar to lever (hand size and personal preference).
The point of the screw is to adjust freeplay, so the lever actually pushes fluid before it hits the bar.
I've seen riders who didn't adjust and had 50-60% brake action. They couldn't stop properly!!

So. yes there is a major point and I sincerly hope everyone makes sure to adjust.
Fellow DMF'ers - spread the word [thumbsup]

 [popcorn]

How about a mirror link???    [bow_down] [bacon]

Allow myself to....quote myself.


Maybe shipping was added, but still cheap.  Still not here, but usually things on the slow boat take a few weeks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BLACK-CNC-BAR-END-MIRRORS-VN1500-VN-1500-1600-Chopper-/280544796120?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories#ht_4785wt_1114 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BLACK-CNC-BAR-END-MIRRORS-VN1500-VN-1500-1600-Chopper-/280544796120?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories#ht_4785wt_1114)

Dang!  $90 bucks for TWO!!   [thumbsup]

The lever auction is for a PAIR

Mirrors are a pair also.  I have to decide because I might support the locals at CRG instead...  not sure on China made.

 [thumbsup]  I hear that.

Just be patient and wait till I get them/review them.


Guys, I got these a few minutes ago.  I have to say, I'm quite impressed.  I have had CRG's and ASV's in the past....these feel just as quality as those do.  The eccentric adjuster has a consistant and solid feel to it.  The lever is fairly well machined all over....I did notice a small spot they could have used a better radius on where the cuts are for the break away portion.

Overall, these things are GREAT bang for the buck.  I would not hesitate to purchase them again.

There are parts listed for 999 s M1100, s4r, 848, 749
Will they fit bikes with coffin reservoirs? (620)

No, not interchangeable with coffin masters.

Pics!

almost two weeks now and no pics?  You sir are a big make the beast with two backsing tease.

(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h108/brillcosby/MrHorse1JPG.jpg)

I've been looking at getting these for a while now.  Just can't bring myself to spend almost $200 for a set of CRG's or Pazzo's. I'd rather not have to resort to buying from China, I might have to give these a try if they are actually of decent quality.

I like Chinese - Monty Python (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04QoA44c23A#normal)

arg i just got the triumph ones! 150 a pair i assumed the chinese ones would be garbage!!!

(my crg hindsight knockoffs really suck)

i really have 2 things to say about this


1) chancs ar its 10x btter than stock brembo levers that are on your bike
2) i wouldnt buy new levers if they arent folding. it defeats the purpose unless its 100% bling for you

I've been looking at levers because the Brembo levers aren't all that great, and my clutch lever is now a "shorty".  Also looking for something with a little more adjustment, and of course, better looking.
Another concern is how well the Chinese anodizing will hold up.

Insomnia+Vino= A set of the folding ones on the way for my 748 masters....

Got the mirrors and thus far I am impressed. I'll throw some pics up in the 2.5 weeks it takes to get these  ;D

Its not like american anodizing is any better. You get what you pay for. CRG, your paying for craftsmenship, they still fade. its the nature of level 1 anodizing. I paid $160 for my FP racing levers with Lvl 3 anodizing. Its so tough it didnt even scratch when my bike went down the first time. and it barely scratched the 2nd time.

I'll try and get some pics up tonight  [thumbsup]

Liar.

Got mine today in just 8 total days in transit. seem very nicely machined. I've had a set of his mirrors for about 3k miles...no issues to speak of. I'll get some real pics up asap. I won't have an installed pic until midweek when the bike comes homes from Ducati....

I stole the set of my monster and put them on this 999 I'm playing with....then ordered another set. [thumbsup]

(http://www.marktoon.co.uk/images/marktoon_man_pulling_hair_out.gif)

Cmon man.  Snap some shots of them already!

once pictures are posted, i have a feeling the supplier will shortly be out of stock...

they are from CHina, they will just get more slave labor on the weekends.

Now you can buy roll-a-click-esque folding levers for $99.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RACE-FOLDING-LEVER-DUCATI-400-MONSTER-04-07-620-03-06-/140445774961?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20b3387471#ht_7534wt_1166 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RACE-FOLDING-LEVER-DUCATI-400-MONSTER-04-07-620-03-06-/140445774961?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20b3387471#ht_7534wt_1166)

...no listing for my bike :'(

Anything with coffin reservoirs should be identical. My 695 isn't listed either but a 620 is so... A=B=C

I'm sporting the pee cups.

I never understood the origin of this nickname for plastic fluid reservoirs.  When I must pee into a container, it has to have about a 2L capacity, not 2 ounces.   [cheeky]

you should probably lay off the cheap beer

they are a mini pee cup

They are properly sized for the ever growing in popularity urine test we all so badly want to pass. 

I've had to do a few of those for clearance, I always fill them crazy full.  The snap cap models are the best.  You fill it until the liquid is bulging on top then snap the top down -- some will squirt out so use a paper towel.  There is no way for them to open it without spilling your piss.   [thumbsup]

So we're at the 5th page, and not a single pic of these...  [roll]

I just ordered a set of these yesterday.  They're coming from HK so it will take a while.  From the pics on ebay, they look like they might be decent quality levers.  We'll see once their installed.  For under a $100 clams, shipped, its worth a shot.  As soon as I get these mounted, I'll snap some high res pics.

That's what they all say... :)

I'm starting to think they don't really exist. [laugh]

Oh, how we get reeled in...!

To all you naysayers...  Here they are.  I just got these today, from Taiwan.  Took a few weeks but it was well worth it.  For under $100 a pair, shipped, these cant be beat.  The quality of the materials and the workmanship is very good.  Stainless hardware, roller bearing, nice CNC work, rock solid but lightweight.  I haven't seen the CRG or Pazzo levers up close but judging from pics, I would venture to say that these are pretty close in quality.  Maybe a slight step down, finish wise.  I don't want to speak too soon because I haven't installed them yet but so far I'm very impressed.  I'll post pics with them installed soon. :)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/speedknot/Ducati/P1000563.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/speedknot/Ducati/P1000564.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/speedknot/Ducati/P1000565.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/speedknot/Ducati/P1000567.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/speedknot/Ducati/P1000568.jpg)

Fffffwwoooooooooooo........... *holds breath*

I keed I keed, they look great. I just placed my order, race you to see who gets theirs installed and posts pictures first? ;)

Can you flip the 3 bolts in order to give a cleaner look?

If not I'm sure a cap screw would be an option.

you'd have to get shorter screws for a cap screw.  but I have to say that's a fugly oversight on their part.  flip them and use low profile socket cap screws.

I'm pretty sure that's the bottom of the lever with the nylock nuts.

None of those pics are of the top of the lever.

Just chop the screws down a bit with a Dremel and you're good to go. Just make sure to clean up the threads with a bastard file. Also kinda surprised they would have a big honkin' nylock nut on there, but hey, I guess that's why you're getting them for so cheap.

Also correct that that would be the side that's facing down, so it might not be so egregious of an oversight when installed.

Does the clutch side have the switch enable tab thingy?

Good question.  I'll find out when I get home tonight.

Hey Speedknot, you have an M750 right? Which one's did you order?

Yeah, 01 M750.  I got them from a vendor on ebay.  It was actually an off ebay deal because he didnt have the ones for my bike listed so I just contacted him direct.  Jay was very courteous.  Dont forget its Hong Kong so there is time a delay when he responds.  The link for this part is below.  It might even be for your bike.  I would wait till I get these installed before you order.  I'll post pics and a review when I get them on.  Good luck.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-Monster-600-620-750-ie-94-02-Brake-Clutch-Levers-/290476644646?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43a1c1d926 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-Monster-600-620-750-ie-94-02-Brake-Clutch-Levers-/290476644646?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43a1c1d926)

Awesome, thanks for the link. I'll wait for your review for sure.    [thumbsup]

Installed.  With the exception of a 1/4"+/-(up and down) play in the lever, these are a bargain.  I will probably shim the lever mount with washers for a tighter fit but its no biggie.  By the way, the previous pics I posted were of the lever upside down. 

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/speedknot/Ducati/P1000571.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/speedknot/Ducati/P1000573.jpg)

My CRGs have the same up and down movement. No biggie.

Clutch switch tab thingy?

Thanks for the input.  Wasn't sure if it was just these levers or something most adjustable levers suffer from.  As for the tab; it doesn't have one.  It doesn't look like my bike needs that tab though.  I guess since you're asking, some bikes would need it.  I had to be specific as to what bike I had so I would imagine that if your bike did require it, it should be standard.

???

all ducatis have an in-gear clutch interlock for starting the bike while in gear.  has to be somewhere on your bike.,

I'm not using the interlock myself. just need to be in neutral to start the bike.

gotcha.  i'd rather keep mine..  [thumbsup]

Not until '02.  Speedknot's bike came out of the factory with the brilliant only run in neutral with the sidestand down feature, a definite improvement over the previous suicide side stand. 

I had the bike that wouldn't start at all till you put the stand up.  I did the kickstand interlock bypass.  Now I can warm the bike up without me being on it. [thumbsup]

 [thumbsup]

If you've ever ridden off with the stand down...

you'd appreciate the suicide stand as much as I do. ;)

I used to hate the suicide sidestand on my bike...it just takes some getting used to.
I have also come close to dropping my bike trying to start it after it "falls" into first gear from neutral [bang]

Ah, but I have the improved run in neutral only with the sidestand down model, with the run in neutral sidestand up, stall when you put it gear mod  ;D

I forgot to mention that the adjustment on these levers are fantastic.  It brings the clutch lever closer to the grip so I'm not grabbing it with my fingertips.  I'm also able to adjust the brake grab to a more desirable level.  In terms of control, this is a huge improvement for me.  Just placed a nice order with CA Cycleworks for a whole new chain/sprocket set up.  This bike is a money pit, in a good way. ;)

Thats why I did the conversion.  Much better now.

Woohoo, pictures.. thanks all

The $25 levers... they only have them available for the 695.. will they fit the 696?

Dont do the $25 4 position adjustable levers.  When I had them on my M750, the lowest setting(adjustment where the lever is closest to the grip) was what the stock levers distance is.  It sucked.  Go for the ones I posted the link for.

Does anyone who has these know if on the newer bikes with the clutch switch that the levers support that?

I definitely would want to still be able to start the bike in gear, with the clutch lever in, if I got a new set of levers.

Do the CRG and Pazzo levers both support this?  I've done some searching but information is pretty hard to come by.

And it does not sound like the freeplay is adjustable, but that isn't a big deal? 

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=40977.msg731947#msg731947 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=40977.msg731947#msg731947) This post and the next one discuss the freeplay adjustment.  I know the stock ones have freeplay adjustment which is "locked out" with some plastic or glue from the factory.

So it sounds like freeplay I could live without, but the clutch switch is a must for me.

Thanks.

I know that the CRG and Pazzo's have the clutch safety switch tab if you order the correct levers.  Don't know FH but I would expect that these would also.

You are definitely right.  Looks like the older CRG levers do NOT have the switch tab, but the new CRG levers do.  All of the Pazzo levers have this tab (where appropriate for the model). I've confirmed this.

I'm trying to confirm it with the eBay seller by showing him this diagram: 

(http://www.jkevincrowell.com/monster/clutch_switch.jpg)

I asked him in text and he didn't understand my question, hopefully a picture will say 1000 words!

If anyone else with these levers on their bike knows the answer, I'd love to know.

I'm assuming you are talking about the ones I got off ebay.  Look at the pics in this thread.  I have a 01 M750 and they dont have the extra tab, but my bike doesn't have the switch.  The levers I got support clutch and brake piston adjustments.  Good buy to boot. [thumbsup]

Thanks Speedknot, I did see that yours didn't have the tab, but then again you don't need it.  I was curious if someone else knew if the same manufacturer had the tabs for the newer bikes.

I did get a response back from racingteamhrc1 confirming that those levers (Shine Trust Company) do NOT have the tab. 

Still waiting to hear back from the guy Speedknot bought his levers from, but at this point I'm pretty skeptical.

So here's another question: Anybody modify their levers to work?  It doesn't seem impossible, just by a piece of aluminum and somehow attach that to the lever to create a little tab.  That switch doesn't take all that much to push so I'll bet it would work pretty well.

The word Budget and Ducati don't compute.  :D

When the CRGs first came out they didn't have that tab.  Someone designed an add-on tab and I believe that Monsterparts still carries them though they are not shown on the site.  I had gotten a set of the cheap adjustable controls from Monsterparts that also don't have the tab and tried one of those add-on tabs but it didn't work with those controls.  I ended up just using a tie strap to keep the switch engaged permanently and then cut the strap off when I got the Pazzos with no ill effects.  You just have to be vigilant to not start it in gear if you use the tie strap workaround as it effectively bypasses the safety switch.

On one of my 999's.  Fit is perfect, adjustment is great.

Hey, if you wanna spend $175 on a set of levers, be my guest.  These work perfect, feet just as good as CRG's or ASV's, and were a whole $30 shipped.  Cheap enough to get a spare set just in case.

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/TheoAftonomos/2007%20999s%20Team%20USA/DSC_0162.jpg)

Which vendor did you order them from for $30? I want a set for my M750, but can't find them for less than $70-ish.

So, I did get a reply email from the vendor that Speedknot purchased from, the MLabel vendor (mlabel.parts) on eBay:

Hi,

Thanks for your interested our item.
Yes! This item must be fit your bike model & year.
Also, this item have clutch switch tab.
Please take note.

Thanks!

So, sounds like if you have a bike that needs the tab, these levers will have it.  I'd love to still get a first hand confirmation, but this is encouraging.

Also, another question for anyone who might know: I was told by a vendor that the Pazzo levers have the clutch switch tab on the perch, not the lever.  Wouldn't that defeat the purpose, if that means the lever is depressed all the time?  I'd think the tab would have to be on the lever, as it is on the original Brembos.  But possibly the perch moves as well?  I just have not seen these levers in action to fully understand how they work by looking at pictures of them.

Hey Tim.  I have a set of the cheaper ones that I'm not using.  Practically new.  I'll PM you. 

I have the Pazzo's and they have the tab on the lever just like on the brembos in the picture that IAmTheWalrus posted 8 posts back.  Now that I think about it, the adjustable levers are in two pieces.  I think the vendor you spoke to is calling the part of the lever that you touch the lever and the part closest to the mounting point the perch.

Do these have the 10mm or 12mm pivot bolt?

thx

No clue man, email the seller.

Well, mine don't start in gear even if clutch lever depressed ... and I have the OEM clutch lever ...

Not all do (2001 and older AFIAK do not) but yours did out of the factory.  Do you have a clutch micro switch?

Yes, OEM lever, OEM master still, will replace with 03 M1000 radial .. BTW mine is a 2005 M620D ...

yep, the switch is probably disconnected or pooped.

since day 1 ... mathesis says it's OK ...and shows function ... actually, I'll replace my levers with Oberon ones ... so I might even just glued it in place ... I never hit the start button without the N green light on ...

something is jammed open then.  i don't think mathesis sees the neutral switch, it just sees the ecu's perception of what state its in.  i would start there:  replace it, or if you don't care, just ground it. 

FWIW I just ordered the mlabel levers linked in this thread. The available color combinations didn't include gold levers with red adjusters but when I got an email saying I forgot to specify what color and length I wanted ( [bang]) I asked if they could do it and they said no problem. I'll post a small review when they come.

You'll be happy with them.  Check out the pics of them on my bike in this thread.  Decent quality for the price.  Very good customer service as well. 

You actually waited 'a few weeks' just to save a few bucks over a set of CRGs when you could have just manned up and bought the real thing and had 'em delivered in a couple of days? Shipping all the way from Taiwan? At a time in US history when you actually should be buying whatever you can from American firms? I know the CRGs are pricey, and I hate to be that guy, but they are the original and still the best. And you get a free hat with them as well, with free shipping from California. Warms the heart but empties the wallet. Par for the Duc course.

I do like to buy American when I can and I do find myself looking at where things are made all the time.  However, saving over a $120 is not a "few bucks" and it has nothing to do with manning up.  Keep the hat and be somewhat competitive in price.  Parts are expensive enough for these bikes.  I don't need empty pockets in the name of buying USA.

Pssst.. Ducatis are made in Italy.

I bet their free hats are made in southeast Asia.

LOL I'd been reading too much NYT and drinking too much coffee. Bob Herbert for President.
Notice I said buy American whenever possible. I did know Ducs were made in Italy, thanks for pointing that one out. There's no American substitute for a Ducati, so nothing can be done there. However if we don't start supporting the US manufacturing base, or whatever's left of it in any and every small or large way possible...like I said I hate to be the guy. I don't drive American cars so I suppose I'm a bit of a hypocrite, but I'm worried. Chinese stuff is getting better and better. The economy in this country is getting worse. 

Unless CRG has their levers made in China, they can't be competitive with Chinese knock-offs of their product. That's just how it is. Buy what you want, it's your money, but that should be understood.

Personally, I'll spend some extra money to support a company that supports the moto industry and develops new products...as opposed to one that just makes copies (even if they are good) of other people's work. Who steps in to fill the void if CRG, Speedymoto, etc. go under? Surely not the Chinese company.

Just like those companies have come, there were companies before them that went.  I totally agree that buying American is a great idea, but when it the quality difference is negligible OR the price is 5-10x to buy the domestic version, the rationale quickly dies.

I bought a $40 electric impact hammer from Harbor Freight.  The same thing from Matco or similar is about 350-400 bucks.  So far, I have 7 years on that tool and if it dies today, I'll go buy another one for $40 and still be ahead of the curve.  I would have to live to 150 years old for it to make sense to buy the American-made version.

Likewise, the levers.  I don't know about you guys, but levers are generally disposable items, especially when you lay the bike down.  I don't plan to lay mine down, but I'd much rather have a $40 part to replace than a $200 one.  Moreover, I just don't see the qualitative difference in any of these Chinese made versus the CRG, etc. 

One of my school friends (from college ages ago) now runs a company that does custom metal molds and CNC cuts.  Anything like these levers can be made in volume such that the per-item price drops to very little.  He makes runs as small as 5000 for a huge number of companies.  I showed him a rearset a while back and he said he could make a copy of it for around 100-150 bucks for 5000 of them.  Add another 50 each for the coating.  I've thought about setting up shop using him as my manufacturer.  Sell them out of my garage for $300-400. 

The whole "buy American no matter the cost" is part of the reason GM was paying assembly-line workers $40 to screw in a door handle or to put a door on a frame when European companies are paying 10-15/hr for the same job, and Chinese are paying 2-5/hour for the same job.  And that's why GM & Chrysler went into the shitcan.

Competition is competitive.  I think people forget that.

Can't help thinking that Chinese stuff is an opiate, and you better watch out lest you become addicted. So when we no longer make anything in this country, and we're almost there, we will no longer have leverage enough to enjoy the lowered cost of Chinese goods. At that point the prices will go way up, but hey maybe that will be the straw that breaks the camel's back and it will again make sense to manufacture and buy American products. I'm no flag-waver but this is my home. I have nowhere else to go(except maybe England since I'm a dual citizen but the taxes are insane so nope). Whether or not I like you, I don't want your children and grandchildren to live in abject poverty. We can't all work in the service sector. Buy whatcha want. Artful, the hats are made in China for sure, but embroidered in USA. I'd bet money on it.
Ducatiz, you got lucky with that Harbor Fright tool. I've gone through so many shitty Fright 'Chicago Electric' power tools(weak ill-fitting steel hand tools too) I can't even count them. Only when I manned up and started buying Milwaukee(FTW) did the madness stop. There really isn't anything better than a quality American made tool. Makes your balls feel bigger.
The CRGs are better, and to me they are worth the extra. I know I got mine from the original source, and I didn't even get a free Chinese made hat. If you look closely you will recognize the difference, however the Chinese levers look to be good quality. Are they type III hard-ano'ed? Only time will tell. The devil is in the details. That black ano likes to turn purple but maybe that's a good thing. I'm a Prince fan.

Basically, you just described the history of GM during the 1940s thru the 1980s.

1940s--  good quality cars (for the era), relatively low cost.  Workers paid well, but not crazy salaries or benefits.

1980s --  SHIT cars, SHIT quality, so overpriced, the US was charging a $5000 tariff PER car coming from Japan, and Toyota and Datsun STILL managed to surpass them.

Think about that:  US government had to slap a $5000/tax per car on those Toyotas in the 80s. 

Yes, we got used to the opiate, but it was American manufacturers doing it and had their lunch eaten by tiny Japan.

And no, I buy pretty much all of my tools (well, the air and electric ones) at Harbor Freight, I've been on their mailing list for 11 years now.  Had one go bad, and I took it to the store and they replaced it free. 

LOL you must use your tools to bake cookies then. Kidding!

I completely agree about American companies becoming complacent and pricing themselves out of competition whilst simultaneously delivering inferior quality. That shit pisses me off. It's arrogant and dishonorable, moreover we are finding out it's destructive to the overall well-being of everybody here. It's a cultural problem really, and my hope is that young folks now, who are smarter than ever by the way, will not tolerate it any longer and show their parents the error of their ways. This thread has become political so no matter what you say I ain't postin' no more.

I treat my tools like shit, unfortunately.  That $40 impact wrench has actually been underwater when my old garage flooded.

And it was both the companies and the workers pricing themselves out.  No one thought things could/would change, forgetting that they always do.  If you are making $40 putting a door handle on cars, then enjoy it, but learn to live like you're making $10/hour cause that's what the job is really worth.

That's how DucPainter has become financially well off [cheeky]

Bergdoerfer: you're describing natural economical fluctuations. It's only human to react as you do when adjustments are forced upon you - not a good feeling, but if anything is certain - the USA will turn it around soon(ish)  [thumbsup]

Who has stepped in to fill Cycle Cat's role? No one that I'm aware of. At some point it isn't cost effective for someone to step in to fill the void...so no one will.

Sure your buddy can make 5,000 copies...but can he sell 5,000 copies? Probably not when your talking about things such as levers and rearsets, which are different for almost every motorcycle...especially when they're made for a relatively low sales volume motorcycle such as Ducati.

Tools are different. There's likely a much larger customer base.

I never said the Chinese moto parts weren't good quality. Their labor rates make it possible for them to sell at a much lower price though.

I just paid +/- $125 more for a pair of Daytona moto boots from Helimot than if I would have ordered them direct from Germany. I was willing to do that because the customer service at Helimot was top notch. Helmut took the time to make sure I was getting exactly what I wanted, and that they fit correctly...he even let me (actually insisted) try on his personal pair so I'd get a feel for what a broken in boot would feel like. Customer service like that is worth the price to make sure they're always around. Same goes for CRG, Speedymoto, etc. Have a problem...give them a call. I doubt you can do that with a Chinese producer who just pumps out parts, and likely doesn't even know what your motorcycle looks like.

To each his own though.

plus when he says makes 5000 copies at 100-150 each... that means an upfront commitment to 1/2 million to 3/4 million dollars in production costs. don't know about you, no garage startup is going to have that kind of capital.

nope.  he's got the machinery and 3d laser scanners.  the whole 9 yards, that price is actual cost to make them.  or do you mean for someone else?

it's a matter of time and interest for me. 

the problem i see is that many of these places are not smart business types.  why on earth would you buy this machinery?  there are literally hundreds of companies, of all sizes, that do this work.  if you just google CNC machining services, there are a gajillion that pop up.  you just have to find one that can do the laser scanning to make a copy and then fix it.

Pinetree Castings is the largest casting firm in the US (or in the top 2-3 now).. If you wanted to do cast alu levers, it would be even cheaper.  just have to have a painted finish.

no that's my point.

Your friend said he could produce a product at 100-150 each for a volume purchase of 5000 copies.

so you are committing to buying 5000 copies at that cost... then you resell those items obviously at a higher cost.

even with a 100% market you have to sell 2500 to break even on the initial investment of 1/2 to 3/4 million dollars.

5000 x $100 or $500,000 that's just production costs
then add in warehousing, shipments of the 5000 units to the warehouse, packaging, manpower etc.  then you start to see where the real cost of volume production is.

CRG is probably working on a smaller scale, say 500-1000 count production run. but for multiple products. That's a LOT of upfront material costs...
all waiting for a sale to happen.

China/Taiwan can probably do it cheaper for many reason not just manpower.
Raw materials are probably cheaper, hell their Ti is crazy cheap compared to what it costs in the US/Europe.
Volume, not only are they selling directly, I would go so far as to say they are producing for numerous 'aftermarket' sellers and OEMs.  Asia is a HUGE 2-wheel market, and they have a lot of bikes we know nothing about.
Factory direct. of course factory direct will always be cheaper than a distributor, less shipping costs, no additional market, etc.

Ah gotcha.  I crunched it all before and that's why I didn't bother.  I'm not a retailer.  Still, it seems one of the retailers could do the same thing with a common design and get the same or better piece points.  My friends co does medical hardware and I would bet someone else with less sophisticated setup could do it cheaper.

You can also look at just about any recently made Snap-On power tool and the label will say, "Assembled in USA with global parts".  I've even seen some of the Mac hand tools that are made in China.  They are still very nice tools, and have the same warranty.
The only bad thing is they don't give you a break on the price even if they are made in China.

Snap-on? Really now? There goes the fvckin neighborhood. Christ on a cracker. I know Craftsman are Chinese, but the vaunted Snap-On. I only have what a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter and a tiny long handled 10mm box end and both are ancient items I stole from Dad when he had his back turned. Never thought a red-blooded company like Snap-On would do that. So the quality German made hand tools such as Hazet and Stahlwille, are they Chinese too? Yeah I know I broke my pledge to not post any more.

I'm sure you will be happy to know that my Snap-On dealer is a f'n retard, so I don't buy anything from him ;)
I've been buying  everything from Mac and Cornwell.
My Mac dealer is a franchisee, so I'm supporting my local small business, right?  The Snap-On dealer is actually an employee, so he doesn't actually own anything...and he's a f'n retard.
Cornwell is a relatively small, family owned tool company that has a lot of tools that ARE made in the USA.

It's my knowledge, as per a friend who's dad works at Hazet, 99% of all Hazet tools are GERMAN .... Stalhwille outsources some of theirs, think my buddy told me the SAE sized ones, dies are either Stanley or S-K ... he's getting the info ...

it's ok, bergy.  we won't hold it against you.


Snap-on tried getting forgings from China and then doing the final machining and finish in the states for a while.  The cost still put them so far out.

So I got the M.Label levers for about $75 shipped. 

I installed them a couple of weeks ago.  Piece of cake, as you might imagine.

I too sense a little bit of a wobble, but I don't have another set of adjustable levers to compare them too.  It's not bad, and it doesn't seem to have any bearing on the use of the levers.  I can see how adjustable levers probably would wobble more in general, because you have two points of connection, to the perch and to the first part of the lever, instead of just one with standard levers.  So you'd expect more movement, even if both joints are just as tight as the original.

There was one tiny flaw in the finish I touched up with a Sharpie, but overall, they look nice.

The quality seems good.  I was actually hoping they'd be a little more rounded off, the leading edges are smoothed but still have a bit of a corner to them.  However with gloves on (and we all ride with gloves, right?) you cannot tell one bit.  The adjustment action is very smooth and positive.

As for the main reason to get adjustable levers: yea they rock.  It's SO much easier to manipulate the clutch when the friction zone is closer to the grip, at least in my opinion.  I also moved the brake a little closer to the grip and I like that arrangement much better.

To clarify two points:  These levers have both the freeplay adjustment screw, AND the clutch switch tab.  So I was able to adjust the freeplay to my liking.  I just added a little locktite to the screw.  And the bike still starts in gear with the clutch in.  This is for the 696.

Here's some pictures:

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5quDaXDewME/TOTcQEGXVHI/AAAAAAAAABM/T1AROEkfF2g/s800/IMG_0620.JPG)
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5quDaXDewME/TOTcQjT01BI/AAAAAAAAABU/vPXAgsjlGMk/s912/IMG_0621.JPG)
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5quDaXDewME/TOTcQwl-h5I/AAAAAAAAABY/7k-NjpC39Cc/s576/IMG_0625.JPG)
You can plainly see the clutch switch tab here:
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5quDaXDewME/TOTcRVd66BI/AAAAAAAAABc/LS84uEMKr2g/s912/IMG_0626.JPG)

thanks for the pics... SOLD


ps...koo koo ka choo

After reading this thread I thought I would give the el cheapo Hong kong leavers a go.
I had payed big $ on my 695 for Pazzo levers  [thumbsup] very good
 unfortunatly they will not migrate over to my new bike S2R1000
so the wife gets the good levers  [bang] as a bonus with her Ducati Christmas gift Na'h she's worth it  [laugh]

I wasn't looking for bling just a brake lever that I could get as close to the bar as possible
 to make covering the brake with two fingers in close traffic and at intersections more natural.

Well on this point they FAIL  [thumbsdown] the smallest setting is no better than the Brembo levers infact slightly worse
So fingers crossed for a fleabay refund .So you get what you pay for !
 A knock off design that does not come close to function.
They were of resonable quality other than too much movement at the fixings and
 a little hard edged on the finnish compared with the
Pazzo levers.

I'll be getting Oberon levers in short/Aero model for my M620's M1000Sie masters ...
Once installed, I'll post pics and reviews ... but, need to give me time untill after Xmas ...

Thanks for info. I was ready to place an order after reading Iamthewalrus review (good write up walrus) the levers are for my GF & she has small hands, right now the brake lever is 2 3/8" from the grip at it's closest point and 3 3/4" at it's furthest and she's ok with that this is on a 696 stock lever. Do you know if these budget levers will get as close to the bars as stock ? If so they will work fine for us.
 Thanks

Two dogs, I'm curious which levers you tried?  Were they the M.Label or another brand?

I will say at least on my 696, the M.Label can get very close to the grip.  Mine are on 3 out of 6 and that's noticeably closer than stock.  The pictures I took were on that setting, so you can compare that visually to the standard levers and draw your own conclusions.

I'll also add for point of comparison that I've seen the ASV levers in person, and I thought the finish was nicer on those.  But at nearly 3x the price, they should be.

Hi Link
I am not familiar with the 696 stock levers, if they are similar to the 695 which were (in a French accent)
"orrible" [laugh]
the budget levers would be an improvement. [thumbsup]
My situation is different as the S2R1000 Brembos  have adjustment already so no happy ending.

[/color]
M labels refunded my money today so I can say that I would recommend them as a supplier
of a reasonably good product and a fair trader  [thumbsup]

Anyone have any experience with the shorty levers some of these aftermarket guys offer?

Like?...Dislike?

They would be going on a 696...

My review of the m label as compared to CRG. They have about the same adjustment as CRG. They have a bit more slop in the up & down direction. The finish is not as good if a CRG is a 10 M label is about 6. The lever action for adjustment is not as smooth as the CRG but it works fine. The bend of the levers & adjustment make them better then the stock ones but these are not a replacement for CRG lever if you have used CRG or Pazzo don't expect that type of quality from these. They work but I would buy them again.

Hey walrus.  Try using some machinist washers on the levers.  They come paper thin so you can shim the lever perfectly.  I wasn't too happy about the slop in the lever either.  Check out my pics earlier in this thread.  For the price and quality of these things, it cant be beat. [thumbsup]

Pics of the levers I got.  Shorty type.  $50/pair.

Thumbnails, click for big:
(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l309/ducatiz/DMF/th_c72004ab.jpg) (http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l309/ducatiz/DMF/c72004ab.jpg)(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l309/ducatiz/DMF/th_5849761e.jpg) (http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l309/ducatiz/DMF/5849761e.jpg)
(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l309/ducatiz/DMF/th_18d061c8.jpg) (http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l309/ducatiz/DMF/18d061c8.jpg)(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l309/ducatiz/DMF/th_6fbb23e8.jpg) (http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l309/ducatiz/DMF/6fbb23e8.jpg)
(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l309/ducatiz/DMF/th_bcd8c695.jpg) (http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l309/ducatiz/DMF/bcd8c695.jpg)(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l309/ducatiz/DMF/th_612f9abf.jpg) (http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l309/ducatiz/DMF/612f9abf.jpg)

Can you tell us the name of the seller? cuz the link doesn't work anymore. Thanks

contact this guy, Johann www.cav-america.com (http://)  same parts, locally

Hey guys, I know I am resurrecting an old thread but I am curious to know how these budget levers have been holding up for the last 2+ years of use?

Is the anodized color holding up? Any excessive looseness over time? etc.

Just curious to know.

Mine look and work great.

Humm, after some digging around, it seems that monstly black anodizing is fading to bronze-ish over time. Other colors, like your Red on Gold are holding up okay.

Probably low light-fastness dye in the anodizing process and poor sealing (read: cheap). I'm putting together a home-anodizing kit later this spring, might be able to reanodize/anodize-properly folks worn levers.

If mine fade, I'll either DuraCoat them or just buy a new set.  Still cheaper than buying the brand names.  No one that has seen them has known any better.