January 29th, 2011, 05:51 PM | #1 |
Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
Review: Clutch & Brake Levers from the2wheel Ebay Store
I know everyone is wondering just how good the levers, that look like some more expensive name brand levers, really are. I was also wondering myself. I, just like everyone else, like a good deal, however there are those times when a real good deal just looks too good to be true. This being the case with the clutch and brake levers I saw on ebay from the2wheel. The advertised price is $24.98 plus shipping and handling to the U.S.
These levers on the computer monitor, look just like the very popular and very expensive Pazzo Levers but at less than a 1/4 the price of Pazzos and some similar looking brands. This review is not a comparison between aforementioned brand levers. This review will serve as sort of a testimonial as to the Quality, Fit and Function of the Adjustable Clutch and Brake Levers from the2wheel, with some comparison to the OEM Levers they will replace. The reason I decided to purchase the levers was I wanted some adjustability in the levers. Even though I have larger than average hands, (XXL-XXXL glove size)and can cover both levers without much problem, I was finding that with bulkier winter gloves on, I was stretching and squeezing my hands a little more to compensate for the extra bulk. This was making may hands fatigued while driving in city traffic. Being that there are only a few adjustable levers that fit the Ninjette, I needed to experiment with something to see if it would make a difference. Now I don't mind paying for name brand, quality stuff, however I do have limits like most. When talking about clutch and brake levers or anything to do with safety features on a motorcycle, most people will agree that good quality parts are paramount. A lot of people are sceptical when it comes to products coming from China and I don't blame them, having seen first hand, some scooter parts that have come from there. So I wanted to see for myself if these levers were some more, poor quality product. The Service Review Ordered the set of levers off ebay on the Jan 9th. I received an email confirmation within 12 hours that payment was received and the levers were shipped with and estimated delivery date between 7-21 days. Today (Jan 29) the levers arrived in a little brown box with a little pink ribbon and a customs declaration on it from the Hong Kong Post. Inside the box a business card from the2wheel company thanking me for my purchase and a pair of very nice looking levers neatly wrapped in a packing foam sheet. This is definitely a no frills, no fancy box deal. Hence one reason for the low price. I can can deal with that. The Quality The levers look awesome (asides a little dust). The pictures on ebay do not do these levers justice. These levers are very solid pieces of aluminum. No cast alloy metal here. Looking closely you can see the CNC machining marks on the material. The attaching hardware looks to be good quality too. These levers are slighty thicker and a slight bit heavier than the OEM levers, but not enough to make a substantial weight gain. Installing the levers is super simple. Just remember while you have the levers off, to re-lube the pivot bolts and any where the OEM levers have scraped and properly torque and tighten all the bolts. The Fit These levers fit just like the OEM Levers with very close tolerances and also the necessary slack where needed. The standard length levers appear to be a tiny bit longer than the OEM levers. They look great installed on the bike. Function With these levers installed, I do not have to squeeze as much with the ends of my fingers. My hands are more closed and the levers sit closer to the base of my knuckles. I have the levers both set on the # 3 setting. The brake lever operates the brake light in all 6 settings. My shifts seem to be quicker, smoother and easier with the lever closer to the grips. It is definitely easier to grab a handful of brake right after installing the brake lever but I adjusted quick. The adjusters ratchet nicely and stay in place. Overall, operating the controls is much much better all around. The levers also flex backwards about 1/4 inch. While I was at it, I decided to subject my new levers to some very primitive testing. First was the strength test. I may not be the world's strongest man but no matter how hard a tried, I couldn't bend those damn levers a bit with my bare hands. The next test was the hardness test. A quick rap across the knuckles was enough to make me say... OWW! Sh***!!. Next was the taste test. After carefully prepping an area, licking both the OEM and new lever produced diddly. And lastly was the Monkey Test. You know how 'lil kids and people like to mess with your settings? Well I did the the same thing they would to to the adjusters, click the piss out of them. Result? - they hold up. So there you have it. Are they worth $25 bucks? In my humble opinion. YEP! It's about the same price you would pay for new OEM. I may buy another set. Last futzed with by DaBlue1; February 8th, 2011 at 01:06 PM. |
|
January 29th, 2011, 06:48 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Cody
Location: NoVa
Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 06 yzf r6r previously: 09 ninja 250r, black 07 zx6r Posts: A lot.
|
Wow, I'm surprised they shipped so fast. I'm glad you wrote this review, I'm definitely gonna have to pick up a pair once I get my bike.
__________________________________________________
|
|
January 29th, 2011, 07:06 PM | #3 |
User Title Free Since '12
Name: Floyd
Location: Barbados
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250R Special Edition Green Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 13
MOTM - Feb '12
|
Nice review, thanks for taking the time. I'll consider these now, despite the disappointing taste test result.
__________________________________________________
"Improvement makes straight roads, but the crooked roads without improvement, are roads of genius." — William Blake |
|
January 30th, 2011, 10:06 PM | #4 |
Texas Newbie
Name: John
Location: D/FW Texas
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 07 Ninja EX250, 07 FZ6 Posts: A lot.
|
Will they work on an 07???The chart only shows the 08+...I think I would like to try them out...
|
|
January 30th, 2011, 11:12 PM | #5 |
Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
|
|
January 31st, 2011, 09:32 AM | #6 |
ModMy250.com
Name: Tri
Location: St, Louis
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.
|
Great review. Thanks!
|
|
January 31st, 2011, 11:28 AM | #7 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE, 07 Honda CRF230F, 06 Honda CRF150F Posts: A lot.
|
Good review. Thanks for taking the plunge.
__________________________________________________
09 250R SE: Paying it forward one post at a time! Don't forget to add yourself to our Member Map |
|
January 31st, 2011, 11:43 AM | #8 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: lux
Location: NY
Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: 306
|
|
|
February 3rd, 2011, 11:39 AM | #9 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Nick
Location: Perth, Australia
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Blue Ninja 250R Posts: 37
|
Cheers for this comprehensive review on these levers. This has helped me made my decision on purchasing the levers.
|
|
February 3rd, 2011, 04:34 PM | #10 |
Fighting Texas Aggie '05
Name: Neil
Location: Hutto, TX
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.
|
great review, I am less hesitant to pick these up now. Weight penalty is pretty sucky though.
|
|
February 3rd, 2011, 06:20 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: lux
Location: NY
Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: 306
|
|
|
February 3rd, 2011, 07:37 PM | #12 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Max
Location: san marcos
Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 ninja 250 Posts: 131
|
tag. this will be my next mod. anyone else try this product already?
__________________________________________________
ride it like you stole it! |
|
February 3rd, 2011, 07:41 PM | #13 | |
Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
Here is a review from webbike world from 2007 that might help. This is an excerpt of what was said,"...The Pazzo levers weigh 130 grams each, compared to the Multistrada OE lever weight of 82 grams." http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/pazzo...ble-levers.htm |
|
|
February 3rd, 2011, 07:56 PM | #14 |
noob motovlogger
Name: Gareth
Location: Austin, TX
Join Date: Dec 2009 Motorcycle(s): Black 2009 250r Posts: 328
|
thanks for the great review. This makes me much more confident buying these someday when I get the money.
Can you explain what you mean when you say "The levers also flex backwards about 1/4 inch."?
__________________________________________________
My Motovlog "Damn, either shimming the needles fixes 90% of any problems with the 250Rs, or kkim owns stock in a washer manufacturer." -DmbShn41 |
|
February 3rd, 2011, 08:31 PM | #15 | |
Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
In the pics you can see the gap between the cam and ratchet on both levers when they are pushed forward. Actually I think it is better to push the lever forward to adjust the settings. |
|
|
February 4th, 2011, 09:51 AM | #16 |
Smoker
Name: Bob
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): Guess.... Posts: 556
|
From the pics, they look nearly identical to Pazzos. Maybe this is the company who actually manufactures for them? SO you get the same thing but without the name brand markup?
|
|
February 4th, 2011, 10:29 AM | #17 |
Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
I do not think it is the same company, however, I did notice that Pazzo has distributors everywhere except for China. It is not uncommon for a major company to grant licensing to a smaller company to put out a very similar if not the same product with design and production limitations, for a cheaper price. Regardless, it's a win/win situation. The parent company loses no money. They sell high price items to those who only buy brand name products and they sell cheaper products to everyone else. The high end versions cover the large overheads like advertising, promotions, sponsorship, HQ OP cost, Executive pay, packaging etc.
With the large number of American and Canadian companies in China, it is hard to tell who owns what or who they contract and affiliate with. International copyrights, patents & trademarks, who knows how they really work or if any one particular entity has one at all. All I know is this is a very nice pair of levers for an awesome price. Only time will tell how they hold up, however I am very optimistic. |
|
February 4th, 2011, 08:44 PM | #18 |
Fighting Texas Aggie '05
Name: Neil
Location: Hutto, TX
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.
|
I think I may pull the trigger on some of these as well.
|
|
February 5th, 2011, 11:03 AM | #19 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dave
Location: Berkshire UK
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R Posts: 18
|
Just fitted some of these from Hong Kong to my wifes bike (small hands). Very pleased with quallity and price. Arrived in 1.5 weeks no trouble
Dave |
|
February 5th, 2011, 09:52 PM | #20 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Natalie
Location: La Puente, CA
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Special Edition Red/Black Posts: 455
|
I bought me a set of these levers on Friday. My husband had gotten some for his GSXR and they are really good quality, so I got some for myself as well. Hope they come soon.
__________________________________________________
'10 Ninja 250R SE Red/Blk Mods: Projekt D FE, Protons, HB Blk Windscreen, HIDs, TBR Blk Series Slip-On, Shogun Sliders, Solo Cowl, Integrated Tail Light, Gls Blk Rear Fender, Red Accents |
|
February 7th, 2011, 02:54 PM | #21 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Larry
Location: Albemarle NC
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250(sold) 2000 Ninja 250 (sold) 2012 Ninja 250r 2020 Harley Sportster (rarely ridden) Posts: 104
|
How come I can't find these! I am searching and the only ones I see cost about 110 bux!
Nevermind. It took a bit but I found them. YAY. Here is a link. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Clutc...item4155ce909d |
|
February 7th, 2011, 03:07 PM | #22 |
Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
One other place has some too.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BRAKE...item4cf4ba1886 |
|
February 7th, 2011, 03:08 PM | #23 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Travis
Location: Warwick, RI
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
Awesome Review. I think the Taste test was the most scientific of them all!
__________________________________________________
Addicted to anything that has an engine and rolls. |
|
February 7th, 2011, 03:19 PM | #24 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Larry
Location: Albemarle NC
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250(sold) 2000 Ninja 250 (sold) 2012 Ninja 250r 2020 Harley Sportster (rarely ridden) Posts: 104
|
I just Ordered, Orange and black shorty levers! YAY. I can't wait to get them!
|
|
February 7th, 2011, 09:51 PM | #25 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Bob
Location: CA
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.
|
I wasn't in the market... but I might be now.
__________________________________________________
Honda Interceptor VFR800 DLX (2014, 8th gen) Honda CBR500r (2014) - FOR SALE Kawi Ninja 250r (2008) - Restored and passed-down within family, only to be abandoned |
|
February 8th, 2011, 12:46 PM | #26 |
Motorcyclist
Name: James
Location: Maryland
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300 ABS Posts: A lot.
|
Thanks so much for the write up, I have Pazzo's on mine but ordering these for the wife's 250.
|
|
February 9th, 2011, 05:31 PM | #27 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Ryan
Location: Sacramento, CA
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2007 EX250 (street), 1994 EX250 (Race), 2008 250R (Race), 2000 250 (project), 1991 EL250 (a cruiser!) Posts: 287
|
How long did it take to ship to you?
|
|
February 9th, 2011, 05:57 PM | #28 |
Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
20 days from order date. It came regular mail.
|
|
February 9th, 2011, 08:53 PM | #29 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Alexandre
Location: Montreal
Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r 09 SE Posts: 172
|
His store on ebay : http://stores.ebay.com/The2Wheels
|
|
February 28th, 2011, 08:23 AM | #30 |
Ninjette CPT
Name: Vince
Location: jacksonville, fl
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Black 08 250r Posts: A lot.
|
got my levers today - ordered on the 31st, arrived on the 25th (expedited shipping is available for another $25 - they will arrive in 7-10 days). at any rate, i can attest that these are I-D-E-N-T-I-C-A-L to those i have handled from shinto. at less than half the price (with shipping!), these are a steal. customer service from the2wheels was great.
highly recc. |
|
February 28th, 2011, 10:31 AM | #31 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Natalie
Location: La Puente, CA
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Special Edition Red/Black Posts: 455
|
Vince, did you opt for the expedited shipping? Mine were shipped on 2/4, but still haven't gotten them. But I used standard shipping.
__________________________________________________
'10 Ninja 250R SE Red/Blk Mods: Projekt D FE, Protons, HB Blk Windscreen, HIDs, TBR Blk Series Slip-On, Shogun Sliders, Solo Cowl, Integrated Tail Light, Gls Blk Rear Fender, Red Accents |
|
February 28th, 2011, 11:41 AM | #32 |
Ninjette CPT
Name: Vince
Location: jacksonville, fl
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Black 08 250r Posts: A lot.
|
nat,
i went with standard shipping. sounds like you got delayed a little due to chinese new year. you'll probably have them this week or next. |
|
February 28th, 2011, 12:05 PM | #33 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Natalie
Location: La Puente, CA
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Special Edition Red/Black Posts: 455
|
Did they give you tracking info? When my husband ordered his, they gave him a tracking number, but they didn't give me one when I ordered mine.
__________________________________________________
'10 Ninja 250R SE Red/Blk Mods: Projekt D FE, Protons, HB Blk Windscreen, HIDs, TBR Blk Series Slip-On, Shogun Sliders, Solo Cowl, Integrated Tail Light, Gls Blk Rear Fender, Red Accents |
|
February 28th, 2011, 12:21 PM | #34 |
Ninjette CPT
Name: Vince
Location: jacksonville, fl
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Black 08 250r Posts: A lot.
|
they didn't send me a "tracking info" email, but it was in the order details when i signed in to ebay.
i would email Bosco Lee (that's the2wheels guy). sales@the2wheels.com when i initially inquired as to the additional cost for express shipping, he responded very quickly. |
|
February 28th, 2011, 12:33 PM | #35 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Natalie
Location: La Puente, CA
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Special Edition Red/Black Posts: 455
|
Thanks Vince.
I checked ebay and no info. I'm thinking they probably didn't have a tracking number at the time due to Chinese new year delay. I emailed them, so hopefully I'll get more info soon.
__________________________________________________
'10 Ninja 250R SE Red/Blk Mods: Projekt D FE, Protons, HB Blk Windscreen, HIDs, TBR Blk Series Slip-On, Shogun Sliders, Solo Cowl, Integrated Tail Light, Gls Blk Rear Fender, Red Accents |
|
February 28th, 2011, 03:23 PM | #36 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Bob
Location: CA
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
EDIT: I just searched a little deeper into the2wheels ebay store, and it looks like they do supply both versions. Although the 250r wasn't in the item's title, it is listed in the description in their fitment chart, and supposedly at checkout you are supposed to specify all the details, etc. Nice find guys! Normally I don't buy out of the country on ebay (to reduce my risk), but might be making an exception here.
__________________________________________________
Honda Interceptor VFR800 DLX (2014, 8th gen) Honda CBR500r (2014) - FOR SALE Kawi Ninja 250r (2008) - Restored and passed-down within family, only to be abandoned |
|
|
February 28th, 2011, 07:01 PM | #37 |
Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
|
|
March 1st, 2011, 09:17 AM | #38 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Natalie
Location: La Puente, CA
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Special Edition Red/Black Posts: 455
|
I have the worst luck with orders from Thailand. Got a response from the seller.
Quote:
__________________________________________________
'10 Ninja 250R SE Red/Blk Mods: Projekt D FE, Protons, HB Blk Windscreen, HIDs, TBR Blk Series Slip-On, Shogun Sliders, Solo Cowl, Integrated Tail Light, Gls Blk Rear Fender, Red Accents |
|
|
March 1st, 2011, 09:22 AM | #39 |
Ninjette CPT
Name: Vince
Location: jacksonville, fl
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Black 08 250r Posts: A lot.
|
crappy
these are from china though |
|
March 1st, 2011, 09:34 AM | #40 | |
Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
The good thing is that, they contacted you to let you know of a problem. |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
eBay Levers install instructions and review | BearZ | 2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Farkles | 26 | November 14th, 2012 07:43 AM |
|
|