Chi-Knee Leva! An in-depth look into knock-offs
11-14-2012 | 06:24 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 423
From: ABE PA
Chi-Knee Leva! An in-depth look into knock-offs
Hey guys figured I'd post these up to give a better idea of what to expect.
I picked these up for a company calling themselves 'Mad Hornets'. Even though they have a stateside phone number and somebody that answers emails in actual english, not engresh LOL...these still shipped from China. But shipping was included in the price of $40.
Ordered on (last) Tuesday night I think, arrived today...so about 8 days...not too bad!
All in all, they are actually pretty nice, at least in my 'never-actually-owned-AVG's-or-pizzos-levers' opinion. They feel surprisingly solid, with minimal wiggle room. The adjusters click nicely and preform as expected.
I picked these up for a company calling themselves 'Mad Hornets'. Even though they have a stateside phone number and somebody that answers emails in actual english, not engresh LOL...these still shipped from China. But shipping was included in the price of $40.
Ordered on (last) Tuesday night I think, arrived today...so about 8 days...not too bad!
All in all, they are actually pretty nice, at least in my 'never-actually-owned-AVG's-or-pizzos-levers' opinion. They feel surprisingly solid, with minimal wiggle room. The adjusters click nicely and preform as expected.
11-14-2012 | 06:30 PM
#2
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 211
From: Hagerstown, MD
This is actually good to know as I have been eyeing them for a while. Im not down with the 100 bucks per lever idea. Let me know how they install and what you think.
I appreciate the time to post pics too.
I appreciate the time to post pics too.
11-14-2012 | 06:36 PM
#4
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 423
From: ABE PA
And here are some pics of them taken apart, cause you know I had to! Me thinky that some shims could tighten up that already, barely-there wiggle (maybe carb needle er whatever shims?)
Anyone else got a pair?
So as you can see, they are actually machined...only thing I doubt is if there actually anodized and not just painted...I suppose time will tell.
Hope this convinces anyone else on the fence that they ain't so bad. As far as I can tell now (still uninstalled) they were worth the money and the wait. I'll post up pics of them installed and how they actually feel in the coming days...(been doin hardcore overtime while its authorized! Cha Ching!!)
Anyone else got a pair?
So as you can see, they are actually machined...only thing I doubt is if there actually anodized and not just painted...I suppose time will tell.
Hope this convinces anyone else on the fence that they ain't so bad. As far as I can tell now (still uninstalled) they were worth the money and the wait. I'll post up pics of them installed and how they actually feel in the coming days...(been doin hardcore overtime while its authorized! Cha Ching!!)
11-14-2012 | 10:55 PM
#6
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 582
From: Santa Fe, New Mexico
And here are some pics of them taken apart, cause you know I had to! Me thinky that some shims could tighten up that already, barely-there wiggle (maybe carb needle er whatever shims?)
Anyone else got a pair?
So as you can see, they are actually machined...only thing I doubt is if there actually anodized and not just painted...I suppose time will tell.
Hope this convinces anyone else on the fence that they ain't so bad. As far as I can tell now (still uninstalled) they were worth the money and the wait. I'll post up pics of them installed and how they actually feel in the coming days...(been doin hardcore overtime while its authorized! Cha Ching!!)
Anyone else got a pair?
So as you can see, they are actually machined...only thing I doubt is if there actually anodized and not just painted...I suppose time will tell.
Hope this convinces anyone else on the fence that they ain't so bad. As far as I can tell now (still uninstalled) they were worth the money and the wait. I'll post up pics of them installed and how they actually feel in the coming days...(been doin hardcore overtime while its authorized! Cha Ching!!)
Last edited by twist; 11-14-2012 at 11:06 PM.
11-14-2012 | 11:59 PM
#7
SportTouring
Superstock
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 274
From: Hawaii
Aloha,
Thanks also for the write-up. I also have been considering these levers. Never purchased international before. Will stay tuned for after install/ride impressions.
Look very good, especially for the price
Thanks also for the write-up. I also have been considering these levers. Never purchased international before. Will stay tuned for after install/ride impressions.
Look very good, especially for the price
11-15-2012 | 02:28 AM
#8
Member
Squid
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 85
From: Canada
I got a pair similar to those a month ago from here:
Adjustable Custom Brake & Clutch Levers - Sport bike Racing Parts-Performance Sportbike Custom Levers,Rear sets,Billet Mirror,Sport bike Accessories
I got the shorty levers, so far they seem to be really nice, no noticeable wiggle so far. Not quite as cheap but at $62 not bad at all for a pair. Easy to adjust, nice feel to them and they look way better than the stock ones. Using two fingers its quite easy to fully lock the brakes or pull the clutch in all the way depending on your adjustment, all in all a good purchase without having to pay the expensive price. Also if eventually they do start to loosen up easy to take apart at fix any wiggle that may occur. If you ever wanted a nice pair of levers nice to know you don't have to shell out for an expensive pair as these will definitely do the trick.
Adjustable Custom Brake & Clutch Levers - Sport bike Racing Parts-Performance Sportbike Custom Levers,Rear sets,Billet Mirror,Sport bike Accessories
I got the shorty levers, so far they seem to be really nice, no noticeable wiggle so far. Not quite as cheap but at $62 not bad at all for a pair. Easy to adjust, nice feel to them and they look way better than the stock ones. Using two fingers its quite easy to fully lock the brakes or pull the clutch in all the way depending on your adjustment, all in all a good purchase without having to pay the expensive price. Also if eventually they do start to loosen up easy to take apart at fix any wiggle that may occur. If you ever wanted a nice pair of levers nice to know you don't have to shell out for an expensive pair as these will definitely do the trick.
11-15-2012 | 04:20 AM
#9
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 423
From: ABE PA
Word Mikael, shorty is the way to go...there really not all that much shorter, but just enough to be shorter than the handlebars so you don't bend them in a crash...
And scpt kirk, mine dont have much wiggle at all, but just enough to justify me playing around with it LOL even thought of drilling out the mounting holes and installing bushings...
The place I got them from was HERE
An holy bat ****, twist! they raised the price!! WTF?? Id email them an say hey another guy on my forum just got em for $5 bucks cheaper, what gives?? Wow...lol
And scpt kirk, mine dont have much wiggle at all, but just enough to justify me playing around with it LOL even thought of drilling out the mounting holes and installing bushings...
The place I got them from was HERE
An holy bat ****, twist! they raised the price!! WTF?? Id email them an say hey another guy on my forum just got em for $5 bucks cheaper, what gives?? Wow...lol
11-15-2012 | 08:20 AM
#10
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 153
From: Alto, N.M.
The one complaint I read about the less expensive knock-offs is about fading after exposure to sunlight. Those with natural, or silver, color don't voice the observation. If the bike is always kept in a garage or under a cover it'd be a rarer complaint I presume.
11-15-2012 | 08:32 AM
#11
Well take off, eh.
SuperBike
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,204
From: QC, Canada
Honda VTR1000F / FIRESTORM 98-00 CNC Shorty Long Racing Brake Clutch Lever Set | eBay
Just to add to this thread if anyone interested. Bought these for my '05 last summer. Solid, good service, 2 min. installation, very nice finish and work great for the price. Also have a nice variety of color combinations if you wish.
I so far have no complaints, they still work good, no wobble and lever adjuster still very solid. I also like the 2/3 fingure configuration, fits more my style.
Just to add to this thread if anyone interested. Bought these for my '05 last summer. Solid, good service, 2 min. installation, very nice finish and work great for the price. Also have a nice variety of color combinations if you wish.
I so far have no complaints, they still work good, no wobble and lever adjuster still very solid. I also like the 2/3 fingure configuration, fits more my style.
11-15-2012 | 03:07 PM
#12
SportTouring
Superstock
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 274
From: Hawaii
Aloha,
Thanks for the input guys. I just ordered a pair of shortys in Black. Under $40 shipped,
couldn't pass it up. Thanks again Bandit400 for the info/pics. Hope it makes it to Hawaii
at close to your time. Will post on receipt of levers also after install(when they come in).
Thanks for the input guys. I just ordered a pair of shortys in Black. Under $40 shipped,
couldn't pass it up. Thanks again Bandit400 for the info/pics. Hope it makes it to Hawaii
at close to your time. Will post on receipt of levers also after install(when they come in).
11-15-2012 | 04:29 PM
#13
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 506
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I have a set of these and a set of pazzos. The only difference is a small washer that takes out a bit of the slop.
The colours were a bit different between the two as well.
I'd bet they are machined in the same factory. I've swapped the levers between them both & all the parts are interchangeable.
The colours were a bit different between the two as well.
I'd bet they are machined in the same factory. I've swapped the levers between them both & all the parts are interchangeable.
11-15-2012 | 04:44 PM
#15
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 423
From: ABE PA
Hey guys...so I stole a handful of tiny washers from work...beleive it or not, they wouldn't fit...not even by being really tight...so I think, unless I got actual shims, it'll be fine as in, like scpt kirk said.
Still didn't install yet...girlyfriend borrowed my screwdriver an now I cant find it...that explains it! LOL
Still didn't install yet...girlyfriend borrowed my screwdriver an now I cant find it...that explains it! LOL
11-15-2012 | 05:07 PM
#16
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,871
From: Phoenix, AZ
Hey guys...so I stole a handful of tiny washers from work...beleive it or not, they wouldn't fit...not even by being really tight...so I think, unless I got actual shims, it'll be fine as in, like scpt kirk said.
Still didn't install yet...girlyfriend borrowed my screwdriver an now I cant find it...that explains it! LOL
Still didn't install yet...girlyfriend borrowed my screwdriver an now I cant find it...that explains it! LOL
11-15-2012 | 07:12 PM
#17
geezer
SuperSport
SuperSport
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 556
From: Honolulu
Got mine for my SF from these guys, traded the "free" grips for free shipping...
Adjustable Custom Brake & Clutch Levers - Sport bike Racing Parts-Performance Sportbike Custom Levers,Rear sets,Billet Mirror,Sport bike Accessories
Adjustable Custom Brake & Clutch Levers - Sport bike Racing Parts-Performance Sportbike Custom Levers,Rear sets,Billet Mirror,Sport bike Accessories
11-16-2012 | 05:30 AM
#18
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 423
From: ABE PA
Hey guys, company got back to me and corrected me on their price. They're still only just under $40 shipped. Heres direct links to their website:
Shorty Levers $40
Regular Length Levers $45
Fully adjustable length, foldable $70
Again, their service is top notch, and communication quick!
And 7more...Yeah I got others but that one was my favorite...could switch out the heads (Phillips/flat) with a nice interchange thing that actually worked...a truly pimpin' screwdriver it was...
LOL
Shorty Levers $40
Regular Length Levers $45
Fully adjustable length, foldable $70
Again, their service is top notch, and communication quick!
And 7more...Yeah I got others but that one was my favorite...could switch out the heads (Phillips/flat) with a nice interchange thing that actually worked...a truly pimpin' screwdriver it was...
LOL
11-16-2012 | 09:30 AM
#19
Remember stock is BAD!
SuperSport
SuperSport
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 760
From: Jacksonville FL
I bought a pair of these levers a while ago, probably 2 years ago. I opted for the shorty model. They have held up well and they look nice.
Adjustable Custom Brake & Clutch Levers - Sport bike Racing Parts-Performance Sportbike Custom Levers,Rear sets,Billet Mirror,Sport bike Accessories
I put up a pic of the levers a while ago, you can find it here.
SuperHawk Forum - divingindaytona's Album: My shawk - Picture
Adjustable Custom Brake & Clutch Levers - Sport bike Racing Parts-Performance Sportbike Custom Levers,Rear sets,Billet Mirror,Sport bike Accessories
I put up a pic of the levers a while ago, you can find it here.
SuperHawk Forum - divingindaytona's Album: My shawk - Picture
11-16-2012 | 10:58 AM
#20
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 423
From: ABE PA
Nice man! and dude you got the same saddle bags I have! There awesome to have, how bout it! And did you ever run into trouble with them breaking the rear plastic mounting tabs? Smokinjoe said something about that when I reviewed mine HERE
But good to hear these lever hold up nicely..
But good to hear these lever hold up nicely..
11-16-2012 | 11:07 AM
#21
geezer
SuperSport
SuperSport
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 556
From: Honolulu
Forgot to mention that the Ride It Moto standard length levers are 17.5 cm, whereas everyone else's standards are 19 cm...perfect for those who want a shorter lever, but don't want to go with shorties...
11-16-2012 | 11:55 AM
#22
Remember stock is BAD!
SuperSport
SuperSport
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 760
From: Jacksonville FL
Nice man! and dude you got the same saddle bags I have! There awesome to have, how bout it! And did you ever run into trouble with them breaking the rear plastic mounting tabs? Smokinjoe said something about that when I reviewed mine HERE
But good to hear these lever hold up nicely..
But good to hear these lever hold up nicely..
It looks like the saddle bags are a little different. When I swapped over to high mount exhaust I took a precaution and put some heat resistant duc tape (intended for HVAC) on the back of the neoprene, flap where your showed burns.
The saddle bags have really faded, but other than that they are super useful. Also I have found out that with saddlebags on, cops look at you differently.
So far no issues with the mounting tabs.
11-18-2012 | 04:59 PM
#23
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 423
From: ABE PA
Pictures as currently mounted:
So after having them mounted, there is a little slop in them. More slop than with the stock levers, too. But not enough to actually affect feel...And I'm at a loss as to how to tighten them up.
But overall, I'm happy with them.
And good to hear, divingindaytona, that you haven't had issues with tab breakage. Nelson rigg makes heat shields for them, but I like your idea of aluminum backed HVAC tape.
So after having them mounted, there is a little slop in them. More slop than with the stock levers, too. But not enough to actually affect feel...And I'm at a loss as to how to tighten them up.
But overall, I'm happy with them.
And good to hear, divingindaytona, that you haven't had issues with tab breakage. Nelson rigg makes heat shields for them, but I like your idea of aluminum backed HVAC tape.
11-19-2012 | 02:14 AM
#24
SportTouring
Superstock
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 274
From: Hawaii
Aloha Bandit, Looks good. Do you notice any interference with the fairings on full lock?
I have helibars and my high lights go on on full right lock. I also have a set of Nelson Riggs saddles I use occasionally. No problems with my low mount slip-ons, especially being carbon fiber. Anxiously awaiting my levers. I will post on my results also.
(By the way, how do you like those barend mirrors? I remember another member who ran similar and was fond of them.)
Ride Well, All....
I have helibars and my high lights go on on full right lock. I also have a set of Nelson Riggs saddles I use occasionally. No problems with my low mount slip-ons, especially being carbon fiber. Anxiously awaiting my levers. I will post on my results also.
(By the way, how do you like those barend mirrors? I remember another member who ran similar and was fond of them.)
Ride Well, All....
11-19-2012 | 07:53 AM
#26
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 423
From: ABE PA
Onomea, no interference issues with the actual lever. But they do unfortunately hit/rub the switch housings on either end...the high/low beam and turnsignal housing on the right, and the start/stop switch housing on the left...but...nothing can really be done except to not turn it so hard...until you go down and it rubs into the housing and chips the paint a little...which happened. but oh well, rather have the risers: their worth the risk
And Jamie, your right, they look and work great. And as matt365 said on here earlier the pazzo (expensive ones) and the cheapys even interchange parts...whats that tell ya? LOL huge mark up for a name...
And Jamie, your right, they look and work great. And as matt365 said on here earlier the pazzo (expensive ones) and the cheapys even interchange parts...whats that tell ya? LOL huge mark up for a name...
11-19-2012 | 09:58 AM
#27
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 160
From: Farnorcal
I recently bought a set of these and im fighting trying to get the slack out of the brake lever side. I have to have the lever adjusted to "6" or max throw for it to work. Ive flushed my fluid and bled the brakes too.
If I pump the brake it firms up a little bit.
Is there a trick to bleeding these brakes or actually can you bleed these brakes without using the vacuum way?
I remember reading somewhere where you push the fluid from the bottom up?
Is that really necessary?
Just wanted to add that I have big hands so the levers work but with my long fingers id like the brakes to be firmer quicker.
If I pump the brake it firms up a little bit.
Is there a trick to bleeding these brakes or actually can you bleed these brakes without using the vacuum way?
I remember reading somewhere where you push the fluid from the bottom up?
Is that really necessary?
Just wanted to add that I have big hands so the levers work but with my long fingers id like the brakes to be firmer quicker.
Last edited by jeephawk; 11-19-2012 at 10:00 AM.
11-19-2012 | 03:08 PM
#29
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,167
Hey guys, company got back to me and corrected me on their price. They're still only just under $40 shipped. Heres direct links to their website:
Shorty Levers $40
Regular Length Levers $45
Fully adjustable length, foldable $70
Again, their service is top notch, and communication quick!
And 7more...Yeah I got others but that one was my favorite...could switch out the heads (Phillips/flat) with a nice interchange thing that actually worked...a truly pimpin' screwdriver it was... LOL
Shorty Levers $40
Regular Length Levers $45
Fully adjustable length, foldable $70
Again, their service is top notch, and communication quick!
And 7more...Yeah I got others but that one was my favorite...could switch out the heads (Phillips/flat) with a nice interchange thing that actually worked...a truly pimpin' screwdriver it was...
LOLI really like the foldable / adjustable length levers because the length sliders dovetail unlike the below units I was looking at. problem is I have a RC51 PP2 brake MC and would have to check if they'd split an order. I'm also looking for a suitable used radial MC...
HQ Clutch Brake Levers Hand Grips Pack for Honda VTR 1000 F 98 02 03 04 05 XRB | eBay
11-19-2012 | 03:19 PM
#30
Out of my mind, back in 5
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 6,109
From: Skurup, Sweden
I have the foldable & adjustable one's... Very happy with them...
I'd suggest getting a radial MC from a CBR 1000RR 04-07... Then you can just order the set for that bike, since the clutch is the same as the VTR's...
I'd suggest getting a radial MC from a CBR 1000RR 04-07... Then you can just order the set for that bike, since the clutch is the same as the VTR's...
