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Dual Hydraulic Brake Levers

CEHansen

Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2022
Messages
20
The topic has been discussed on other posts but I thought someone might be interested in seeing it actually done. I lost my right leg in the Vietnam war. For me to operate the rear brake I have to take my foot off the peg and actuate the pedal using the heel of my prosthetic foot. Awkward but doable. I’ve been riding sport bikes since the mid-seventies. I’ve even done track days riding this way. But now I’m older and would like to add a little more finesse particularly with low speed maneuvers. So I have added a left hand brake lever. Here’s how it’s done;
First order of business is to get one of theseD02153DB-022E-4DE4-B80F-F7F99E35E058.jpeg
This gadget goes in the reservoir port of the rear master cylinder and will turn it into a sub-master and allow you to keep and use the pedal. It’s threaded for a 10mm banjo bolt for the hydraulic line from the new lever. It looks like this installed.F95D4D39-42EE-41C1-97CD-26B957EB2604.jpeg
It takes a 50 inch brake line to get from here to the new left hand lever.
D3A3EC98-69DC-4AEE-8EFF-22B39FFE5BC7.jpeg
Works perfectly but takes a little getting used to. Having a lever there I naturally want to put two fingers on it so when shifting old muscle memories want to come back. But at slow speeds it’s everything I’d hoped for.
Hope you like it.
 

aiad_78

Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2021
Messages
53
I do like it! Great work

Is there any chance you can provide a parts list, please?

Also, reservoir changes? Looks like they are held by an aluminum bracket and not free floating.

As a left handed (and altitude restricted rider) I tend to put my right foot down and always felt it would be nice have that rear brake to hand. This is a mod I'm giving consideration to.
 

SneakyDingo

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 6, 2021
Messages
1,561
That's one of the coolest mods I've seen. If you get the chance, definitely add more details to the build process so anyone in the future can look at it and repeat it themselves if needed.
 

CEHansen

Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2022
Messages
20
Details regarding this modification will depend on the specific components you choose but I can offer some helpful tips.
1. The Adapter (Gadget): If you intend to retain your brake pedal this is the only safe method. Otherwise you can can also pipe directly between the lever and rear caliper and jettison the pedal entirely. I bought my adapter from a site called The Sic Shop but there are other sites that cater to stunt/trick riders. Not cheap. $60.
2. Levers: I purchased and returned three sets of levers from Amazon before settling on these. They’re manufactured by a company called Adelin. Very high quality clones of the Brembo/Magura radial style levers. Also on Amazon from a company called TC. The model is PX-1. A better choice for this bike would be the Adelin PX-6 but they’re impossible to find in the US. Ironically now that the project is completed the Adelin factory in China has offered to sell me a set direct. Otherwise Amazon sells a variety of cheaper products that could work.
3. Brake Light Switches: Radial styles levers don’t include any provision for the brake light so I have opted for pressure switches in the banjo bolts. They work great and no adjustments are required ever.
4. Banjo Bolts: Careful, 10mm banjo bolts come in two thread pitches and both are used on your bike although I have forgot exactly where. If a bolt won’t thread in using fingers it’s not the right one.
5. Fittings: The specific fittings needed will depend on your application. You can find banjo fittings that point in all possible directions in all possible finishes. J&P Cycle is an excellent source for this.
6. Brake Lines: Don’t try any form of build it yourself brake line. As I said 50 inches is a perfect length to the master (now sub-master) cylinder. Of course it would need to be longer to reach the caliper if that’s where you’re going. Again, J&P Cycle was my choice for this.
7. Wiring and Leftover Components: For this project I have not cut any existing wires and I have boxed and saved every part that was removed. I could easily put it back in stock configuration if I need to. There may be a next owner that might not want this mod.
Hope this helps.
 

aiad_78

Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2021
Messages
53
'Details regarding this modification will depend on the specific components you choose but I can offer some helpful tips'.

Your build works! Why would anyone do anything different? Please can you be more specific about the components you used?

1) I searched the Sic Shop and I can't find that adapter.... Do you have a link?

2) Is this one of the lever sets you tried? -


3 + 4) Pressure switches on the banjo bolts.... 10mm? Is this the same component referred to in 3 and 4?

5) Surely this would be the same for any Honda Trail CT125? Which ones did you use?

6) a 50 inch brake line is needed. Check.
7) I do this too.

I'm going to do this mod, I like it, but I don't think I can work this out easily.
 

CEHansen

Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2022
Messages
20
'Details regarding this modification will depend on the specific components you choose but I can offer some helpful tips'.

Your build works! Why would anyone do anything different? Please can you be more specific about the components you used?

1) I searched the Sic Shop and I can't find that adapter.... Do you have a link?
Sorry not skilled at adding links from my phone. They’re there. They are described as “tap-in fittings”. You would need the teardrop style and select Honda brand.
I did not see/try those. The basic requirements are there correct but I can’t be responsible for saying those will work for you. I do notice that they include brake light switches which would eliminate the need for pressure switches.

For me, I would have preferred axial style levers if I could have found a set of sufficient quality and fit. Easy to install and stock in appearance.
3 + 4) Pressure switches on the banjo bolts.... 10mm? Is this the same component referred to in 3 and 4?
Both pressure switches I purchased were from Amazon. Sold by vendor NICECNC and in stainless. 10mm X 1.25 pitch.

5) Surely this would be the same for any Honda Trail CT125? Which ones did you use?

6) a 50 inch brake line is needed. Check.
7) I do this too.

I'm going to do this mod, I like it, but I don't think I can work this out easily.
 

CEHansen

Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2022
Messages
20
Hey aiad_78
I just took a little more time to revisit those levers you picked out on Amazon. They’re pretty cool. Axial pistons which would make the install a no brainer but BE ADVISED; There is no provision for mounting the mirror stems and the diameter and stroke of the piston has not been specified. We have no idea how far the lever must travel to fully lock the brake. Rule of thumb; Your stock Nisan lever is marked 1/2 (12.5 mm) so it would need to be that diameter or greater.
Again, hope this helps.
 

aiad_78

Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2021
Messages
53
CEHansen,

Sorry for not responding sooner. Been busy working and all that but have dedicated a few hours to the bike and found better levers I believe. As you pointed out, there was no provision for mirror stems so am considering these instead -


You are a lot more technical than I am so yes, it helps very much and is appreciated. Many thanks! I've got a lot of bike to work do still.
 

CEHansen

Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2022
Messages
20
These levers do not mention whether or not they include brake light switches. I would assume not. Therefore you would need banjo bolts that include pressure switches to active the lights.
Also not mentioned is the thread pitch for the banjo bolts. It will either be 10mmx1.00 or 10mmx1.25. Either way they must match exactly.
The banjo fitting is available pointing in a variety of directions and angles. That said they would probably be the last components you select to complete your kit for the cleanest installation.
You appear rely on Amazon as a source for components. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of their generous return policy. I sent back two sets of levers before settling on the ones I’m using.
I will try and post an Amazon link to a set of levers that were a strong second choice for me. I liked them because they looked exactly like the stock ones including switches and mirror stem provisions.
Stay tuned.
 

aiad_78

Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2021
Messages
53
Lmao, The generous return policy is the one and only reason I rely on Amazon!!! Well picked up on, Kudos.

The levers I sent do have (at least from the pictures not the description) switches. See attached -

Many thanks.

Edited, Our favorite online retailer also has the brake line, if it's correct

 

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CEHansen

Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2022
Messages
20
These were a strong second choice for me in that they appear to be near clones for the stock Honda lever. Can’t guarantee that they will work but they had all the right features.

Left + Right 8mm Brake Master Cylinder Lever Mirror Hole for GY6 50cc 125cc 150cc 250cc Scooter Moped
https://a.co/d/9k7ddvr
 
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