Just got a new set of levers from Mad Scientist Moto, just wanted to mention them as the price is sweet at $60 and I'm very happy with them! MSM is a small shop down in CT, racer owned. Got my levers in 2 days and had them on in 10 minutes. Finally clutching with two fingers! I'll get some pics up when it's light out but you can check them out on their website.
No affiliation with them, just love finding local kit and the price is pretty great, thought I'd pass it along.
Plus they come in nice soft little bags (hell yes), and you can pick the lever color/length and adjuster color, so easy to customize!
I know they're made in CT, maybe the aluminum is from China but don't really care, lots of folks on NESR race/track with them and I've heard nothing but good things. For an affordable lever with a local company that stands behind their name I'm happy I got them. Plus cheap enough to have a set of spares for track days and whatnot.
I believe he's in the process of prototyping a new folding lever with a bunch of "features", nice knowing there's a person behind the product:
Levers are a very tricky thing. Most people go with a known, reputable brand like FP, ASV, Pazzo, or CRG, because the cheap levers have been known to lock up the front brakes at very inconvenient times, like going down the front straight at 160mph.
I'm sure they are worth every penny and when I get to that level will surely be getting top shelf stuff. These aren't at that level. I'm new to the track and trying to keep a bit of a budget so my wife doesn't kill me in my sleep. But the MSM levers have definitely been track tested by a lot of local racers/track guys and for the price point they do seem to be well liked. I'm guessing there are others on here that also ride and track on a budget so maybe it'll be worth having these on the radar... maybe not. If they get me killed I'll be sure to post pics though.
Just thought I'd add a few thoughts here. You all make a very valid point about cheap levers - braking is a pretty important system lol
I found this thread mentioning some of the concerns about cheap (Chinese) levers.
After some digging around NESR forums it looks like he does source materials from China and assembles here in US.
There are probably a dozen NESR members who swear by them, whatever materials he's using I don't think they are shitty "cast" aluminum, no reports of breaking and a few reports of crashes/tangles where they held their own, so that gives me a bit of confidence.
Regarding the pivot bushing, you reuse the OEM bushing.
There is a brass (I think) seat for the master cylinder pin that lines up perfectly on my bike.
I wouldn't say this rules out the top three dangers from that thread, but it does address them enough to make me feel comfortable using these on the street and maybe a track day or two. Thinking next spring I might invest in some top shelf levers and keep these as a spare, but then again maybe I'll just keep them if they continue to impress.
So I would probably say that if you're considering a cheap lever option, don't go eBay - these are at the very least vetted and tested on the track and purpose built for each bike. BUT if you can manage to spend the money listen to these other guys and go for some quality brand name levers or OEM.
Personally the OEM levers were driving me nuts and I'm forcing myself to learn 2 finger clutch, I can finally do it with these on the bike and love the easy adjusters.
Looks like Chinese levers with his branding on it. At the prices he's asking, there is no way in hell I would buy them over CRG, ASV, FP, etc. Those guys have been in it for a long time and are reputable, while he's a nobody asking a pretty penny.
Haha yep, basically identical, with the exception of the breakoff cut.
Personally I would still gladly pay the $60 again over eBay China. Shipping was 2 days. He would replace/refund them if needed, no haggling with someone overseas that speaks broken English. His source has been used/tested on a lot of bikes. He checks every lever that comes through. I see it as getting an affordable lever and paying for the convenience and peace of mind of having them pass through the hands of an experienced rider/racer who has vetted their source. For all I know those eBay ones are the throwaways from the mill lol
6061-T6 aluminum is the same material used in CRG's, also CNC milled.
Definitely not arguing these are CRG/Pazzo quality, but I gave them a shot and I'm happy I did. Having inspected closely the bushing, M/C push pin assembly, and knowing there are a lot of people using these on the track and street I'm fairly confident in them.
Just sharing my experience with them and why I chose MSM. I also always try to buy from & support local/small businesses so I'm happy to be doing that. That's the only thing that turned me on to them to begin with. I like dealing with actual people.
Maybe next year I'll pony up the cash for some fancy schmansy levers, once I'm at a point where I'm familiar with the bike, what it needs, and where to start spending the big bucks. Maybe MSM will have their super prototype levers on the market then.
Shit,I'm glad after all these years of riding and racking up miles that I prefer OEM levers.
Im sure Im the minority here,most everyone I see has aftermarket levers of some sort on their bikes.
I've ridden friends bikes that have adjustable CRG's,etc and I can't get comfy even after playing with adjustments.
Mine are staying stock:dissapointed
Haha, well I've never had an issue with OEM levers but these are making it a lot easier to two finger clutch! Never been able to do that comfortably.
Think everyone wants to put their own personal touch on their bike too - levers are an easy place to start. I don't like the looks of the OEM levers much on the gixx.
Usually when it comes to mechanical stuff I stick with OEM.. especially if it's inside the motor :lol:
Shit,I'm glad after all these years of riding and racking up miles that I prefer OEM levers.
Im sure Im the minority here,most everyone I see has aftermarket levers of some sort on their bikes.
I've ridden friends bikes that have adjustable CRG's,etc and I can't get comfy even after playing with adjustments.
Mine are staying stock:dissapointed
You get what you pay for! Corey at MotoMummy don't sell junk for a reason. I seen some people buy some eBay levers bc they want to be cheap and get something for nothing. Stick with reputable brands and you will be pleased. I personally have always used FP and loved them. Pazzo are nice too. Both have a good feel to them.
They're still working great, I'll upgrade eventually but not disappointed with the purchase at all. High quality aftermarket levers are expensive and I'm putting the cash elsewhere for now!
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