Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: ZG on November 13, 2011, 09:13:16 PM

Title: Pazzo levers
Post by: ZG on November 13, 2011, 09:13:16 PM
I'm looking at getting some Pazzo levers. They offer these in both standard or folding, I understand the benefit of the folding option if you ever go down, are there any downsides to the folding option vs standard??  :-\
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on November 13, 2011, 09:25:00 PM
I am shopping for some shorty levers, you found them for any less than $179?

I don't know why there would be any drawbacks to the folding levers, besides having a little additional weight and complexity.
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: Jaxter on November 13, 2011, 10:17:29 PM
What advantages are there to the Pazzo levers over the stock levers?
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: ZG on November 13, 2011, 10:26:02 PM
What advantages are there to the Pazzo levers over the stock levers?

No Jax, my question is between the folding Pazzo and the non-folding Pazzo.
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: Joncon11 on November 14, 2011, 03:17:00 AM
I'm looking at getting some Pazzo levers. They offer these in both standard or folding, I understand the benefit of the folding option if you ever go down, are there any downsides to the folding option vs standard??  :-\

Good morning, I can't answer your question, but I can show you a quality billet replacement lever thats less expensive than the Pazzos,
http://www.rideitmoto.com/products.php?id=9 (http://www.rideitmoto.com/products.php?id=9)
I have these on my Ducati and may get them for my Concours also. I have the short brake lever, and the standard clutch lever
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: rcannon409 on November 14, 2011, 06:11:37 AM
I have a set of the regular Pazzo levers on my sv and I think I would try the folding models. The folding lever looks smoother and more natural shape.

Advantages to these over stock?  Its tough to come up with anything meaningful, really.  Adjustments are fairly similar.  But the feel difference is huge. I would describe it as being like benign an expensive lock set for the front door of  a house.  The 10.00 dollar lock might work as well, but lacks the feel of the 200.00 lock.
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: jonathan on November 14, 2011, 10:05:16 AM
I bought some $40 dollar knock-offs off ebay and I prefer the feel of them compared to the stock levers.
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: KLRrider on November 14, 2011, 10:19:26 AM
I don’t think I have ever posted on this site but I visit it often and have learned a great deal.  I purchased Pazzo levers for my ’09 C14 in Sept and soon after completed a 1200 mile ride.  I was frankly surprised at the difference the levers made.  I had not expected much difference between the “feel” of the stock levers and the pazzos.  I was really just looking for a more custom look.  I was actually quite surprised at the improved feel and feedback offered by both levers, but especially the clutch lever.  The increase in “feel” and feedback improved clutch engagement and shifting.  I struggle to account for how these levers could be so different from the stock levers.  Certainly there is nothing wrong with the stock levers.  My theory is that because of finer machining, more rigid structure and tighter clearances the pazzo levers do not push away vertically from my fingers the way the stock levers do.  The lever only moves back along the vertical plane directly transferring finger rolling/curling action into a strictly lateral movement.  The pazzos don’t “wiggle” up and down in their mount, even in the slightest, the way the stock levers can.  That probably doesn’t make much sense, but whatever the difference I am quite satisfied with the result.  Purely as an aesthetic purchase they are probably worth the $200.  They are amazingly well made and finely machined.   But the improved feel and feedback took me completely by surprise.  I honestly didn’t think the functioning of the stock levers could be improved upon to any appreciable degree. 

You should note that the long levers are a ½ inch shorter than the stock levers.  I debated with myself for a long time on whether to purchase the short or long levers.  I am glad I got the long levers.  The short would seem very short to me.  That’s probably just a personal choice.  I wear mostly size XL gloves and only two or three fingers fit on the long pazzo front brake lever, which is what I was after.  It seems that the shorty lever might have been more like a brake trigger rather than a lever.   
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: KLRrider on November 14, 2011, 10:34:23 AM
Other than a possible change in shape, what would be the advantage of the folding over the regular levers? 
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: wally_games on November 14, 2011, 11:19:38 AM
Good morning, I can't answer your question, but I can show you a quality billet replacement lever thats less expensive than the Pazzos,
http://www.rideitmoto.com/products.php?id=9 (http://www.rideitmoto.com/products.php?id=9)
I have these on my Ducati and may get them for my Concours also. I have the short brake lever, and the standard clutch lever

I've got several friends with the Chinese knock-offs. I don't find them to be a solid as the real Pazzo levers.

But personally, I'd rather spend the $200 on a new windshield that will make a difference in my riding comfort/experience, rather than on something that is almost purely asthetic. But that's just me.
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: oldnslo on November 14, 2011, 12:18:27 PM
I don’t think I have ever posted on this site but I visit it often and have learned a great deal.  I purchased Pazzo levers for my ’09 C14 in Sept and soon after completed a 1200 mile ride.  I was frankly surprised at the difference the levers made.  I had not expected much difference between the “feel” of the stock levers and the pazzos.  I was really just looking for a more custom look.  I was actually quite surprised at the improved feel and feedback offered by both levers, but especially the clutch lever.  The increase in “feel” and feedback improved clutch engagement and shifting.  I struggle to account for how these levers could be so different from the stock levers.  Certainly there is nothing wrong with the stock levers.  My theory is that because of finer machining, more rigid structure and tighter clearances the pazzo levers do not push away vertically from my fingers the way the stock levers do.  The lever only moves back along the vertical plane directly transferring finger rolling/curling action into a strictly lateral movement.  The pazzos don’t “wiggle” up and down in their mount, even in the slightest, the way the stock levers can.  That probably doesn’t make much sense, but whatever the difference I am quite satisfied with the result.  Purely as an aesthetic purchase they are probably worth the $200.  They are amazingly well made and finely machined.   But the improved feel and feedback took me completely by surprise.  I honestly didn’t think the functioning of the stock levers could be improved upon to any appreciable degree. 

You should note that the long levers are a ½ inch shorter than the stock levers.  I debated with myself for a long time on whether to purchase the short or long levers.  I am glad I got the long levers.  The short would seem very short to me.  That’s probably just a personal choice.  I wear mostly size XL gloves and only two or three fingers fit on the long pazzo front brake lever, which is what I was after.  It seems that the shorty lever might have been more like a brake trigger rather than a lever.
ditto!!!!
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: ZG on November 14, 2011, 02:11:14 PM
Other than a possible change in shape, what would be the advantage of the folding over the regular levers?

They fold up instead of snapping off if your bike goes down.
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: ZG on November 14, 2011, 02:12:29 PM
But personally, I'd rather spend the $200 on a new windshield that will make a difference in my riding comfort/experience, rather than on something that is almost purely asthetic. But that's just me.

I already bought a shield WG...  ;)
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: stevewfl on November 14, 2011, 03:47:36 PM
Pazzo levers are not just for looks, if you've ever used real roller-bearing precision levers you'd know this.

Chinese junk is for those who are ok with "2nd best" things

The Pazzo levers are made so if you go down on the bike they will snap off on the end but you can still ride.

I always liked the shorties best on my bikes, although I've had the long clutch/shortie brake configuration on a couple of bikes

The C14 is the only bike I've had without Pazzo's being installed at the same time as clip-ons, custom rearsets, exhausts, steel brake lines, etc. But its also the only bike I've used for sport-touring instead of performance.

Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: gPink on November 14, 2011, 04:21:09 PM
I gained almost 1/2" closer to the grip on the brake side with the Pazzo. It will lock the brake before it bottoms against the bar. The clutch is almost a flea flicker with the smooth action of the premium lever. When I switched them out I did clean a bit of greasy dirt from the components. I think if any one is one the fence about the Pazzo's they would find a great benefit in cleaning and lubeing the existing components.
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: latinmercy on November 14, 2011, 08:45:27 PM
I have slider & folding levers from rideitmoto.com. they hold up well.
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: ZG on November 14, 2011, 09:32:33 PM
Pazzo levers are not just for looks, if you've ever used real roller-bearing precision levers you'd know this.

Chinese junk is for those who are ok with "2nd best" things


 :goodpost:  +1...
 
I had Pazzo's on my VFR and 4 Gixxers, loved em on all.  :thumbs:
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: ljcorby on November 15, 2011, 06:06:37 AM
I have the Pazzo's on my 2010 and love them.  :-)
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: ZG on November 15, 2011, 02:23:59 PM
I just ordered up a set today, I went with the standard length with the folding option, black/black...  8)
 
I'll post up some pics when they arrive, hopefully by the end of the week.  :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: The Pope on November 16, 2011, 03:55:28 AM
 :popcorn:
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: ZG on November 17, 2011, 03:00:29 PM
Wow, that was fast! Ordered them Tuesday, they arrived today, 2 days later!!  :o
 
Here's some pics, I went with the standard length in the folding option with black adjustment levers...  8)   :thumbs:
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG00669-20111117-1330.jpg)
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG00670-20111117-1333.jpg)
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG00673-20111117-1335.jpg)
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG00671-20111117-1334.jpg)
 
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: VirginiaJim on November 17, 2011, 03:12:26 PM
Of course the levers would be black, ZG.  Now all we need are the steps and photographs to take off the old levers and install the new ones.  A ride report afterwards would be nice.
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: wally_games on November 17, 2011, 03:34:12 PM
Funny that they're folding levers but still have the break-away notch in them.  :o
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: ZG on November 17, 2011, 03:37:33 PM
Funny that they're folding levers but still have the break-away notch in them.  :o

Ya, I thought the same thing WG...
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: ZG on November 17, 2011, 03:38:19 PM
Of course the levers would be black, ZG.  Now all we need are the steps and photographs to take off the old levers and install the new ones.  A ride report afterwards would be nice.

Will do Jim!  :chugbeer:
 
Now if it would only stop raining here in the PNW...  :(
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: wally_games on November 17, 2011, 03:41:56 PM

Will do Jim!  :chugbeer:
 
Now if it would only stop raining here in the PNW...  :(

I thought it always rained in the PNW. Could come here. I've had rain at my house three times since last April. Of course, it was 105+ for a gajillion days this summer.
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: Pokey on November 17, 2011, 04:30:31 PM
Them are purty!!!!!
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: ZG on November 17, 2011, 07:58:08 PM
Could come here. I've had rain at my house three times since last April. Of course, it was 105+ for a gajillion days this summer.

From what I've read from others WG my 09 get's too hot to ride in any temps over the PNW average of 55 to 60 degrees...  ::) ;D :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: Jaxter on November 17, 2011, 08:45:32 PM
where is the best price available?
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: ZG on November 17, 2011, 08:52:34 PM
where is the best price available?

Hey Jax, I know you're local to me, I ordered mine though Hillsboro Motosport because I get a discount on anything through them...
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: ninjawarrior1400 on November 18, 2011, 08:16:24 AM
The Best always costs a little bit more...get Pazzo and never look back!!

Ninja
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: Sea Level on November 18, 2011, 10:10:52 AM
i

.... is for those who are ok with "2nd best" things

I thought this describes all of us. Otherwise, we'd be on BMW's.   :D
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: gPink on November 18, 2011, 01:41:36 PM
I thought this describes all of us. Otherwise, we'd be on BMW's.   :D
Not all. BMW lost me years ago.
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: ZG on November 21, 2011, 06:28:51 PM
Installed!  8)
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG00686-20111119-1424.jpg)
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG00684-20111119-1423.jpg)
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG00683-20111119-1422.jpg)
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG00682-20111119-1422.jpg)
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG00681-20111119-1422.jpg)
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG00680-20111119-1422.jpg)
 
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: timbo on November 21, 2011, 06:50:39 PM
Jay, are the difficult to change out?
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: ZG on November 21, 2011, 06:51:46 PM
Jay, are the difficult to change out?

Less than a half hour Tim.  :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: wally_games on November 21, 2011, 08:26:10 PM
And how do they feel as compared to the OEM?
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: Cheesecake on November 21, 2011, 08:38:46 PM
I have the shorties on mine, they are awesome. Shorties because I keep two fingers on the levers a lot, while the other two fingers hold the grip. Keeping two fingers on the brake lever is an advanced control technique used by us advanced riders that read the books about rider skills and take classes from super duper riders. Course if you have stubby members or you happen to be a girlie man lacking finger muscles, definitely get the longest levers you can find.
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: ZG on November 21, 2011, 09:13:20 PM
And how do they feel as compared to the OEM?

Great feel to them WG, I like em!  :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: stevewfl on November 21, 2011, 10:25:36 PM
Nice!!!
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: VirginiaJim on November 22, 2011, 04:10:56 AM
Thank you, ZG!  :goodpost:   Any hints or tips on the installation?
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: ZG on November 22, 2011, 09:22:02 AM
Thank you, ZG!  :goodpost:   Any hints or tips on the installation?

Pretty straight forward Jim, make sure to apply a dab of grease to the hole as they list on the install instructions.
( :-[ , ok that sounded bad...)
Title: Re: Pazzo levers
Post by: VirginiaJim on November 22, 2011, 10:21:26 AM
Yes, indeed.