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Synto Levers: Customer Comments

Synto Customers.. I've installed a few sets of Synto levers on various BMWs and one Ducati and generally it's an easy 15 minute install.. Especially on bikes like the K1200S, K1300S, K1200RS, etc... However.. on other bikes such as the K1200GT and K1300GT.. the process is a little more involved. That's why I've posted the following. Hopefully it'll give GT owners a little insight into installing them with as little brain drain as possible.. Pirate

The Synto levers arrived a few minutes ago. You may want to let Synto know that the instructions provided don't apply to the GT. The procedure is very different than on a K1200S. It doesn't matter to me because I know what to do, but someone else might think they have the wrong instructions or parts. I think Synto knows this, but if they provided detailed instructions for the GT it would probably deter people from buying them. It's pretty involved. Most of the controls need to be removed (bar ends, grips, switchgear), and removal of the piston adjustment screw from the stock lever can chew the screw up if a torch is not used to soften up the thread locking compound used on them. I'm guessing this level of involvement is why there aren't very many suppliers of levers for the GT.

It was not an easy installation. The clutch lever microswitch has to be adjusted or the bike will always think the clutch is pulled in (meaning no cruise control). It's buried inside the housing and the adjustment is very touchy, requiring a very slight bend in the switch mounting screw after it is tightened. We're talking maybe .25mm. And the right side requires the removal of both throttle cables. There is enough slack in the grip heating wires to allow both grips to be slid out about 1-2 inches, allowing the install without total removal of the grips and wiring. For anyone not mechanically inclined, this is an installation best left to a shop. And the shop will need to be told about the clutch microswitch or they'll likely overlook it. The good news is that it's done and the levers work beautifully. The left lever no longer contacts the Aerogard when turned fully to the right. Both levers are now much closer to the grips (the reason for them in the first place) and they look fantastic. Click here for a look. The amount of adjustability is far superior to the stock levers. Feel free to use the images in any way you like. Thanks for everything.
Robert Day / Los Angeles, CA / 2008 K1200GT