Gearlever on a VB600

[MarkO]

Supplementary question if I may. The gearlever actuating point - the end rubber - seems far too close to the footrest. I have fiddled about with the spline position and the footrest but cannot extend the distance by any meaningful amount. It means I am clumsily moving my foot and hooking my toe under it when changing into first from standstill or when changing down from top. I don't have big feet either! Is this normal? Compared with other bikes, the distance does seem far shorter.

[Roger Gwynn]

Depends on the year of the bike, type of gearbox and which gear lever you have, they vary by up to 4". On some machines the only recourse is to move the lever round a notch.

[MarkO]

Roger

The distance of the axial c/l of the footpeg to the axial c/l of the gearlever rubber is about 5 inches. Too short for a comfortable tap on/under the lever I feel and far shorter than my other bikes. I have moved the lever round the spline a little, fiddled with the footpeg and now have another 2/3 inch. I wonder if there is anything else I could do to increase the distance......

[SteveShone]

How about welding a section into it? If its ali then its only a question of reshaping and polishing the section to match - my tig wont do ali welding but Im fortunate in having a fabrication place nearby and its the sort of thing hed do for the price of a beer or two. He did an excellent job on an AMC lever for me which had been butchered.
If its steel its easier to weld but thered be a chrome plater involved - unless a lick of paint/powder coat is acceptable.

Steve

[will_curry]

A picture or two might give an idea if there are any rogue parts in place.

If anything, the distance from gearchange toe piece to footrest on my 1949
single is too far.

[bevanclark]

Here's mine for reference.

[MarkO]

Bevan

That looks familiar! I have adjusted things slightly and it seems better, but not tried it on the road just yet.

[nevhunter]

If you want to ride in stiff boots, you might need one as long as the W/NG is. Nev

[jj.palmer]

I had a similar problem on my KH500 some years ago, solved it by fitting an extension piece, see attached.

Joihn P.

[jj.palmer]

Amendment to my previous attachment.

John P.