I just got my first bike ever, a red 2007 Honda CBR 125 for my birthday a month ago So far, so good -- they're really pretty fast when pushed.

I managed to drop it in a large gust of wind in a parking lot two days ago and know it's really easy to fix the turn signal lamp which is cracked but have been reading in the archives that it's also easy to replace the brake lever (which got bent). Is it really as easy as removing the bolt and nut for the old one and putting on a new one? (no cabling or anything?)

I already successfully replaced the battery by myself in the dark with a large flashlight -- how hard can this be? Thanks for your input.

Sofia
<whose novice status shows most at very low speeds >

 

Welcome to the forum and riding Sofia!

Those little mishaps tend to happen to new riders, your lucky it wasn't worse. Just consider it a learning experience...

Yes, the brake lever is that easy to replace. Just make sure that it moves like it's supposed and doesn't hang up before you ride it. 99% of new levers go on without a hitch, but that 1% can really mess up your day. You sound a little mechanically inclined, so I have faith that you can do it. Good luck and enjoy the time you spend here and on your bike!

Demon

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

Welcome to CBRF Sofia!

Getting a bike on your birthday must have been great. Congrats!

Sorry you had the little mishap. Sounds like easy repairs. B/f you replace that lever, if its not bent too far, you might be able to bend it back using a mallet & a block of wood.

Have you taken the MSF course? Motorcycle Safety Foundation

 

Thanks for the encouragement!

I just completed the fix and it was way too easy. Just removed the nut and bolt, took off the lever and then straightened it gently by wrapping the lever in box cardboard and hammering it bit by bit flat. Placed it back on and put the bolt back on.

BTW, for anyone concerned, it wasn't terribly off kilter to start with and this is supposedly it's first drop on the right side according to the old owner and the drop occurred at an almost standstill. (I had one previous drop onto the left side with similar consequence for the left front signal lamp moving too slowly from the driveway to the road... Let's hope that's now it!)

...and yes, I've taken the Canadian equivalent of the Motorcycle Safety Course at Humber College in Toronto. Great instructors! <We have 'graduated licensing' and you can move from your M1 (passed written test and may ride) to your M2 (passed written and first road test) by successfully passing the road test on day 2 of their two full day course. I took the course last Labour Day with a fever of no less than 102'F each day <lol> and passed.>

Now after I sheepishly go to get the new casing for the signal lamp, I should be able to pretend I'm confident again

Thanks for the support

Sofia

 

Got any pics of your new toy?

 

Doesn't the CBR match the 2003 Matrix XRS nicely? <lol>

 

Do you have to keep those front signals to be legal? Flush mounts look cleaner and are way cheaper than replacing those.

 

Funny you should mention that I did watch a video on how to modify them to flush-mount and it didn't look too daunting. I'm not sure about legalities up here of modifications -- haven't looked into it yet. However, I'm leery of making any changes that will potentially make my intentions less visible to traffic. I live right in the heart of the City of Toronto and my riding is mostly on city streets in the thick of downtown traffic.

I would, however, be interested to learn about what's 'easy' to modify and what common kinds of upkeep and repairs I could learn to do by myself. I've always liked getting my hands dirty and 'figuring things out'

Thanks for the suggestion. Maybe I'll go hunt down the video and take another look at the 'after' picture

Sofia

 

You'll def feel a sense of accomplishment when you do your own maintenance, repairs, & modifications. If you can turn a wrench, you can do much of your own work on the bike. Sounds like you have the right attitude! That, in & of itself, is a great motivator. :-)

And, yes, your bike matches the car very nicely. ;-)