Is there anything special that I need to know before replacing these? Do I need to unhook the clutch cable or brake cable or anything? Thanks for the info.

 

I'll follow this too. I'm getting to replace mine this week. I know about the "cardboard insert" behind the brake lever to protect the brake light switch.

 

Please, someone that has done this post with pictures. I have a set to install also and took a quick look and thought it said to drain the brake fluid. is it possible to do w/o draining?

 

Yes, do this! I used a piece of popcicle stick to hold back the brake switch.

 

Damn that chinzy brake light switch... broke it within hours of bringing my bike home the first night.
No, you don't have to drain any brake fluid...but you might have to check the psi in your rear tire ;o)

 

Not being rude but the $50 service manual specific to your bike really does help. Got my $50 worth out of it many times and more to come.

 

First thing I purchased.

 

Sounds like a wise investment.... I'll have to visit my dealer.

 

Stupid stupid stupid clutch lever! I found the clutch lever the most annoying thing I've done so far. Maybe there is a trick but I haven't found it. That was the biggest pain when I did my apes.

The brake lever was no big deal. Just need to put paper or something between the button.

 

You need snap ring pliers. You also need a set of needle nose vice grips. They aren't necessary if you have a friend to hold the clutch cable for you while you do the swap. While you have the levers off you should oil your cables. Outside of that it is pretty simple. If you have any questions pm me I have done this quite a few times now. If you can wait a few days, I have a set of levers on the big brown truck right now and I can post pictures of my install.