Topic: Question about how to install rubber tips on levers

[HondanutRider]

I got a set of rubber tips from David Silver Spares to replace the ones on my 350F levers, which aren't too bad but do show some signs of abuse over the years.  Before tackling the "replacement" I thought I would ask the collected wisdom here if there are any "tips" on replacing these black rubber "tips".

[OldSchool_IsCool]

You are talking the rubber covers on the tips of the front brake and clutch controls, right?

My guess is to cut off the old ones, heat up the leavers and the tips and slip them on.

I've never done this, it's only a guess.  Please wait for someone with practical knowledge before possibly ruining your parts.  Maybe I'm right, maybe not.

[killerdwarf]

Spray some black enamel paint into the new rubbers, and slide them over the ends. The paint will dry in a few minutes, and the rubbers will be locked on to the levers. I do this on my dirtbike grips, and it works very well.

[333]

From another person who's never done that, I'd try heating them up in hot water and slipping them on.

[SohRon]

Try some of this: P-80 emulsion. Specifically formulated for use when installing rubber parts. A small dab on the rubber makes it slide on like it was greased, but when the emulsion dries (usually just in a minute or two) it loses its lubricative properties and the part is firmly set. It is the only thing to use when installing carb boots, handlebar grips, foot peg rubber, lever tips, etc. There's some selling on ebay for $7 a bottle. Can't emphasize enough just how useful this stuff has been. Try it; you'll like it!

[lone*X]

Gosh, never knew you could buy new rubber ends for the levers.  Guess I never looked.  I have "replaced" them on several bikes though.  I've used a product called Plasti Dip but there a a bunch of others.  Its made for putting a non slip coating on tools.  You cut the old tips off and dip the end of the lever in the product.  Let it set up and do it a few more times to build the thickness you want.  Comes in a lot of colors too.  You could then color coordinate your levers with your tins if you wanted. 

[wdhewson]

Hi:

For your lever rubbers.  Work with everything warm. Car interior on a sunny day makes a good walk in oven.  Put the rubbers and levers in the hot car for awhile.  Then enter the "oven" with a small amount of Varsol or hydrocarbon paint thinner.  Wet the interior of the rubber with the thinner and slide it on.  The thinner acts as a nice temporary lubricant, then it evaporates right through the rubber in the next few hours.

This is very similar to the paint approached suggested, but it is reversible, and perhaps does not have any clean up issues.

This is also the way I do grips.

With respect,  Don

[HondanutRider]

Thanks all for the "tips".  I especially like your advice Don, as it sounds like the best approach for slipping them over the ends.  Lubricating with Varsol is probably a better option than silicone spray that I was contemplating using, because with the silicone it would leave a residue that could make the piece permanently loose.  The P-80 product that Ron mentioned looks like a better alternative (except I would have to obtain some), as it would "glue" the rubber in place.  I wonder if instead a bit of automotive goop or silicone caulking would work in the same way to initially lubricate and then glue.

I'll have to wait a while for a warm day around here, or else maybe I'll try applying a bit of heat with a heat-gun.  I also think I'll try using a dab of silicone caulking, as I'm pretty sure I already have some of that in my shop.

[rudi45]

Hair spray works very well in this case.
Your wife will have.
Spray a small amount in the tips, and slip them over the lever.

[bryanj]

Its in one of the bulletins elswhere on this site

[MoTo-BunnY]

Gosh, never knew you could buy new rubber ends for the levers.  Guess I never looked.  I have "replaced" them on several bikes though.  I've used a product called Plasti Dip but there a a bunch of others.  Its made for putting a non slip coating on tools.  You cut the old tips off and dip the end of the lever in the product.  Let it set up and do it a few more times to build the thickness you want.  Comes in a lot of colors too.  You could then color coordinate your levers with your tins if you wanted. 

Yes, I did that too to make my own black rubber thingies on the lever ends, too-it worked GREAT. You can also use the clear Plasti dip to do the whole handle, if you want.