Hey folks - just figured I'd try to give back to this community. So my wife's Like 200i came with a right brake lever that was very bent because of a tipover from the previous owner. I ordered the replacement from Racing Planet USA for about $12 and went to work on replacing it.
Based on reading Cyclepedia and other posts online, I thought I had to remove the cowl fairing to access the lever bolts. I learned how to do that with a plastic dough scraper. But in the end I found out this step was unnecessary and the process is much simpler.
All you really have to remove is the mirror. That gives you access to the hole where you can see the 10mm bolt holding your brake lever. To reach it you can either use a 1/4 inch drive 10mm socket with an extender or you can use a 10mm spark plug socket. (I used the latter.) For the bottom lock nut under the bolt you can use a 10mm box wrench. These tools are all included in a standard Craftsmen tool set from Sears.
Remove the bottom nut first and then remove the bolt. To install the new lever, hold it in place to align the holes. Then insert your 10mm bolt into your socket and carefully lower the bolt back into the hole. (This can take a few tries.) hand tighten first then use your socket wrench to finish tightening. Then use your finger to hold the lock nut with your 10mm box wrench and carefully screw that onto the bolt. Then replace the mirror. Done!
Working in cramped spaces like this takes some practice but it's a great skill to have! Happy wrenching, friends.
