Product Review: Sunline V1 MDX Flex Clutch Lever

PRODUCT:

Sunline V1 MDX Clutch Lever. An adjustable, multi-directional break-away clutch lever.

PRICE:

$85.00

WEBSITE:

rockymountainatvmc.com

OUR REPORT:

Do you get tired of replacing bent or broken clutch levers? We do. Of course, maybe you don't crash as much as we do.

Our search for the perfect lever has journeyed through many brands and styles, and now finds us with the Sunline V1 MDX clutch lever running on five of our bikes. Granted, they're all KTM or Husqvarna models with hydraulic clutches.

There are three things that stand out with the Sunline V1 MDX:

1. The lever is double hinged (a patented design) so that it folds 180-degrees up or down to protect from side impacts, as well as forward. Most breakaway levers on the market fold forward. The V1 MDX (Multi-Directional) is the only lever to break away on two axis.
2. The lever (at the point where your fingers grip it) is thinner and has more of a radius to it so that your finger more easily slides around the lever as you engage and release the clutch. This little bit of design makes the clutch pull ever-so-slightly easier.
3. The lever reach adjustment has more range than the stock threaded cup adjuster does.

We have folded the lever up, down and forward more times than we can count. Most of the time, the lever is folded up (from landing on it's side from looping out). You just push the lever back down to center and move along your way.

We've had one instance where our KTM 500 XC-W tipped over on its side and the lever arm bent instead of folding away at one of the breakaway points. Luckily, the V1 MDX has a 5-year warranty.

IF WE COULD SUGGEST IMPROVEMENTS:

More color options would be cool.

DIRT TOYS RATING:

THE DIRT:

Our search for the perfect clutch lever hasn't ended (we're still trying others). But we may have reached the closest point yet.

Ratings key:

1 Don't waste your money.
2 There's better options available.
3 Does what it is supposed to do without drawbacks or flair.
4 Exceeds expectations.
5 We'd recommend this to anyone shopping for this type of product.