Bit of cool inter-compatibility this morning:
I've been working on my '01 Honda SH50 City Express for a while, but the front brake on it has proved troublesome - loss of pressure and excess air in the system. After rebuilding the calliper, the issues have been traced to the Honda master cylinder, where a seal has gone and it's now pumping air around instead. The original Honda master cylinder is unaffordable new.
As a last ditch attempt, I consulted the wreck of my "parts bin" Like 125 that is behind the shed, and operated as a donor for my Like 200. Happily, the front master cylinder was there - but no lever. Worth a punt!
Popped the Honda master cylinder off, and on went the Kymco one. Honda banjo bolt wasn't the same, so used the Kymco one to secure the Honda brake hose to the master cylinder. No problems so far. In time, I'd like to use the braided hose from the Like 125 on the Honda, but I'm a bit tight for time at the moment so I'll come back to it
So, it's all attached. It was time for the litmus test, and, with trepidation, I removed the Honda brake lever from the old master cylinder... and it fits the Like 125 one like a glove. The Honda brake lever bolt fits too. The only problem may be that the end part of the lever doesn't quite reach the Kymco microswitch for the brake light, but it's nothing that can't be sorted with a little glue blob on the end part of the lever. The mirror mount is also in the wrong place, but I'm far past caring at this point, and it's nothing a short metal bracket can't resolve.
There's now pressure to the front brake, and I've saved myself the best part of £100. Hurrah!
Donor bike was a 2014 Kymco Like 125. The bike I'm working on is a 2001 Honda SH50 "Scoopy" or "City Express" depending on your country.
It's good to know that you can fit a Honda lever if you break your Kymco one and can't get a replacement!
A short video of the bike is available here
