Guys (like me) with short fingers. I'm a wrench, not a pianist!
The 1500/1600 and other models with hydraulic clutch do.
Perhaps I've used a vernacular, that is incorrect in the idiom of your country, "mushier" was perhaps a poor choice of word. Between the settings, (1-5) the lever moves towards the handlebar grip no more than 4mm's which in my opinion would not help anyone with short fingers very much at all when putting the brakes on. The beauty of the system is that by a slight change in the leverage angle, it makes the effort required to apply the brake at it's extreme outward end less, and the travel to full brake longer (hence my reference to "sponginess"), thereby ensuring that there is more time and grip pressure required to stop the front wheel from turning, therby reducing the brake effectiveness in the first part of the action, and eliminating to some extent the "panic" pull, these adjustable brake levers have been around for at least 20 years, from my recollection, and the above explanation was always the reason for their developement finger length effects notwithstanding.
All it does is move the lever closer or further from the grip for those with short or long fingers.
The brake should NEVER be "mushy"... if it is, it's time to change the fluid... it's contaminated or has bubbles in it.
I was thinking the exact same thing. How hard could it be to do the same on the other side? Seems silly not to have one.
I couldn't disagree more. It may only be 4mm, but when you are riding (for me at least) I can feel every little nuance of the bike. At the fuilly extended position that lever feels like it's a hundred miles away, even though it's only 4mm. I moved the angle of my clutch lever once - just a touch - and it made all the difference in the world to how the bike "felt" to me as I gripped the bars. Ergonomics aside, little changes make a big difference.
The clutch is operated via cable and link, and there is plenty of scope for adjustment, however it'll require the use of some tools, and you'll want to have a good feel for the operation of the clutch.
Mark, the one thing that comes to mind...is the piston in the housing fully returning to it's full-open position, giving you a full stroke? I have mine set at the closest (shortest throw) setting and lock the front at about 1/4" from the grip.
After 2 years of experimenting at different settings, I can tell you that your findings agree with my own.
I have had the very same problems with my front brake since the bike was new. I even went to S.S braided lines and still any setting other than #1 feels spongy.
