How to use adjustable levers

[Feasty]

My recent purchase (Aprilia Caponord) came with adjustable levers with 6 settings, stupid question - but how do they work?
I've done a lot of searching, and whilst there's plenty of info about fitting them and what they're for - I can't quite find the answers to my questions...

1) The clutch lever - currently it's on setting 5 (6 being furthest away from the handlebars). Putting it to setting 1 means there's a much smaller movement before it hits the handle, am I right in thinking it's unlikely to operate the clutch properly in that position?

2) The brake lever - This is also at setting 5, if I put it to setting 1 (nearer the handlebars) it still doesn't touch the handles when used. Am I right in thinking so long as it doesn't touch the handles when I need to brake hard, it will work just as well as setting 5?

3) I'm assuming the less hand/finger movement I need to do to work the clutch and brakes the better (quicker reaction, smoother riding) - so I should be using the setting closest to the handles that I can?

Thanks
____________________
Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[Evil Hans]

1) depends on where your clutch releases. Touching the handle may still be OK. It's just a very bad idea for the brake lever (and an MOT failure)

2) Should do.

3) I think that's the general idea, but set it to whatever feels comfy for you.
____________________
Triumph Sprint ST 1050. And it's Red.

[Hong Kong Phooey]

Obligatory cheap Chinese lever warning. The ones I've had on my bikes fitted fine but weren't as tight feeling as OEM. Some of the ones I've fitted or attempted to fit for other people have been so poorly machined that I've refused to put them on.

The pivot hole is far too big on some even when using the old bush that worked fine in the other lever. The pivot hole can also be in the wrong place, maybe due to an incorrect model listing issue on ebay rather than manufacturing fault.

The adjuster can move when you're pulling in the main control lever, this is just down to crap quality.

The biggest nono was the brake lever slipping down the pivot point making it impossible to pull the brake. Again this could be wrong lever for that bike. Other dangers are the lever pushing against the master cylinder causing brake drag and eventual frontal lock up.

I'm sure I'm teaching grannie to suck eggs, but if any noobs read this they should avoid the minefield that is ultimately just for funding the CCPs march across the globe and eventual domination of the west by killing one rider at a time, and charging £12 for the pleasure.

Mainly as above, you dial them in for comfort, set and forget. On track if you're boiling the fluid you can whack the brake lever to full span and maybe get another couple of laps before dying or coming in to cool the brakes off.
____________________
'81 CG125, '97 FZS600 : '99 CBR600F4, '09 KTM RC8

[Easy-X]

I second that: bought a cheap set and never got on with them, bought a decent set and they were night and day better than even the OEM levers. Buy cheap, buy twice, etc.

As to adjusting them I'd say a good rule of thumb is have them set out as far as you can comfortably reach to get the most travel. The ones I currently have I wouldn't be able to operating without shifting my hand position, if left on the highest setting. I think they're currently one or two clicks down.
____________________
Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Kentol750]

If you have smaller hands, with adjustable levers mean you don't have to stretch to get to the clutch. Mrs K has hers set perfectly for her... I'm under severe orders not to leave them adjusted for my ham hands after I use the bike!
____________________
Some bikes.

[Zen Dog]

[Feasty]

Thanks for all the info. I have ham hands so like you say, I'll just put the levers where they feel most comfortable.
____________________
Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).