Need to straighten rear brake arm

[1911user]

After attacking a small tree :yikes: , my 90 kdx200 fell on the right side at slow speed and bent the rear brake arm. It it turned out at a 35-45 degree angle just behind the foot pad. After removing it from the bike, should I heat it with a propane torch before or during straightening? I'll use a small vise to get it mostly straight then hammer lightly on a small anvil to finish the job. Would a torch keep it from being serverely weak or soft after?

PS: the moose aluminum handguards were both tested and passed field trials :cool:

 

[dsndblm]

I'm not sure a propane torch would be hot enough to do any good when you are straightening the lever. Most iron/steel will be harder if you quench it in oil or water when it is cherry red hot. If the lever was stressed to the point of having stress fractures in it, the lever will be much weaker and bend easier or break next time it is hit.