I just discovered my clutch side RLET has a split! And it's only 10 years old! I ordered a new one.
Apprentice to the brake RLET it will be…
You need to periodically slather them with your favorite protective unguent to keep them supple.
I notice that RLETs look bigger on my CB1100 than on my 1970 CL175. I think the lever end knobs have a larger radius. Maybe this stretches the RLET more, making it more likely to split? I wonder if the CL175 RLETs are original. If so, they still look pretty good.
They are stretched on my a bonneville and one split a few years ago. Might not be made handle any more circumferential pressure than the bike it was designed for.