Motorcycle Shift & Brake Levers

The majority of today's motorcycles come with a manual transmission, which means you need to change gears yourself with a shift lever usually rested on the left side of the bike. The shape and length of the lever may vary from model to model, however, its construction and principle of operation are the same for all motorcycles. Opposite the shift lever, on the right side of the bike, there is another control pedal, known as a brake lever. Both shift and brake levers are essential parts of a motorcycle control system, which help a rider to operate his or her bike.

The design and length of a shift lever along with its position on your bike affect not only your shifting, but also your riding comfort. A too long or too short shift lever may cause overstraining of your legs during long rides. That's why if your factory shift lever feels uncomfortable for you and doesn't provide much room for adjustment, you may consider replacing the factory shift lever with an aftermarket one. The right lever will allow you to avoid overstraining of your body, so you can enjoy your ride mile after mile.

Unlike a car or truck driver, a motorcycle rider doesn't use the foot operated brake lever on a regular basis when riding. Although you use a hand operated brake lever rested on the right side of your handlebar most of the time, your foot brake pedal is also an important part of your brake system. It is designed to apply your rear brakes when maximum stopping power is needed, so keeping it properly operating is essential. If your brake pedal is damaged or bent, don't risk your neck and replace it with the OE or aftermarket product.

A firm grip on your foot controls is crucial for your safety on the road. If you notice that your feet slip over your shift and/or brake lever, you should pay attention to the condition of your pegs. Their antislip material may wear out, which causes your feet to suddenly slide over the pegs, especially when riding in wet weather. In such case the pegs should be replaced as soon as possible, which will save you a lot of headache in the long run. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may go with factory or aftermarket pegs.

A set of aftermarket levers and pegs is the perfect way to give a touch of style to your ride. Unlike their factory counterparts, aftermarket shift and brake levers are available in plenty of models and colors. If you want to stick with your factory setup yet add some color to your ride, you may take off your shift and brake pegs and install bright aftermarket ones. You may also use shifter socks, which will help you not only customize your levers, but also improve traction.