What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Levers and Throttles

Whether you’re new to riding or have been riding for years, learning the basics of motorcycle Levers and Throttles is essential. Not knowing these controls and how to operate them can be dangerous for any rider.

The throttle is the control that accelerates and slows the engine. To increase speed, twist the throttle towards you; to slow down, twist it away.

Brake Lever

The Brake Lever is the small metal lever mounted on your handlebars that, when pulled, actuates your brakes and brings you to a stop. The lever operates the caliper by pulling a cable or by compressing hydraulic fluid through a hose, depending on the type of braking system installed on your bike.

Choosing the right brake lever is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make, as it controls the brakes on your bike. You will find brake levers designed for various bike types, with standard-pull levers working best with caliper or cantilever brakes, while long-pull levers work well with v-brakes and cable disc brakes, such as those found on mountain bikes.

The majority of road brake levers today are integrated into the drop bar. These levers are curved in shape to match the shape of the drop section of the bar. Click here to find the right lever for you.

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Clutch Lever

A clutch is a device that connects an engine to the gearbox, allowing the rider to change gears. It consists of a clutch lever, cable, and a pressure plate.

Using a clutch is a critical part of motorcycle riding, and it can make or break your ability to control the engine’s power. It is also essential for safe riding.

For street riders, the clutch lever must be easy to reach and pull to reduce hand fatigue. A lever that is an inch or two closer to the center of the handlebars can help with this.

Another good option is to buy a lever that can be adjusted. It means that you can adjust the lever’s reach to decrease hand fatigue and increase grip strength.

Some riders prefer hydraulic clutches, which use a fluid to move the lever actuator rather than your fingers. These are easier to pull than cable clutches, but they can be more expensive and difficult to repair if the seal fails.

Whether on the highway or in the dirt, an adjustable clutch lever is a great way to increase your comfort and confidence while riding.

Gear Shift Lever

The gear shift lever is used to change gears on motorcycles. It is located in front of the left footrest and operates with the toes of your feet, pushing down on the gear shift and pulling it upwards to move up or down.

On most modern motorcycles, the gear shift pattern is 1 down, 4 up, which means that first and neutral are above one another, and the remaining gears go up sequentially. Most riders learn to change gears by listening to a higher-pitched noise, indicating it is time to shift up.

Shifting up takes practice and can be difficult for newer riders. The trick is finding a safe practice area and focusing on the process.

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Choke Lever

There are a few different types of chokes, but they all serve the same purpose. A cold start choke is used to help with starting a cold engine, and an idle advance is used for fuel-injected engines.

On a motorcycle, the lever is located before the throttle and manages the total air going into the engine. Unlike the throttle, however, the choke has no control over the ratio of the air-fuel mixture.

It means you don’t want to leave the choke on while you ride a bike, or it could stall out once it warms up. It’s best to set the choke to a lower position while riding and then open it up once the engine has warmed up.

The choke is a mechanical lever that you can push up or forward to turn it on and pull down or backward to turn it off. Some small engine chokes will also come with a written label showing you when the choke is on or off.