How to Install Aftermarket Levers on Your Motorcycle: A Rider’s DIY Guide

June 10, 2025

Upgrading your motorcycle’s levers might seem like a small tweak, but it can significantly enhance both your riding comfort and bike aesthetics. Whether you're craving better ergonomics, improved adjustability, or simply want your bike to look a bit cooler, installing aftermarket brake and clutch levers is a rewarding DIY project that’s more approachable than you might think.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to install aftermarket levers on your motorcycle, with clear instructions, personal insights, and helpful tips to ensure a smooth process from start to finish.

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Why Upgrade Your Motorcycle Levers?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s quickly talk about the why.

Aftermarket levers often offer:

Adjustability: Many levers have adjustable reach, which is a game-changer for riders with smaller hands or specific preferences.
Style: From bold anodized colors to sleek matte finishes, aftermarket levers can add flair to your bike.
Ergonomics: Some designs reduce fatigue, especially in stop-and-go traffic or long-distance rides.
Performance: High-quality materials like CNC-machined aluminum are lighter and more durable than stock parts.

Take it from someone who swapped their OEM levers after a year of daily commuting—the difference in feel and control was instantly noticeable. And it’s not just about performance; it’s about making the bike feel like yours.

Pre-Installation Checklist: What You’ll Need

Installing aftermarket levers isn’t a complex mechanical task, but it does require the right tools and some basic preparation. Here's what to gather before getting started:

A set of aftermarket levers (make sure they’re compatible with your bike model and year)
A wrench or socket set (typically 8mm to 12mm)
Allen keys (often included with your new levers)
A screwdriver (usually Phillips)
A soft towel or cloth to protect your tank and fairings
Grease or lubricant (optional but recommended)
Patience and a bit of mechanical curiosity

Pro tip: Lay everything out before you begin. This simple step saves time and prevents frustration mid-job.

Step-by-Step: How to Install Aftermarket Levers

Step 1: Prep Your Work Area

Park your bike on a level surface, ideally using a center stand or paddock stand. Make sure the engine is off and cool to the touch. Lay a towel over your tank and fairings—trust me, tools love to slip and scratch things when you're not looking.

Step 2: Remove the OEM Clutch Lever

Let’s start with the clutch side:

Loosen the clutch cable adjuster: Turn the adjuster barrel to create slack. This will make it easier to slide the lever out.
Locate the pivot bolt and nut: On most bikes, the clutch lever is held by a bolt on top and a nut underneath. Use a wrench or socket to remove them.
Carefully pull out the lever: Once unbolted, slide the lever out. Take note of how the clutch cable connects—you’ll need to replicate this on the new lever.
Check for a push pin or bushing: These often need to be transferred to the new lever. Clean and grease them if necessary.

Step 3: Install the Aftermarket Clutch Lever

Reverse the removal process:

Slide the clutch cable into the slot on the new lever.
Insert the lever into the perch, making sure it aligns with the pivot point.
Secure the pivot bolt and tighten the nut snugly, but don’t overtighten—you want firm movement, not stiffness.
Adjust the cable tension back to spec using the barrel adjuster. You want a slight amount of free play—typically 2-3mm.

Step 4: Remove the OEM Brake Lever

The brake side is similar but slightly more sensitive due to the hydraulic mechanism:

Locate the pivot bolt and locknut: Again, use your wrench or socket set to remove them.
Carefully remove the brake lever: Pay attention to the brake light switch mechanism—it’s usually a spring or plunger that needs to be reattached later.
Inspect the master cylinder push rod: Some bikes have a small rod or tab that the lever presses. Be sure the new lever mates properly with this.

Step 5: Install the Aftermarket Brake Lever

Align the new lever with the brake perch and master cylinder.
Reconnect the brake light switch mechanism.
Slide in the pivot bolt, secure the nut, and test the movement.
Gently squeeze the lever a few times to ensure proper brake engagement and switch activation.

A Quick Test Ride (and Safety Check)

Don’t just hop on and blast away. Do a static check first:

Pull both levers multiple times to ensure smooth operation.
Confirm the brake light activates when the front brake lever is pulled.
Start the engine and let the clutch out slowly to ensure engagement.
Check for any slack, binding, or unusual resistance.

If all feels good, go for a short, low-speed test ride around the block. Pay attention to the lever feel, engagement points, and any unexpected behavior.

A Real-World Anecdote: What I Learned from My First Install

The first time I swapped out my levers, I rushed through the job and overlooked the clutch cable tension. It felt fine in the garage, but out on the road, I couldn’t shift smoothly. Lesson learned: double-check everything—even if it looks right.

After fixing the adjustment, the new levers made the bike feel brand new. I had better control in traffic and could finally use two fingers comfortably on the brake without feeling like I’d cramp up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Installing levers is straightforward, but these missteps are surprisingly common:

Using the wrong tools: Stripping bolts is frustrating and avoidable.
Forgetting to adjust cable tension: This affects clutch engagement and brake response.
Neglecting the brake light switch: If it’s not triggering, you're riding illegally—and dangerously.
Over-tightening pivot bolts: Can lead to stiff, unresponsive levers.
Skipping test rides: Always take a few minutes to ride cautiously after any control changes.

Final Thoughts: Small Upgrade, Big Impact

Swapping out your motorcycle’s levers is one of the best beginner-friendly mods you can do. It’s affordable, relatively quick, and yields immediate benefits in comfort, control, and style.

More than that, it connects you with your machine in a hands-on way. There’s something deeply satisfying about riding a bike that you’ve personally tweaked—even if it’s just a couple of levers. It’s a reminder that motorcycles aren’t just transportation; they’re an extension of ourselves, built and shaped with care.

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Actionable Takeaways

Buy quality parts: Don’t skimp—look for levers made for your exact bike with solid reviews.
Take your time: There’s no rush; double-check every connection.
Stay safe: Always test in a controlled environment after installation.
Keep your OEM levers: Just in case something goes wrong or you need to swap back.

Got your levers installed? Take a pic, hit the open road, and enjoy the new feel of your ride—you earned it.