What Are Rearsets and Why You Should Upgrade Yours?

When it comes to customizing your motorcycle for performance and comfort, rearsets are one of the most underrated yet impactful upgrades you can make. While they might not have the flashiness of a new exhaust system or the immediate visual pop of carbon fiber fairings, rearsets quietly enhance the way your bike feels, rides, and even performs on the track.

But what exactly are rearsets? Why do so many racers and street riders swear by them? And most importantly, should you consider upgrading yours? Let’s break it down.

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What Are Rearsets, Really?

Rearsets are the foot controls of a motorcycle—essentially, the assemblies that include your footpegs, shift lever, and rear brake lever. Stock rearsets are designed for the average rider and tend to prioritize comfort and cost-efficiency over performance. Aftermarket rearsets, on the other hand, are designed with a specific focus: ergonomics, adjustability, and rider feedback.

They’re called “rearsets” because the aftermarket versions typically position the foot controls further back and higher up compared to stock ones—ideal for aggressive riding and increased ground clearance in corners.

Think of it this way: the same way you adjust your car seat to fit your driving style, rearsets let you tune your motorcycle’s posture to fit your riding style. Only, in this case, it’s a lot more than comfort—it’s about control, confidence, and performance.

Why Upgrade to Aftermarket Rearsets?

There are plenty of compelling reasons to swap out your stock foot controls. Whether you're a weekend canyon carver or a full-time track junkie, here’s what you stand to gain.

1. Better Riding Ergonomics

Every rider’s body is different. Stock rearsets are designed to accommodate a wide range of body types, but that also means they’re not optimal for your body. Aftermarket rearsets are typically adjustable, so you can move the pegs up, down, forward, or backward to find the perfect position.

For instance, a taller rider may want more legroom, while a shorter rider might need the pegs moved closer for better reach. That personalized setup can make hours in the saddle way more comfortable.

2. Improved Cornering Clearance

Stock footpegs tend to scrape the ground when you lean hard into a turn—especially if you’ve lowered your suspension or ride aggressively. Rearsets are typically mounted higher, which provides more ground clearance and lets you lean deeper without scraping metal.

If you’ve ever been startled mid-corner by a footpeg dragging, you’ll instantly appreciate this upgrade.

3. Enhanced Rider Feedback

Rearsets are often made from CNC-machined billet aluminum, making them sturdier and less prone to flexing under pressure. That translates to better rider feedback—you feel the road more directly through your feet, which gives you more control and confidence, especially when cornering or shifting aggressively.

4. Tougher and More Durable

Most aftermarket rearsets are built to take a beating. Whether you're on the street or track, they hold up better in a tip-over or slide compared to OEM parts, which often bend or break easily.

Some riders even choose rearsets purely for their crash survivability. If you’re riding track days or pushing your limits, this alone might be worth the investment.

5. Quick Shifter Compatibility & Reverse Shift Pattern

If you’re running a quick shifter or prefer a GP/reverse shift setup (where first gear is up and the rest are down), most aftermarket rearsets support this configuration. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference for aggressive or track-focused riding.

Real-World Story: From OEM to Aftermarket Rearsets

Let’s take Mike, a rider I met at a local track day last summer. He rides a 2018 Yamaha R6 and had been running the stock pegs since day one. After a low-speed lowside in Turn 3, his OEM rear brake lever snapped clean off. Instead of replacing it with stock parts, he upgraded to a set of adjustable rearsets from Bonamici Racing.

Not only did he get more ground clearance, but the improved foot positioning helped reduce fatigue. He ended up shaving nearly 2 seconds off his lap time that same day—just by feeling more planted on the bike. It was one of those “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” moments we all recognize.

Style and Customization

Let’s not ignore the visual appeal. Aftermarket rearsets often come in anodized finishes—black, gold, silver, red—that give your bike a premium, performance-oriented look. It’s a detail that catches the eye of riders who know what to look for.

But this isn’t just about looks. The design also improves grip. Many rearsets include knurled footpegs or replaceable toe pegs, providing better traction in all weather conditions. Ever try shifting with wet boots on a smooth OEM peg? It’s not fun.

Choosing the Right Rearsets for Your Bike

When shopping for rearsets, consider the following:

• Adjustability: Look for models that allow for multiple peg and lever positions.

• Build Quality: CNC-machined aluminum is a solid benchmark for durability.

• Brand Reputation: Stick with brands known for performance—Bonamici Racing, Gilles Tooling, LighTech, Rizoma, or Vortex are trusted names.

• Compatibility: Make sure it fits your bike and your brake/shift setup. Some bikes may require additional parts for plug-and-play installation.

Are Rearsets Worth It?

Absolutely—if you care about performance, comfort, and safety.

For everyday commuters, rearsets may not be a must-have. But if you enjoy spirited weekend rides, track days, or just want to tailor your motorcycle to better suit your body and style, then yes, they’re worth every penny.

The beauty of rearsets is in how subtle yet transformative they can be. It's not the kind of upgrade that screams at you—but once you’ve experienced the difference, going back to stock feels like wearing shoes two sizes too big.

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Final Thoughts

Rearsets aren’t just about foot placement. They’re about connection—between you and the machine, between your intentions and your inputs. When that connection improves, your riding transforms. You feel more in control, more confident, and more capable of pushing the limits—whether you’re on a tight canyon road or clipping apexes on a race circuit.

So if you’re on the fence about upgrading, do yourself a favor: try a set of adjustable rearsets. Your legs—and your lap times—might just thank you for it.