Should I choose full length or shortened levers?

Shortened clutch and brake levers are slightly harder to pull. Full length levers provide a little more leverage for the user. Just like using a lever to move something heavy, the longer the lever, the easier the job is. Shorter levers look cool, and if your lever is fairly easy to pull, there is no reason not to use them. It is really nothing more than a preference. Short lever and long levers both do the same job. Just know the shorter lever will take a little more effort to pull than a standard-length lever.

Are motorcycle levers universal?

No, motorcycle levers are not universal and using the wrong lever can be dangerous. Your motorcycle levers need to depress pistons that actuate your brakes or your clutch. Having a lever stick because it does not fit properly, or having it not actuate your brake or clutch can be very dangerous. It’s important to be sure you have the correct lever for your application. When you install a replacement lever, be sure to check it for operation before you get put on the open road.

What are motorcycle brake levers made of? and how are they manufactured?

Most motorcycle levers are made of forged aluminum which is formed then polished and coated. Forging is a process that forms metal using extreme amounts of pressure. First a tool is created that is in the shape of the lever to be produced. This tool is usually created from steel and can be used over and over again. Then heated aluminum is forced into that tool or sometimes pressed into the tool using extreme amounts of pressure. Air and excess material are forced from the tool cavity area. Once cooled the tool is opened to reveal the lever in it’s raw form. Then the lever is then drilled, grinded or tumbled to remove any excess material or burrs. After that process is complete the lever is polished to a smooth surface before going to a coating or chroming process.

Does having ABS on a motorcycle matter when replacing brake levers?

No. Your ABS system on your motorcycle needs to be considered when you are doing anything to the brake system that involves the brake fluid, such as installing custom motorcycle brake lines. Just changing your levers will not cause any issues. Changing your brake lines, or changing your brake calipers on a bike that has ABS will require that you actuate the ABS valve when you bleed the brake system. That ABS valve is an electronic valve and it cannot be actuated by performing mechanical brake bleeding. You need to have a module that plugs into the bike or you have to take it to a dealer so they can properly bleed the brakes. If you just manually bleed the brakes, you will get a false operation. Once you ride the bike the electronic valve will open releasing trapped air and causing brake failure.

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