Motorcycles nowadays come in a broad range of types and specifications, yet people know far less about them in general, simply because they aren’t as invested in them as most motorcycle enthusiasts used to be in the past. Knowing and understanding your motorcycle used to be extremely important, but with the motorcycle industry changing, nowadays we have more reliable motorcycles than ever before. With that being said, one of the most important parts of motorcycles that people need to pay attention to and truly understand, are the controls on the handlebar.
The motorcycle controls are the part where the switches, cruise controllers and levers are located. While some people buy new motorcycle controls just to improve their riding experience, others do it to replace malfunctioning or damaged controls. Either way, there’s a wide array of options to choose from. However, thanks to the internet, buying the ideal controls for your motorcycle isn’t as tricky as it used to be years ago.
But regardless where you end up buying your motorcycle controls from, there are a few general rules that you should follow in order to get the best ones possible. For instance, you should never compromise on quality. You’ll come across controls, such as handlebar levers, that are so cheap, you’d consider it a steal, yet you’ll probably end up replacing them very soon due to cracks or breaks at the pivot. These issues can cause the brakes to jam or lock up while riding. However, more expensive doesn’t always mean better either. You can find aftermarket controls that offer a great design and are reliable at the same time.
Switches are typically replaced due to damage and malfunctioning. Sometimes, getting a new handlebar means that you need to buy new switches as well. Generally, switches are easy to find and they may replicate the motorcycle’s original switches without any issue. There are some models that have specific purposes. The most complicated part surrounding switches is the wiring. Some switches may require some alternations to the wire connectors, which inexperienced bikers may not be able to perform on their own.
Lastly, if you’re the type of biker who travels long distances for the most part, then maybe you should consider a cruise controller. Cruise controllers help keep the throttles in place, they’re very comfortable and reduce the chances of getting cramps. However, deactivating them requires some effort, unlike the conventional controllers which can be deactivated by a simple reflex.