Hand Brake Levers
About Hand Brake Levers
The hand brake lever works the front brake, which does most of the stopping on a motorcycle, so a lever that is bent, loose or sloppy at the pivot should be replaced rather than put up with. People shop this category after a crash or tip-over, to change the reach, or to fit a lever in a different style or color.
A brake lever has to match the master cylinder it pushes on. Listings here name the bike or the master cylinder maker, such as levers for Brembo units, and some are adapter levers for fitting a different style of lever. Shorty levers shorten the reach, fold-and-extend and flexible levers are meant to bend or move in a fall, and adjustable levers let you set the distance from the grip. A lever swap does not add braking power, which comes from the master cylinder, caliper and pads. After installing, check that the lever moves freely and springs back, feels firm and has no side play, and have the brakes checked if anything feels different.
Brands in this category include VORTEX, ZETA, BRAKING, JIMS and HardDrive. The matching clutch lever is in Clutch Levers, and Clutch & Hand Brake Lever Kits sell the two as a set. Pick your bike in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. The whole group is Handlebars, Grips & Controls.
FAQs on motorcycle brake levers
Does a different brake lever make my brakes stronger?
No. Stopping power comes from the master cylinder, caliper, pads and rotor. A different lever changes the reach, length and feel at your fingers, not the force the system can produce. Choose a lever for fit and comfort, and keep the rest of the brake system in good condition.
Do I need to bleed the brakes after changing a brake lever?
Usually not, because swapping only the lever blade does not open the hydraulic system. If you remove the master cylinder, disconnect a brake line or let air into the system, the brakes must be bled. Follow your service manual, or have a shop do it.
How do I know a brake lever fits my master cylinder?
Check the make, model and year in the listing, and where it names a master cylinder maker such as Brembo, match that to the unit on your bike. The pivot, the point that pushes the piston and the lever shape all have to line up. Use the Ride Finder to narrow the list.
Should a damaged brake lever be repaired or replaced?
Replace it. A bent or cracked lever may be weakened, and bending it back can weaken it more. Check the perch and pivot bolt at the same time, and after a crash look over the whole front brake. If the lever feels soft or different, have the brakes checked before you ride.
What should I check after installing a new brake lever?
The lever should move freely, spring back fully when released and have no side play. Check that the front brake light comes on if your bike has a lever-operated switch, and that the lever does not hit the grip or switch housing at full squeeze. If anything feels wrong, do not ride.
