Break away levers for dirt bikes are an essential safety upgrade that can significantly enhance your riding experience. These levers are designed to snap away from the handlebars in the event of a crash, preventing them from becoming entangled with obstacles and causing serious injury.
Break away levers offer a host of benefits, including improved safety, increased durability, and customizable options. They are made from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of off-road riding, and they come in a variety of colors and styles to match your personal preferences.
Lever Design and Materials
Break away levers are designed to snap off upon impact, protecting the rider’s hands and preventing damage to the handlebars. These levers are constructed from various materials, each offering unique advantages and drawbacks.
Lever Materials
- Aluminum: Aluminum levers are lightweight and strong, making them a popular choice for dirt bikes. They are also relatively inexpensive, but they can bend or break under extreme force.
- Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber levers are extremely lightweight and durable, providing excellent strength-to-weight ratios. However, they are also more expensive than aluminum levers and can be brittle.
- Steel: Steel levers are the most durable option, offering exceptional strength and resistance to bending. However, they are also heavier and more expensive than aluminum and carbon fiber levers.
Design Features, Break away levers for dirt bike
In addition to the material, the design of the break away lever also contributes to its strength and durability. Key design features include:
- Lever Length: Longer levers provide greater leverage, but they can also be more prone to bending or breaking.
- Lever Thickness: Thicker levers are stronger, but they can also be heavier and less comfortable to grip.
- Pivot Point Location: The location of the pivot point affects the amount of force required to activate the lever. A closer pivot point requires less force, but it can also reduce leverage.
Mounting and Installation
Mounting and installing break away levers on a dirt bike is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide:Materials Required:
- Break away levers
- Allen wrench or socket wrench
- Loctite or similar threadlocker
Steps:1.
-
-*Remove the old levers
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Using an Allen wrench or socket wrench, loosen the bolts that secure the old levers to the handlebars. Carefully remove the old levers.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
-*Install the new levers
Align the new levers with the handlebars and insert the bolts. Tighten the bolts securely, but do not overtighten.
-*Apply threadlocker
Apply a small amount of threadlocker to the bolts to prevent them from loosening over time.
-*Test the levers
Test the levers to ensure they are operating smoothly and securely. Adjust the levers to the desired position and tightness.
Tips:
- Use a torque wrench to ensure the bolts are tightened to the correct specifications.
- Check the levers regularly to ensure they are still secure.
- If you are not comfortable installing the levers yourself, consult a qualified mechanic.
Diagram:[Insert diagram or image of lever installation process]
Maintenance and Inspection
Regular maintenance and inspection are crucial for ensuring the optimal performance and safety of breakaway levers.Proper maintenance involves visually inspecting the levers and checking for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Additionally, the lever’s pivot point and mounting bolts should be lubricated periodically to ensure smooth operation and prevent premature wear.
Inspection Checklist
- Inspect the lever for any cracks, bends, or damage.
- Check the pivot point for any signs of wear or binding.
- Examine the mounting bolts for tightness and any signs of corrosion.
- Lubricate the pivot point and mounting bolts as needed.
Signs of Wear or Damage
If any of the following signs are observed during inspection, it may indicate the need for replacement:
- Cracks or bends in the lever
- Excessive wear at the pivot point
- Loose or damaged mounting bolts
- Corrosion or rust on any components
Customization and Options
Customizing break away levers allows riders to tailor them to their preferences and riding style. Options include color, shape, and materials.
Color Customization
Choosing a lever color that matches the bike’s graphics or personal style adds a personalized touch. However, colored levers may be more expensive than standard black or silver ones.
Shape Customization
Levers can be designed with different shapes to improve comfort and ergonomics. Some levers feature adjustable reach or pivot points to fit different hand sizes and riding positions.
Material Customization
Break away levers are typically made from aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber. Aluminum is lightweight and affordable, titanium is strong and durable, while carbon fiber is lightweight and offers vibration dampening. The choice of material depends on the rider’s budget and performance requirements.
Custom Lever Designs
Custom lever designs can incorporate unique shapes, textures, or logos. These levers add a distinctive look to the bike and can be designed to enhance grip or reduce fatigue.
Comparison with Other Levers
Break away levers differ from other types of levers used on dirt bikes in several key aspects. Understanding these differences can help riders make informed decisions when selecting the most suitable levers for their riding style and preferences.
Conventional Levers
Conventional levers are rigidly attached to the handlebars and do not incorporate a breakaway mechanism. They are typically made of aluminum or steel and offer a solid and responsive feel. Advantages:
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- Sturdy construction provides consistent performance.
- No risk of accidental lever breakage.
- Less expensive than break away levers.
Disadvantages:
- Can cause hand or wrist injuries in the event of a crash.
- May bend or snap under extreme force.
Folding Levers
Folding levers are designed to fold inward when they encounter an obstacle, preventing them from breaking. They are commonly used on racing dirt bikes and offer a compromise between conventional levers and break away levers. Advantages:
- Reduce the risk of hand injuries by folding out of the way in a crash.
- Can be easily reset after a fold.
- Provide a more aggressive riding position.
Disadvantages:
- May not offer the same level of protection as break away levers.
- Can be more expensive than conventional levers.
Break Away Levers
Break away levers are designed to snap at a predetermined point of force, releasing the lever from the handlebar. This mechanism reduces the risk of hand injuries by preventing the lever from digging into the rider’s hand in the event of a crash.
Advantages:
- Significantly reduce the risk of hand injuries.
- Easy to replace the breakaway point.
- Can be adjusted to suit different riders’ preferences.
Disadvantages:
- Can break prematurely if not adjusted correctly.
- May require more frequent replacement than other types of levers.
- Can be more expensive than conventional levers.
Concluding Remarks
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting out, break away levers are a valuable investment that can make your dirt bike riding safer and more enjoyable. By providing added protection in the event of a crash, these levers give you peace of mind so you can focus on what matters most: having fun on the trails.
FAQ Compilation: Break Away Levers For Dirt Bike
What are the benefits of using break away levers?
Break away levers offer a number of benefits, including improved safety, increased durability, and customizable options.
How do break away levers work?
Break away levers are designed to snap away from the handlebars in the event of a crash, preventing them from becoming entangled with obstacles and causing serious injury.
What are break away levers made of?
Break away levers are typically made from high-quality materials such as aluminum or carbon fiber, which are strong and durable.