Best Levers for Track and Street Use: A Guide for Serious Riders

Whether you're carving through twisty back roads on a Sunday ride or pushing your limits at the local racetrack, the levers on your motorcycle play a bigger role than you might think. Sure, they may seem like small components, but when it comes to comfort, control, and confidence, a high-quality brake and clutch lever setup is non-negotiable.

In this guide, we'll break down what makes a great set of motorcycle levers for both track and street use, look at some of the top-performing options on the market, and help you decide which might be best for your riding style.

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Why Lever Quality Matters: Not Just a Cosmetic Upgrade

You might hear some riders say, “Levers are just levers—how different can they be?” But any seasoned motorcyclist who’s experienced a sketchy panic stop or a clutch hand cramp after 100 miles will tell you: lever quality can make or break your ride.

Stock levers, especially on entry-level or even some mid-range bikes, often prioritize cost over performance. They tend to be made from cheap materials, lack adjustability, and feel clunky or imprecise under pressure. For street riders, this can mean discomfort or delayed reactions in traffic. For track riders, it could mean lost lap time—or worse, a crash.

Upgrading your levers can improve:

• Modulation – Better control of braking and clutch engagement.

• Comfort – Adjustable reach reduces fatigue on long rides.

• Durability – Quality materials handle crashes better.

• Aesthetics – Let’s be honest—custom levers look awesome.

What to Look for in Track and Street Levers

The perfect lever for street riding isn't necessarily the same as the one you'd want on a race-prepped machine. But there’s a fair bit of overlap when you focus on high-performance brands that cater to both worlds. Here’s what to consider:

1. Adjustability

Street or track, you need levers that fit your hand. Look for:

• Reach adjusters that can be dialed in for glove thickness or hand size.

• Shorty vs. standard length – Some racers prefer shorty levers for two-finger braking, while long levers may offer more feel for street riding.

2. Material

Most high-end levers are crafted from CNC-machined billet aluminum, offering a mix of strength and lightness. Some also feature anodized finishes for corrosion resistance and color customization.

3. Folding Design (Crash Protection)

For track riders or aggressive street riders, folding levers can be a lifesaver. In the event of a low-side or drop, they fold upward rather than snapping off, letting you ride away instead of calling a tow.

4. Tactile Feedback and Ergonomics

A quality lever has a smooth, solid feel—not spongy or gritty. The feedback it gives your fingers should translate directly into what your brakes or clutch are doing.

Top Lever Brands for Track and Street Use

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most respected and best-performing lever brands currently available. Each brings something a little different to the table, depending on your priorities.

1. Brembo RCS Levers

Brembo is synonymous with racing pedigree, and their RCS lever system is often the go-to choice for serious track riders. Designed to pair with their radial master cylinders, these levers offer top-tier adjustability and braking feel.

Why it's great:

• Trusted in MotoGP and WSBK

• Adjustable ratio control for braking feel

• Compatible with many sportbike setups

Best for: Riders running a full Brembo braking system or those chasing ultimate track-day performance.

2. ASV Inventions C5 Levers

Made in the USA, ASV's C5 levers are a top pick for both track and street thanks to their rugged design and industry-leading warranty.

Highlights:

• Unbreakable pivot design (they fold forward)

• Micro-index adjustable dial

• Five-year unconditional guarantee

Best for: Riders who want a durable, adjustable lever they can trust through both daily commuting and weekend race sessions.

3. Bonamici Racing Levers

Crafted in Italy, Bonamici levers are CNC-machined with precision and built with input from professional race teams. They combine form and function beautifully.

Why we love them:

• Ergonomic feel with aggressive grip

• Sleek racing look with anodized finishes

• Lightweight yet strong

Best for: Riders looking to match their Italian superbike (Ducati, Aprilia, MV Agusta) with equally high-end components.

4. CRG RC2 Levers

Shorty lever lovers, rejoice. CRG’s RC2 is a favorite among track day enthusiasts and supermoto riders alike.

Features include:

• Aircraft-grade aluminum construction

• Precision click adjuster

• High crash survivability

Best for: Aggressive riders who like a compact lever with quick adjustability and superior feedback.

5. Rizoma Levers

If style matters just as much as performance, Rizoma is your brand. Known for Italian design, these levers bring elegance and control together.

Top traits:

• Designed to flow with modern bike lines

• Smooth, comfortable actuation

• Beautifully machined finishes

Best for: Riders who want their upgrades to be functional and Instagram-worthy.

Real-World Rider Perspective

Take Paul Mendoza, a SoCal-based track junkie and commuter. He rides a Yamaha R6 to work during the week and to Willow Springs on weekends.

"I used to run stock levers until I had a low-speed slide in Turn 9 and snapped my clutch lever clean off. After that, I installed ASV C5s and haven’t looked back. They're grippy, adjustable, and survived two more lowsides."

His story is a familiar one. Riders often realize the importance of quality levers after something goes wrong. But the difference in feel and confidence is clear the moment you install them.

One-Time Upgrade, Long-Term Results

Levers might not be the flashiest upgrade, but they’re one of the few parts you touch every time you ride. A quality set enhances your connection to the bike, helps prevent accidents, and often outlasts many OEM parts.

Here’s a quick recap of when to upgrade:

• You're experiencing discomfort or numb fingers on longer rides

• Your brake or clutch engagement feels inconsistent

• You want more precise control for performance riding

• You’ve dropped the bike or noticed damage to your stock levers

• You simply want a better look and feel under your fingers

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Final Thoughts: Which Levers Should You Choose?

At the end of the day, the best lever for track and street use comes down to your riding style, bike model, and personal preference. If you're a dedicated track rider, Brembo or Bonamici Racing might be your top pick. If you mix in city commuting and weekend rides, ASV or CRG could be more practical.

Whichever you choose, make sure to install them properly (or have a pro do it), test them in a safe environment, and get used to the feel before going full throttle.