Why are adjustable levers a good idea for motorcycles

Why are adjustable levers a good idea for motorcycles

Adjustable levers on motorcycles are a great idea for several reasons, mainly revolving around comfort, control, and safety. Here’s why they’re worth considering:

Custom Fit for Your Hands – Riders have different hand sizes and finger lengths. Adjustable levers allow you to modify the reach, making it easier to operate the clutch and brake comfortably.
Improved Control & Precision – Having levers positioned to suit your grip helps with finer control over braking and clutch engagement, making shifting smoother and braking more responsive.
Reduced Hand Fatigue – If levers are too far or too close, they can cause strain during long rides. Adjusting them to the ideal position can reduce fatigue, especially in stop-and-go traffic or on long-distance rides.
Better Ergonomics in Different Conditions – Whether riding with gloves in cold weather or bare-handed in warm conditions, adjustable levers allow you to tweak the setup for optimal feel and comfort.
Compensation for Brake/Clutch Wear – As brake pads wear down or clutch cables stretch, the engagement points of these controls can change. Adjustable levers help fine-tune their operation to compensate for wear over time.
Easier Operation for New or Smaller Riders – If a rider struggles with standard levers being too far or stiff, adjustable levers make it easier to operate controls with confidence.
Enhanced Aesthetics & Customization – Many aftermarket adjustable levers come in various colors and designs, adding a stylish and personal touch to the bike.

Overall, adjustable levers are a relatively small upgrade that can make a big difference in comfort, safety, and riding performance. Do you have a specific bike in mind that you're considering them for?

Price£0.00

Manufacturer abm vehicle technology gmbh

What Are Superbike Comfort Kits

Superbike Handlebar Conversion KITs

When, as I have, you age into your 40s and 50s your favourite sports bikes can become more and more uncomfortable, with neck, back and wrist pain limiting distances.

Standard sports bike clip-on handlebars offer very limited individual adjustments to suit body stature and personal riding style. For over 25 years German company ABM have provided a remedy: with ready-to-assemble superbike conversion kits for a range of over 200 different motorcycle models. These include all the necessary conversion parts such as brake and clutch lines in the delivery.

The conversion increases - depending on the model - the height of the hands by up to 150mm (6"), which allows a more upright sitting position. Especially on long tours this has a clear advantage because of the more relaxed riding position. Vision of the road ahead is increased as is the sense of speed and therefore safety is improved.

Fairings and of course screens are always retained, some bikes will require these to be trimmed (stated in the listing) but the vast majority will be left intact. ABM will include spacers to lift the rear of the fairing to make more room on some models. If you have a factory steering damper this will always be refitted as is the ignition switch in the original position.

Handlebars and risers are selected by ABM from their range to best suit each conversion, these handlebars are available in a range of colours as are the often needed bar ends weights.

Popular models are for the ZZR1400, VFR800, GSXR range etc but also include up to date models such as the H2SX and Thruxton 1200R.

Price£0.00

Manufacturer abm vehicle technology gmbh

Why is it a good idea to fit motorcycle engine bars to your motorbike

Fitting engine bars (also known as crash bars) to a motorcycle is a good idea for several practical reasons, primarily related to safety, protection, and cost savings:

Protection for the Engine and Vital Components: Engine bars provide a shield around the engine, protecting it from damage in case of a crash, tip-over, or low-speed drop. They can prevent expensive repairs to engine cases, radiators, and other critical parts.
Rider Safety: In case of a fall, crash bars can keep the bike elevated, preventing the rider's legs from being trapped between the motorcycle and the ground. This reduces the risk of leg injuries and improves overall rider safety.
Prevents Cosmetic Damage: Crash bars help protect the bodywork, fuel tank, and other cosmetic parts of the bike from being scratched or dented in the event of a fall.
Cost Efficiency: While the initial cost of engine bars might seem like an additional expense, they can save riders significant money in repairs and replacements by protecting expensive parts from damage.
Improves Stability in Low-Side Crashes: In the case of a low-side crash (when the bike slides out from under the rider), engine bars help keep the motorcycle more stable and prevent it from skidding uncontrollably, reducing overall damage.
Mounting Point for Accessories: Engine bars can serve as a solid mounting point for other accessories, such as auxiliary lights, footpegs for long-distance riding, or additional storage solutions.
Aesthetic Enhancement: For some riders, engine bars add to the rugged look of the bike, particularly on adventure or touring motorcycles, complementing their style and adding a more robust appearance.

In summary, fitting engine bars to your motorcycle adds a layer of protection and safety while potentially saving you from costly repairs and injury.

Price£0.00

Manufacturer ibex zieger

What to Consider When Buying a Motorcycle Headlight (UK)

Brightness & Beam Pattern
- A bright headlight is good for visibility, but too much glare can dazzle oncoming traffic. With more powerful LEDs, this is an increasing concern in the UK.
- The beam pattern (how the light is shaped) matters a lot. For example, some headlights have a “flat-top” dip or an asymmetric beam to avoid dazzling — make sure the headlamp’s beam is suitable for UK roads.
Type of Light Source
- Halogen: Traditional, inexpensive, easy to replace, but less efficient and less durable.
- LED: More efficient, long lifespan, and generally brighter. But quality matters — cheap LEDs or poorly designed units can produce poor beam patterns.
- HID / Xenon: Rareer in modern bikes, more complex, and potentially more expensive.
Power & Electrical Compatibility
- Check your bike’s electrical system: voltage, capacity, and whether it can handle more powerful lamps.
- If you're upgrading to LED, consider current draw: LEDs often use less power but may need good heat dissipation.
Durability & Build Quality
- Waterproofing / IP rating: Headlights are exposed to the elements, so good sealing is important.
- Housing material: Metal vs plastic, strength, how resistant it is to vibration.
- Heat management: For LEDs, make sure there's a proper heatsink or fan; poor thermal design reduces lifespan.
Installation / Fitment
- Does the headlight match your bike’s mounting points?
- Will you need adapters or brackets?
- Wiring: are the connectors compatible, or will you need to splice wires?
- Aiming / adjustment: make sure the headlamp unit allows you to aim the beam properly once installed.
Aesthetics & Style
- Do you want a “classic” round Bates-style headlight, or a modern projector / LED cluster?
- Colour temperature choice (for LED): warmer (yellowish) vs colder (bluish) — affects both appearance and how useful the light is for seeing the road.

Price£0.00

Manufacturer highsider

What Are ABM Multiclip Comfort Kits

ABM Multiclip Clip-On Comfort Conversion Kits offer a solution to the limited individual adjustments available in standard sports bike clip-on handlebars. For over 25 years, German company ABM has provided a range of Multiclip kits for over 50 different motorcycle models. These kits include all the necessary conversion parts, such as brake and clutch lines, in the delivery.

The conversion increases the handlebar height by up to 80mm, depending on the model, allowing for a more relaxed riding position. This is particularly advantageous for long tours, as it enhances vision of the road ahead, increases the sense of speed, and ultimately improves safety.

Fairings and screens are always retained, although some may require trimming (specified in the listing). The vast majority of fairings will remain intact. ABM will include spacers to lift the rear of the fairing on some models, providing more room. If a factory steering damper is present, it will be refitted, and the ignition switch will remain in its original position.

Clip-on heights are either fixed in the Sport model or have a 30mm vertical adjustment range in the Tour models. The Tour option is not available for all bikes due to limited space, but ABM selects the best conversion for each model.

Popular models are for the RNineT Racer, 2017 onwards GSXR1000, Panigale V4 etc but also include other models such as the Speed Triple 1200rr and 2017-19 Fireblade CBR100rr.

Price£0.00

Manufacturer abm vehicle technology gmbh

Why Do We Need Resistors With LED Motorcycle Indicator Flashers

Why Do We Need Resistors with LED Motorcycle Indicators?

That is a very good question and no simple answer. Indicator relays for traditional halogen style bulb indicators rely on a certain amount of resistance being present in the indicator circuit to operate at the correct flash rate. LED indicators have a much lower resistance value, this leads in higher currents tripping the relay much quicker, hence the hyper flash scenario.

If you are replacing all four indicators with LED from bulb then usually the easiest way to resolve hyper flash is to use an LED specification indicator relay. Pick one with the same connections as the original, ie 3 pin for 3 pin…

However if only replacing one pair of indicators or the indicator relay is not changeable, (it can be part of the ECU or if more modern a can-bus system) this is when resistors can came in to play. These are connected in parallel with each indicator and mimic the resistance levels of a standard bulb. Resistors come in different values, you may need a different resistor when replacing a 10w bulb than when replacing a 21w bulb.

Some bikes such as the modern Bonneville have a setting under the dash menu to change indicators modes from bulb to LED so they are quite easy to swap over. For other can-bus systems we have a Can Bus Wizard box of tricks. This has a set of dip switches which can be cycled through to give a large range of resistance values. You simply run through the settings until an acceptable indicator flash rate is achieved. Each Can-Bus Wizard has two channels so can run two indicators ie front or rear.

If you need any more informatiuon please do not hesitate to ask.

Kind regards Simon Parker

Price£0.00

Why is it a good idea to fit motorcycle with a steering damper

A steering damper, or steering stabilizer, is fitted to a motorcycle to improve stability, especially at high speeds or in challenging riding conditions. Its primary purpose is to reduce the likelihood of "tank slappers" or "speed wobbles," where the front wheel oscillates violently from side to side, potentially leading to a loss of control.

Here’s why a steering damper is beneficial:

Stability at High Speeds: At high speeds, a motorcycle becomes more sensitive to even slight inputs or bumps. A steering damper helps dampen sudden movements, allowing smoother and more controlled steering.
Reduced Oscillations: When a bike encounters uneven surfaces, small bumps, or shifts in weight distribution, it can experience oscillations in the front wheel. The damper absorbs these oscillations, reducing the chance of wobbles.
Improved Control on Rough Terrain: Off-road or uneven surfaces increase the likelihood of front-wheel instability. A damper makes it easier to keep the bike stable when encountering rocks, ruts, or other obstacles.
Enhanced Cornering Stability: On turns or tight corners, a steering damper provides additional stability by helping control sudden or unintended steering inputs, making cornering smoother and more predictable.
Increased Safety in Emergencies: If a rider hits an unexpected bump, pothole, or other obstacles, a damper helps prevent abrupt steering inputs, making it easier to regain control quickly.

While not essential for all motorcycles, steering dampers are especially common on high-performance bikes, adventure bikes, and racing motorcycles where stability is crucial.

Price£0.00

Manufacturer ibex zieger

Why is it a good idea to fit a sump guard to your motorbike

Sump guards (also called bash plates or skid plates) are a great idea for motorcycles, especially certain types like adventure bikes, dual-sports, and even some street bikes, depending on your riding conditions. Here's why they’re useful:

1. Protection for the Engine and Sump

The sump (the bottom part of your engine that holds the oil) sits low and is vulnerable. A sump guard protects it from:

Rocks and debris kicked up from the road or trail.
Hard impacts from logs, curbs, or potholes.
Bottoming out over rough terrain.

A cracked sump or punctured oil pan can end your ride fast and cost a lot to fix (plus you risk engine damage from sudden oil loss).

2. Frame and Exhaust Protection

Many sump guards also help protect parts of the exhaust system and lower frame rails, which can also take hits when off-roading or riding over obstacles.

3. Peace of Mind

Even on-road, unexpected things like:

Speed bumps that are higher than expected.
Debris on highways.
Deep potholes.

...can pose a risk to the underside of your bike. A sump guard lets you ride with more confidence.

4. Mud and Dirt Deflection

On some designs, they also help deflect mud and dirt away from the engine and help keep sensitive parts a bit cleaner.

5. Resale Value

If you're keeping your engine safe from major hits and cracks, your bike will stay in better shape over time, which helps with resale.

In summary, fitting bash plates to your motorcycle adds a layer of protection and safety while potentially saving you from costly repairs and injury.

Price£0.00

Manufacturer ibex zieger

Why People Fit a Tail Tidy to a Motorcycle

A tail tidy (also called a fender eliminator) replaces the large, often bulky stock rear fender assembly on a motorcycle. People install them for a few main reasons:

1. A cleaner, sportier look

Factory rear mudguards are designed to meet legal requirements for plate visibility, splash protection, and reflectors—not aesthetics. A tail tidy removes the bulky plastic assembly and tucks the license plate in closer to the body, giving the bike a sharper, more streamlined appearance.

2. Weight reduction

The OEM tail section is often heavier than it looks. A tail tidy uses lighter metal brackets or compact assemblies, shaving off a bit of weight—more relevant for sportbike riders.

See more on detail page click image above..

Price£0.00

Manufacturer ibex zieger

How to Decode a Motorcycle VIN Number

How to decode a motorcycle VIN number to determine the model year.

Decoding a motorcycle VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) involves breaking down the 17-character code into specific sections. Here's how to understand it, especially focusing on the model year, which is found in position 10 of the VIN.

? VIN Structure Overview (17 Characters)

Position	Meaning
1-3	WMI – World Manufacturer Identifier
4-9	VDS – Vehicle Descriptor Section (model, engine type, body style, etc.)
10	Model Year
11	Plant Code (assembly location)
12-17	Serial Number (production sequence)

? Model Year Decoder (10th Character)

Here is a table of common model year codes used in position 10 of the VIN:

Code	Year	Code	Year
A	1980	Y	2000
B	1981	1	2001
C	1982	2	2002
D	1983	3	2003
E	1984	4	2004
F	1985	5	2005
G	1986	6	2006
H	1987	7	2007
J	1988	8	2008
K	1989	9	2009
L	1990	A	2010
M	1991	B	2011
N	1992	C	2012
P	1993	D	2013
R	1994	E	2014
S	1995	F	2015
T	1996	G	2016
V	1997	H	2017
W	1998	J	2018
X	1999	K	2019
		L	2020
		M	2021
		N	2022
		P	2023
		R	2024
		S	2025