We like to have options, but stock rearsets limit our ability to customize comfort. We,'re not all the same height, weight and shape, after all, so we shouldn,'t have to wear the same shoes,...nor should we have to put our feet in the same spot. Bikes destined for the track tend to place the pegs up and back to maximize cornering clearances when fully leaned over, while street rides often opt for a lower and more forward position for greater comfort over longer distances. For those riders who use the same bike for commuting as well as the occasional track day, having the ability to choose various riding positions depending on the riding conditions is a nice option. Besides that, they simply look trick.
Aftermarket rearsets are a great addition to any bike, whether looking for increased cornering clearance, greater riding comfort or hotter looks. Multi-piece designs allow replacement of individual parts to help reduce cost in the event of a crash, and they also add all-important style points.
Replacing stock rearsets with aftermarket units does require a bit of mechanical savvy (lefty-loosey, righty-tighty) and more often a bit of common problem-solving sense. While some rearsets come fully assembled, others arrive in various stages of assembly that require a firm sense of how they fit together. If you can handle a basic jigsaw puzzle or manage following GPS to the nearest strip club you should be fine, though.
Vortex Racing
Vortex Racing,'s rearsets have a minimalist design, and though instructions are available online they aren,'t really needed. A mounting plate with multiple holes allows for a large variety of settings, while the unit as a whole is solid and should hold up well in the event of a crash, thanks to thick pieces of billet aluminum. No brake-light switch bracket or options are available. Sets are available in black, silver and gold.
Price: $407.95
Pros: Simple but stylish design, lots of adjustments
Cons: No brake light
www.vortexracing.com
Sato Racing
Sato Racing rearsets are shipped partially assembled,--reducing both installation time and frustration. While written instructions are helpful, Sato was the only company to include black-and-white photos of the exact model bike. Pictures are worth a thousand words and the small addition proved to be extremely helpful.
A multiple-position mounting plate allows for adjustability, and the kit also includes an inline pressure switch to maintain the functionality of the brake light. Sets are available in silver, black or gold.
Price: $475.00
Pros: Cool styling, road and race ready, excellent instructions
Cons: Limited colors
www.satoracing.com
TiForce
TiForce rearsets are used on Corona Extra Honda,'s AMA road-racing team. Testing under these harsh conditions means they should easily hold up to the abuse the average street rider or racer can throw at them. The kit came fully assembled, which reduced installation time and sweating on our behalf. The instructions were detailed and included recommended torque settings, rather than simply mentioning to check the owner,'s manual.
A bracket for the brake-light switch maintained functionality of the rear brake light using the stock hardware. Built-in heel guards add a nice touch for street riders and the style is clean and attractive. Sets are available in black and aluminum.
Price: $499.95
Pros: Preassembled, precise instructions
Cons: Limited colors
www.tiforce.com