Rearsets replace the rear brake lever, existing pegs, gear shifter and brackets and fix them to the bike’s frame. They allow riders to set them up where they want. People often tend to think they are accessories which are not so essential and are merely bought to look ostentatious, but they could not be more mistaken as they are extremely important to make your ride comfortable and they also create a stable base. They are used to customize your bike according to your needs. You can raise or move your pegs backward or forward so that the bike fits you.
To fit rearsets you will need a rear paddock stand, combination spanners (8-19 mm), screwdrivers (Philips and flat bladed), a socket set (8-17mm minimum), Allen keys (4-10mm), baby stilsons, light grease, thread glue, tape and thread glue. It is very easy to do the job as long as you use your common sense and follow the suggestions which we have given here. You must take great care that you don’t strip the threads or the components don’t get cross-threaded.
You should not rush and follow the instructions given below carefully.
- Every model has its own rearsets and so you must first check that the rearsets are the correct ones for your bike. Order the ones with the facility for rear brake light operation. Some of them don’t have as they are mainly designed for race use.
- When you change the original footpegs do take a look as to where they are placed. Taking measurements will reduce labor later. Once you get the accurate position you will be able to set up the rearsets.
- Remove the knuckle joint of the gear shaft and the original rod. Use a hacksaw to make a punch mark where the knuckle joint split is located on the shaft. This will make it easier to put it back on later. If the mark is already there then you need not bother.
- Loosen the knuckle joint’s bolt and then the two nuts at the end of the shift rod. Now you can remove the knuckle joint bolt and unwind it from the rod. Remove the shift rod from the gear lever.
- Now with great care, you should remove the footrest hanger as the mounting fasteners may get out of their places. Use an extension bar if required or a piece of tubing or Allen key to generate more power.
- Set the new hanger in its place: Use Loctite on the threads if you are using new bolts. It won’t be necessary if old bolts are there. Use your tape to determine the footpeg-mounting hole which is closest to the original position. Then you can place the pegs as per your preferences which maybe downward or upward.
- See if the gear lever fits the new footpeg. If it does then grease it up and assemble it. If the rearsets have roller bearings then you will not need grease. You can use the baby Stilsons to keep the peg in its place while you tighten the bolt.
- You can now fit the new shift rod to the gear level by attaching the knuckle joint to it. You need not tighten the locking nuts now. If the gear lever is too high or low then rotate the knuckle joint to bring it back to the right place. Fit the knuckle joint on the shaft.
- Position your gear lever by moving the rod up or down as required. Now tighten the locking nuts on the rod. Check if the bolt is tight and the gears can be selected by moving the lever. You must ensure by turning the rear wheel that there should be any difficulty with the lever’s movement.
- Remove the brake side by first removing the clevis pin which joins the lever to the bar. The master cylinder is to be removed first before removing the hanger.
- Before putting the mounting plate and the peg for the operating switch on the bike fit them to the hanger first. Do any adjustment if required using the thread on the switch.
- Now refit the master cylinder to the footrest hanger and the clevis pin. You can make adjustments using the threaded bar.
