Taken from sportbikes.net forum:

Shorty levers are less likely to be broken in a crash, since they don't extend as far to the end of the bar.

 

This is why I get full-length folding levers on all my bikes. I prefer using 4 fingers on each lever. To each their own.

 

Standard stock levers are cheaper. Racers don't care about bling. I'm sure they would be fine with shorty levers I've never had a problem with them as far as leverage I can get all 4 fingers on a shorty lever but never really need more than 2 fingers though but interesting observation.

 

Because the guy next to you has one.

For me it was because I liked the look of short levers better than long. I was a little worried about the clutch side since I use all four fingers but got used to it after a week or so.

 

Because the guy next to you has one.

For me it was because I liked the look of short levers better than long. I was a little worried about the clutch side since I use all four fingers but got used to it after a week or so.

I don't buy into the statement that they're less likely to be broken in a crash. While possibly statistically correct, it has to be by such a small margin it cannot possibly be reason alone to buy them. If you're afraid your levers will break, you buy flip up levers.

As for racers not using them, I don't think it's true. Some do, some don't. On a race bike, it's not exactly the most important part though. Personally, although I've got big hands, I still vastly prefer the feel of short levers.

the reason ive stuck with standard is because ive always used all my fingers on my clutch and 2 on the brake. some people do mix and match but i dont think that would be "cool" i really need to ride somebodies bike who has shorties. and see what the difference is.

 

I don't buy into the statement that they're less likely to be broken in a crash. While possibly statistically correct, it has to be by such a small margin it cannot possibly be reason alone to buy them. If you're afraid your levers will break, you buy flip up levers.

As for racers not using them, I don't think it's true. Some do, some don't. On a race bike, it's not exactly the most important part though. Personally, although I've got big hands, I still vastly prefer the feel of short levers.

 

Cause all the cool kids have them.

 

I don't like them... I don't like the last two fingers of my gloves sewn together either.:crash

 

Im used to mine being sewn together I thought it was wierd at first and was about to gut them apart but I got used to it now.

And I use shorties now since I two finger brake and clutch, but will eventually have longer ones when I finally get off my ass and get my new MC and clutch perch.

 

I like them because there a loteasier to pull levers in say with only one or two fingers. I have broken a lot of bones in my hands and still have a boxer break in my right hand from like 10 years ago. So for me it makes since. And they look 100 times better than stock imo.

 

Being that I clutch and brake with two fingers, sometimes even one on the brake, I felt it more comfortable using the shorty levers.

Edit: Plus I think they look better and was able to match the color of my bike. Bling bling, LOL

 

That's funny, I wondered the same thing about pro racers back then.

I think it's all personal preference. I originally got them for the looks, but adjusted to the two finger pull for both levers and found it better for me that way.

 

I bought shorties because I liked how they look. I like the shorty brake lever, but honestly I hate the shorty clutch lever. I felt more comfortable with the stock clutch lever for some reason.

 

^^^this "to each their own"
I did it for weight savings
Ok, more because I used two fingers on my stock levers so I figured might as well get shorties... They look nice too!

 

I like them because I was poor riding dirt bikes when I was younger and always had "half" levers from when they'd break/fold and i'd cut them in half. At one point I rode 2 reasons with a brake lever I could only physically get 1 finger on heh.

 

I have a shorty brake and long clutch. The perfect combo.

 

I got em because the look of the boring long stock levers was annoying, so I figured I'd go all the way on the cleanup of the levers.

I like em overall, but the shorty clutch lever is awful in slow moving (but not stopped) traffic, like 1-10mph where you gotta keep it held in a lot. The leverage isn't as much and it becomes heavy fast.

 

I got em because the look of the boring long stock levers was annoying, so I figured I'd go all the way on the cleanup of the levers.

I like em overall, but the shorty clutch lever is awful in slow moving (but not stopped) traffic, like 1-10mph where you gotta keep it held in a lot. The leverage isn't as much and it becomes heavy fast.

Maybe that is brand specific. I feel no difference in the leverage on my shorties and I ride in plenty of traffic here in NJ.:fact

 

thanks guys. interesting comments on both sides. i wear xxl gloves too and was concerned about short lever sizes. might hold off and just powder coat them black for now and see how i like that. thanks for the reply's fellas.

 

most racers are sponsored and often when sponsored you need replacement parts available, parts to fit riders, easier to have all long levers as they would work for everyone. Crashing and having to replace them isn't an issue as they are sponsored.

If you look at the isle of man shorty pazzo's are freaking everywhere. but they pay for most all of their parts. You often can't compare what racers use to what you or I use. They also use brakes that won't stop you at a stop sign when cold, etc. The list goes on...

 

true..just noticed it and thought if there was a benefit you figure they would have them. guess its what ever you like and feels the best.:boobies