If you’ve ever looked into customizing your motorcycle for better performance or comfort, you’ve probably come across rearsets. And chances are, you’ve hit a fork in the road trying to choose between adjustable and fixed rearsets. It’s a surprisingly hot debate in the moto world, and the right answer? Well, it really depends on how and why you ride.
Let’s break it down so you can make a confident, informed decision—whether you’re a weekend warrior, a track addict, or just someone who wants a little more control over their machine.
Rearsets Explained
Rearsets are essentially your foot control assemblies. They’re where your feet rest and where your gear shifting and rear braking happen. Unlike your stock footpegs, aftermarket rearsets—whether adjustable or fixed—give you more grip, more control, and most importantly, a more tailored riding position.
Now, rearsets fall into two categories. Fixed rearsets are just what they sound like: they have a single, non-moveable position. Adjustable rearsets, on the other hand, give you the ability to tweak your footpeg and lever positions to suit your riding style and body type.
Both types come with their own set of pros and cons, and both have passionate riders who swear by them.
Fixed Rearsets: Straightforward, Reliable, and Tough
Fixed rearsets are often favored by riders who want a set-it-and-forget-it solution. These are designed with simplicity and strength in mind. With no extra adjustment points, fixed rearsets tend to be more rigid, and that means better energy transfer and less chance of components loosening over time.
One of the biggest appeals here is affordability. Fixed rearsets usually cost less than adjustable ones, making them a popular choice for riders who want a quality upgrade without diving too deep into customization. They also appeal to riders who already have a dialed-in riding position and don’t feel the need to experiment with different setups.
A good example of where fixed rearsets shine is in everyday street riding. Take someone like Josh, a rider who commutes daily and occasionally hits the backroads on weekends. He installed a high-quality fixed rearset on his naked bike and was instantly satisfied. No tinkering, no tuning—just a more connected feel with better peg grip and a slight boost in riding confidence.
Adjustable Rearsets: Tailored Performance and Comfort
Now, if you're the kind of rider who likes to fine-tune every aspect of your bike to fit like a glove, adjustable rearsets are probably more your style. These rearsets come with multiple mounting holes or sliding plates that let you move the pegs up, down, forward, or back. That flexibility makes a world of difference, especially if you ride aggressively or have unique ergonomics.
Adjustable rearsets are perfect for riders who alternate between street and track. On a Sunday, you might want the pegs higher and further back for maximum lean angle and body position on the track. Come Monday, you can lower them slightly for a more comfortable commute. Riders with longer or shorter legs also appreciate the ability to adjust their stance to eliminate fatigue or discomfort.
There’s also a performance angle. A rider named Alex, for instance, competes in local track days while also using his sportbike for light touring. He’s constantly tweaking his peg positions to find the sweet spot between aggressive cornering and relaxed road riding. For riders like him, the adaptability of adjustable rearsets isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential.
What’s the Catch?
While both types have their strengths, it’s important to be aware of the trade-offs. Adjustable rearsets come with more moving parts, which means they can loosen over time if not properly maintained. They also tend to cost more, and dialing in the perfect setup can take time and experimentation.
Fixed rearsets, on the other hand, offer limited flexibility. If you ever want to change your riding posture or modify your bike further (say with new clip-ons or a different seat), your foot positioning may no longer feel ideal. That limitation could force you to buy another set or make compromises.
Deciding What’s Best for You
Choosing between adjustable and fixed rearsets comes down to knowing your riding goals, your body’s needs, and your budget. If you’re a performance-focused rider who likes dialing in every last detail—or if you switch riding styles often—adjustable rearsets will give you the edge and flexibility you’re looking for.
But if your riding is consistent, your posture is already comfortable, and you want a tough, dependable upgrade without the hassle of fine-tuning, fixed rearsets are a great choice. They’ll improve your riding experience without adding complexity.
Also consider your motorcycle itself. Sportbikes tend to benefit more from adjustable rearsets because riders are often more aggressive in their body positioning. On cruisers or streetfighters, fixed rearsets are often more than enough to provide that added grip and feedback you’re looking for.
Still Can’t Decide?
Try sitting on your bike and imagining different peg positions. Are your legs cramped? Do your heels bump the exhaust? Are you leaning too far forward or backward? These subtle discomforts often point to the need for adjustability.
On the flip side, if your current setup feels mostly natural and you're just looking to replace worn or slippery pegs, fixed rearsets might be all you need.
At the end of the day, the choice isn’t really about which one is better—it’s about which one fits you better. Your body, your riding style, your goals.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your rearsets is one of the most underrated ways to improve your connection to the bike. It’s not as flashy as a new exhaust or as high-tech as an ECU remap, but the impact on your comfort, control, and confidence can be huge.
Adjustable rearsets offer a personalized fit and performance tuning that makes them ideal for racers, aggressive street riders, or anyone who’s never quite felt “one” with their bike. Fixed rearsets, meanwhile, provide a rugged, cost-effective solution that’s perfect for riders who just want a cleaner, firmer, better-than-stock experience without the fuss.
Whatever you choose, make sure you're buying from a trusted manufacturer known for quality. Your feet—and your lap times—will thank you.