Cockpit

The cockpit is everything the rider sees and reaches from the seat: the handlebars and grips, levers and switchgear, the instrument panel or dashboard, the windscreen and the seat area itself. On sports and touring bikes the term often refers to the space behind the fairing and screen.

A well set-up cockpit is important for comfort and control. Lever angle and reach, bar position and the visibility of the display all affect how relaxed you can ride and how quickly you can react.

Adjust levers so your wrists stay straight when seated in your normal riding position, and keep the dashboard, switches and mounted navigation within easy reach. Off-road riders often add handguards and a navigation tower, while tourers fit phone or GPS holders, USB sockets and heated grips.