Acerbis X-Road 2.0 lever guards – adjustable protection for brake and clutch levers

The Acerbis X-Road 2.0 lever guards are designed primarily for road, naked and touring motorcycles where they help protect the ends of the brake and clutch levers from accidental contact. A relatively small impact against the front brake lever can be undesirable, so the X-Road places a compact protective structure in front of the lever while preserving the space required for normal hand movement.

The adjustable length allows the guard position to be adapted to different lever designs, while the pre-curved profile is intended to maximise freedom of movement around the rider's fingers.

A standard expander mounting kit for handlebars with an internal diameter of 13.6–19 mm is included. The guards are supplied as a pair for the left and right side. Acerbis specifies that some motorcycles may require an additional model-specific mounting kit, so the application table should always be checked before purchase.

Protection against accidental lever contact

The main purpose of X-Road is not to create a large off-road hand shield, but to provide a barrier in front of the motorcycle's control levers.

The design helps reduce the possibility of a lever being accidentally pressed by contact with another object or motorcycle.

This can be useful during:

• road riding,

• group riding,

• dense traffic,

• sporty riding,

• motorcycle handling,

• situations where the end of a lever may be contacted unintentionally.

Different from conventional full handguards

X-Road should not be confused with large closed off-road handguards.

Its primary purpose is lever protection rather than complete hand coverage from:

• branches,

• stones,

• heavy rain,

• cold wind.

For extensive hand protection during adventure or enduro riding, a conventional full-size handguard may be more appropriate.

The strength of X-Road is its compact lever-focused design.

Adjustable length

Motorcycles may use:

• full-length OEM levers,

• short sport levers,

• adjustable aftermarket levers,

• different brake and clutch geometries.

The adjustable X-Road design makes it possible to position the protective section correctly relative to the lever.

Once adjusted, the guard must not:

• restrict full lever movement,

• interfere with the rider's fingers,

• obstruct normal operation,

• interfere with the throttle,

• prevent the lever from returning normally.

Pre-curved design

The guard is intentionally curved rather than straight.

This creates space around the lever and rider's hand and helps preserve natural control when:

• braking with one or two fingers,

• operating the clutch,

• changing grip position,

• riding more actively.

A correctly installed guard should not force the rider to modify normal hand position.

Aerodynamic front shield

A larger front shield forms part of the design.

Acerbis describes this element as an aerodynamic shield for lever protection.

It adds a broader surface in front of the control while retaining a compact road-oriented profile.

It should not be confused with the large wind-protection spoiler used on touring handguards.

Bar-end expander mounting

X-Road mounts into the open end of the handlebar using an expander system.

The supplied standard kit is designed for handlebars with an internal diameter of:

13.6 to 19 mm.

When tightened, the expander secures itself inside the handlebar and creates the fixing point for the guard.

This avoids the need for a large clamp around the central handlebar area.

Standard expander kit included

The required standard expander components are included in the package.

However, the actual handlebar construction must be checked before installation.

Pay particular attention to:

• internal handlebar diameter,

• OEM bar-end weights,

• threaded inserts,

• closed handlebar ends,

• throttle-tube construction,

• OEM bar-end mounting system,

• requirement for an additional model-specific kit.

Some motorcycles require an additional mounting kit

A 13.6–19 mm internal diameter does not automatically guarantee compatibility.

Some motorcycles use:

• threaded internal inserts,

• model-specific bar-end weights,

• proprietary mounting hardware,

• unusual handlebar-end construction.

Acerbis specifically warns that selected motorcycles may require an additional mounting kit.

Always verify the exact motorcycle in the application table before ordering.

Compatibility is not determined only by external bar diameter

Common handlebar dimensions such as 22 mm or 28 mm refer to external diameters in specific sections of the handlebar.

For the standard X-Road expander, the critical dimension is the internal diameter of the open bar end: 13.6–19 mm, together with the actual internal construction.

There must also be sufficient space around:

• brake lever,

• clutch lever,

• throttle tube,

• switches,

• mirrors,

• bodywork.

Check full steering lock after installation

After fitting the guards, turn the handlebars fully from lock to lock.

The guards must not contact:

• fuel tank,

• fairing,

• windscreen,

• mirrors,

• other motorcycle components.

Also make sure that steering movement does not pull or trap:

• brake hoses,

• clutch cables,

• electrical wiring.

Verify full brake and clutch lever movement

After installation, operate both levers several times.

They must:

• move through their required range,

• remain completely free,

• avoid unwanted contact with the guard,

• return safely to their normal position.

The throttle must also be checked carefully on the right-hand side.

The throttle must return freely

The right-side guard or expander must never clamp, pinch or restrict the throttle tube.

After installation:

1. open the throttle,

2. release it,

3. confirm that it returns freely and immediately,

4. repeat the check at different steering positions.

Do not ride the motorcycle if throttle return is restricted.

Rigidity with controlled flexibility

The guard structure is designed to provide mechanical rigidity together with a degree of flexibility when contact occurs.

A lever guard must remain sufficiently stable to form a useful barrier without unnecessarily interfering with the controls.

No lever guard, however, can guarantee that a severe crash or heavy impact will not damage the:

• guard,

• lever,

• handlebar,

• mounting hardware.

Inspect the complete assembly after any significant impact.

Sold as a pair

The package contains two guards:

• one for the brake-lever side,

• one for the clutch-lever side.

There is no need to purchase each side separately.

Basic installation procedure

Exact installation depends on the motorcycle, but the general procedure is:

1. secure the motorcycle,

2. verify application-table compatibility,

3. remove OEM bar-end weights if required,

4. inspect internal handlebar construction,

5. select the correct expander components,

6. loosely assemble the guard,

7. adjust its length to the lever,

8. set the angle to preserve finger clearance,

9. tighten the mounting system correctly,

10. check full brake and clutch operation,

11. verify unrestricted throttle return,

12. check full steering lock.

Always follow the Acerbis mounting instructions supplied for the product.

Recheck after the first ride

After the first ride, inspect:

• expander tightness,

• guard position,

• any unwanted rotation,

• mounting-joint play.

Repeat this inspection after a fall or significant contact.

Designed mainly for road motorcycles

X-Road is primarily road-oriented and is listed for a range of motorcycles according to Acerbis application data.

Suitability depends on the specific combination of:

• motorcycle model,

• model year,

• handlebar construction,

• OEM bar-end system,

• required mounting kit.

For this reason, the product should not be selected solely by appearance or nominal handlebar diameter.

Technical specifications

• brake and clutch lever guards,

• Acerbis X-Road 2.0,

• supplied as a pair,

• adjustable length,

• pre-curved construction,

• aerodynamic front shield,

• bar-end mounting,

• standard expander mounting kit included,

• for handlebars with 13.6–19 mm internal diameter,

• selected motorcycles may require an additional mounting kit,

• fitment must be verified in the application table,

• made in Italy.

Material composition

According to current Acerbis technical data for X-Road 2.0:

• 85% polypropylene,

• 10% aluminium,

• 5% other materials.

Main benefits

• helps protect control levers from accidental contact,

• protects both lever sides with one kit,

• adjustable length for different lever designs,

• pre-curved profile preserves finger clearance,

• compact road-oriented construction,

• aerodynamic front shield,

• bar-end expander mounting,

• standard kit for 13.6–19 mm internal diameter included,

• model-specific mounting solutions available where required,

• supplied as a pair,

• made in Italy.

Lever protection without a bulky off-road handguard

The Acerbis X-Road 2.0 is intended for riders who want a compact barrier around the ends of the control levers without fitting large off-road handguards to a road motorcycle.

Its adjustable length allows the guard to be positioned for different lever designs, while the pre-curved form preserves room for normal hand movement. The included expander system makes it compatible with a broad range of bar ends, subject to motorcycle-specific fitment.

Correct installation is essential: the brake, clutch and throttle must remain completely unrestricted, and the guards must not contact the motorcycle at full steering lock.