Acerbis X-Factory under the microscope: analysis and review of the best-selling lever protectors

Acerbis X-Factory: analysis and review of popular lever protectors

Jana Wolfschlägerová

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26.02.2026

It only takes a second of inattention on a technical exit, a slip on wet grass or an inept placement of the motorcycle in the garage, and that hated sound will be heard: "crunch". A broken lever in the middle of the forest is not only an expensive joke, but often also the end of the walk and the return home. If you're serious about offroading, motorcycle handguards are an essential investment that will pay off the first time you touch the ground.

In the Czech Republic, one specific model currently reigns supreme in sales: Acerbis X-Factory. The Italian manufacturer has sold hundreds of thousands of them around the world, and you will see them on every other machine on domestic tracks. But are they really also indestructible or is it just a successful design? We disassembled them down to the last screw.

Source: https://marketing.acerbis.it/motorsport/10121-closed-handguards/10552-closed-handguards/0026641

What are Acerbis X-Factory busters made of and how durable are they?

Most people think that busters are simply “a piece of plastic and aluminum.” But the Acerbis X-Factory is different. The developers in Italy have opted for a unique hybrid construction. The support bar is made of a combination of 80% steel and 20% polypropylene injection molding.

Why did they choose steel? Steel has a different modulus of elasticity than the commonly used aluminum. In practice, this means that the steel reinforcement absorbs fine vibrations from the engine much better and does not flex so aggressively during an impact. In addition, the steel structure with a nylon coating does not oxidize as quickly as cheap alloys, which you will appreciate when washing the motorcycle with pressure water regularly. The entire pair weighs approximately 0.5 kg, which is a great compromise between robustness and maneuverability of the machine.

The plastics themselves use dual-injection technology. The main part is made of rigid polypropylene, but the edges are made of softer TPE rubber. This flexible zone is important - if you catch the protector on your knee or the ground during a fall, the plastic deforms slightly and does not immediately crack.

Acerbis X-Factory vs. X-Factor

These two names are confused in Czech e-shops, but they are two different products:

Acerbis X-Factory: Slimmer, more stylish and lighter. They are designed primarily for classic enduro, cross-country and hobby off-road rides. The steel bar is strong enough for most common falls.

Acerbis X Factor: This is, on the other hand, a "heavy-duty" version for really tough handling. It has a significantly stronger aluminum reinforcement (a thicker metal arch that protects the levers and hands in the event of an impact). The manufacturer states that it is several times more durable than regular variants. It is mainly suitable for extreme hard enduro or large touring enduros, where harder falls, rocks and higher speeds are expected.

What to expect during installation

The manufacturer supplies a universal mounting kit for handlebars with a diameter of 22 mm and 28.6 mm, but for owners of the most popular models, Acerbis has a more elegant solution. For motorcycles such as the Honda CRF 300 L or Yamaha Tenere 700, special editions of the X-Factory are produced with a mounting kit tailored to the machine. These kits already take into account the limited space on the handlebars and a specific mount, which greatly simplifies installation.

If you still decide on a universal kit, be aware of the following specifics:

Honda CRF 300 L: These motorcycles have internal weights welded into the handlebars. To get the weights there, you must either drill the weights out or use special longer M6 screws and washers so that the protector fits "metal to metal".

Yamaha Tenere 700: Beware of full swing. Standard clamps may be close to the tank. If you put the bike down, the flexible aluminum handlebars can bend and the protector can knock into the tank. The special edition for the T7 also has a stylish “carbon flake” look on the black bars.

Lever length: If you use the original long levers, their ends can hit the inner reinforcement of the protector during installation. Most riders solve this by moving the controls slightly closer to the center of the handlebars, or by replacing them with shorter levers.

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Acerbis X-Factory under the microscope: analysis and review of the best-selling lever protectors

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