If you found good enough, just wait until you replace some of those control parts.

Those just starting out on a dirt bike probably don't have much trouble getting "dialed in" as they say, but veterans looking for an edge or simply a different feel might have some luck by upgrading the controls.

The controls on a dirt bike consist of many parts each contributing to the whole:

Though most riders usually get by on stock parts, upgrading to aftermarket controls can help bring home an overarching command of the bike you might not otherwise experience through size enhancement, durability and/or overall feel which leads to better control. Most riders don't upgrade all of the control parts at once instead slowly upgrading as they see fit or through attrition. Keep in mind though as you replace one aspect of the controls it can affect how the other parts fit into your overall style of riding so you might need to upgrade additional segments sooner rather than later for better overall function.

Don't Feel You Have to Upgrade

Accordingly, if you ride just fine and have no complaints with your current set-up keep on riding in the real world. Don't upgrade until you need to whether from damage or by wearing out the part. However you might not know what you're missing until actually making the switch.

But if You Decide to Upgrade...

We'll run down those parts that make the most difference from greatest to least.

Front Brake and Clutch Levers

Both levers anchor to the handlebars, the brake on the right and the clutch on the left. And, both can make or break a ride, in more ways than one. You can get aftermarket levers that "break away" in the event of a crash, which helps prevent inoperable damage, and others pose different configurations for best fitment. Regardless of the route you take all reputable aftermarket levers offer strength and durability for bar-banging on the track or trails.

Shop for front brake and clutch levers.

Dirt Bike Handlebars

Some might argue the handlebars should come before the levers. We won't fight back, however, you probably will find better results when changing the levers and not the bars compared to changing the bars and not the levers. If you change the bars you probably need to change the levers. We don't make the rules, it's just how things go.

The biggest difference in handlebars comes with the diameter - the standard 7/8th inch or the oversized 1 1/8th inch handlebar. Most riders prefer the oversized handlebar and most dirt bikes now come with 1 1/8th inch stock. You get a much stronger handlebar with the oversized which in many respects represents the new "standard."

Dirt bike handlebars also offer several "bends" which has to do with the height, rise, width and sweep. Check out the graphic:

These bends help configure to your type of riding, your size, arm length and finger length. We'd love to tell you the best bend to help get you started but it's all based on personal preference.

Shop for dirt bike handlebars.

Grips

So many types of grips available to make your ride day that much easier. Stock grips generally give you the "good enough" feel but once you upgrade to a higher end pair you'll wonder why you waited so long. Pillow top grips, waffle grips and now these new inventions called lock-on grips have the Moto world abuzz.

Stock grips tend to feel hard and offer little to no padding which eventually takes its toll. Combine that with the relatively cheap cost for a new pair, you can make a pretty significant difference in your comfort on the bike for very little money. Go the old school way using grip glue or check out the lock-on grips that literally snap on without the need for glue and drying time.

Shop for grips.

Triple Clamps

Triple clamps connect the forks to the handlebars and without them, your bike won't move. Like a lot of things stock, the triple clamps get the job done.

But an aftermarket upgrade turns average steering control into a dream putting your ride on rails, but for a cost. New triple clamps comprise one of the more expensive upgrades available but you can radically change how the bike feels with lower weight, flexibility, dampening and improved handling.

Shop for triple clamps.

Foot Pegs

If you can't keep your feet on the pegs you need new ones. Foot pegs come in several shapes and sizes from slim to beefy set-ups. Choose between jagged "teeth" or removable cleats for the grip. Both styles wear out but you can replace cleats without replacing the pegs. Teeth require filing down (takes some time and effort) or a complete replacement of the pegs.

Shop for foot pegs.

Shift and Brake Pedals

You operate the shifter with your left foot and the brake pedal with your right. Since a boot covers your foot most riders don't have much problem with the shifter and brake pedal set-up but you can still find varying configurations of both that make it easier to grasp with your foot and operate. If you have trouble reaching the shifter or brake pedal or find applying either takes enough effort to distract from riding try adjusting the height first. If you still have trouble then upgrade to an aftermarket version.

Shop for shifters and brake pedals.

Throttle

Manufacturers use plastic for their throttles which most riders use until they wear out or break. We suggest the same unless you race regularly whether on the track or off-road. Stock throttles break far easier than metal aftermarket tubes and quickly end any day of riding even from a small tip over.

Shop for throttles.

Kill Switch

The kill switch has little bearing on how you control the bike but we include it here because it sits prominently on the handlebars. You don't need a kill switch but most bikes have one because the kill switch becomes your best friend if you ever get caught under your bike with the motor running. No real need to upgrade since stock kill switches work best. Aftermarket kill switches usually require some retrofitting or don't work with specific bike models. Check out OEM or if you'd like our assortment of aftermarket kill switches.

If you made it this far, we applaud you. So click here to save 10 percent. Just kidding. No link, nor do I have the authority. But we do have additional articles that should help get you up to speed: