Replace Motorcycle Hand Grips
Hand grips are an important motorcycle accessory used to help motorcyclists maintain control and have a safe, comfortable ride. When the grips get worn down or torn, they need to be replaced. Read on to find out to remove the old grips and replace them with new grips, as well as tips on how to pick out the right grips for your motorcycle.
Contents
Steps
Removing the Old Grips
- Remove the bar ends. These are the metal pieces on the outside ends of the handlebars. Depending on the model of your motorcycle, you can either pop them off or unscrew them with a flathead screwdriver.
- Cut off the grips. Use a razor blade or a hacksaw to cut the grips lengthwise and pull them off of the handlebars. As you're cutting, apply enough pressure to slice through the grip, but not so much that you scratch the metal handlebar beneath it.
- Be careful not to cut through any wires on the handlebar. Take your time when you're slicing off the grips.
- If you want to save the grips, you can blow them off with compressed air. Most people don't have compressed air available at home, so you'll likely have to take your motorcycle to a mechanic to have this done.
- Another method to try for saving the grips is slipping a flathead screwdriver between the grip and the handlebar and using it to work the grip off. If there's a lot of adhesive holding the grip in place, this method is difficult.
- If you have chrome grips, skip the razor blade and simply unscrew the bolts at the ends of the grips and slide them off.
- Clean the handlebars. Use rubbing alcohol or adhesive remover and a rag to remove remnants of the previous grips. Make sure the grips and the adhesive that attached them to the metal is completely gone before proceeding.
- Don't attempt to use any type of oil-based cleaner or lubricant to remove the adhesive. In order for the new grips to stay firmly in place on the handlebars, the metal must be completely free of residue. Using lubricant may cause the new grips to slip, which could result in a dangerous situation on the road.
- Make sure the handlebar is clean and dry before proceeding.
Installing the New Grips
- Sort out which grip goes on which side. The two grips that come in a package have slightly different-sized holes. The one that is slightly larger is meant to be installed on the side of the throttle, which is usually the right side. The smaller one should be installed on the side without the throttle.
- Install the non-throttle grip. Apply a grip glue, such as E-6000, inside the hand grip opening and along the handlebar. The edge of one side of the grip is raised, while the other edge is not. Slide the grip onto the handlebar, raised edge first, before the glue begins to dry. Keep pushing until the raised edge of the grip is flush against the inside of the handlebar. When it's secure in place, squeeze the grip to help the glue set.
- Don't use too much adhesive; apply just enough to hold the grip in place. If you use too much adhesive it will squeeze out the ends of the grip and make a mess.
- Make sure to work quickly enough that the glue doesn't dry before you replace the grip. If it becomes hard to work with, use rubbing alcohol to remove the grip glue and start over.
- If you don't have grip glue, try the hairspray method, advocated by many seasoned motorcyclists.
- Install the throttle grip. Apply the glue to the grip meant for the throttle side as well as the handlebar. Quickly slide the grip onto the handlebar, raised edge first, until it is flush against the inside of the handlebar. Squeeze the grip to help the glue set.
- Replace the bar ends. Screw the ends of the handlebars back on so that the grips are held firmly in place.
- Let the glue dry. Wait several hours for the glue to dry before using the motorcycle. When it's dry, test the grips to make sure you like them. If you find them to be uncomfortable, replace them using the same method.
Buying New Grips
- Know your motorcycle. Every motorcycle has certain specifications as to which type of grip is best suited to the model. It's important to choose a grip that works with your motorcycle to make sure your ride is safe and comfortable. If you aren't sure what type of grips are best for your motorcycle, ask a motorcycle mechanic or the dealership where you bought your motorcycle.
- Examine your handlebar. There are ape hangers, beach bars, clubman bars, Motocross bars, drag bars, and other styles of handlebar, each requiring different grips. Take this into account when you make your purchase.
- Make sure the grips you buy are the right diameter and length. Most motorcycle grips are either 7/8" or 1" in diameter and about 5" long. To figure out which diameter and length you need, measure the old grips before purchasing new ones.
- Some motorcycles produce greater vibrations than others. These need thick, padded grips to protect your hands from becoming numb after a few minutes of riding.
- Determine what type of riding you like to do. The type of grip you buy should depend on what conditions you'll be encountering on your motorcycle. If you like to go off-roading, you'll need to be able to grip the handlebars without your hands slipping. If you like to ride long distances on the highway, it's more important to choose comfortable grips that won't make your hands hurt.
- Grips made of rubber are designed to absorb sweat so that your hands won't slip, no matter how wet or sweaty they get. They provide the best grip and control of all hand grip materials. Choose these if you ride for sport, especially during the hot summer months.
- Grips made from soft foam with leather straps are more comfortable, and they prevent your hands from hurting when you have to grip the handlebars for several hours at a time.
- Grips made of rubber are designed to absorb sweat so that your hands won't slip, no matter how wet or sweaty they get. They provide the best grip and control of all hand grip materials. Choose these if you ride for sport, especially during the hot summer months.
- Consider personal preferences. Aside from the practical factors that play a role in what grips you choose, your personal preferences as a motorcycle rider will also inform your decision. Determine your preferences in the following areas:
- Cost. The price range of grips runs from very low to very high. If you ride your motorcycle infrequently, a cheap pair of rubber grips will do the trick. If you ride frequently or over long distances, you may want to invest in something more expensive.
- Comfort. You can buy ergonomic grips designed make your hands and fingers as comfortable as possible, but many people do just fine with standard grips.
- Style. Choose a pair of grips that matches your motorcycle's style, especially if you're investing in grips that are on the expensive side of the price range.
Tips
- When you're deciding what grips to buy, ask a few friends if you can ride their motorcycles to test out a few different grip materials and shapes, or go to a motorcycle dealership and take test drives on different models.
Warnings
- If you're driving your motorcycle on the highway or street and the grips begin to not function properly, pull over immediately to troubleshoot the problem.
Things You'll Need
- Flathead screwdriver
- Razor blade
- Rubbing alcohol
- Motorcycle hand grips
- Grip glue
