How to Install Hand Grips on Your Motorcycle
Berts Mega Mall | Powersports Hub
The handlebar grips are one of the most important accessories on a motorcycle because they reduce bar vibration and diminish hand and wrist fatigue. After using your motorcycle for some time, the grips get worn out and eventually have to be replaced. Having new grips will not only give your motorcycle a new look, but you can also add grips that will suit your riding preferences. The installation process is fairly simple. Here is a step by step on how to install new grips on your motorcycle.
Buy the Right Grips:
When you go out to buy new grips for your motorcycle, you will be surprised to see various different styles to choose from. Before you decide to change the grips on your motorcycle, make sure you get grips that work with your motorcycle so your ride is safe and comfortable. Some motorcycles produce more vibration than others thus need a thinner padded grip. Each side of the handlebar requires a different size grip so make sure you install them correctly. Also, adding new grips allows you to tailor the grip size, texture, and hardness to suit your preferences.
Insider Tip: Make sure the new grips are the same length and diameter as the old grips.
Removing the Old Grips:
Before you begin to install the new set of grips on your motorcycle, you need to make sure that you properly remove the old ones. To remove the old grips you must first remove the bar ends. Depending on what motorcycle you have, you can either pop the bar ends off or unscrew them with a screwdriver. Next, you are going to cut off the grips with a razor blade and pull them off the handlebar. Make sure that you do not put too much pressure on the blade because you can scratch the handlebar.
Insider Tip: If you want to save the grips, use an air compressor and screwdriver to remove the grip
Clean the Handlebars:
Once the old grips are removed, you might notice some adhesive stuck to the handlebar. You do not want to install the new grips with residue on the handlebars because the new grips will not stick properly. To remove the residue, simply use adhesive remover (rubbing alcohol works too) and a rag to remove all the unnecessary scraps. Make sure the handlebars are completely clean and dry before you install the new grips.
Insider Tip: Do not clean the handlebar with an oil-based cleaner because it can cause the new grips to slip off when you are riding which can be extremely dangerous.
Installing the New Grips:
Once the handlebar is clean and dry, you can begin to install the new grips. The grips have different-sized holes so make sure you are installing them on the correct side (the grip that is larger is meant to be installed on the side of the throttle). Once you know what grip goes on which side, apply a good amount of grip glue inside the grip opening and along the handlebar and slide the grip onto the handlebar. When the grip is on the handlebar, squeeze the grip to help the glue set.
Insider Tip: Do not use too much grip glue because you do not want the glue to overload and make a mess.
Let the Glue Dry:
Once the new grips are installed, make sure you let the glue dry for several hours before you take your motorcycle out for a ride. You do not want to take your motorcycle out and have the grip slip off mid-ride. Once you see the glue has set, screw the bar ends to the handlebar so the grips are firmly in place.
Add Safety Wire to the Grips:
There are some cases where the new grips still move a little even after the adhesive has set. If this is the case, many motorcyclists safety wire their grips as added security. The safety wire will ensure the grips do not spin when you are riding. Once you have installed the new grips, cut a piece of safety wire and wind it twice around the grip. Twist the wire in a place where it will not dig into your palm when riding. This will give you additional protection.
Complications:
Installing new grips to your motorcycle is usually hassle-free, but there are some complications that can occur if you don’t install them properly. Here are a couple of circumstances that can go wrong and a solution on how to fix them:
- Cleaning the handlebar with oil-based cleaner: It is not recommended to clean the handlebar with an oil-based cleaner because it has carriers that can affect the grip rubber. If you used an oil cleaner, wipe it away and clean it with rubbing alcohol instead because it evaporates a lot faster.
- Too Much Glue: If you out too much glue on the grips and it begins to ooze out of the grip, grab a rag and clean up the mess before the glue sets.
- Not Letting the Glue Dry: If you ride your motorcycle before the glue is fully dry, you are risking the grips slipping off and causing an accident. Let the grips dry for several hours before riding.
Conclusion:
Handlebar grips are super important on a motorcycle. Adding a new set of grips to your motorcycle will not only give it a new look but also add safety and comfortability to your rides. Changing the grips yourself is super simple if you follow the correct steps. Make sure you remove the old grips, remove the residue from the handlebars, and make sure the grip glue sets before you take your motorcycle out for a spin!
Related:
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- How to Master a Wheelie on a Sportbike
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