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.
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.
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.
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. [5] X Research source 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.
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.
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.
