Installing new grips can instantly revitalize any bike. Grip upgrades serve two important roles – they protect hands from shocks and vibration and give feedback to meathooks – making the changes essential. Furthermore, worn or torn grips look poor regardless of what hipsters consider.
Installing grips is simple; most handy and ambitious individuals can change a set within an hour if they understand how and plan. If that is your goal, installing new ones should take only half an hour!
Assuming you own the factory service manual and have some spare hours, we advise bringing out this task yourself. Although not taking too much time will do it just right, be patient to allow time for grips to settle before trying this six minutes before riding! Please read all articles on step-by-step guides for installing a hand grip on a motorcycle. But before moving on to how to install it, let’s understand why adding a new hand grip is important.
Reasons to Install A New Motor Cycle Hand Grip
Adding new hand grips to your motorcycle is important for several reasons:
- Control Improvement: Worn-out grips can make it hard to keep a firm grip on the handlebars, making it difficult to control your motorcycle in wet or challenging conditions. New grips offer better traction for greater control.
- Aesthetic Appeal: New hand grips can add aesthetic value to your motorcycle, giving it a fresh new look or enabling you to customize it according to your taste.
- Safety: Maintaining a secure grip on the handlebars is paramount for safe motorcycle operation. Worn or damaged grips may impede your ability to control the bike effectively and increase the risk of accidents.
- Improved throttle response: When throttle grips wear down over time, their smooth return may become impaired, hindering their ability to deliver optimal performance and response. Replacing them can ensure smooth throttle operation.
Installing new motorcycle hand grips can be a simple process if you follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Gather the necessary tools and materials:
- New hand grips
- Allen wrenches or socket set (depending on your motorcycle)
- Flathead screwdriver
- Hairdryer or heat gun (optional)
- Rubbing alcohol or grip glue
- Clean cloth or paper towels
2. Remove the old hand grips:
- If your motorcycle has bar-end weights or mirrors, use the appropriate Allen wrench or socket to remove them.
- Gently slide a flathead screwdriver between the grip and handlebar, taking care not to scratch either one.
- Spray a small amount of rubbing alcohol or water into the gap created by the screwdriver. This will help loosen the grip.
- Twist and pull the grip until it comes off. If it’s difficult to remove, use a hairdryer or heat gun to warm the grip, making it more pliable.
- Clean the handlebars:
- Use a clean cloth or paper towel with rubbing alcohol to clean any residue or dirt from the handlebars. Allow the handlebars to dry completely before proceeding.
- Install the new hand grips:
- Check the new grips for any specific installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or grip glue inside the new grip. This will help it slide onto the handlebar more easily and ensure a secure fit once the alcohol evaporates or the glue dries.
- Slide the new grip onto the handlebar, ensuring it’s properly aligned and fully seated.
- If you use grip glue, allow it to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before using the motorcycle.
- Reinstall bar-end weights or mirrors:
- If you removed bar-end weights or mirrors in Step 2, reinstall them using the appropriate Allen wrench or socket.
- Test the new grips:
- Make sure the grips are secure and comfortable. Test the throttle and brake levers to ensure they operate smoothly and without interference from the new grips.
See also: Benefits of having Heated Motorcycle Gloves during Winter
Conclusion
Now you know how you can install new hand grips on your motorcycle with these steps. Always consult your motorcycle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions or recommendations. Washable grips that don’t stain and feel good under your hand will make for an excellent reward when spending some quality time in the garage. You can breathe new life into a worn-out bike with their help!
