Installed new handlebar grips

I checked if it was already posted but it isn't on here. Funny to read some people use brake cleaner to keep the new grips on: when the brake cleaner starts to melt the rubber it sticks to the handlebar.
Also the one who used hair spray: I don't have hair to speak of so obviously no hair spray either.

Anyway, I needed grip. The OE ones are far too smooth for my liking as I wear all-weather gloves 8 months out of 12 so I need all the grip I can get. I used Aprilia Mille grips on my last 3 Aprilias and they're awesome.
The closest thing I could find to these were the Pro Grip 717 Duals. I got them at here at Busters in the UK. Look out as a quantity of 1 contains two grips. Thus I have a spare set now. D'oh!

Never mind. Here's the difference:

 

I called my Honda dealer who's been racing for most of his long life to ask if I needed glue. He said yes so I had a tube picked up by a co-worker.

 

Honda used glue too. With the help of a long thin screwdriver the OE grips came off rather easily.

 

The Pro Grip instructions say to cover 3" of the bar and inside of the grip with glue and not slide it all the way up. Clean off the excess before you do.
Good advice. Especially on the throttle side, the glue slips in between the twist grip and the handlebar.



I loosened the throttle side switch gear and slid it off partially so I could get at the glue on the inside. Unsure of how long it needed to dry, I left it overnight.

The next day I took the opportunity to lube the twist grip and handlebar before putting it all back together so I now have a really smooth throttle action and subtle yet cool grips that will undoubtedly do a good job. I'd say roll on winter but I'd be lying if I did.
:crazy:

 

If you would use the hairspray, there would be plenty left to keep one of those dayglo mohawks erect for several outings.

 

It's 2012, Billy, not 1991. :tongue:

 

Hair today, gone tomorrow.

 

Tried and tested now. They're a little thicker than OE, which I don't much care for. But I have to say that also makes managing the power easier, considering the Z-Bomb and the wet conditions this week.
The grip is superb yet they seem to soak up pretty much all of the V-4's vibration.
Which was never an issue until I noticed the difference. No more numb hands.

At my age, I'll take all I can get.

 

i just got a set if 717 Pro Grips today (thnx for the tip) but the instructions said to use soapy water to slip grips on, after cleaning bars with contact cleaner ... i had to cut out the closed end to get bars ends back on ....so they will dry overnite and i'll ride tomorrow....look and feel great

 

Ain't a grip in the world that is gonna soak up vibration even in 2012. Best to read what is actually in the various solvent type cleaners. Best stuff is IMO, is straight acetone. Those same grips on a Harley should show that "You Can't Always Get What You Want".
Keith Richards

If one end of a bar is closed and the grip to be installed is not vented, God makes it hard through physics to get a grip on or oot.

Soap or detergent? Detergent vs soap shows that detergent has one more mollycule in the chain and depending on what the detergent is formulated for ie dishes, greasy kid stuff or that nifty carwash in a jug from Meguires does make a difference.

 

I've always wrapped the bar in electrical tape and then wet in with gas... grip slides on, rubber sticks to the tape, and when you want the grips off, you cut them off.
I've never had a grip slip or slide after that, and they don't fall apart or deteriorate, so what they heck, it works for me.

 

I just got these for my vfr, no glue needed:

Pro Grip Lock-On 700 Series Grip - RevZilla

 

This outfit has an interesting return policy. If the grips lock on as advertised and ya do want to return them do ya have to send in your bars too?

 

My instructions said the same but my dealer said otherwise. I tend to take advice from someone who's installed far more grips than I have in his life over a generic Italian manual. And the glue does work: you have a finer feel in the grips.
They feel so soft yet they're oh so grippy. Love them. Although I wouldn't have minded them to be a little narrower.
Mine are open ends btw.

I never minded the buzz on the V4 compared to the last inline-4 I rode. Even Aprilia 60-degree V-twins can drive you mad with fine vibes. Caused by an overly restricted exhaust system. Put on a good open system and the vibration gets "thicker" and doesn't numb anymore.

 

I agree, there is little worse than some generic Italian.

 

ended up having to glue them....it's some trick to not get any in the throttle sleeve !!!.....so, while i had it apart....i lubed the cables and sleeve really well....feels great !!

 

Isn't it amazing that there are so many ways to do things like putting on new grips and so many dudes out there who think thier way is the only way?

Kind of like variations on the missionary position.