Types of Motorcycle Grips
Motorcycle grips are essential components that enhance control, comfort, and the overall riding experience. They serve as the crucial interface between rider and machine, providing both functionality and personalization opportunities.
Standard Grips
The most common type found on motorcycles, featuring a smooth surface made from rubber or foam materials. They provide good grip and comfort for everyday riding conditions.
Best for: General riding, beginners, and riders who prefer simplicity.
Ribbed Grips
Feature raised ridges that significantly improve grip, especially in wet conditions. The ridge pattern provides additional traction between gloves and handlebars.
Best for: Off-road riding, adventure motorcycles, and wet climate regions.
Textured Grips
Designed with diamond patterns or knurling to provide maximum grip and control for riders. The varied surface finish prevents hand slippage under intense riding conditions.
Best for: Racing, sport bikes, and aggressive riding styles.
Gel Grips
Made from a specialized gel-like material that excels in vibration absorption. These grips significantly reduce hand fatigue and numbness during extended rides.
Best for: Touring, long-distance riding, and riders with hand or wrist sensitivity.
Heated Grips
Incorporate internal heating elements that can be activated by the rider. They provide essential warmth to the hands during cold weather riding conditions.
Best for: Winter riding, cold climate regions, and all-season motorcyclists.
Bar-End Weights
Additional components attached to the ends of grips that reduce vibration through the handlebars. They provide a smoother riding experience by dampening engine and road vibrations.
Best for: High-speed motorcycles, highway riding, and vibration-sensitive riders.
| Grip Type | Primary Benefits | Best Applications | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Comfort, simple design | Everyday riding | Medium |
| Ribbed | Enhanced grip in wet conditions | Off-road, adventure riding | High |
| Textured | Maximum control and precision | Racing, aggressive riding | High |
| Gel | Vibration absorption, comfort | Touring, long-distance | Medium |
| Heated | Warmth in cold conditions | Winter riding | Medium-High |
| Bar-End Weights | Vibration reduction | High-speed motorcycles | Very High |
Expert Tip: Many riders combine different grip systems for optimal results. For example, textured grips with bar-end weights provide both enhanced control and reduced vibration for sport touring motorcycles.
Specifications and Maintenance of Motorcycle Grips
Material Considerations
Motorcycle grips are manufactured using various materials, each with distinct characteristics:
- Rubber: Affordable, good vibration dampening, decent grip in most conditions
- Silicone: Superior durability, excellent comfort, resistant to environmental damage
- Foam: Lightweight, excellent cushioning, but less durable with faster wear patterns
- Composite: Combination materials offering balanced performance characteristics
Sizing Specifications
Grip sizing is critical for proper fit and comfort:
- Diameter: Available in small (29-30mm) to large (33-34mm) options
- Length: Standard (115-125mm) and extended (130-140mm) options
- Inner Bore: Must match handlebar diameter (typically 22mm or 7/8")
- Left vs. Right: Different specifications for throttle side vs. clutch side
Design Features
Modern motorcycle grips incorporate various performance-enhancing features:
- Textured Surfaces: Diamond patterns, waffle designs, or ridged features
- End Caps: Integrated or removable for customization options
- Throttle Cam: Specialized designs for responsive throttle control
- Flange Design: Some grips feature flanges to prevent hand slippage
Maintenance Guidelines for Motorcycle Grips
- Regular Cleaning: Use mild soap and water to remove dirt, debris, and oils from grips. Avoid harsh chemicals that may degrade the grip material.
- Inspection: Routinely check grips for wear patterns, cracks, or loosening. Pay special attention to the throttle side which experiences more movement.
- Prompt Replacement: Replace grips when they show signs of significant wear or damage. Compromised grips can affect control and safety.
- Throttle Mechanism: Periodically lubricate the throttle control mechanism with appropriate lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
- Secure Installation: Verify grip attachment regularly, especially after riding in rough conditions. Loose grips can rotate unexpectedly.
- Weather Protection: Consider using handlebar covers when parked outdoors for extended periods to protect grips from UV damage and moisture.
Safety Alert: Never ride with damaged or excessively worn grips. Compromised grips can lead to loss of control, especially during emergency maneuvers or in adverse weather conditions.
How to Choose Motorcycle Grips
Selecting the right motorcycle grips requires careful consideration of multiple factors to ensure optimal performance, comfort, and compatibility with your specific motorcycle and riding style.
Size Compatibility
Always verify the grip dimensions match your motorcycle's specifications:
- Confirm handlebar diameter (typically 7/8" or 1")
- Measure grip length needed for your application
- Consider throttle tube compatibility on right side
- Account for any control switches or components
Style & Aesthetics
Select grips that complement your motorcycle's overall look:
- Consider color options that match or accent your bike
- Choose finish types (chrome, black, anodized colors)
- Evaluate end cap styles and designs
- Match with other handlebar accessories for cohesive appearance
Material Selection
Choose materials based on your riding conditions and preferences:
- Rubber for balance of grip and cushioning
- Silicone for durability and all-weather performance
- Foam for maximum comfort but less longevity
- Consider specialized materials for extreme conditions
Functionality Features
Evaluate additional features that enhance your riding experience:
- Anti-slip patterns for wet weather conditions
- Vibration dampening properties for longer rides
- Integrated heating elements for cold weather
- Ergonomic designs for hand positioning
Compatibility Factors
Ensure complete system compatibility:
- Throttle tube interface specifications
- Electrical system compatibility for heated options
- Clearance for control switches and levers
- Compatibility with handguards or other accessories
Budget Considerations
Balance cost with performance needs:
- Standard grips ($15-30) for basic applications
- Premium non-heated options ($30-60) for enhanced comfort
- Heated grip systems ($70-150) for cold weather riding
- Consider installation costs if professional mounting needed
Selection Tip: Consider your primary riding conditions when selecting grip materials. Silicone and specially textured grips excel in wet conditions, while gel-infused options provide better comfort for long-distance touring.
How to DIY and Replace Motorcycle Grips
Replacing motorcycle grips is a straightforward DIY maintenance task that can significantly enhance your riding comfort and control. With the right tools and approach, this process typically takes under 30 minutes.
Tools and Materials Required
- New motorcycle grips (appropriate size and style)
- Screwdriver or utility knife (for removing old grips)
- Grip adhesive or hairspray (as temporary adhesive)
- Isopropyl alcohol or handlebar cleaner
- Clean rags for cleaning and preparation
- Safety wire (optional, for securing certain grip types)
- Wire cutters (if using safety wire)
- Compressed air (optional, aids installation)
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Remove Old Grips
Begin by carefully removing the existing grips. If they're glued on, insert a flathead screwdriver or thin tool under the edge and spray some WD-40 or compressed air to break the adhesive bond. Twist and pull while working the tool around the grip's edge. For the throttle side, you'll need to remove any bar-end weights and loosen the throttle housing first.
Clean and Prepare Handlebars
Once old grips are removed, thoroughly clean the handlebars with isopropyl alcohol or a specialized cleaner. Remove all adhesive residue, dirt, and oils from the surface. Allow the handlebars to dry completely before proceeding with installation. This ensures proper adhesion of the new grips.
Prepare New Grips
Inspect your new grips and identify which is for the throttle side (typically has a larger inner diameter) and which is for the clutch side. If your grips require adhesive, apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions. For heated grips, pre-plan your wiring route and connection points.
Install Clutch-Side Grip
Apply a light coating of grip adhesive or hairspray to the inside of the grip and/or handlebar. Quickly slide the grip onto the handlebar with a twisting motion. Ensure it's fully seated and properly aligned. Wipe away any excess adhesive that might squeeze out from the edges.
Install Throttle-Side Grip
For the throttle side, ensure the throttle tube is clean and free of debris. Apply adhesive to the inside of the grip and/or the throttle tube. Slide the grip onto the throttle tube, ensuring it rotates freely without binding. Check that the throttle operation is smooth after installation.
Secure and Test
Allow the adhesive to set according to manufacturer recommendations. For some grip types, you may secure them with safety wire through pre-drilled holes. Test the throttle operation to ensure it turns smoothly and returns properly. Check that both grips are secure and won't rotate during use.
Installation Warning: When installing heated grips, always disconnect the motorcycle battery before making any electrical connections. Follow the manufacturer's wiring diagram precisely to prevent electrical system damage or fire hazards.
Installation Tip: If you don't have grip adhesive, hairspray can work as a temporary adhesive. It provides enough tackiness for installation but allows for easier removal if needed. For a more permanent installation, dedicated grip adhesive is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Heated motorcycle grips provide several significant benefits for riders who face cold weather conditions:
- Maintain hand warmth and dexterity in cold temperatures, even below freezing
- Reduce rider fatigue during cold-weather rides by preventing hand numbness
- Allow for lighter glove options while maintaining comfort in cold conditions
- Extend the riding season into cooler months for year-round motorcyclists
- Improve overall control and safety by ensuring hands remain responsive
- Many modern systems offer variable temperature settings for optimal comfort
A: Foam motorcycle grips offer distinct advantages for certain riding applications:
- Superior comfort through excellent cushioning properties
- Enhanced vibration absorption compared to rubber or harder materials
- Lightweight construction that contributes to overall bike weight reduction
- Generally more affordable than specialized grip materials
- Excellent option for riders with hand or wrist sensitivity issues
- Good temporary solution while testing different grip styles and sizes
However, foam grips typically have shorter lifespans and may degrade faster when exposed to elements or oils from hands.
A: Yes, many grip manufacturers design products specifically for different motorcycle categories:
- Sport Bikes: Thin, highly textured grips that prioritize control and feedback
- Cruisers: Wider diameter, often with custom styling to match cruiser aesthetics
- Off-Road/Dirt Bikes: Aggressive waffle patterns with flanges to prevent hand slippage
- Touring Bikes: Comfort-focused designs, often with heating elements and ergonomic shapes
- Adventure Bikes: Hybrid designs balancing durability, weather resistance, and comfort
Additionally, specific manufacturers often produce grips designed to integrate perfectly with their motorcycle models' control systems and aesthetic design language.
A: Replacement frequency depends on several factors:
- Usage Patterns: Daily commuters may need replacement every 1-2 years
- Material Quality: Premium silicone grips last significantly longer than basic rubber
- Weather Exposure: UV exposure and extreme temperatures accelerate deterioration
- Visible Wear Signs: Cracking, hardening, or smoothing of texture patterns
- Comfort Changes: Decreased vibration dampening or grip security
As a general guideline, inspect grips during regular maintenance. Replace them when you notice visible wear, decreased comfort, or any loosening. Never compromise safety by continuing to use significantly worn grips.
A: While heated grips can be installed on most motorcycles, several factors determine compatibility:
- Electrical System Capacity: Ensure your motorcycle's charging system can handle the additional load (typically 30-45 watts)
- Battery Capacity: Smaller batteries may be drained quickly by heated grips, especially at idle
- Handlebar Design: Some custom or specialized handlebars may not accommodate standard heated grip designs
- Control Housing Clearance: Heated grips are often thicker and may interfere with existing controls
- Wiring Access: Consider whether you have suitable routing paths for the heating element wires
Many manufacturers offer motorcycle-specific heated grip kits that are designed for particular models, simplifying installation and ensuring compatibility.