Mc Garage

How to Install New Motorcycle Handlebar Grips

6 tips to make your motorcycle grip installation quick and easy.

May 12, 2016

Learn how to install motorcycle handlebar grips properly.Julia LaPalme

Your handlebar grips are your most important point of contact with the bike, so why not keep them fresh? Replacing worn-out grips is an affordable and easy way to make your bike feel a little newer, plus it gives you the chance to tailor the grip size, texture, and hardness to suit your preferences. Here’s how to do it.

Tip 1

Removing the old grips is easy. Just cut them with a razor blade and peel them off the bar like opening a banana. If you have access to compressed air, you can ease the grips off by directing air pressure under the end of the grip.Julia LaPalme

Tip 2

If your grips are original it’s likely that there will be some form of adhesive left on the handlebar. Clean this off with a razor blade and/or brake cleaner to leave a nice, clean surface. Protect bodywork from any brake-cleaner overspray.Julia LaPalme

Tip 3

If you have compressed air, use it to work your new grips into place. Depending on the thickness and hardness of the grips this may take some doing. Just keep at it and work the grips a little bit at a time.Julia LaPalme

Tip 4

If you don’t have compressed air handy, rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer works as a temporary lubricant to help you slide the grips on. Heating the grips in hot water to soften them will also ease installation.Julia LaPalme

Tip 5

You may have heard people recommend hairspray or gasoline as a means easing grip installation. Neither option is ideal here since both substances can degrade the grips and cause them to spin on the bars later.Julia LaPalme

Tip 6

What, no glue? Not if we can avoid it! Grip glue is messy to work with, and we’ve never found a need for it when installing quality grips on a clean handlebar.Julia LaPalme