suggestions on grips

[CWilliamson]

The grips on my xs1100sf are worn out and I didn't see any threads on suggested replacements (plenty on how to replace them which I will follow). I've never had to replace them on any bike I've owned and am at a loss. Any suggestions on brand, model and size? Also I've seen bar caps that either push in or screw in, which will work on the xs? On the throttle side do they come with the inner core that does the rotating?

Thanks,
Clark

[Pat Kelly]

Any 7/8" grips will work (bar ends too).
Type of grip is an individual preferance. Some people like cushy foam grips (I don't). Some like them with finger cut-outs. Some like heated grips.
I like plain, firm rubber muck like OEM. The brand on my LG is Lockhart. On my E they are the originals.
Go to the cycle shop and check out the selection.

[graybird78]

grips

their are many styles to choose from. oe replacements, foam ,gel ,and custom. just about any grip should fit.just find some you like. they come in different lenghts 130mm-160mm. my hands are big so i use 150mm. they are a little long but not a problem for me. you can find them at your local dealer,or shop the net. dennis kirk, jcwhitney, chapperel, mikes xs just to name a few. to get the old ones off use a twist&pull method ,or use a razor blade to slit them and take them off.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Clark,

I've got fairly long fingers, and to relieve the force I have to apply gripping the controls, the larger foam ones help in that regard. However, if you have smaller hands, then the stock style may be more to your liking?
Foam Cushion Grips with Chrome Ends
Foam Cushion Grips with Chrome Ends - Black - for 7/8" bars


Part #02-2404 $9.00US /Set

These are just like my Tourmaster, for half the price, from MikesXS.
T.C.

[chevy45412001]

XScuse me

i no i no ...i have hardley sportster chrome and rubber grips on my XJ. Like TC's they give the feel of a bar 1 inch in diameter.

[andreashweiss]

The throttle side grips(replacement) do not come with the inner plastic rotating core use your old one.

[CWilliamson]

thanks for the input

I had been thinking about the chrome ended ones since it is the special. the inner lining is partially worn through as well (no idea how the PO did that). Do I need to go to the dealership to get the inner piece?

Thanks,
Clark

[Geezer]

Originally posted by TopCatGr58



Part #02-2404 $9.00US /Set

These are just like my Tourmaster, for half the price, from MikesXS.
T.C.

I have a pair of these on the Mongrel and the chrome caps are uncomfortable rubbing against my fingers. It’s too bad they don’t make these with molded rubber ends… I have big mits too and the smaller grips cramp my hands on long rides..

Geezer

[xs650mike]

My favorite grips (which I've been using for over 20 years) are Oury Road Grips, they're fairly large in diameter and made out of firm rubber with large square blocks. They come in a variety of colors and last FOREVER, they outlasted several bikes that I put them on. With these you get the best of both worlds, a large diameter to wrap your fingers around but they also have a smaller diameter knurled section next to the thumb guard which makes it easy to blip the throttle by rolling it with your thumb for downshifts, even while your fingers are occupied squeezing the front brake. Really good vibration isolation and very comfortable on long trips. They're about 10 bucks at your local bike shop or 8 bucks from JC Whitney.

My 2nd favorite are sport bike gel grips which I have on my XS400 cafe bike and my XS11SF had a new set put on by the PO. These come in a variety of surface patterns, about $6 from www.mikesxs.com also JC Whitney, or your local shop but you'll pay about $2-$5 more. Good vibration isolation but a little harder than the Ourys.

I don't like foam grips, they interfere with road feel and wear out very quickly...had a big fat set with the chrome caps once 'cause I thought they looked sharp, they disintegrated within a month (I ride every day). IMO if you like this type of grip get the ones that are leather covered. Around $27 from Whitney. You can remove the fringe if it's not your style. Heated grips are good if you ride in the cold a lot, about $70-$80, Whitney, Dennis Kirk, others.

BTW IIRC Mikes XS has a 2 mounting bolt clutch lever so you don't have to cut the grip off to remove the lever when changing bars, etc.

[bikerhawk]

Originally posted by xs650mike
My favorite grips (which I've been using for over 20 years) are Oury Road Grips, they're fairly large in diameter and made out of firm rubber with large square blocks. They come in a variety of colors and last FOREVER, they outlasted several bikes that I put them on. With these you get the best of both worlds, a large diameter to wrap your fingers around but they also have a smaller diameter knurled section next to the thumb guard which makes it easy to blip the throttle by rolling it with your thumb for downshifts, even while your fingers are occupied squeezing the front brake. Really good vibration isolation and very comfortable on long trips. They're about 10 bucks at your local bike shop or 8 bucks from JC Whitney.

You beat me to the punch...I was just about to add my .02 on the Ourys. I found these a few years ago, and now they're on both of my XS's. Awesome grips...and mine have gotten even better with age. I just did a Saddlesore 1000 on Saturday, and my hands felt great the entire time (as long as I flexed then once in a while). My only concern is that they're so soft that if the bike ever scraped against something, it would tear the end right off. But for $10, I'll take that chance.

[strom]

I used to have foam stuff just like the pic above. It was lined with rubber, that wore off. I wanted to buy replacements, but heated grips were so cheap, I bought those instead. A bit smaller diameter, but just right for me. Eleminates some vibration, but not as much as the foam/rubber stuff.

LP

[sermn8ter]

Hand cramp

I guess this sort of fits here. Has anyone tried the thing, I forget what it is called, that just slips on over the grip to help you with the throttle when your hand gets tired? I think it is just something like a little pad that your palm rests on so that you can just put pressure on your hand and use the throttle rather than having to actually grip it and turn. Guy I rode with Sunday had a new Suzuki Bandit 1200 and he had them on his. Said they were nice, especially on a long ride.

[xs650mike]

Those are called "Throttle Rockers". My friend Tom has 'em on his Kawi Vulcan 1500 on both grips. Says they really improve comfort on long trips and he makes a lot of 'em. I'm thinking of mounting one on the right grip of my SF even though it doesn't really have a strong throttle return spring. I made a 460 mile trip recently and while my hand didn't cramp I had some pain in my right shoulder towards the end which I think was caused by holding the throttle open for so long.

[CWilliamson]

Thanks for the input

Ordered some traditional black rubber ones.

Clark

[sermn8ter]

Throttle Rockers

I found that after I posted that. They are available all over eBay. Look like it would help on a long ride. My back gets a little sore, and I think part of it is kind of pulling to one side working the throttle for so long. They are 13.95 on eBay I think, but I bet you could get them cheaper at most bike shops.