Trying to get a Grip

[Toolmaker Tim]

I know there have been threads about the best grips for our bikes. So here am I asking opinions again. Put about 150 miles on the bike in the last 2 days. A drop in the bucket compared to what some of you cover. The bike I am now riding has the black neoprene grips with chrome ends on them, and they suck. So fellow xs11 riders, what are the most comfortable grips out there?

[Ken Talbot]

This will probably be much like asking what kind of oil or tire one prefers to use, but what the heck. I put a set of these on Tsunami a while back. Having just got home from a 5 day trip including the Cascades Loop, I can report they are a very comfortable grip, at least for my hand size and riding style. Too bad the Dennis Kirk site lists them as NLA.

I had some generic foam grips before these, and they weren't nearly as comfortable.

When you're looking for grips, you will be somewhat limited by the fact you're looking for something that fits a 7/8" inch handlebar with twist throttle, and for something only 5 inches long. What you can find may determine what you end up with.

YMMV...

[jetmechmarty]

The best grips are the one YOU like! Best wishes!

Marty (Honolulu)

[natemoen]

Hey Ken,

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/de...category_ID=10

Or it looks like pro grips is making them now, model 860.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/big-cruiser....jcwx?TID=7900

What is the actual OD of those ken?

[DGXSER]

Like Ken stated, this is like asking which girl in the bar is the cutest, bound to get plenty of answers and may even start a fight or two.

Having cleared that up, I have THESE on my bike and love them. Recently did a 255 mile ride in one day with no problems at all. I also do not do those 800 mile rides, no Iron Butt awards coming for me. I will say, these are for 1" bars, but I found they fit the throttle side perfectly. On the left side, I wrap the bar with electrical tape a few passes and the grip fits great.

[Elevener]

You might give these a shot. I have them on one bike and like them.

http://www.casporttouring.com/cst/mo...s/GRIPPUP.html

http://motorcycleparadise.blogspot.c...p-puppies.html

[Ken Talbot]

What is the actual OD of those ken?

Approx 1 5/8" OD

[natemoen]

Approx 1 5/8" OD

Just put new grips on but I want some thicker ones and these might be the ticket.

[DeanR]

BMW grips first, then ProGrip 714 or Oury grips.

But like Marty said, best ones are a personal thing.

[skids]

Small outer diameter grip tends to put more of a force against the glove, causing wrinkles. Bigger O.D. is easier to hold on long trips...of course a throttle lock is a good thing too.

[Toolmaker Tim]

Your Suggestions

Thank you for all of them. I have been getting some numbness in my left hand, (different than the numbness in my head) from where the side of my hand pushes against the grip when pulling the clutch in. I definitely want new grips, but I may need to rotate the handlebars more forward so my wrist is in a less awkward position.

[DGXSER]

If you still have the stock bars, I would suggest some alternative ones like the CB750 or Goldwing style.

[oldyam80sg]

www.murphskits.com and do a search for grips.The grips pictured is what i use.

[skids]

If you still have the stock bars, I would suggest some alternative ones like the CB750 or Goldwing style.

Oh yeah, those wheel barrow bars on the specials really suck in my opinion. Make fists and hold your arms straight out. That is the position of your grips that give you the least wrist pain (if that is the problemo).

[jetmechmarty]

Yep, the bars are a personal thing too. I've tried riding with uncomfortable bars and it's miserable. The Special bars happen to work well for me. I like them and also fat grips.

Marty (in Kuwait)