The Best Way to Put Grips on Motorcycle Handlebars

While it may look easy, putting grips onto motorcycle handlebars can be a difficult task to take on. The placement of the grips can greatly influence the safety of the motorcycle; but keeping the grips in place once they have been applied can prove to be a challenge. There are many methods for putting grips onto the handlebars of your motorcycle, yet many are time consuming and tedious. The good news is, there is one certain method for installing grips within minutes on your motorcycle.

  1. The Hair Spray Method

    • Applying hair spray on your handlebar grips will help lubricate the grips to move along the metal bars, while also drying to a firm grip once they have been applied onto the handlebars themselves. The application process involves turning the grips partly inside-out, so that the part of the grips that would be on the inside of the handlebars are touching the outside, to make for easier installation. Once the grips are in the desired position, spray a good helping of hair spray along the inside of the grips, which will be visibly smoother than the outside, which will be ribbed or have an engraved look to cater to your grip.

      After the hair spray is applied, slide the grips into place on the handlebars with care, as stray or pointed metal on the handlebars could tear them. Once the edges of the grips are even with the edge of the handlebars, unravel the folded part of the grips, so that they are properly installed on the handlebars. Before the installation is fully complete, make sure that the grips are even, as allowing them to dry and stick with the grip in a twisted position could have a negative effect on the gripping of the motorcycle.

      It could take upwards of 20 to 40 minutes before the hair spray is dried, but once it has dried, the grips will be tight on the handlebars, and will not move or put your safety in jeopardy in any way. This installation is perhaps the easiest and best way to apply grips onto a set of motorcycle handlebars.

    Tips

    • When the original grips are applied onto the handlebars, there is a special glue that is applied at the factory to keep them in place. After removal the grips, residue may be left over that could hinder the installation process. This residue must be removed. Water and soap will work, but can be very time consuming, so try rubbing alcohol to break down the compound and allow for easier application of the new grips.

      Soap and water can come in handy for trying out your new grips, before permanently installing them. Start by using your finger to rub along soap and water to the inside of the grip. Then place the grips onto the handlebars, to make sure that they are a good fit, before going through the permanent installation process. There are times when a grip is too long or has an awkward feeling on the handlebar. A test run will thus assure you that the grips fit the way you want them to on the handlebars.