Grips

I own a 1981 XJ650 Maxim, i need new grips, is there a certain size or style i need to buy or is it personal preference?

 

Its a personal preference, there are many styles out there. Any set for 7/8 inch bars will work, its your choice what kind.
I personally like the foam type grips.

 

im not a fan of foam grips, as over time if it sees much sun, they just kind of deteriorate, I like rubber grips for a good grip.

 

Since most of us aren't Japanese guys in their 20's , a larger diameter foam grip can be more comfortable. They last 4 years in the sun, then you replace them - just like your helmet, shoes, front brake lines - etc.

 

Maybe in Florida. Or were you speaking of only foam grips?

I prefer old-school NAVA granturismo (two "layer") rubber grips, and they last a fine long time. I've had a set on my Norton since I bought it, and they're still nice and pliable.

Problem is, there are a lot of copies out there that aren't as soft and vibration-resistant as the real thing. NOS granturismos can be got; but you have to be careful what size they are. Those DO come in different sizes, you don't want to end up with a set of scooter grips.

 

I have these large diameter foam grips and find them quite comfortable.Bikemaster grips

Maz

 

Here is picture of the carbon fiber grips I made for my RoadStar Warrior. I plan on making a set for my Maxim.

 

i got rubber ones in my drawer just waiting to be put on - replacing foam ones

 

sick carbon work! made from scratch?

 

I had a set that I bought for my Vulcan and never installed, and I ended up putting them on my old XJ650...they were really fat, o-ring style rubber inserts, and heavy as all hell, big pieces of dense metal...and I found I really liked the weight, did a lot for canceling bar vibes and keeping my hands from getting fatigued...

The set that was on this one when I got it are similar, I'm glad for that. Those Vulcan ones were from Kaw's line of custom accessories, and they were expensive as hell.

I've put a similar set on a friend's XS850, he got them from JC Whitney and they were much cheaper...

something like these..

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/hand- ... HH-45-0101

 

Yep, it is the real deal and they were surprisingly comfortable (1.5" diameter). I can't take credit for rolling the carbon into a tube, just making it fit. I made the aluminum end caps and did the machining of the flames in the end of the grip. I made several carbon fiber pieces for the Warrior. Once I get the Maxim on the street, I will give it the same treatment.

 

Another grip you may consider is from BMW. I have them on my ST1100. I forgot exactly what model they are for but these are the part numbers:
(left) 32 72 1 458 395
(Right) 32 72 1 458 396
They are only $9.00 a piece. I guess they are the cheapest thing BMW makes. They are tapered and ribbed, for you pleasure!

 

Yeah i have foam grips right now, the bar ends kept falling off, i glued one and the other one eventually fell off while riding. I agree that they help with hand fatigue, vibrations, etc.. I seen some metal grips with a little rubber on them, they look pretty sick, i cant see dropping $60-70 on a pair of grips though...

 

You can get a Barsnake for about $35.00 that will do the same as the bar end weights. I have also seen guys use Great Stuff to help dampen vibration.

 

+1 on the GT's. I have a set on my 650 and they are the most comfortable grips I have ever used. Even handlebar vibrations on a 5+ hour highway trip are nothing the grips can't handle. Real GT's are on eBay if you look for them.

 

I put the GT style grips on both of mine... can't beat em. The larger diameter makes it much more comfortable if the ole hands are a bit creaky.

 

Hard to to find these days but I have a set of Grand Touring USA Tacki Grips made by Sunline on my bike. Worn but still tacki after 25 years.

 

BigFitz,

Thanks for the tip. Just purchased a set of
Granturismo grips.

Gary

 

Glad you went with the Granturismos. They are awesome grips, I know you'll like them.

An installation tip, I sprayed the insides of the grips and the outsides of my bars generously with hair spray and the grips slid right on. Because they are double walled trying to twist them on doesn't always work quite so well.

Enjoy your new grips!

EDIT: If you haven't already, sand down the ridges at the end of the throttle sleeve. If you don't, you'll end up with a nice uneven ridge at the end of your throttle grip, plus you'll have to figure out how to get the grip past that during installation.

 

BluesBass,

Appreciate that...thanks.

Gary