New Grips

This was only a minor modification, but whatever, this weekend I replaced the grips on my bike. The stock rubber ones just didn't cut it for me, so I went looking for what was available. I wanted something that would cut down vibration, as my throttle hand will go numb after 20 minutes or so. I went with Progrip 862's which I ordered from a dealer here for $15 CAD. I haven't had a chance to take it out yet (though I almost did, as it was 10 C yesterday) but I definately like how they look and feel. They are not only nice and squishy, but they have awesome grip (you don't have to squeeze as hard), and they are slightly larger then the stock ones, which I think is more comfortable.

They went on relatively painlessly, the left side twisted and pried off, the right I had to cut off. The new left side slid on nicely with some WD40, which dried up in half an hour or so, leaving it nice and solid. The right side wasn't so nice, as there were ribs all along the plastic throttle piece. Four of the ribs on the inboard side were larger and I had to trim those off to get the new grip on.

Anyway, I may update this post when its finally on the road (i'll be driving an hour and a half the first time out). Here are a couple of pictures, if anyone is interested.

 

Cool, I have been looking for some new more comfortable grips, any way to get some more input on what other XJ ers are using? I have the same bike as you Chicken are those one inch in diameter handlebars??

 

7/8" handlebars, the left is 7/8" the right with the plastic is 1"

 

I just replaced my second set of grips with these - they're embossed rubber and I chose the aligator skin print:


Got them from JP Cycles for about $30 US:
JP Cycles grips

So far they're wonderful -- easily absorb as much vibration as the "foam n chrome" grips I had on previously, and look a helluva lot better. Feel great too.

 

Did you order them from the dealer killer_chicken?

 

I got them straight from Argyll Motorsports, one of the Yamaha dealers here in town, but they all quoted me around $15 CAD, no shipping costs either, good deal if you ask me. I was looking at some foam grips too (my brother has some on his nighthawk), but I decided to try the gel type and i'm glad I did, my brother is contemplating replacing his now too.

 

Do the chrome endcaps come with the grips? They really dress things up. Looks good!!

 

yes, they were all one piece, chrome included, nice subtle change that makes the bike look good.

 

I've been looking at similar grips myself, just can't decide if I want rubber (better grip) or neoprene (less vibration). Also, I noticed that some of the end caps are actually plastic.

 

My endcaps are plastic, but they were only $15, and I don't really care that much, my brother has the same style endcaps that have lasted 8 years and still look good.
I had a chance to take the bike out this weekend, as it got to a balmy 4 degrees celius, and after riding for around an hour my hands felt fine, as far as i'm concerned, the best $15 i've spent. I would recommend an aftermarket gel/foam set of grips to anyone.

 

I put yellow ATV grips on mine. Had to lube the throttle real good, but I got 'em on. You can kinda see one here...

 

I've been toying with the idea of heated grips for those balmy rides to work when it is just above 0 deg celcius. (You know I'm going to do it! Same as you!)

Any thoughts on how they work? Looks like about $60.

 

Hot Grips are great- put them on ASAP.

The only problem you'll have is kicking yourself for not having done so a long time ago.

 

Might want to check these out.
www.hunterflatbars.com

 

Excuse me for being new to the grip thing but do you have to buy two sets then one set 7/8 and another 1 or can you get the 7/8 to slide over the 1 inch plastic throttle? I have been wanting new larger grips. The originals hurt my hands after about 5 to 10 minutes. Come with being a mechanic I guess.

 

Grips come sized to fit the bar diameter on the left and the throttle tube on the right for a bar of that same size.

Unless you've got Harley-sized bars (1"), just order a 7/8" set.

 

a set of 7/8 grips will have a larger one for the throttle

 

how hard/easy is it to change the grips?

 

Thanks guys. Away to the internet I go.

 

Mine were a breeze, but it depends on whether or not you are looking to keep the old grips. I opted to cut mine off, the hardest part was getting an end weight off the left side. I used a copious amount of wd-40 on the inside of the grips, left side slid on no problem. The right has a plastic piece with protrusions, it slid over most of them ok, but on the innermost part were four larger ones that I cut off. Once the WD-40 dried up they felt great, no slipping at all. I had it done in 15 minutes or less.