I had noticed when on extended runs that the standard grips,for me,were uncomfortable,in that they were too hard a compound from what I am used to.

I found that my hands got aggravated just where the fingers start so I thought I'd change the grips to the same I use on my enduro moto. A quick visit to the motocross shop and €12 later I dandered out with softer grips.


For those who don't know or have never changed grips here are some pictures as to how I do it. It's an easy job to do and if you mess it up there's no big outlay lost.....So..give it a go!!

I started with the throttle side first and to install both grips is the same method.

When you open your packet with the grips in it...there'll be one for the LHS and another,larger diameter,to allow for the increased diameter for the throttle tube.

Take them both out and make sure you start with the correct one...oh...and stick the obligatory sticker from inside the packet onto your tool box....You will now feel more like a 'pro.

As can be seen my moto has Acerbis hand guards,with standard Yamaha grips.

Other marques of hand guards should more or less be the same.

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Start by loosening the bar end allen key that holds the guard.

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Then loosen the bolt at the handlebar at the brake lever end....if you're really lucky you'll drop the 10mm nut and washer where it will bounce off your toe cap and fly off never to be seen again....

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There'll probably be enough play to wiggle the guard off...

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Next,using a sharp knife,cut the old grip off...there was virtually no glue holding it on ..so it was easy......

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What you'll be left with is a plastic tube and this is where the new grip will be pushed and twisted on.

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Double check you have the correct diameter before you start...

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..and offer it up to the throttle tube to confirm.

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I use a standard neoprene glue....the kind of glue you use for sticking soles of shoes and the same stuff that smells really,really good!!...just rub a slight smear over the tube and get ready to get started. Proper hand grip glue is better though as it does'nt cure so quickly...of course my cheap grips didn't come with any...ho hum...

Here you can see I put a few zip ties into the grip to allow it to slide onto the bar. Once the grip is pushed on and lined up as to where you want the waffles then you pull the zip ties out. I use 3 but if you have a helper a couple more would do no harm...at this point you need arms like an octopus.

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When lined up then you can cut the end of the grip off...as the hand guard plug will be required to be bolted back on. If no guards then you'll just slide the grip on until the end stops it going any further.

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As there's grooves moulded into the grips for safety wire I take advantage and use this option....taking care to not over tension the wire and cut the grips. Once the wire is cut off then you'll need to tap the remaining sharp bit flat into the grip...if not your gloves will snag on the exposed wire.

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Bolt the guards back on and you're good to go!

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Tools for the job....

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__________________
The Suit:What would you consider to be your greatest weakness?
Me: Honesty.
The Suit: Honesty? I don't think honesty could be construed as a weakness.
Me: I don't give a f**k what you think.

.[IMG] [/IMG]

nice and clear instructions

instead of glue you can also use some of the missus' hair spray. It is still wet and a bit slippery when sprayed on and it gets hard and sticky after a while.

...or...use spray paint for the same effect.

__________________
The Suit:What would you consider to be your greatest weakness?
Me: Honesty.
The Suit: Honesty? I don't think honesty could be construed as a weakness.
Me: I don't give a f**k what you think.

.[IMG] [/IMG]