How to Replace Motorcycle Hand Grips

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Motorcycle hand grips help motorcycle drivers grasp the steering handles and maintain control of their motorcycles. Continual wear and tear on the grips as a result of riding the motorcycle frequently will result in needing to replace the hand grips. To replace motorcycle hand grips, follow these steps.

Steps

Remove the Old Grips

1. 1
   Unscrew the bar ends. This is the metal piece on the outside end of your handlebar.

   
   
2. 2
   Pull off the old grips.
   • Spray a lubricant onto the old grips. This will loosen the grips and help them slide off the handlebar.
   • Cut off the old grips. Use a knife and cut the grip along the handle, starting on a spot closest to the body of the motorcycle. Slice from the closest inside spot on the grip to the outside of the grip.
3. 3
   Clean your handlebars. Use rubbing alcohol to remove remnants of the previous grips.

Place the New Grips On Your Motorcycle Handlebars

1. 1
   Replace the left handlebar. The left handlebar should be replaced first because the right handlebar usually has the throttle and is installed on a sleeve that rotates.
   • Lubricate the left handlebar to help the grip slide on easier.
   • Use an adhesive to ensure the grip will stay while it's on the handlebar.
2. 2
   Screw the bar end back in for the left side handlebar.
3. 3
   Replace the right handle bar grip.
   • Locate the switch housing and remove the screws to take it apart. This will make room for your new grip. Make note of how the wires are aligned and what they're attached to so you're able to put it back together once you install the new hand grip.
   • Lubricate the right handlebar to help the new motorcycle grip slide on easily.
   • Apply adhesive to help the grip stay on the motorcycles handlebar.
   • Reattach the switch housing to the way it was the way it was before you removed it.
4. 4
   Screw the bar end back into the end of the right side handlebar.

   
   

Tips

• If your new grips are plastic or another hard material, use a hammer to gently hammer them onto your motorcycles handlebars.
• Depending on what type of motorcycle grips you're replacing your old handlebar grips with, you may have to use set screws. The screws, which usually come in the package with the handlebars, keep the grips tight on your handlebars.
• Safely test drive your motorcycle after replacing the hand grips. You want to make sure everything is screwed in, fixed and working before driving on the road.

Warnings

• If you're driving your motorcycle on the highway or street and the grips begin to not function properly, pull over immediately to troubleshoot the problem.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Rubbing alcohol
• Motorcycle hand grips
• Motorcycle
• Screwdriver
• Spray lubricant

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