BRP Grip installation questions?

[kytten]

Hi guys,

I've tried to search through the forum and looked through several pages of several different searches but am getting some contradictory information or am just misunderstanding what's been posted before.

I've just purchased the BRP grips. I want to install these myself if possible.

I've read through the instructions provided by BRP and have a couple of... not really problems, but hesitations.

First, keep in mind that I'm not really mechanically inclined and mod-ing the Spyder myself is new to me. Please be gentle.

So my issues:

I would rather not CUT off the old grip as the instruction say to do. Is there an option other than this? If not, fine but I figure you guys are creative and helpful so... I read something about wd40 and another person prying the old grips off with a screwdriver (told you I've searched). What works best? Or should I just suck it up and cut them off?

I've also read that getting the grip off the throttle side is trickier than the left side. Tips on how to do that without breaking anything?

The instructions say to use compressed air to get the new grips on. Is that necessary? Are there other options here? Is the 'compressed air' just that air in a can stuff that you clean your computer keyboard with or does it require an air compressor (which I don't have)?

Finally (I think) what about gluing? I've read a couple people who say that using glue on the grips is a bad idea, especially on the throttle side as you can break things or 'get a cheap cruise control'. Any suggestions about best way to glue or even better, other options besides glue? I read hairspray (and other suggestions) -- is this specific to something like the grip puppies or will that work with these grips too?

Feel free to point me to helpful threads I may have missed in my searches. I did go back a couple pages on each search but sometimes the searching thing can be tricky.

Thanks!opcorn:

 

[kaiser]

I cut mine off. I used lock tight on the non throttle side, nothing on the throttle side. I tip I learned from a buddy is use hairspray on the non throttle side to get it on. I let it sit overnight to dry and its not going anywhere! There are lots of people on here I'm sure that have other ideas!
!

 

[dlittle]

In my case, I'm using the Kuryakyn ISO grips but I think this will apply regardless of what grips you're installing.

I think it depends on who was doing the build on your particular bike when it was done. On mine, I had to cut off the clutch side and then cut off the remaining rubber and then sand a bit. On the throttle side, it was tight but didn't appear to be glued.

So far as install, I HAD to glue the clutch side. After doing a test fit, it was loose enough to turn with almost no friction. On the throttle side, I haven't glued and won't unless I absolutely must. It's tight enough that I can force it to slip if I try -- but doesn't during normal operation.

Good luck,

Dennis

 

[MarkLawson]

I've always cut the old grips off with a box cutter. Have never tried any other way, so cannot really help there.

An alternative to glue or hair spray is to wrap the handlebar grip area with electrical tapes and then slide the new grips on. If they're too loose, add more tape. If too tight, remove some tape. I have done it this was for years now on various bikes and have never had any problems. It also make them much easier to remove when needed (no cutting required).

Compressed air (from an air compressor) really make installing and adjusting the grips much easier. I blow it in the small hole on the outside end after I have push them on as far as I can. The air expands the grip and makes it very easy to slide them on the rest of the way and twist them to the desired location.

 

[boborgera]

I slid a long narrow screwdriver into the grips basically it expands them almost like an air compressor. I reused the stock ones no glue needed.
Just go easy on the throttle side .[plastic parts]

 

[NancysToy]

First you will need to remove the bar end covers. Don't completely remove the screw, just loosen it until there is some ply, then rap the screwdriver with your hand to shove it in and release the wedge. You should be able to gently pry out the ends now, if you can't just twist them out by hand. If you loose the wedge, blow it out from the other end with compressed air, unless you can fish it out.

Your chances of successful removal of the existing depends a bit on how much glue the factory used (it is quite variable), and your patience. Using WD-40 and a thin (preferably round shank) screwdriver, butterknife, or thin piece of metal, is often successful. Once you get a loose spot and insert the tool, the nozzle on the WD-40 will allow you to squirt some in. Slow and easy does it. A little twisting while prying often helps, too. The throttle sleeve is plastic on many bikes and has ridges to keep the grip from twisting. You do not want to sheer these off (although a little loss is usually acceptable). I'd recommend trying the clutch side first, for practice. The worst thing that can happen is that you will have to cut the old grips off after your struggle is unsuccessful.

If you use WD-40, clean the handlebars thoroughly before installing the new grips. The bars must be clean and dry. I'd try the installation without grip glue first. If the grips go on loosely, remove and glue them on when you try again. To install, I use an old method that is not recommended (gasoline), but hairspray is a good alternative. You don't have a lot of time to fool around, so spray them on the inside, then shove them home quickly. Twist a bit to adjust if necessary, then let them sit overnight. Don't forget that when you are installing the throttle side, you should line up the grooves in the grip (if so equipped) with the ridges on the throttle sleeve. You can often feel them drop in place as you twist slightly. Don't push the grip up too close to the controls, or your throttle may stick.

 

[wyliec]

I cut the old ones off and used soap and water to install the new. I have over 6,000 miles on the new ones with no problem.

 

[kytten]

Thanks for the input from everyone who replied.

I did wind up cutting the right side grip off. It was really really glued on there. I used quite a bit of wd40 and a screwdriver and a knife and still couldn't get it loose. I wound up putting a hole in it trying to loosen the glue enough to pull it off, so decided to just cut it.

It left quite a bit of rubber and glue behind so I did a lot of scraping and sanding to get all that off.

After that it was pretty straightforward to slip the new grip on and it was a solid fit. I don't think I'll need to glue it down. I'll give it a few rides and see.

The throttle side was more hairy, but mostly because I didn't have enough hands! I felt like being an octopus would have been helpful to get all that back together.

Once it was on and the multi-function box was reattached properly I started it up and made sure the throttle was working.

While I was at it, I also put on anti-vibration inserts.

Between those two things and the my new MadStad windshield that I put on at the same time, there should be quite a difference in the ride.

 

[NancysToy]

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

 

[boborgera]

:roflblack:

Thanks for the input from everyone who replied.

I did wind up cutting the right side grip off. It was really really glued on there. I used quite a bit of wd40 and a screwdriver and a knife and still couldn't get it loose. I wound up putting a hole in it trying to loosen the glue enough to pull it off, so decided to just cut it.

Edward Scissorhand was working on the line gluing grips that day, at the factory. :roflblack:

 

[kytten]

:roflblack:

Edward Scissorhand was working on the line gluing grips that day, at the factory. :roflblack:

Or someone who owned stock in Loc-tite (or whatever glue they use).:dontknow: