Replacing Grips on the RT

[SteveMac]

I'll soon be wanting to replace the grips on my RT. I don't want to put on the Kuryakan ISO because I don't like the feel of the oversize grips. So I am wanting to shave off the factory grips and replace them, but I obviously don't want to damage the heating element.

Tips? Tricks?

 

[Lamonster]

I'm pretty sure you are not going to be able to save the heating that is built in the grips. It's pretty much all or nothing deal.

 

[SteveMac]

Hmmm
Bummer there. Mine are slick and worn.
So the grips and heating element have to be replaced together I suppose?
I guess some scotch brite and soapy water will bring em back to life.

I can't think of any slip overs that won't make the grips huge. :banghead:

 

[Papa]

Don't let Len see this. His solution is a new bike that he just happens to have in back. ;0)

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[SteveMac]

Don't let Len see this. His solution is a new bike that he just happens to have in back. ;0)

Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk

LOL. Too late, I already picked his brain also.
Besides he knows there isn't going to be any money left in the piggy bank when he is done with me already! :roflblack:

 

[NancysToy]

It appears you are out of luck. Unfortunately, the grips are itegral with the heating elements on the RT. Repacement elements sill cost you about $390. I know of no alternative if you want to retain the heated grips and do not want the large ISO grips made for the Goldwing.

 

[SteveMac]

Yep. Starting to look like scuffing em up real good is my best option. Definitely not worth risking messing up the heating elements.

I may try grip puppies and cut them a bit short and stretch them during the install (if scuffing isn't satisfactory). I have done that with golf grips before and the stretching should reduce the OD a bit. :dontknow:

 

[Mo Lee]

I've had grip puppies on my RS for a couple of years and like them. Makes the grip feel like the Valkyrie size wise.

 

[SteveMac]

I've had grip puppies on my RS for a couple of years and like them. Makes the grip feel like the Valkyrie size wise.

I think it is worth a try Lee. Definitely cheaper than new factory grips. :yikes:

 

[ulflyer]

Tennis Racquet Tape

A buddy of mine wrapped his grips with tennis racquet tape you get a Walmart for $3. Looks good too, and not as big as the grip puppies on mine.

 

[NancysToy]

I'm kinda surprised yours are worn out. Mine show no sign of wear at all, at 11K. My BMW has similar grips, and does show some wear, but it is approaching 100K. :dontknow:

 

[Bob Denman]

What about the heated grips that are available for snowmobiles as aftermarket accessories? About $40... :dontknow: As long as you can plumb the wiring from the originals into them to get the whole hi/low thing workin...?

 

[Y Rider]

I put on Grip Puppies over the heated grips and I didn't lose the heat transfer. They really have a great feel and they don't make the grip too large.

 

[SteveMac]

I'm kinda surprised yours are worn out. Mine show no sign of wear at all, at 11K. My BMW has similar grips, and does show some wear, but it is approaching 100K. :dontknow:

Yeah Scotty. I wouldn't go so far as to say they are "worn out". Just getting hard and slick feeling. RT is garaged 100% of the time but it may just be a cold storage issue and the temp reaction of the rubber. Warm weather and a scotch brite and all may be good to go, but grip puppies are what I will do ( if I do anything ).

Thanks all!

 

[SpydherLuv]

A buddy of mine wrapped his grips with tennis racquet tape you get a Walmart for $3. Looks good too, and not as big as the grip puppies on mine.

:agree: I wrapped my BMW grips with tennis racquet tape and it worked great. The grip puppies were too large for me and the racquet tape was perfect and didn't interfere with the heaters. Sporting good stores will have various colors and thicknesses.

 

[GeoffCee]

I put on Grip Puppies over the heated grips and I didn't lose the heat transfer. They really have a great feel and they don't make the grip too large.

Likewise. I found the standard grips too hard for my butter-soft mitts which haven't done a stroke of hard labour in 50 years. Mine are the kinda hands that advertise washing up liquid, 'cept as a ruffy tuffy Spyder driver I don't paint my nails. :roflblack:

 

[Bob Denman]

:roflblack: :thumbup: Women don't like rough hands; so I've kept mine purposefully soft as well! :2thumbs:

 

[Bootie]

Grips

I put on Grip Puppies over the heated grips and I didn't lose the heat transfer. They really have a great feel and they don't make the grip too large.

:agree::agree:

 

[ulflyer]

Took the grip puppies off yesterday after going to Dick's Sporting Goods and buying two sets of tennis racquet wraps.
So easy to put on and feels much better to me. I have small hands and the puppies were simply too big for comfort.