| Author | Message | ||
     Acab |
I know it is probably simple but can someone tell me what goes into changing the grips on an XB, I have never done it and don't want any surprises. Anyone have grips they recommend? Thank you. | ||
| Perry |
It is simple indeed. Get a pliers and pull out the plugs in the end of the handlebars. Use a cloth between the pliers and handlebars to avoid damaging the plugs. Or, just buy new ones they cost like $2. One of mine came out easy, one was glued in so well I destroyed it getting it out. Then just use a utility knife to cut off the old grips. It is almost impossible to remove them without damage, and you are replacing them anyway. Just slide the blade between the grip and the bar or throttle sleeve underneath, and slice through the rubber and pull them off. Then follow the directions for the new grips to install. Usually they call for using dish soap (or something that dries tacky) to lube them on, and some call for epoxy to keep them in place... but just follow whatever directions came with the new grips. | ||
| Josh_ |
If you have an air compressor and a ball needle you can use it to "inflate" the grips which makes install and removal (especially when adding grip warmers) very easy. The Buell (Message edited by josh_ on June 02, 2006) | ||
| M1combat |
I DON'T recommend the Gallindo SBK grips... I hate them. They're manufactured poorly and have flashing on the inside of the grip that causes the grips tu have somewhat subtle and random places where they are mis-shapen. The only others I have used were the stock grips and the traction grips... Both were good, but I don't like the shape of the traction grips. My next set will be the stock grips... They come with glue for the grips as I recall. The throttle side is just a replacement and just slides on. Make SURE you adjust the throttle cables properly and while you're there, lube them with something (NOT WD-40). The left side is considerably more difficult. Apply a liberal coat of the grip glue and HURRY. Put the glue on the bar and in the grip. Wipe up the mess after you're done. If you only put glue in the grip, it becomes VERY hard to get the inboard side of the grip to slide all the way on. If you only put glue on the bar, it's difficult to get the outboard portion to go on right. You can probably just use some glue on the outboard half of the inside of the grip. Make sure you have a disposable rag handy for when you need to wipe off the extra glue. It'll be between the grip and the control pod and all over the end of the bar. Good luck. I always break a good sweat when I install the left grip. They AREN'T coming off though  . | ||
| Buelltroll |
Spider anti vibration gel grips. No more sleeping right hand. | ||
| Angelwild327 |
Buell Traction grips are wonderful. For me they decrease the vibration quite a bit. I watched as they took off the old ones and installed the new ones at the dealer. It looked like a royal pain, they used the air compressor to "blow" them off, but they still did not come off easily. Be prepared for some scraping. Beware of the throttle side grip, also..get some advice on that one, because your cables go through the grip on that side...I'm sorry I can't explain this any better. GOOD LUCK! | ||
| Typeone |
theres no way i could have used the air compressor trick. mine were glued on FOR LIFE. lots of scraping for sure. when installing new ones, i've always preferred good 'ol AquaNet hairspray over grip glue. | ||
| Mikemax |
How much did the dealer charge to change them? I am limited on tools and time right now and the stock grips are one of my main gripes about the Ss so I need to change them like now! It sounds like I want the gels if I can get a larger diameter one. | ||
| M1combat |
If you don't like the stock ones, I'd go with the traction grips. All other grips I've used on this bike and others have hardened in the sun. | ||
| Angelwild327 |
well, I was having other things done to the bike, I am guessing a decent dealer would charge no more than a 1/2 hour rate. I think it's just more patience than anything, if you get the grips off, which seems to be the biggest ordeal, you can just find out what the procedure is for getting the throttle cables on. I would definitely not count on salvaging your old grips, cut them off, like Perry said and scrape off whatever is leftover. I don't think there are any crazy tools involved here. The air compressor is just a wrench trick used to make the job a little easier. | ||
| Sleez |
i use triumph oem grips, like them a lot | ||
| Perry |
I guess I don't understand the comments about the throttle cables. I replaced my grips and never touched the cables. The right side has a plastic "sleeve" (the throttle control) over the metal handlebar. The grip is one the sleeve. When replacing the grips, you just take it off the sleeve and put the new one on. There is no need to mess with the throttle cable. It really couldn't be much easier! | ||
| M1combat |
When you order Buell OEM grips they come with a new "sleeve" and you remove the old one and just slap the new one on... | ||
| Typeone |
i was confused by that comment too. the throttle tube assembly stays intact on the bike. just cut the old grips off and throw some new ones on ive been using ProGrips SuperBK #723 and like them. they're usually stocked in most dirt bike shops EDIT: ah, hah! thanks for the clarification, M1. (Message edited by typeone on June 02, 2006) | ||
| Angelwild327 |
sorry guys, i'm not knowledgeable on the cables, i just know they told me the throttle was sticking a little when they put that grip on and he had to make some adjustments, they were being real careful and anal about it..so I figured maybe there was more to it on that side. Just listen to the guys here who have done it themselves..but the traction grips do ROCK! That I know!  ..and for under $20.00 it's a GOOD DEAL! (Message edited by angelwild327 on June 02, 2006) | ||
| Tank_bueller |
The Traction grips come with the right grip pre-installed on a new plastic throttle sleeve which requires the housing to be separated and the cables to be removed from the sleeve, and re-attached to the new one. Not really a big deal. you just have to make sure that everything fits back into place , without binding, on re-assembly. It took me 10min to R&R, and I took time to re-lube moving parts while I was in there. The left grip took me AN HOUR just to get the old grip off, and clean up the bar. That factory glue is some badd shit. Tank |
