Handlebar Grip Replacement

Can anybody give me some tips on removing and reinstalling handlebar grips on a 82 KAW 550 Ltd.

The stock right hand grip is part of the throttle assembly, so when you remove the throttle tube the grip stays on it. The left side grip will be glued onto the handlebar. If you plan to remove them and then later replace them (like if you are changing handlebars) the right side isn't a problem - just move the throttle to the new bars. However, the left side will may be impossible to remove without cutting it off and buying a new grip to replace it.

When installing new grips they should be glued on using "handgrip cement." Any motorcycle store will carry it; here's what I use. Ed

New handle bars with new grips. I guess my real question is how to get the throttle grip off? The prior owner put new metal grips on. How do I go about removing this grip? Is it cemented on? Thanks

If you have new grips check to see if the inside diameter of one is larger than the other. If so, that should be the one that goes on the throttle tube. I would expect both grips to be cemented on as that's the normal way of installing them, so you will probably need to cut the old ones off. Ed

Try squirting some wd-40 in between the grip and throttle tube. Then use a thick wire or small screwdriver to try and work it free. My tool of choice is a straight pick from a set I picked up at Sears. I can get it in under the grip, then twist the pick. It works it's way around the bear separating the grip.

To remove---
Use a razor or Exacto knife to slice each grip from end to end. Peel them off.

To install---
Spray the exposed bar with brake cleaner and wipe all the crud away with a clean rag or towel. Spray the inside of the new grip with brake cleaner and quickly install it before the cleaner evaporates.

Applying compressed air pressure between grip and handlebar may "balloon" the grip sufficiently to remove it from the handlebar.

Use same method when replacing the grip onto the handlebar.

I don't use glue, as perfectly clean mating surfaces between grip and handlebar may eliminate any grip slippage. If any "glue" is necessary, hairspray works well and may be broken loose with the compressed air method.

Reportedly, OMR was using this method for several decades before the guys in the following videos were born. :lol:





Good Fortune!

aarb77 wrote: The prior owner put new metal grips on.

What, did no one read this? He's trying to remove METAL grips.

Might take a bit of heat to the outside of the metal grip. I'd suggest starting with a (hair style) blow dryer or heat gun, on low. See if you can start working it off... might take some time, so patience. K?

Hard to say what the PO used...

www.ehow.com/how_4587279_remove-metal-motorcycle-grips.html .

from bike bandit
Metal Grips

We wouldn't recommend the razor blade method if you have chrome grips. It's highly doubtful that a razor blade will cut through chrome so the process will of course be slightly different. Instead, unscrew the bolt at the end of the grip, ignore the razor blade step all together and slide the grip right off. You'll also use a lubricant to help you slide the new metal grips onto the handlebar instead of using a glue or cement. It's usually best to do this according to the grip manufacturer's specifications as each may vary.

Of course a razor will not cut through a metal grip. That post was not visible when I began typing that response.

Thanks for all the good responses I actually ended up cutting down the grips with a coping saw. And the rubber inlay with a razor blade no glue was applied to the ID of the grips. I just need the throttle grip off as I am putting on new handlebars.

I have never felt the need to glue a grip on. I usually use soapy water to install and once it dries it is alright.