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Motorcycle Handlebars & Grips Guide | Types, Common Problems & Mistakes
YourCompanyName is a leading motorcycle parts supplier, offering OEM and aftermarket handlebars, grips, and accessories for all major brands. Handlebars and grips are your primary interface with the bike—crucial for comfort, control, and safety. Choosing the right style, installing them correctly, and maintaining them can prevent fatigue, vibration issues, and even accidents. This guide covers the main types, common problems, installation mistakes, and maintenance tips.
Why Choose YourCompanyName?
- Wide selection of OEM and high-quality aftermarket parts
- Fast shipping & worldwide delivery
- Competitive pricing & bulk discounts for dealers
- Expert support & installation advice
Types of Handlebars
- Standard/Tube Bars: Straight with slight rise; versatile for street and touring.
- Cafe/Riser Bars: Taller, often with back-sweep; improve upright posture.
- Clip-Ons: Low, mounted directly on fork tubes; sporty, aggressive stance.
- Ape Hangers: High-rise bars popular on cruisers; can cause shoulder strain if too tall.
- Drag Bars: Low and straight; encourages forward-leaning position.
Types of Grips
- Rubber Grips: Affordable, good vibration dampening.
- Foam Grips: Lightweight, excellent comfort but less durable.
- Gel Grips: Superior cushioning; thicker profile.
- Open-End Grips: Minimalist, often used with bar-end mirrors or weights.
Common Problems
- Vibration & Fatigue: Thin, hard grips transmit engine buzz and road shock.
- Grip Slippage: Loose or improperly secured grips can twist or slide off.
- Poor Ergonomics: Wrong bar width, height, or sweep leads to wrist and back pain.
- Corrosion & Wear: Metal collars and bar-ends can rust; rubber grips degrade over time.
- Throttle Stickiness: Dirty or swollen grips can bind the throttle tube.
Installation Mistakes
- Skipping Grip Glue/Adhesive: Relies solely on friction—prone to slippage.
- Not Heating Grips: Warm grips slide on easier, avoiding tears and misalignment.
- Ignoring Alignment: Misaligned grips or bars affect control and cause uneven wear.
- Over-Tightening Collars: Damages bar tube or grips; use recommended torque.
- Forgetting Bar-End Weights: Increases vibration and can damage mirror mounts.
Maintenance & Care Tips
- Inspect grip security and collar bolts every few hundred miles.
- Clean grips with mild soap—avoid harsh solvents that degrade rubber.
- Replace grips every 10,000–15,000 miles or once the texture is worn smooth.
- Check bar clamp bolts and riser torque according to service manual.
- Use anti-seize on metal-to-metal mounting surfaces to prevent corrosion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose the right handlebar height?
A: Consider your riding style: upright touring needs higher bars; sport riding benefits from lower, more forward bars. Test different positions if possible.
A: Consider your riding style: upright touring needs higher bars; sport riding benefits from lower, more forward bars. Test different positions if possible.
Q: Why is my throttle sticky after installing new grips?
A: Excess glue or misaligned grips can bind the throttle tube. Remove grips, clean the tube, add minimal adhesive, and realign.
A: Excess glue or misaligned grips can bind the throttle tube. Remove grips, clean the tube, add minimal adhesive, and realign.
Q: Do I need bar-end weights with new grips?
A: Bar-end weights reduce vibration. If your OEM weights are reused with new grips, ensure proper fit and torque to avoid loosening.
A: Bar-end weights reduce vibration. If your OEM weights are reused with new grips, ensure proper fit and torque to avoid loosening.
Q: How often should I replace grips?
A: Replace every 1–2 years or when you notice cracking, hardening, or reduced cushioning.
A: Replace every 1–2 years or when you notice cracking, hardening, or reduced cushioning.
Q: Can water affect my grips?
A: Prolonged exposure to moisture can degrade rubber and cause slipping. Dry and inspect grips after wet rides.
A: Prolonged exposure to moisture can degrade rubber and cause slipping. Dry and inspect grips after wet rides.
Q: What’s the best way to remove old grips?
A: Use an air nozzle between grip and bar or apply soapy water/adhesive remover. Twist and pull off gently.
A: Use an air nozzle between grip and bar or apply soapy water/adhesive remover. Twist and pull off gently.
Q: My hands go numb—could handlebars be the issue?
A: Yes. Incorrect bar sweep or width can lead to nerve compression. Adjust bar position or choose ergonomic grips.
A: Yes. Incorrect bar sweep or width can lead to nerve compression. Adjust bar position or choose ergonomic grips.
Q: Is grip thickness important?
A: Absolutely. Too thin causes vibration; too thick reduces leverage. Test different diameters for comfort.
A: Absolutely. Too thin causes vibration; too thick reduces leverage. Test different diameters for comfort.
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