Fitting Grips

[kneetrembler]

Well i thought i'd tackle this job today as got some good new grips from the States £19 new. Bargain I reckon. * ;)

I know not exactly tech of the year award but have heard questions asked re this several times so thought it may help to make of record of it. *???

If anyone has any useful tips re this process maybe stick them on here and it could be a useful thread for some. Hope so.

PHOTOS HERE ...


so if you can't see them and get the red cross, right click and copy the link into the address bar on your browser and press go/ return the page back and they will appear on the thread.



Fitting Grips ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *12/03/05


Grips: Chrome Rails
Bike: Heritage Softail Special (Nostalgia) 1996 (stock grips fitted)

Tools: Thin screwdriver, Stanley knife, hairspray, spare sleeve (in case), solvent, mallet & cloth/ rag.


A relatively simple job even for someone with a very basic spanner knowledge such as myself.







1. * * *Started on the right hand grip (if sat on bike). Prepared to take apart switch housing to replace throttle sleeve and new grip, however after attempting to remove grip without sleeve off, this came off with relatively little effort, so though I would attempt this way.

Cleaned off the sleeve although very little dirt etc. Applied hairspray to sleeve, new chrome rail slid on ¾ of the way with ease. Then I started to question my plan, as seemed not to want to move anymore.

After a bit of grunting and measuring to ensure grip was correct size etc before I really tried. I had the grip neally all the way. I then used a rubber mallet and covered very well the chrome grip with a t-towel and gave it a little help. This moved well, although still leaving a small gap, I could see the grip was over the small gooves/ ridges to hold it on and was on well and secure. (obviously this has to be handled with care, electrical switches etc, so easy on the whacking).

Good start. Also suprized at how much of an effect these had on the bike already, looked great.







2. * * *Ok time for the left side, so confident here, I attempted with the screwdriver to find the end of the grip to lever off, this grip goes under the switch housing so using the correct star shaped screwdriver bit, opened the switch housing.

Even with this open it seemed very difficult to prize the grip up. After a while it became apparent that this was because it was stuck fast. I slipped the small screwdriver under the grip and inserted a little lube and left to cook.

I came back after an hour or so to see how it was going. After a little messing it was obvious this had made little difference as the rubber was fused to the bar in places. I therefore had to resort to pulling, grunting and cutting with Stanley knife. It soon became apparent that the grip would not survive, with it’s hardly marked brother. I therefore cut/ pulled this off leaving a nasty looking handlebar end covered in rubber. I have no idea what this was on with, but it weren’t going to fall off!



I noted at this stage that the original grips went inside the switch casing forming effectively a sealed unit. The new grips simply butted up to them. Now bearing in mind that water can get in several places, ie if you look you can see through/ around the edges of the buttons on the switches, still it helped to seal the unit. As I had knackered the grip I cut off the end that seals under the switch casing and fitted that, so when the new grip was butted up to it, it would still seal somewhat. Seemed to work well. I figured any help to keep water/ moisture out may help.

(gap under switches)


(bit cut off old grip)


(Where to fir rubber cut off)


(Fitted)


I then cleaned the bar up with solvent to the Stanley knife removing the rubber residue. This cleaned up well. I then applied hairspray and the grip slipped on pretty well. This of course to be left like a good blue rinse, to set.

Not mine honest.


Cleaned up.


Job all in all took a couple of hours and could take I reckon anywhere between 10 mins and this time, if your in no rush. Very satisfying and I think one of those small things that can make a real difference.



Done


Before again, spot the diff? *;D



Hope its of help/ interest.

Jason.



* * *

Job well done!!!

O'er, I'd love a garage.

[Music]

Nice one Jason. Will have to get Bazz or Roger to put it in the
technical section.

Music 8)

Hey kneetrembler;
Amazing, isn't it how a seemingly small change can make such a major difference in beauty. Nice job, m8! *;D






Now. about the rest of the mess around there ........... 8) ;)

[MacHarry]

Nice Job , but I see a lot of red x


harry

[kneetrembler]

Originally Posted by harleyhog

Job well done!!!

O'er, I'd love a garage.

Many thanks, yeah the garage is a bit of a luxury, I'm a lucky boy, note carpet, double glazing and electic fire! ;D Dont think you'd ever come out! Me bike and ride on lawnmower only, cars left out in the cold of course.
Appreciate your comments, ;D

[kneetrembler]

"Nice one Jason. Will have to get Bazz or Roger to put it in the
technical section.

Music "

Cheers ;D , Good idea, if any of you two are listening Baz or Roger, I think if you would be useful to have in there?

Posted By usabear
"Hey kneetrembler;
Amazing, isn't it how a seemingly small change can make such a major difference in beauty. Nice job, m8!

Now. about the rest of the mess around there ........... "

Cheers, yeah it is one of the little jobs I have done, which has made the most difference I reckon.

An Englishman's home "garage" is his castle Bear, it's only I have squaters! ;) ;D


"Posted by: Errol Flyn Posted on: Today at 6:10am
Nice Job , but I see a lot of red x

harry"

Thanks Harry, sorry about the red x, it's webshots. Use the link in the first post to see all the pics.

Thanks for feedabck guys, I'm glad I used the camera, and did the work now. ;D

[Music]

Hi Jason,
I just looked in the tech section. You can upload it there yourself it seems. Just click in that section and upload from your PC.

Rob

Sorted...

As a matter of interest I fitted new bars today and put the original grips back on. I knew that they were fitted inside the casing but I also had to take the bars off the yoke completely to enable me to get the front brake and accelerator housing off because of the brake hose and throttle cables length.

Once this was done and tied up to take the weight I unscrewed the left hand side leaving me with a left grip well stuck to the old bars.

SO I put a long screwdriver down between the grip and bars and squirted a drop of petrol in and then run the driver around the grip.

Bit like new grips on a golf club.

This then slid off and I replaced it on the new bars with some double sided tape and more squirt which lets you move it until you have it spot on.

After the petrol has evaporated the grip is stuck like sh**e to a blanket..


Job done...And as you say Jason very satisfying and ANOTHER £40-£70. saved.


BaZa.The SpannerMan... ;D

ps thanks BJ for the Bars..

Hey Kneetrembler the grips look the dogs..... and so is the colour of your ride! (it burys my 'dirty blue')
I'm just about to change my grips so this is really useful, thanks,
Ian