Finally jumped on board and ordered the Kuryakyn grips for my ride. Got them in and the things feel pretty solid and heavy, but the grip part is soft and pliable at the same time. Can't wait to get them on. In Picture #1 below you can see it comes with two grips, two tubes of glues, and a spacer which I did not use for my install. I also ordered the Kuryakyn Throttle Boss shown to the right.
Picture#1. Kuryakyn Hand Grips and Throttle Boss
The throttle boss installs on the end of the throttle grip and gives you a platform to push your palm against. This is to maintain throttle speed while lessening the grip force needed to holt it in place with just your hand tension. An Allen wrench is used to remove the end caps. When removing, be sure not to drop and loose the trim ring. I upgraded my trim ring with a purple one! They come in many colors for about $6.95. The breakdown is shown in Picture #2.
Picture #2. Kuryakyn Grip Breakdown
The throttle Boss comes with longer screws to replace the stock ones in the Kuryakyn grip. Once you get the grip assembled you are ready to take apart your stock ones. Some people use a razor blade to cut the stock grip up. It is just a rubber sleeve glued to the handlebar. I opted to pry mine off which took a little finger work to get started but once you had a little slack in the grip from separation, it was easy to finish it off. On the right grip, you must unscrew the end cap as shown in Picture #3.
Picture #3. Unscrew Right Stock End Cap
You can also see in Picture #3 the glue leftover from the stock grip. That is all that holds the grip in place. On the left grip I used a small screwdriver to get the removal started. Be careful if prying against the switch housing...it is soft aluminum and will gouge easily. Use cardboard or a small piece of wood between the screwdriver and the housing if needed. See Picture #4.
Picture #4. Stock Left Grip Removal
Use a light sandpaper to clean and smooth the surfaces on both ends of the handlebar once the stock grips are removed. You want it smooth when trying to slide the new grips on. ****NOTE: The glue that comes with it allows one try before it sets up and hardens.**** In Picture #5 you can see where I sanded the bar down.
Picture #5. Sanding the Handlebars
Once you are ready to install the grip, figure out how you want it position on the bar. There are indentions between the rubbery inserts on the grips. I chose to have my calluses in between the rubber inserts. You may decide otherwise. Be sure you are sitting when positioning the new grip so you wont have it twisted to far forward. The Right grip you may want a little forward so it is in the most comfortable position on the long trips when you are holding the throttle in place. See Picture #6.
Picture #6. Position the New Grip
Now you are ready to finish the install. Slather one bar end with the glue from the kit. Get the grip in position and in one fail swoop, slide it all the way up on the bar. You will get one attempt at this as the glue sets up quickly.
I will have to get a shot of the finished install as I was so excited when I finished I forgot to.... I went riding instead! HA!
Ride Safe!!
Gonz
