How to replace motorcycle handlebars

Video: Peachy’s Place: How to change handlebars on a motorcycle

Content

Method 2 of 3: Installing new handles
Method 3 of 3: Buying new pens
Tips
Warnings
What do you need

1 Remove the handle covers. These are metal plugs at the ends of the handlebars. Depending on the model of your motorcycle, you can pry them off or unscrew them with a flat screwdriver.

2 Cut the handles. Use a razor blade or hacksaw to cut them lengthwise and then pull them off the handlebars. When cutting, press down hard enough to cut through the handle, but not enough to scratch the metal underneath.

Be careful not to cut the wires on the steering wheel. Take your time when cutting the handles.
If you want to keep the handles intact, you can rip them off with compressed air. Most people do not have the option to use this method at home, so it is best to have your motorcycle done by a mechanic.
Another method to preserve your handles is to insert a flat screwdriver between the handle and the handlebars and use it to remove the handle. This method is quite difficult if the handle is well glued.
If you have chrome handles, skip the blade step. Just unscrew the bolts on the edges of the handles and remove them.

3 Clean the steering wheel. Use rubbing alcohol or thinner and a rag to remove any remnants of previous pens. Make sure the old handles and the glue that held them are completely cleaned off before you start installing new handles.

Do not try to use oily solvents or lubricants to remove the adhesive. In order for the new handles to hold firmly on the steering wheel, the metal must be completely free of any substances. Applying lubricant may cause the handle to slide off, creating a hazardous road situation.
Before starting the installation, make sure the steering wheel is clean and dry.

Method 2 of 3: Installing new handles

1 Understand which handle is worn on which side. The two pens in the package have slightly different hole diameters. One, which is larger, is put on the side where the gas is located - usually on the right. The handle with a smaller diameter fits on the opposite side.
2 Install the no gas handle. Apply glue such as E-6000 to the inside of the handle hole and to the handlebars. One edge of the handle is bent, while the other is not. Pull the handle over the handlebars with the folded side down before the glue begins to dry. Continue pulling until the edge of the handle rests against the edge of the handlebars. When the handle is in place, squeeze it to allow the glue to set.
- Don't use too much glue. Just apply enough to secure the handle. If you apply too much glue, it will squeeze out and leave marks.
- Make sure you work fast enough so that the glue does not dry out before you begin installing the handle. If it gets tough to work with, use rubbing alcohol to remove the glue and start over.
- If you don't have glue, try the hairspray method, which is recommended by many experienced motorcyclists.
3 Install the throttle stick. Apply glue to the grip and the throttle side of the steering wheel. Quickly pull the handle over the handlebar, with the folded side forward, until the edge of the handle rests against the edge of the handlebar. Squeeze the handle to set the glue.
4 Replace the handle covers. Screw the covers back to the handlebars to keep the handles firmly in place.
5 Let the glue dry. Wait a few hours for the glue to dry before using the motorcycle. When it's dry, check the pens and make sure you like them. If they are not convenient for you, replace them using this method.

Method 3 of 3: Buying new pens

1 Study your motorcycle. Each motorcycle has a set of specific characteristics, including which grips are most suitable for a given model. It is very important to choose the right grips for your motorcycle to ensure a safe and comfortable ride. If you are unsure which grips are suitable for your motorcycle, ask the mechanic or dealer you bought your motorcycle from.
- Check your steering wheel. There are different types of handlebars: tall or "horned", wide, narrow, clip-ons, off-road, straight and other styles that require different grips. Take this into account when shopping.
- Make sure the handles you buy are the correct diameter and length. Most pens are either 7/8 "(22.2mm) or 1" (25.4mm) in diameter and about 5 "(127mm) long. To determine what length and diameter you need pens, measure old pens before buying new ones.
- Some motorcycles vibrate more than others. These require thick, soft handles to keep your hands from getting numb after five minutes of driving.
2 Determine which riding style you like. The type of grips you will buy depends on the conditions in which you find yourself on your motorcycle. If you like off-road driving, you need handles that your hands won't slip off of.If you like to ride long distances on the track, it is important to choose comfortable grips that will not hurt your hands.
- The rubber grips are designed to absorb sweat to keep your hands from slipping, no matter how sweaty or wet they are. Of all materials, they provide the best grip and handling. Choose these if you like sports driving, especially in hot summer.
- Soft foam grips with leather straps are more comfortable and will not tire your hand when you hold the steering wheel for several hours.
3 Consider personal preference. Aside from the practical factors that influence your choices, your personal preference as a motorcyclist also needs to be taken into account. Define your preferences in the following ways:
- Price. Pens range in price from very cheap to very expensive. If you rarely ride your motorcycle, a couple of cheap rubberized grips will do the trick. However, if you drive frequently or long distances, you should buy something more expensive.
- Convenience. You can buy ergonomic grips that are specially designed to keep your hands and fingers as comfortable as possible. However, many are comfortable with standard handles.
- Style. Choose a pair of grips that highlight the style of your bike, especially if you are considering grips in the upper price range.

Tips

When deciding which grips to buy, have friends ride their bikes to test the grips of different shapes and materials, or go to the dealership and sign up for a test drive of different models of bikes.