Grips...

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Aug 31, 2009 | 12:00 PM

PHAT A$$

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Grips...

I have these grips they came on the bike when I got it and they are worn out. You can't see the HD logo or the "ribs" (for her pleasure) and they get this sticky crap all over my hands. Times are tight... is there a way to fix them? no matter how long I rub on them the "gunk" never comes off.

If I can't correct it I HAVE to buy new grips. I don't want to get the same ones and think I have my mind set on these PM grips.

Anybody know of any other options besides PM and Roland Sands for this style grip? Assuming these are metal of some type will the vibration be worse? Will the grip part of these wear out just the same? Sorry for the long post but, I've been mullin' this over for awhile and had a few.

Thanks Everyone,
Jason

Last edited by PHAT A$$; Aug 31, 2009 at 12:03 PM.

Aug 31, 2009 | 12:14 PM

Krakanator

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From: Columbus, Ohio

My stock grips had the black gunk thing too, I think it is just what happens with time. As far as other grip choices go, Avon makes a grip that looks identical to the PM one you posted for about 1/2 the cost (although I am sure that the quality is about 1/2 as well). And as for metal grips being more of a vibration issue...I have metal grips on my scoot, the HD black diamonds, I also had concerns about comfort and vibration with these, a reason they sat on my workbench for months, but i like em. I don't think that their are excessive vibratons, and the BDiamonds are straight metal (my bike is also a soild mount).

Aug 31, 2009 | 12:24 PM

PHAT A$$

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Thanks Krakanator!

I'll check out the Avon's before I purchase.

Later,
J

Aug 31, 2009 | 12:26 PM

HOTLAP

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From: Edmonton Alberta Canada

I just put these on mine, they are diamond cut aluminum with rubber ribs on each end, they look very sporty (like carbon fiber) and give no more vibration than the original equipment rubber ones.
This is from the Canadian site but I'm sure the US dealers have them too.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_CA

Aug 31, 2009 | 12:41 PM

papadop88

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From: Los Angeles

phat a$$, like Krakanator said, Avon makes identical ones. With that said, if you put both grips in your palms to compare, you would see why the renthal on the PM grips is second to none. I've used them on dirt bikes as far as I can remember and I currently have them on my nightster. I never wear gloves and I always have a good grip on the renthal. If you want to save scratch, get the Avons as they will do the job just fine. If you want a better grip, get the PM's. You can find them brand new on ebay for around $80.

Aug 31, 2009 | 07:15 PM

PHAT A$$

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Quote:

Originally Posted by papadop88

Thanks Papadop,

I'm gonna look at the Avon's but, from the suggestions I'm still leaning toward the PM's I think... The RS's version also look good.

Is it hard at all to change them??? I'm a lil skert of the throttle side but, thinking if I could manage to get the carb on and off to jet it I should be able to handle it.

Thanks,
Jason

Aug 31, 2009 | 10:13 PM

HOTLAP

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From: Edmonton Alberta Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHAT A$$

Thanks Papadop,

Is it hard at all to change them??? I'm a lil skert of the throttle side but, thinking if I could manage to get the carb on and off to jet it I should be able to handle it.

Thanks,
Jason

It's really no problem changing them, took me about 20 minutes. Just remove the screws on the grip housings and seperate the two clam shell halves, replace the grips and put it back together.
Three things to watch out for:
1- The throttle cables have a small brass cable retainer on both cables, remember how they were installed before taking them out, and beware they do try to jump out on there own while taking it apart.
2- If your cables or wires are too short to comfortably slide the throttle off the end of the bars, don't yank on it, much better to loosen or remove the bar clamps and slide the bars over to the left side then slide the throttle off.
3- Don't worry if the throttle doesn't work smoothly untill you have completly reinstalled the clam shell housing and tightend it up, for some reason the cables seem to bind untill it's all reinstalled and tightend up.