Get a Grip: What Are You Holding Onto?

Hang On To Function

Apart from the seat and foot pegs, hand grips are one of the most customized accessories on a Harley-Davidson. Style aside, hand grips serve the vital function of keeping a rider connected to the controls, while offering vibration-dampening comfort on long hauls. [Image: JAZart666]

Beginner Mechanic Job

Swapping out hand grips is one of the easiest jobs a beginner mechanic can tackle. However, with all the different styles and technical specifications, selecting the correct grips might seem a bit daunting. A bit of technical homework is the key to success.[Image: Lowbrow Customs]

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How Many Throttle Cables?

The first technical specification to ascertain is if the throttle setup is a conventional one or two cable system, or the newer throttle-by-wire system. In some throttle-by-wire applications, it is possible to add an aftermarket throttle tube that enables a greater selection of grips. [Image: Biltwell Inc.]

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Diameter Size Matters

The second technical item to determine is handlebar diameter. For the most part, motorcycle hand grips are manufactured for 7/8" and 1" handlebar diameters. Almost all Harley-Davidson handlebars are 1" in diameter, apart from the Street 500/750, and some Buell's. Select Harley-Davidson motorcycles have 'fat bars' or 1 1/4" diameter bars, although the grip and control section of these bars is still 1" in diameter.

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Some Like it Hot

While heated grips limit your style choices, they are a must have for cold weather riding. If your bike did not come equipped with heated grips, this might be the ideal time to do a little wiring and add a set of heated grips. The hand-warming pay-off is well worth the effort. [Image: Kimpex Inc.]

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Genuine or Aftermarket

The last fork in the selection process is whether or not to go with an aftermarket manufacturer, or stick with genuine Harley-Davidson parts from a dealer. This is entirely a personal choice and there are some excellent aftermarket parts, produced by equally reputable companies.

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Blank Canvas

Once you have determined throttle style, handlebar diameter, heated or conventional grips, and Motor Company or aftermarket parts, it is time to choose a set of grips. With the myriad of design options available, it is often the style of motorcycle that dictates what grips look the best. [Image: Get Lowered Cycles]

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Old School vs New School

Two broad style categories for hand grips are either a classic all rubber design, or a more contemporary look that mixes machined aluminum with rubber. On the left is Biltwell's Thruster Grips in natural color rubber and, on the right is the widely-copied Kuryakyn ISO-Grips.

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Middle Ground

Harley-Davidson Get-A-Grip Hand Grips offer a practical, contemporary design, with a classic look. With a similar contour to vintage Avon Coke Bottle grips, Get-A-Grip's offer an ergonomic setup for the rider's palms, along with the durability of aluminum sleeves. As a genuine Harley-Davidson part, fit and function are guaranteed to work with your ride. [Image: HDMC]

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Matching Parts

With similar styling to Get-A-Grip's, Roland Sands Design Chrono Grips are an excellent contemporary looking addition to any bike. Unlike Get-A-Grip's, the Chrono Grips feature a replaceable Renthal Grip rubber outer and interchangeable end cap badges. “Inspired by high quality time pieces,” the Chrono Grips can be matched to Billet Chrono foot and toe pegs. [Image: RSD]

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Old School Cool

When it comes to classic styling, Bitwell's Kung Fu and Recoil grips are the perfect choice for the budget-minded customizer. Made from a softer Kraton Rubber, Kung Fu grips are comfortable, but tend to wear quicker. An aftermarket throttle tube is required to run rubber grips on most Harley-Davidson motorcycles. [Image: Biltwell Inc.]

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Old is New Again

As a benchmark in grip design, Kuryakyn ISO Grips have a definite 'new school' look to them despite having been around for quite a while. ISO Grips also occupy a special niche for obscure technology as they are “one of the only custom grips available that may be used with stock air reservoir type handlebars.” [Image: Kuryakyn]

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Who's the Boss?

Not a grip, but a grip accessory, the Kuryakyn Throttle Boss deserves a mention. The adjustable paddle under the palm of the throttle hand allows for a relaxed grip while maintaining speed. The Throttle Boss is a “little jewel that can make all the difference in the world on a long ride.” [Image: Kuryakyn]

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Brass Class

Knurled brass hand grips channel the machinist in all of us. Available from Accutronix in brass, billet aluminum, and anodized black, all metal grips are a staple for any chopper in throttle-by-wire and conventional setups. [Image: Accutronix]

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Buyer Beware

Like a flashback to the 1990s, Eddie Trotta Flame Dead End Grips are a dangerous looking “extra-long and spiked end” tribal design with laser engraved flames. [Image: Revzilla] 

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Touch of Sovereignty

New for 2018, the Dominion Collection is a “premium, leading-edge collection created to accentuate your bold, high-performance riding style.” As a complete customizing package, the Dominion Collection has multiple components that fit models from about 2008 and up. Available in bronze and black, the Dominion Collection grips from Harley-Davidson are an eye-catching exercise in contemporary design. [Image: HDMC]

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Robots in Disguise

Kuryakyn's Transformer Grips might appear a bit whimsical, but they are all function. Shown here with the Transformer Throttle Boss, the grips live up to their name. “With interchangeable Widow, Zombie or Maltese Cross medallions” Transformer Grips will always match your other Kuryakyn accessories. [Image: Kuryakyn]

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Keep On Smiling

No matter what your preference, there is a grip style and application out there for everyone. With lots of online DIY features and videos, swapping grips is the best place to start personalizing your ride. A job well done will put a smile on our face. [Image: Betsy Huelskamp by Alan Dewy]

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Click over to the HDForums' how-to section and catch up on the latest maintenance and DIY tips for your bike.