Replacing Hand Grip

[dr1979-340]

I bought a new OEM hand grip to replace one that is mangled on the end.

Does anyone have advice on this?  I was thinking about putting the new one in boiling water for a minute or so to make it soft, then sliding it on.

[DougKauer]

I think that you can use a hair dryer to soften the rubber up, try this first. 

[gixxer6]

Cut the old one off first, then put the old one in boiling water or use a heat gun to test how it will react.  This way if it ruins it, you won't destroy your new grip. 

[Gilson435]

Cut the old one off first, then put the old one in boiling water or use a heat gun to test how it will react.  This way if it ruins it, you won't destroy your new grip.

Good idea!! I have used both methods but use the heat gun most often cause it's easier and faster. Then I use a rubber tipped air blower to blow compressed air into the end of the grip while pressing it onto the bar. Sometimes you have to hold your hand over the other end of the opposite grip. Polaris used plastic plugs in the end of the bars so that made it easy. Heat grip, add air, and it would blow up like a balloon and slip right on

[dr1979-340]

Thanks guys!!  I don't have a hair dryer, because I don't have any hair to dry.  No heat gun either.  I suppose I can borrow one or the other.

[Gilson435]

Thanks guys!!  I don't have a hair dryer, because I don't have any hair to dry.  No heat gun either.  I suppose I can borrow one or the other.

Hot water works too! Not sure I'd use boiling water though....

[mswyka]

I have always put mine on at room temperature.  The old ones tend to be stuck on pretty good and it takes a little prying with a screwdriver and a shot of WD40 and an occasional smack with a rubber mallet to get them off.  After cleaning off the WD40 the new one goes on with a few taps of the rubber mallet.  Again, this is at room temperature in the garage.

[Checkmarks]

Visit a chicks house and borrow her aqua net hair spray.  The fastest and easiest way to change hand grips. 

I use a screw driver and wedge it in.  Then I spray some aqua net between the grip and handle bar, twist and pull off. 

Putting on I spray some aqua net into the hand grip and slip on.  Let it dry a bit and presto.

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