Tips for installing new handlebar grip/throttle tube
Discussion
After 15 years and 37k miles, I have decided to treat my K5 GSXR to some new genuine handlebar grip and throttle tube.
Before I tackle the job, does anybody have a set of clear instructions I can follow to make installing easier?
What do use to clean off old adhesive from handlebars?
What can be used to lube the left grip on easily? - I have seen people use hairspray as it makes it sticky when it dries allowing grip to stay in place.
Any tips to make the throttle cable attach easily to new tube apart from slacking at throttle body end?
Before I tackle the job, does anybody have a set of clear instructions I can follow to make installing easier?
What do use to clean off old adhesive from handlebars?
What can be used to lube the left grip on easily? - I have seen people use hairspray as it makes it sticky when it dries allowing grip to stay in place.
Any tips to make the throttle cable attach easily to new tube apart from slacking at throttle body end?
The old grips will come off easily enough, but you'll want some lubricant and a slim flat-headed screw driver to help them off. My tactic is to prise the screwdriver between the grip and the bar, and gently work it in and around, spraying with WD40 as I go. The clutch side will be easiest, but the thottle tube side will have raised bits on the lastic throttle tube itself to aid gripping the...grip.
You can of course cut it off - use a band new, sharp blad and carefully cut through. You might want to go gently and make several passes so not to score the handlebar / throttle tube, then just peel away the handlebar grip. I have tried this before but I found it a bit more work as the glue can be pretty srong and it doesnt really peel of like removing a plaster off your skin.
Once you get the grips off, then very thoroughly clean the surfaces. It'll be covered in WD40 or whatever lubricant you are using, so wipe that off then use an alcohol-based solvent to remove residue of both WD40 and glue. Dont be tempted to use nail polish remover - acetone in particular is quite a strong solvent and could really do a number on the plastics. Methylated spirits should work well.
For the new grips, you can get dedicated handlebar grip glue, or you can use the old-fashioned, tried and tested hair-spray method. Spray plenty on (not on the outside of the grip, just on the handlebar and inside of the grip_ and the new grip should slid on quite well. On the throttle ide, you might notice the leading end of te grip (the one tat slides up against the switchgear) is designed to go over a flanged end on the throttle tube.
The ahesive will cure reasonably quickly. Check that there is no movement in either grip (particularly the throttle side).
Give it a go, it's a reasonably simple job to do but having new grips can be really nice - supple rubber means you dont have to grip your hands as hard, making the riding experience more relaxed.
Edit - just wondering, any reason why you want to renew the throttle tube itself?
You can of course cut it off - use a band new, sharp blad and carefully cut through. You might want to go gently and make several passes so not to score the handlebar / throttle tube, then just peel away the handlebar grip. I have tried this before but I found it a bit more work as the glue can be pretty srong and it doesnt really peel of like removing a plaster off your skin.
Once you get the grips off, then very thoroughly clean the surfaces. It'll be covered in WD40 or whatever lubricant you are using, so wipe that off then use an alcohol-based solvent to remove residue of both WD40 and glue. Dont be tempted to use nail polish remover - acetone in particular is quite a strong solvent and could really do a number on the plastics. Methylated spirits should work well.
For the new grips, you can get dedicated handlebar grip glue, or you can use the old-fashioned, tried and tested hair-spray method. Spray plenty on (not on the outside of the grip, just on the handlebar and inside of the grip_ and the new grip should slid on quite well. On the throttle ide, you might notice the leading end of te grip (the one tat slides up against the switchgear) is designed to go over a flanged end on the throttle tube.
The ahesive will cure reasonably quickly. Check that there is no movement in either grip (particularly the throttle side).
Give it a go, it's a reasonably simple job to do but having new grips can be really nice - supple rubber means you dont have to grip your hands as hard, making the riding experience more relaxed.
Edit - just wondering, any reason why you want to renew the throttle tube itself?
thatdude said:
The old grips will come off easily enough, but you'll want some lubricant and a slim flat-headed screw driver to help them off. My tactic is to prise the screwdriver between the grip and the bar, and gently work it in and around, spraying with WD40 as I go. The clutch side will be easiest, but the thottle tube side will have raised bits on the lastic throttle tube itself to aid gripping the...grip.
You can of course cut it off - use a band new, sharp blad and carefully cut through. You might want to go gently and make several passes so not to score the handlebar / throttle tube, then just peel away the handlebar grip. I have tried this before but I found it a bit more work as the glue can be pretty srong and it doesnt really peel of like removing a plaster off your skin.
Once you get the grips off, then very thoroughly clean the surfaces. It'll be covered in WD40 or whatever lubricant you are using, so wipe that off then use an alcohol-based solvent to remove residue of both WD40 and glue. Dont be tempted to use nail polish remover - acetone in particular is quite a strong solvent and could really do a number on the plastics. Methylated spirits should work well.
For the new grips, you can get dedicated handlebar grip glue, or you can use the old-fashioned, tried and tested hair-spray method. Spray plenty on (not on the outside of the grip, just on the handlebar and inside of the grip_ and the new grip should slid on quite well. On the throttle ide, you might notice the leading end of te grip (the one tat slides up against the switchgear) is designed to go over a flanged end on the throttle tube.
The ahesive will cure reasonably quickly. Check that there is no movement in either grip (particularly the throttle side).
Give it a go, it's a reasonably simple job to do but having new grips can be really nice - supple rubber means you dont have to grip your hands as hard, making the riding experience more relaxed.
Edit - just wondering, any reason why you want to renew the throttle tube itself?
This is very helpful - thanks very much for taking the time to provide this information. I will follow your suggestions. You can of course cut it off - use a band new, sharp blad and carefully cut through. You might want to go gently and make several passes so not to score the handlebar / throttle tube, then just peel away the handlebar grip. I have tried this before but I found it a bit more work as the glue can be pretty srong and it doesnt really peel of like removing a plaster off your skin.
Once you get the grips off, then very thoroughly clean the surfaces. It'll be covered in WD40 or whatever lubricant you are using, so wipe that off then use an alcohol-based solvent to remove residue of both WD40 and glue. Dont be tempted to use nail polish remover - acetone in particular is quite a strong solvent and could really do a number on the plastics. Methylated spirits should work well.
For the new grips, you can get dedicated handlebar grip glue, or you can use the old-fashioned, tried and tested hair-spray method. Spray plenty on (not on the outside of the grip, just on the handlebar and inside of the grip_ and the new grip should slid on quite well. On the throttle ide, you might notice the leading end of te grip (the one tat slides up against the switchgear) is designed to go over a flanged end on the throttle tube.
The ahesive will cure reasonably quickly. Check that there is no movement in either grip (particularly the throttle side).
Give it a go, it's a reasonably simple job to do but having new grips can be really nice - supple rubber means you dont have to grip your hands as hard, making the riding experience more relaxed.
Edit - just wondering, any reason why you want to renew the throttle tube itself?
The reason for throttle tube renewal is that it comes as part of the OE Suzuki kit (see link below). This makes it easier as I don't have to force on the new grip, but I will need to make sure that I can get the cable into the new throttle tube and adjust with the right amount of play.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Suzuki-Handleba...
Jazoli said:
Easy way to remove them if you have a compressor is stick an air duster up the inside of the grip and it will just slide off.
Good point, and exactly like this guy is doing it: https://youtu.be/emUSZKEDLngGassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff