How to Install Harley Davidson Grips

Changing or installing a new pair of Harley-Davidson grips may seem uncalled for, but it can solve many problems. You may not like a stock handgrip because it may not be comfortable for you to grip the bars. On the other hand, if you ride a Harley-Davidson bike, you are always conscious about how it looks, and the handlebar grips can play a crucial role.

Both comfort and look are good enough reasons you would want to change your handlebar grips on your Harley motorbike. It may sound simple, but you need to know how to install Harley Davidson grips.

There is always the right way to do this. Otherwise, you will compromise the ride's safety. If you want to change Harley-Davidson grips by yourself, you are at the right place. Continue reading this article to learn how to change the handlebar grips on your Harley motorbike.

How to install handlebar grips on your Harley-Davidson motorbike may vary depending on the type of bike you ride. It also depends on the type of grip you want to install on your Harley bike, including Soft or Hard grips.

Some of the Harley bikes feature very easy installation of handlebar grips. All you need to do is take off the rubber grips and install the new ones. You don’t need to interfere with the throttle cable.

On the other hand, we have Harley bikes that will require you to open the hand control covers and throttle cables to install the handlebar grips.

There are also certain top-end Harley models that feature ride-by-wire throttle. It does not have any throttle cable installed. Instead, it features a throttle sensor to send a signal to the EMS (Engine Management System). This sensor tells the system exactly how much throttle is provided by the rider.

Most Harley Sportster models come with rubber grips installed on their bars. These are one of the easiest to replace Harley grips, as all you need to do is remove them and then install the rubber grips on the rod.

Removing the rubber grips from the bars isn’t too easy. If you want to remove them safely without damaging the existing rubber grips, there are a few safe ways to do it:

• Try to remove the grip a bit or just create a small opening with a little force.

• Use an air blower to blow some air inside the grip.

• This will help you remove the adhesive between the grip and handlebar rod, and you can safely remove the grip after.

• Most people use lubricants, including WD-40 or brake cleaner.

• All you need to do is put some of these liquids inside the grip.

• It will also remove the adhesive that keeps the grip intact with the handlebar.

• Do it gently.

• After that, you can easily remove the rubber grip from the bar with little force.

• If you don’t want to reuse the rubber grip, you can also use a cutter or a blade to cut it.

• Make sure to do it safely.

• Take out the blade and cut the rubber grip in the direction of the handlebars. It will come out easily.

In such Harley motorbikes, the rubber grips are not connected to the throttle cable. Instead, the throttle tubes are underneath the rubber grips, making it much easier to replace or install grips on these bikes.

As discussed, installing the rubber grips is among the easiest installations. All you need to do is put rubber grips on the throttle tube and the other side. You don’t need to attach the throttle cable or unmount the hand controls.

To install rubber grips on the handlebar, there are a number of adhesive lubricants bikers use. This is to ensure that the grip firmly and safely attaches to the bar. If you go through the internet or ask bikers who have replaced their stock Harley handlebar grips, you will get to know about different items or adhesives they have used.

On top, we have spray paint and even hairspray to install the Harley grips. They offer adhesion to a certain extent to keep the grips attached to the bar. There are also specially-made grip glues available on the market to keep the grip stuck to the bar.

However, one such liquid that not only offers adhesion between the grips and the bar but also helps riders put the grip on is the ‘Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol’. Using this liquid can make the process easier as it requires less effort to put the grip on the bar. As soon as the liquid dries, it becomes sticky and keeps the grip in place.

• Put some of the liquid inside the grip while keeping it upright.

• Shake it well, and also put some of it on the bar.

• Now, simply put the grip on the handlebars.

• Do it gently.

• Do not put much force on the grip while putting it on the bar, as it can damage it.

• At the end, do not exert too much pressure as it can damage the grip, or the handlebar rod can chop it off.

• Also, it will look quite unprofessional.

• Make sure the grip is mounted smoothly with no irregular stretches or bends in the rubber.

• It must look neat and clean.

• At this point, do not start twisting the throttle and using the bike.

• You need to give it some time until the lubricant is dry and settled.

• Repeat the same procedure for the left-hand side grip to install it.

Now, it is time to install Harley grips on a different type of motorbike with no throttle cables. Instead, these bikes have sensors installed within the grip for throttle control.

These grips are also known as hard grips because they have a hard tube. The exterior feels soft to keep riders comfortable during the ride while riding such a bike. However, overall, these grips feel much harder than the rubber grips. You will usually find these grips on Harley touring models, such as the Harley Street Glide.

The removal and installation process of these hard grips is a bit different. You cannot use the razor blade to rip these grips off the bar.

• First, you need to start by opening the hand control cover on the handlebars.

• You don’t need to completely open the hand control system.

• Instead, just remove the fasteners or bolts so you can have access to the grip or throttle.

• While unmounting the hand controls from the right-hand side of the handlebar, make sure to do it carefully.

• Remember! The Harley brake switches are quite fragile and are prone to getting damaged if they are not dealt with properly.

• They are also quite an expensive thing to replace once you have damaged them.

• Again! Do not completely remove the hand control shell.

• There are a number of complex and expensive electronics in there that you will not want to damage.

• Loose fasteners so you have split the hand control shell while not removing it from the handlebar.

• Now, gently remove the grip from the bar by gently pulling it outwards.

Now, as you have removed the grip from the bar, it is time to install the grip.

• When you remove the stock or previous grip, you will see the ride-by-wire unit at the end of the bar.

• It is a movable part that acts like a gear with teeth on it.

• The corresponding teeth are installed inside the grip that locks with the teeth of this ride-by-wire unit.

• You don’t need to use any liquid or lubrication for the throttle side grip on such a Harley bike with ride-by-wire.

• However, just ensure you know the difference between the throttle-side grip and the clutch-side grip.

• The throttle-side grip usually has a bigger diameter hole than the clutch-side grip.

• Simply start pushing the throttle-side grip on the bar.

• Do not put too much pressure.

• Just keep pushing the grip gently.

• When you reach the end, make sure that the corresponding teeth on the grip settle on the teeth on the ride-by-wire unit.

• Also, check if the grip also settles well inside the hand control box.

• Some of the grips are bigger in size than the stock Harley grips.

• In such a case, you will need to move the hand control box slightly backward for the grip installation.

• However, make sure you do it with good care without damaging the fragile electronic system.

• After displacing the hand control unit on the grip side a little backward, press the grip inside it and tighten up the fasteners.

• You have successfully installed the throttle-side handlebar grip.

The process to remove the handlebar grip from a Harley touring model is quite simple. It is almost the same as removing and installing a rubber grip from the handlebar. However, you will need to loosen and open the hand control cover and the clutch perch.

• Do it gently, as there are complex and fragile electronics on this side of the bar as well.

• To remove the clutch-side grip from the bar, either use an air blower or a liquid, such as WD-40 or brake cleaner, to make the removal process easy.

• You can also use the razor blade to rip off the clutch-side grip.

• Take the new grip that you want to install.

• Pour the same isopropyl rubbing alcohol in the grip, and also use it on the handlebar rod.

• Now, slide the clutch-side grip gently on the bar.

• Again! Do not put extra pressure at the end to avoid wacking the grip at the end of the bar.

• Adjust your hand control unit as per the length of your new grip.

• Once done, tighten up the fasteners to install the grip.

• Let the liquid inside the grip dry before you start riding the bike.

The process of removing grips from a Harley bike with throttle and idle cables may seem complex, but it is fairly simple.

• First thing you need to do is slide the rubber protectors on the throttle and idle cables’ adjusters.

• Now, loosen up the locknuts and cable adjusters to remove the tension from the cables.

• When done, it is time to remove the fasteners from the hand control unit.

• Remove the hand control unit’s cover and locate the throttle and idle cables.

• Gently remove the throttle and idle cables from the throttle tube.

• You will have to remove the small cylinders at the end of the cables/wires pressed inside the housing in the throttle tube.

• After removing the cables, you can now remove the grip.

Now it is time to put on your new grip on the bar.

• Gently push the throttle-side grip on the bar from where you removed the previous grip.

• You will have to put the throttle and idle cables back in the throttle tube.

• Locate the grooves or housings on the new grip and bring them closer to the cables.

• Gently insert the cables’ ends into the grooves and ensure they fit in well.

• After that, put the hand switches or control covers back.

• Tighten up the fastener.

• Now, adjust the locknuts, throttle, and idle cable adjusters to bring the tension back.

Through this guide, you can easily change the grips on your Harley-Davidson motorcycle. It is better to change your grips if they are too old and worn out. Find the best aftermarket Harley-Davidson grips for your bike that ensure both comfort and a great look.

First of all, identify what type of Harley bike you have. Find the suitable section in this detailed guide on how to change the handlebar grips on your Harley. Considering whether your Harley has rubber grips, ride-by-wire throttle with no cables, or comes with throttle and idle cables, install the new grips accordingly.

Make sure to be gentle and don’t be in a hurry during the handlebar grips installation process, as it can damage the expensive, delicate electronics in the hand control unit.