Installing Kuryakyn Hand Grips

[rmrc51]

Okay. Here's another novice question.

I bought a set of the Kuryakyn hand grips for the Valk. The instructions say to cut and peel the old grips off, sand the remaining surface areas and then try a dry fit before you apply the adhesive. They also caution that the adhesive bonds very fast so I'd imagine that you really have to slide these new suckers on quiclky and in the correct position regarding depth and rotation.

So,,,, is there any procedure that all of you followed to help make this "make or break" operation a success??? I've never installed any of these grips before. 

Thanks in advance.

[shortleg]

  I think what most of us have found is if you
remove the chrome caps at the end that take a
small screw driver and run it around the bar.Next spray
a bit of WD40 inside you should find that the old
ones will slide right off.
  Best to test fit them so you know how you want them first.
  Also there is better glue than comes with them.
             Shortleg[Dave]

[Master Blaster]

Use an air compressor and blowgun to remove the old.  They will slip right off without any damage.  Last set I put on I used liquid nails for glue, it gives you time to position the grip how you want it before it sets up.  Be careful on the throttle side to not glue the grip to the switch housing.  If you coat the throttle sleeve when you push the grip on it will force the adhesive ahead of it and can drag on the housing.

[PushStart]

I was able to use double-stick tape to re-install a loose one.  I applied the tape to the bar and used water to help lube it enough to get the grip installed.  The water dried and the grip is secure.  Good luck.

[DFragn]

Okay. Here's another novice question.

I bought a set of the Kuryakyn hand grips for the Valk. The instructions say to cut and peel the old grips off, sand the remaining surface areas and then try a dry fit before you apply the adhesive. They also caution that the adhesive bonds very fast so I'd imagine that you really have to slide these new suckers on quiclky and in the correct position regarding depth and rotation.

So,,,, is there any procedure that all of you followed to help make this "make or break" operation a success??? I've never installed any of these grips before. 

Thanks in advance.

My Kury's have been on for 2 years and last season the left grip loosened up on me.

I had sanded the right throttle sleeve prior to install to give the glue something to grip. It has held well. But, I didn't, at the time, want to sand the chrome on the left bar. I should've, so yesterday I R&R'd the left one. This time I sanded the chrome bar end. I'm sure it'll hold tight this time!

[Jess from VA]

I have used various methods, but believe clear RTV silicone is the best, because it gives you all the time in the world (like 30 minutes or more) to get things positioned exactly where you want them before setting up.  And it is easier than most stuff to get the grip off later if you want to without damaging it.  Once your old grips are off clean up the throttle sleeve and left bar end then scuff them up a bit with sandpaper.

I have used RTV with Kuryakyn Iso grips many times.  Squeeze some into the grip (more) and around the end of the bar (less).  When you slide it on, it spreads it out on the way up, but also builds up excess on the outside (top) which you clean up as you go (so you don't glue your throttle grip to the controls above the grip.  It cleans up easily, unlike goop/superglue.

To keep the rubbers in Iso grips (or others) evenly lined up on both sides (with rubbers at about 10 o'clock under your palm on top), always do the throttle (trickier side) first, then it is easy to match the easier left-side second.

With RTV, do not ride for at least overnight to allow good setup.  I have had RTV come loose over time, and it is no big deal to pull it off, clean it up, and do it again.

One other point.  If you are considering a throttle lock, now is the time for install when doing new grips (goes above the throttle grip).  I use the MADCO cam lock, which is spendy, but beautiful billet that looks and functions perfectly on my Valks.

http://www.madcorider.com/

http://www.madcorider.com/images/product_Cam-Lock.jpg