Kawi2strokes.com Forum

Probably a silly question but is there a trick for removing old hand grips off handlebars without cutting them off?

Thanks!

I first make sure the grip isn't dried out, but still pliable. I then carefully insert a long, small diameter Phillips screw driver into the end of the grip, manipulate it to between the handle bar and inside of the grip, and hand turn the screw driver all the way around the bar/grip to loosen the grip from the bar, and add WD40, or other spray lubricant into the area being lifted off the bar by the screw driver. Grip should slide off easily after that. The bar and grip can then be cleaned up, and the grip reinstalled if so desired.

Another method is to remove any electrical handlebar case, and fit a crescent wrench over the bar in front of the grip, and pull it towords the end of the bar. The grip should come off the bar as the wrench moves down the bar. This doesn't work as well as the original method above if the grips have been excessively glued, to hold them in place.

Be careful, the grips can get very hard from extended exposure to sunlight, chemicals, just sitting, and when that happens, it is tricky to save the grip. I haven't tried this yet, but, some rubbers get more pliable when heated, so, hair drier, heat gun on low setting, sit the handlebar/bike in the sun for a bit, might help.

Thanks very much!
Your method 1 worked perfectly

Shop air pressure is another trick. Stick the nozzle in the end hole, block the other side and try to blow it up like a balloon.
Chase the air leakages and keep working it off.

cliff

Thanks Cliff

I have many more questions and will keep asking on this board.

I really appreciate the responses!

I have used the air method before, as long as the grip isn't glued in place. If glued, screw driver to break grip free of bar first, then air, works well.

Many ways and variations to get to the same result.

I'm almost embarrassed to ask but am I missing something obvious?
The handle bar is stock and I'm guessing the twist grips are standard size but I can figure out how to eliminate the end gap. The twist grip seems to be on as far as it will go.

Thanks!

Sorry to mention it, but that throttle grip is a no go as to air pressure.

That one should not be glued on because the glue may mess up the tube and stick the throttle.

7/8" left and 1" right.

Carefully cut it and peel with a dowel inside so as not to crack the tube.

cliff

What is the new grip style going to be?

Best was gasoline to get them on, and no glue, back in the day.

That IS the new grip..

Of course, the twist tube has to be placed on the handlebar past the end of the bar, so the bar doesn't stop the grip from going all the way on, we both know that.

Now, when I install a new set of grips, especially on the throttle side, I use a good dish soap on the tube and in the grip, and twist the drip onto the tube, turning the grip backwards, as if you were closing the throttle, while pressing it as far on as needed. Sometimes, this isn't easy to do, some grips are tough, need a lot of manhandling to get them on all the way.

It also helps doing this on a hot day, out in the sun, when both the tube and grip are hot as well, not in rain, sleet, snow laden, frozen January.