easy handlebar question

hey guys i got an easy one for ya. i am swapping out my handlebars for a set of drag bars on my 82 550 maxim and i am having a little trouble getting the grips off. i loosened everything on the bars and tried to pull the left grip off and it wasnt happening. my plan is to attach vice grips and muscle them off. before i do i just want to make sure im not skipping some step that will make this alot easier. thanks guys

 

Spit and work it in. Rubber gets really slippery when wet, and spit is slippery anyway. If you can get even a little bit in the top, it will loosen up, and you will be able to get more in.

I just did it not one week ago.

Don't attach vice grips. Lube it up, maybe blow it off with compressed air, though I wouldn't think that necessary.

 

WD-40 always works for me. Ya just gotta get an edge loose to get the red tube under and have at it.

 

if i use a lubricant should i apply an adhesive when i put them on th e new bars? i dont want them sliding off on the highway going 65

 

something else that works when installing them spray paint in the grip works great to hold it on after it dries

 

If you use an oil based lube to get them off you need to get that cleaned out. You can buy grip glue to put them back on. I always use cheap super hold aerosol hair spray. It lubes them enough to get them on and placed and after over night drying they don't move. You should make sure they don't before you ride it though. I've heard of the spray paint too. Guess it depends on what you got around.

 

That's why I use spit. It dries out. If you have some aversion to spit, just use water.

 

It kind of depends what was used to stick them on there. Some I've found from P.O.'s where stuck good or have been on there for 30 years and not coming off without a fight...In that case I cut them off and replace with new. I usually only use $10 replacements though and stick them on with hairspray.

 

I've always used soapy water. Like what you spray on tires to find leaks. It dries with a little bit of extra tack and is slippery as can be when you're installing/removing old grips.

 

to be honest i agree with you i normally use the 10 dollar ones they work great also that way you dont feel bad when you gotta cut them off. i swapped out a set of expensive grips metal with foam inserts from handlebar to handlebar had 1 heck of a time getting the clutch side to stick and stay. sprayed the grip with paint let dry for about 15 min and sprayed it again slipped it o let it sit overnight never came off again

 

Compressed air.

"inflate" the grip and it will slide right off (and on for that matter.) Do it all the time, works like a charm.

Yes, a little dexterity may be required...