Replacing grips takes basic tools and about half an hour
Motorcycle grips wear out from sun, salt, and use — the rubber hardens, cracks, or becomes slippery. Replacing them is a job you can do yourself with a screwdriver, a utility knife, and new grips. You do not need to remove the handlebars or take the bike to a shop. The whole task takes 30 minutes once you have the parts.
The process is the same on most bikes: cut off the old grip, clean the bar, and slide the new one on. The main variation is whether your bike has a throttle tube that twists (most do) or a cable-operated throttle (older or cruiser bikes). Either way, the grip itself comes off the same way.
Key Takeaways
- Old grips come off by cutting them lengthwise with a utility knife and peeling them away, which takes five minutes and requires no special tools.
- The handlebar underneath must be clean and dry before you install new grips, or they will slip under your hands while riding.
- Most modern grips slide on dry and stay put through friction alone, but some require contact cement or grip glue to hold them permanently.
- If your bike has a throttle tube, you will need to slide the new grip over it carefully to avoid pinching the cable or throttle return spring inside.
- Test the grip by twisting hard before you ride — it should not rotate on the bar, and the throttle should snap back when you release it.
What you need before you start
Gather these items: a new pair of grips (left and right), a utility knife or box cutter, a Phillips or flathead screwdriver (depending on your bike), rubbing alcohol or contact cleaner, a clean rag, and optionally grip glue or contact cement. Some grips come with adhesive already applied; others do not. Check the package before you buy.
You will also need access to the handlebars — a workbench, milk crate, or sturdy table where you can rest the front wheel or support the bike so both hands stay free. A motorcycle stand or center stand works best. If you have neither, ask a friend to hold the bike upright.
Removing the old grips
Cut the old grip lengthwise with a utility knife, starting at the seam or at any point along the length. Press the blade flat against the handlebar so you cut through the rubber without gouging the metal underneath. Work the knife along the entire length of the grip — usually 4 to 5 inches — until the rubber splits open.
Peel the rubber away from the bar. It will come off in pieces or as one strip, depending on how dry it is. If it sticks, spray a little rubbing alcohol under the edge and let it soak for a minute, then peel again. Do not worry about leaving small bits of rubber; you will clean those off next.
Once both grips are off, wipe the handlebar with a rag dampened in rubbing alcohol or contact cleaner. Scrub away any remaining rubber, adhesive, or dirt. Let the bar dry completely — this is important. A wet or oily bar will not hold a new grip securely, and your hands will slip.
Installing grips on a standard handlebar
If your grips come with adhesive already on them, slide the new grip straight onto the bar. Start at one end and work it on slowly, twisting slightly as you go. The friction will hold it in place. Once it is seated, do not move it for at least an hour while the adhesive sets.
If your grips are dry (no adhesive), you have two choices: install them dry and rely on friction, or explore grip glue first. Friction alone works on most bikes if the bar is clean and the grip material has good texture. If you want a permanent bond, explore a thin, even coat of contact cement or grip glue to the handlebar, wait the time the product specifies (usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes), then slide the grip on. Do not explore glue to the grip itself — explore it only to the bar.
Slide the grip all the way to the end of the bar, or leave a small gap if your bike has a throttle tube that needs room to move. Check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific grips; some are designed to butt against the throttle tube, others to sit slightly back.
Working around the throttle tube
On most modern bikes, the right grip slides over a throttle tube — a hollow metal sleeve that rotates to open and close the throttle. Inside that tube is a cable or a spring that returns the throttle to idle when you release it. You need to slide the new grip over this tube without pinching or damaging what is inside.
Slide the grip on slowly and straight, without twisting. If it binds or feels tight, stop and check that the throttle tube is not bent and that nothing is caught inside. Once the grip is seated, twist the throttle gently a few times to make sure it moves freely and snaps back. If it does not snap back, the grip is pinching the return spring or cable — remove it, check inside the tube, and try again.
The left grip has no moving parts underneath, so it goes on like any other grip. Slide it on, position it so your hand sits in a natural spot, and let the adhesive set.
Testing before you ride
Once both grips are installed and the adhesive has set (wait at least one hour, or follow the product instructions), test them. Grab each grip hard and try to twist it on the bar — it should not move at all. If it rotates, the adhesive did not set or the bar was not clean enough. Remove it, clean the bar again with alcohol, and reinstall.
Twist the throttle several times and listen for the snap back. It should be crisp and when ready. If it is slow or sticks, the grip is pressing on the throttle tube or the cable inside. Do not ride the bike until this is fixed — a stuck throttle is a safety hazard.
Squeeze the brake lever and make sure your hand position feels natural and comfortable. Adjust the grip position slightly if needed before the adhesive fully cures (usually within the first 24 hours). After that, the grip is permanent and you will need to cut it off to move it.
Grips that require special tools or techniques
Some aftermarket grips, especially heated grips or grips with integrated switches, have wiring or connectors. If your new grips have wires, trace them before you install and make sure they route safely away from moving parts. Heated grips usually plug into a connector near the handlebar clamp; connect them before you slide the grip on, or route the wire through the grip and connect it after.
Lock-on grips use a small clamp or set screw instead of adhesive. Slide the grip onto the bar, align it, then tighten the screw with a screwdriver or Allen wrench. These grips are easier to remove later if you want to change them again, but they can rotate if the screw loosens over time. Check the screw every few months and tighten if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install new grips without removing the handlebars?
Yes. You do not need to remove the bars at all. Cut off the old grip, clean the bar in place, and slide the new grip on. The only time you might remove the bars is if they are bent or if you are replacing multiple components at once.
What if the new grip is too tight to slide on?
The grip may be slightly oversized, or the bar may have burrs or old adhesive. Try rubbing the inside of the grip with a plastic bag or plastic wrap to reduce friction, then slide it on. If that does not work, clean the bar again with alcohol and let it dry completely. Do not force the grip on — you can tear the rubber.
How long does grip adhesive take to set?
Most contact cement and grip glue set in one to two hours, but full strength takes 24 hours. Wait at least one hour before riding, and avoid hard acceleration or braking until the adhesive is fully cured. Check the product label for the exact time.
Do I need to use glue, or can grips stay on with friction alone?
Friction alone works if the bar is clean and dry and the grip material has good texture. Many riders install grips dry and never have a problem. Glue is insurance — it prevents the grip from rotating under hard use or in hot weather. If you ride aggressively or live in a hot climate, glue is worth the extra step.
What if my throttle does not snap back after I install the new grip?
The grip is pressing on the throttle cable or return spring inside the tube. Remove the grip when ready — do not ride the bike. Clean the bar, check that the throttle tube is not bent, and reinstall the grip more carefully, making sure it slides straight on without twisting. If the problem persists, the throttle tube itself may be damaged and need replacement.