Replacing motorcycle grips is a job you can do at home with basic tools

Motorcycle grips wear out from sun, sweat, and constant friction. When they become slippery, cracked, or uncomfortable, replacement takes about an hour and costs between $20 and $80 for a decent pair. You do not need special training or expensive equipment—just your bike, some grip remover or rubbing alcohol, a utility knife, and new grips that fit your handlebar diameter.

The process is straightforward: remove the old grips, clean the handlebar, and slide the new ones on. Most riders do this in their garage or driveway. The hardest part is usually getting the old grips off without damaging the throttle cable or brake lever underneath.

Key Takeaways

  • Old grips come off by cutting them lengthwise with a utility knife and peeling them away, or by spraying grip remover or rubbing alcohol underneath and twisting them off.
  • You must match the handlebar diameter—most street bikes use 7/8-inch bars, while cruisers and dirt bikes often use 1-inch bars—before buying new grips.
  • New grips slide on more easily if you wet the handlebar with rubbing alcohol or soapy water first, then twist and push until they seat fully.
  • Throttle-side grips on some bikes are wired to the engine and cannot be removed completely; you will need to work around the cable or loosen it at the carburettor or fuel injector.

Identify your handlebar diameter before you buy

Motorcycle handlebars come in two standard sizes: 7/8-inch and 1-inch diameter. Most street bikes, sport bikes, and standard bikes use 7/8-inch bars. Cruisers, touring bikes, and many dirt bikes use 1-inch bars. Buying the wrong size means the grips will either slide around or not fit at all.

The easiest way to check is to look at your bike's manual or the original grip packaging if you still have it. If neither is available, measure the handlebar with a ruler or caliper at the point where the grip sits—not where the bar is clamped to the triple clamp, which is thicker. You can also bring your bike to a motorcycle shop and ask them to measure it in seconds.

Remove the old grips safely

You have two main methods: cutting or chemical removal. Cutting is faster but requires care not to nick the handlebar or throttle cable. Chemical removal is gentler on the bar but takes longer.

Cutting method: Put on work gloves. Using a sharp utility knife, cut a lengthwise slit down the grip from end to end. Do not press hard—you only need to cut through the rubber, not into the handlebar. Once the slit is open, peel the grip away from the bar. It should come off in pieces. Use the knife to scrape away any remaining rubber cement or adhesive.

Chemical method: Spray grip remover (sold at motorcycle shops) or rubbing alcohol under the grip where it meets the handlebar. Let it soak for a minute. Twist and pull the grip back and forth while spraying more liquid underneath. The grip will gradually slide off. This takes longer but leaves the handlebar cleaner.

On the throttle side, you may encounter a cable running through or under the grip. Do not cut into it. If the cable is in the way, loosen it at the carburettor or fuel injector (consult your manual for the location), which gives you slack to work with. Some riders remove the throttle tube entirely, but that is unnecessary if you work carefully.

Clean the handlebar before installing new grips

Once the old grip is off, the handlebar will be sticky with old adhesive. Wipe it down with a rag and rubbing alcohol to remove all residue. A clean, dry bar helps new grips seat properly and last longer.

Check the handlebar for dents or rough spots. Light surface damage is fine, but a deep dent can prevent a new grip from sitting evenly. If the bar is severely bent, it should be replaced—a bent handlebar affects steering and is unsafe.

Slide on the new grips with lubrication

New grips are easier to install if the handlebar is slightly wet. Mix a small amount of dish soap with water in a spray bottle, or use rubbing alcohol. Spray the handlebar lightly where the grip will sit.

Push the grip onto the bar slowly, twisting it side to side as you go. The soap or alcohol acts as a temporary lubricant. Once the grip is fully seated—flush against the handlebar end or the throttle tube on the right side—stop. Do not force it past where it should sit.

Let the grips dry for 30 minutes before riding. The soap or alcohol will evaporate, and the grip will bond to the bar through friction and any adhesive on the grip itself. Most modern grips have a thin layer of adhesive on the inside; if yours do not, you can explore a small amount of contact cement to the handlebar before installation, though it is usually not necessary.

Handle the throttle-side grip carefully

The right-side grip on most bikes controls the throttle and is connected to a cable or electronic sensor. You cannot straightforward yank it off like the left grip.

If the cable runs through the grip, you have two options. First, loosen the cable at the carburettor or throttle body (check your manual for the exact location and procedure). This gives you enough slack to slide the grip off without disconnecting anything. Second, if you are comfortable doing so, disconnect the cable at the carburettor end, remove the grip, and reconnect it when the new grip is on.

Some throttle grips are glued on and do not have a cable running through them—the cable is routed separately. In that case, treat it like the left grip: cut or spray it off and install the new one the same way.

Troubleshooting common problems

New grip slides around or feels loose: The handlebar may not be clean enough, or the grip diameter does not match the bar. Wipe the bar again with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely. If the grip still moves, you bought the wrong size and will need to exchange it.

Grip is stuck and will not slide on: Spray more lubricant (soap water or alcohol) on the handlebar. Wait a minute for it to soak in. Try twisting the grip gently while pushing. If it still will not budge, the diameter is wrong—do not force it, as you can crack the grip or damage the bar.

Throttle feels stiff or does not return smoothly: The new grip may be pinching the throttle cable. Loosen the grip slightly by twisting it back a quarter-inch, or check that the cable is routed correctly underneath. Test the throttle action before riding.

Grip has wrinkles or air bubbles under the surface: This usually happens if the grip was not pushed on straight or the handlebar was not clean. You can try to work the bubble out by twisting the grip gently, but if it does not smooth out, the grip may need to be replaced.

When to call a mechanic

Grip replacement is one of the easiest jobs on a motorcycle. Call a shop if the throttle cable is damaged during removal, if the handlebar is bent, or if you are uncomfortable working around the throttle mechanism. A mechanic can do the job in 30 minutes and will charge between $30 and $60 in labour, depending on the shop.

If your throttle feels rough or sticky after you install new grips, have a mechanic check the cable routing and tension. A misaligned cable can wear out quickly and eventually snap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any grips on my motorcycle?

No—grips must match your handlebar diameter (7/8-inch or 1-inch). Beyond that, you can choose any brand or style you like. Some riders prefer thicker grips for comfort, others want thinner ones for lighter weight. Check the product description to confirm the diameter before buying.

Do I need to disconnect the battery before removing the throttle grip?

Not usually. Disconnecting the battery is only necessary if you are working on electrical components like the throttle sensor itself. For grip removal and installation, you do not need to touch the battery. If you are uncomfortable working near the throttle cable, disconnect the battery as a safety precaution.

What if I cut the throttle cable while removing the old grip?

Stop when ready and do not ride the bike. A severed throttle cable means the throttle will not work. You will need to replace the cable, which costs $30 to $100 depending on the bike and requires routing the new cable through the handlebar. Take the bike to a mechanic.

How long do motorcycle grips last?

Most grips last two to five years depending on how often you ride, sun exposure, and weather. Grips in hot climates or on bikes ridden daily wear faster. You will know they need replacement when they become slippery, cracked, or uncomfortable to hold.

Can I install grips without removing the old ones?

No. Stacking a new grip over an old one makes the handlebar too thick and throws off throttle and brake lever alignment. The old grip must come off completely before the new one goes on.