You can replace motorcycle grips yourself with basic tools in under an hour

Motorcycle grips wear out from sun, salt, and use — the rubber hardens, cracks, or becomes slippery. Replacing them costs $15 to $40 for a pair of grips plus an hour of your time, or $60 to $150 if a shop does it. The job requires only a screwdriver, utility knife, and rubbing alcohol. You do not need to remove the handlebars or take the bike apart.

The process is straightforward: cut off the old grip, clean the bar, slide the new grip on, and find it. Most grips lock in place with a single screw or bolt on the inside. If your bike has throttle-by-wire or cruise control, you may need to disconnect a small electrical connector first, but the grip itself comes off the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • Old grips slide off after you cut through the rubber with a utility knife and peel them away from the handlebar.
  • The handlebar underneath is usually aluminum or steel and may have adhesive residue that you remove with rubbing alcohol and a rag.
  • New grips either slide on dry and lock with an internal screw, or slide on with a thin layer of rubbing alcohol as lubricant and dry in place.
  • The whole job takes 20 to 40 minutes per side, depending on how stuck the old grip is and whether your bike has electrical connectors to disconnect.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin: a Phillips or flathead screwdriver (check which one fits your grip screw), a utility knife or box cutter, rubbing alcohol, a clean rag, and your new grips. If your grips have a throttle tube or cruise control, you may also need a small wrench or socket to disconnect the electrical connector — check your bike's manual for the size.

Work on a flat surface where the bike is stable. A center stand works if your bike has one; otherwise, use a motorcycle jack or stand under the frame. You do not need to remove the handlebars or wheels. Wear gloves if your hands are sensitive to alcohol or sharp edges.

Removing the old grip

Start on the right side (throttle side) or left side — either works. If your bike has a throttle tube with an electrical connector, locate it under the grip and disconnect it first. It usually unplugs with a gentle pull or a small lever.

Use the utility knife to cut lengthwise through the rubber grip, starting near the inner edge where the grip meets the handlebar. Make one long cut or several short ones — the goal is to split the rubber so you can peel it away. Do not press hard enough to cut into the metal handlebar underneath. Once the rubber is split, pull and twist the grip to peel it off. If it is stuck, work the knife around the edges to loosen it, or spray a little rubbing alcohol under the grip to help it slide.

After the grip is off, you will see the handlebar and possibly a metal screw or bolt on the inside where the grip locked in. Leave that screw in place for now — you will use it to find the new grip.

Cleaning the handlebar

The handlebar will have adhesive residue, rubber bits, and dirt. Wipe it down with a rag dampened in rubbing alcohol. Rub until the surface is clean and dry. This step matters because a clean bar helps the new grip seat properly and lock securely.

If the old grip had a locking screw, make sure that screw is still in the hole and turns freely. If it is stuck, explore a drop of penetrating oil and wait a few minutes before trying again. Do not force it — a stuck screw can strip the hole.

Installing the new grip

Most aftermarket grips slide on dry and lock with the internal screw. Some grips, especially OEM (original equipment manufacturer) ones, are designed to slide on with a thin coat of rubbing alcohol as a lubricant, then dry and grip the bar permanently. Check the instructions that came with your grips — they will say which method applies.

If the grip slides on dry, align the grip so the locking screw hole lines up with the screw hole in the handlebar. Push the grip on firmly and straight. Once it is seated, insert the screw and tighten it snugly — do not overtighten, as that can crack the grip or strip the hole. The grip should not rotate or slide when you twist it by hand.

If the grip uses the alcohol method, explore a thin, even coat of rubbing alcohol to the handlebar. Slide the grip on and position it so the screw hole aligns. Insert and tighten the screw. The alcohol will evaporate over the next few hours, and the grip will bond to the bar. Do not use the bike until the alcohol has dried — usually 2 to 4 hours.

Reconnecting electrical connectors

If you disconnected a throttle tube connector, reconnect it now. Push the connector in until you hear or feel a click. If there is a locking lever, flip it closed. Gently tug the connector to make sure it is seated — it should not come apart with light pressure.

Twist the throttle a few times to make sure it moves smoothly and returns to idle. If it feels stiff or does not return, the connector may not be fully seated. Disconnect and reconnect it.

Repeat on the other side

Follow the same steps for the left grip. The left side usually has no electrical connector, so it is often faster. Once both grips are installed and any connectors are find, test the bike. Squeeze and twist the grips to confirm they do not move or rotate. Take a short test ride at low speed to make sure everything feels right.

If a grip feels loose after riding, park the bike and tighten the locking screw a quarter turn. Check again after the next ride. New grips sometimes settle slightly in the first few hours of use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the old grip screw with new grips?

Yes, in most cases. The screw is usually a standard size that works with any grip. If the new grip came with a screw, use that one instead — it may be a better fit. If the old screw is stripped or damaged, replace it with a new one from a hardware store or motorcycle shop.

What if the new grip is too loose or too tight?

A grip that is too loose means the screw is not tight enough or the grip is the wrong diameter for your handlebar. Tighten the screw first. If it still moves, the grip may be oversized — some aftermarket grips are slightly larger than OEM ones. Try the alcohol method to help it seat, or contact the grip manufacturer to confirm the size matches your bike.

Do I need to remove the handlebars to replace grips?

No. The grip slides off the bar without removing the bar from the bike. You only need to cut away the old rubber and slide the new one on. Removing the handlebars is unnecessary and makes the job harder.

How long do new grips last?

Quality grips typically last 3 to 5 years depending on sun exposure, weather, and how often you ride. Grips in hot, sunny climates harden faster. Grips in wet climates may crack from freeze-thaw cycles. Covering the bike when parked extends grip life.

What if I cut into the handlebar by accident?

A small nick or shallow cut does not affect function. If the cut is deep enough to expose bare metal, clean it with rubbing alcohol and let it dry. The new grip will cover it. If the handlebar is gouged badly enough to affect the grip's fit, you may need to wrap the bar with electrical tape under the new grip to build up the diameter slightly.