Wednesday How to Tip - Get a grip! 
by Mike Fraser
12 May 2004

This weeks tip is going to be short, simple, and easy.

It's Wednesday! Yahoo! The week is half over and I can't wait to get out to Riverglade this Saturday.

This week I want to pass on a simple tip I got from Adam Turner of Protech Suspensions.

How to change and install a new set of grips in under 5 minutes without glue and mess.

I have seen several guys this season already with grips that roll on the handlebars. This is not good. Your grips should be on your bars with absolutely NO FREEPLAY. To many experienced riders this is a no brainer. However, if you are new to motocross and off-road riding this is something that is easy to overlook.

If your grips are not in place you run the risk of having them slide off the end of the bar and your hand is going to go right along with them. This will only lead to a bad situation. If you are trying to rip along and then your hands come off the bars because your grips are too loose......you're gonna lose control and crash.

So how do you change and install a set of grips so they NEVER slide or come off?

First you have to take the old ones off.
Removal:
1. Take a knife, razor, sword, or some sharp edged metal device and slice the grip starting from the inner part to the outer end.
2. Once the slice has been made grab the grip, open it up at the slice and peel it off.

Removal complete.

Prep for the new grips.
For this you'll need some contact cleaner, black electrical tape, and a small metal tipped tool (small phillips screw driver or better a small allen key). No glue required.

1. Take the electrical tape and wrap one layer around the end of the handle bars. The tape should cover the entire area that the tube part of the grip will be in contact with the bar.

2. Take the contact cleaner and spray it into the inside of the grip.

3. Begin to slide the grip on to the bar. Make sure that once the grip is on the waffled side is where your fingers will be gripping the bars. In other words, the smooth side of the grip should be in your palms when holding the bars.

4. Once the grips are on, take the small allen key and puncture the end of the grip. This small hole will allow air pressure to release.

5. Allow the new grips to sit for about 15 - 30 minutes.

Your done!

The explanation of the science. The contact cleaner will make the inside of the grip slippery enough to put the new grips on easier. Also the contact cleaner will slightly melt the electrical tape creating a very strong adhesive. The grips will stick like you wouldn't believe.

No Glue, No Mess, No more slippage.

For added security you can wire your grips to your bars once they are on and in place.

Now, go make sure your grips are on right before your next ride.

Cheers,

Mike.