Let's talk grips.

[Bob R]

I am now looking for some non-heated, slightly oversized, soft grips along the lines of Avon or Kuryakyn. I really don't want to go with another set of kuryakyns, while on the dyno yesterday mine decided to give up the ghost. One of the tabs that holds the cable in place broke inside the housing. Good thing I can learn from others and had my original grip in my saddle bag or else it could have been a bad day.

So, what are people using? I am not too fond of the factory, I like a little more meat and the rubber in the kuryakyns got rid of the buzzing I feel around 2500-3K rpm...you know the highway speed rpm.

I believe what happened is the tab was hitting the inside of the housing on return and it eventually wore it down, caused it to break. I also wonder if this isn't the cause of the heated grips breaking so frequently? I will look at the housing in a day or so and try to get a pic of where it has been hitting. I didn't have time to look into the problem, just put the new grip on to finish the run. Good thing it was in the dyno and not when pulling out in front of a logging truck.

I was thinking of going to the Avon air grips, at least they are made in the USA. Nels, the dyno guy says he has noticed that a lot of the kuryakayn plastic (grips, intakes, etc) seems to be "soft". I really don't know.

bob

 

[redheadlover]

I have the heated version of these:
MT Air Cushion Anodized Grips with Throttle Assist - Avon Grips

I modified the end caps to re-install the stock end weights. I have been very happy with them. Most comfortable grips I have had yet

 

[Bob R]

^^^^^

Did you get the ones for the Thunderbird?


bob

 

[redheadlover]

If you follow the likin I gave you, that is the model I bought. Click on fitment chart and it lists the rocket all models.

 

[LimeyDave]

Those looks good. By "modify" what did you do exactly?

 

[sleeves]

Bob thanks for your good info about keeping the spare throttle grip on the bike somewhere, hadn't thought about that before and it could save a major hassle one day. Will put my standard grip under the seat tonight.

 

[Bob R]

Bob thanks for your good info about keeping the spare throttle grip on the bike somewhere, hadn't thought about that before and it could save a major hassle one day. Will put my standard grip under the seat tonight.

That will nearly guarantee that you will never need it, on the other hand if you don't put it there it is guaranteed you will wish you had. The universe is funny like that.

bob

 

[cadconversions]

For anyone interested in trying the avon grips - I have two pair that look like new for sale in the forums. Just looking to try a few different options.

 

[Bob R]

I went with the Avons that were linked above. Installation was straight forward, it was just grips. The grips were pretty hard when first put on but since then the air pockets have become a little more soft. They feel good and having the throttle boss is always nice. So far I am happy, I actually like the feel of them more than the Kuryakyn ISO grips that broke.


bob

 

[R3Tex]

I use black ISO Grips