VJEMC - Tech Tips

Handle Bar Grip Replacement / Adjustment

by Mark Nemetz

Have you ever struggled to get a set of handlebar grips installed…or repositioned, or removed?

Recently, I had a grip on the throttle side of my handle bar slide down as a result of transporting my track bike with a set of nylon soft-ties. To avoid the problem with grips sliding down when using soft-ties, I purchased a set of “Canyon Dancer” ties-downs, which pull the grips inward – but this also caused a problem because the grips actually slid inward against my clamps, which caused the throttle to turn hard. (actually, it was causing the throttle to sti

To reposition grips, some mechanics will force a little window spray or soapy water between the grip and the handle bar, followed with a hefty twist on the grip to get it to move. The lubricant will typically allow the grip to be twisted into place.

My concern with using soapy water as a lubricant is the fact that when it dries, there is still a little dried soap residue left between the inside of the grip and the surface of the handle bar. Considering that I have been known to ride in the rain from time to time, I was not comfortable with this because any water that leaks between the handle bar and the inside of the grip might re-activate the dried soap residue, which could allow the grip to move-around on the handle bar.

To address this issue, I used a little rubbing alcohol for a lubricant, as opposed to soapy water. To help distribute the rubbing alcohol under the grip, I shot a 100 psi blast of air between the grip and the handle bar from an air hose with a tapered-down air nozzle. The high air pressure actually forces a layer of air between the handle bar and the inside of the grip - purging the air nozzle also helps to distribute the rubbing alcohol, which allows the grip to be twisted into position.

After a short time, the alcohol will evaporate, which will leave you with a clean surface between the grip and the handle bar. It works great. Try it next time!