New Grips

ninjabrewer · February 2nd, 2009, 12:32 AM

Has anyone replaced the stock grips with something aftermarket? If so, why, what kind and how are they working for you.

Reason being, after riding a while, 30 min or so, my hands are almost numb. I have taken the advice of relaxing, loosening up, etc and it has worked wonders, but my hands still go numb it just takes a little longer. I am so relaxed now, if I relax any more, I will need clutch/gas pedals and something to do with my hands while riding.

TIA

C.

VeX · February 2nd, 2009, 10:52 PM

I think maybe this is posted in the wrong forum? Oh well... Anywho, before people start chiming in with the standard, "Get some foam grips" or "Get some heavier bar ends", etc. etc...

It's all in the rider! Whenever I go up to L.A. it's 2 hours EACH way and not only do I have rubber style grips, but I don't HAVE bar ends and the only thing that's numb is my bum!

Yes death gripping the bars is the biggest culprit, but similarly riding position goes a long way. If you're riding sitting straight up and your elbows aren't bent it focuses a lot of energy on your wrists and hands. I keep moving around on long rides and literally rest my left elbow on the fairing and rest my head on my fist. So the left hand is free, and if you just change your grip on the throttle every couple of minutes you should be kosher. That and like getting used to wind at highway speeds, after a while you just grow accustomed to it.

ninjabrewer · February 2nd, 2009, 11:16 PM

that I have been working on. The interstate here is god awful shape and I am not used to riding at 65-70 yet, I have been resting my left arm across my tank bag and the basically doing the same thing you mentioned. I have seen quite a few riders here doing that. You mentioned bar ends. What does changing them do? And I know all about the numb bum, constantly moving around, changing my seat position.

Thanks

C.

Nemy · February 2nd, 2009, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VeX

It's all in the rider! Whenever I go up to L.A. it's 2 hours EACH way and not only do I have rubber style grips, but I don't HAVE bar ends and the only thing that's numb is my bum!

forgive my ignorance, but do you mean stock when you say rubber style (i dont know what stocks are made of

)? Or something like the progrip dual/triple density stuff? Cause I'm actually looking at those for some touring I plan on doing in 09... and wonderin how they fair on our little ninjas

but to answer brewer, bar ends usually give a bit more weight/substance = supposed to dampen vibrations.

Alex · February 3rd, 2009, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninjabrewer

The interstate here is god awful shape

Of course it's in godawful shape. It's an interstate highway that doesn't traverse more than one state. It should just rename itself an intrastate highway and be done with it.

ninjabrewer · February 3rd, 2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Of course it's in godawful shape. It's an interstate highway that doesn't traverse more than one state. It should just rename itself an intrastate highway and be done with it.

You should see the condition of the Trans-Pacific bridge!!!

C.

HKr1 · February 4th, 2009, 06:10 AM

We got some Pro-grip 724's, there really nice. Can color match your bike a bit also.

Your gonna need an impact driver to get those bar ends off. They have red loctite on them

g21-30 · February 4th, 2009, 07:28 AM

You can also make removal much easier by heating the head of the bolt for about 15 seconds. I use a Mapp gas torch, but propane will work also. Since the loctite is anaerobic and fills the voids between the threads, the heat opens the voids up; thus, allowing the bolt to be unscrewed easier. Make sure to direct the flame perpendicular to the bar end, so you don't take a chance melting the grips.

kkim · February 4th, 2009, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g21-30

You can also make removal much easier by heating the head of the bolt for about 15 seconds. I use a Mapp gas torch, but propane will work also.

Yep, heat and an impact wrench w/ a #3 Phillips head bit and the bar end screw comes out like buttah!

TonyKZ1 · February 4th, 2009, 11:48 AM

+1 on the impact wrench and good phillips head bit. I replaced my original grips with a pair of Progrip 719 which also comes in several colors. I then replaced those with Oxford heated grips.
Tony

ninjabrewer · February 4th, 2009, 12:27 PM

to all, I have been looking at the ProGrips, but I wanted to find out if they were the trouble to replace. I had heard that the bar ends were a major pain to get loose Now I know.

Thanks

NB

Nemy · February 4th, 2009, 10:53 PM

ya sounds like too much work

especially since I don't have an impact wrench or a torch... UNLESS progrips etc. upgrades are THAT much better and worth the effort?

ninjabrewer · February 4th, 2009, 11:04 PM

The way my hands have been feeling when I ride, it maybe worth it.

Thanks to all.

NB

TonyKZ1 · February 5th, 2009, 06:54 AM

Well, the impact wrench that we're talking about is only around $5-$10. It's a really an impact driver not a wrench. You put a special hardened bit in it, in this case a #3 phillips head, set it in the bolt's head and smack the driver with a hammer. It's great to loosen/tighten many things on our motorcycles.
Tony

HKr1 · February 5th, 2009, 07:10 AM

24.99 @ Sears

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947641000P

Nemy · February 5th, 2009, 12:12 PM

ic... thanks. Now it's time to spend some more money

kkim · February 5th, 2009, 12:16 PM

You will never regret buying a good impact driver. You will use it when you are stuck in the future and you will count your blessings that you have one.

Propane torch is a few bucks for the head unit and a couple of dollars for a bottle of propane?

...besides, this is fire... we all like to play with fire, right?

I see these as 2 tools you will need for the rest of your life.

ninjabrewer · February 5th, 2009, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

You will never regret buying a good impact driver. You will use it when you are stuck in the future and you will count your blessings that you have one.

Propane torch is a few bucks for the head unit and a couple of dollars for a bottle of propane?

...besides, this is fire... we all like to play with fire, right?

I see these as 2 tools you will need for the rest of your life.

I have a propane torch from the things I did in VA, before we came to Hawaii, never thought about getting a impact driver,..

Thanks to All

NB

kkim · February 5th, 2009, 07:44 PM

My GF bought one for me when I was in high school and worked on dirt bikes. I have that impact driver to this day and have used it on countless projects throughout the years. Buy a good one that comes with hardened bits. You'll be using it usually under very crucial circumstances and you don't want the bit failing or stripping out.

ninjabrewer · February 5th, 2009, 07:52 PM

I put it on my short list of things to get in the future, although that list is getting mighty long right about now.

NB

aloh · February 5th, 2009, 10:29 PM

wow i never knew about impact drivers...AWESOME. I will have to buy one this weekend...

kkim · February 5th, 2009, 10:43 PM

search around online to see the different type available. There are some that you can put sockets on in addition to screwdriver bits. Again, look for a driver with quality hardened bits included as they need to be very tough to take the shock of being hammered and incurring a lot of force.

minizoom · February 5th, 2009, 11:21 PM

You don't need a torch to take off the bar ends. A 40 watt soldering will do the trick. Just place the flat tip of the soldering iron on the bolt for 5+ minutes and it will screw right off. I used an infrared temp gun for temp reading of the bolt. I waited till the temp got to 190+ and it just screwed off.

g21-30 · February 6th, 2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

My GF bought one for me when I was in high school and worked on dirt bikes. I have that impact driver to this day and have used it on countless projects throughout the years. Buy a good one that comes with hardened bits. You'll be using it usually under very crucial circumstances and you don't want the bit failing or stripping out.

But more importantly, do you still have the SAME GF?

kkim · February 6th, 2009, 01:19 PM

as a matter of fact, I still do.

February 2nd, 2009, 12:32 AM	#1
ninjabrewer dirty old man Name: Chris Location: Hazel Green, AL Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Blue '08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	New Grips Has anyone replaced the stock grips with something aftermarket? If so, why, what kind and how are they working for you. Reason being, after riding a while, 30 min or so, my hands are almost numb. I have taken the advice of relaxing, loosening up, etc and it has worked wonders, but my hands still go numb it just takes a little longer. I am so relaxed now, if I relax any more, I will need clutch/gas pedals and something to do with my hands while riding. TIA C.

February 4th, 2009, 11:48 AM	#10
TonyKZ1 ninjette.org member Name: Anthony Location: Marble Hill, MO Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 1975 Kawasaki KZ400D (Sold), 1989 Kawasaki Ninja 250 (sold), 1997 Yamaha XJ600s Seca II Posts: 231	+1 on the impact wrench and good phillips head bit. I replaced my original grips with a pair of Progrip 719 which also comes in several colors. I then replaced those with Oxford heated grips. Tony __________________________________________________ 1997 Yamaha Seca II - mostly stock, Racetech upgraded forks, FZ6R rear shock, Oxford Heated Grips, Barkbusters Blizzard Handguards, a Scottoiler vSystem chain oiler. My Mileage Tracker Page.

February 4th, 2009, 12:27 PM	#11
ninjabrewer dirty old man Name: Chris Location: Hazel Green, AL Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Blue '08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	Thanks to all, I have been looking at the ProGrips, but I wanted to find out if they were the trouble to replace. I had heard that the bar ends were a major pain to get loose Now I know. Thanks NB

February 4th, 2009, 11:04 PM	#13
ninjabrewer dirty old man Name: Chris Location: Hazel Green, AL Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Blue '08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	Maybe The way my hands have been feeling when I ride, it maybe worth it. Thanks to all. NB __________________________________________________ Death tugs at my ear and says, "Live, I am coming." -Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., poet, novelist, essayist, and physician (1809-1894) www.friendsofsanonofre.org

February 5th, 2009, 06:54 AM	#14
TonyKZ1 ninjette.org member Name: Anthony Location: Marble Hill, MO Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 1975 Kawasaki KZ400D (Sold), 1989 Kawasaki Ninja 250 (sold), 1997 Yamaha XJ600s Seca II Posts: 231	Well, the impact wrench that we're talking about is only around $5-$10. It's a really an impact driver not a wrench. You put a special hardened bit in it, in this case a #3 phillips head, set it in the bolt's head and smack the driver with a hammer. It's great to loosen/tighten many things on our motorcycles. Tony __________________________________________________ 1997 Yamaha Seca II - mostly stock, Racetech upgraded forks, FZ6R rear shock, Oxford Heated Grips, Barkbusters Blizzard Handguards, a Scottoiler vSystem chain oiler. My Mileage Tracker Page.

February 2nd, 2009, 10:52 PM	#2
VeX That's me! Name: TJ Location: Ames, IA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r (Tis blue), 2008 CBR600RR Posts: 454	I think maybe this is posted in the wrong forum? Oh well... Anywho, before people start chiming in with the standard, "Get some foam grips" or "Get some heavier bar ends", etc. etc... It's all in the rider! Whenever I go up to L.A. it's 2 hours EACH way and not only do I have rubber style grips, but I don't HAVE bar ends and the only thing that's numb is my bum! Yes death gripping the bars is the biggest culprit, but similarly riding position goes a long way. If you're riding sitting straight up and your elbows aren't bent it focuses a lot of energy on your wrists and hands. I keep moving around on long rides and literally rest my left elbow on the fairing and rest my head on my fist. So the left hand is free, and if you just change your grip on the throttle every couple of minutes you should be kosher. That and like getting used to wind at highway speeds, after a while you just grow accustomed to it.

February 2nd, 2009, 11:16 PM	#3
ninjabrewer dirty old man Name: Chris Location: Hazel Green, AL Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Blue '08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	that is something that I have been working on. The interstate here is god awful shape and I am not used to riding at 65-70 yet, I have been resting my left arm across my tank bag and the basically doing the same thing you mentioned. I have seen quite a few riders here doing that. You mentioned bar ends. What does changing them do? And I know all about the numb bum, constantly moving around, changing my seat position. Thanks C.

February 4th, 2009, 06:10 AM	#7
HKr1 IC2(SW) Name: Kerry Location: Pensacola Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot.	We got some Pro-grip 724's, there really nice. Can color match your bike a bit also. Your gonna need an impact driver to get those bar ends off. They have red loctite on them

February 4th, 2009, 07:28 AM	#8
g21-30 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sam Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2009 Posts: A lot.	You can also make removal much easier by heating the head of the bolt for about 15 seconds. I use a Mapp gas torch, but propane will work also. Since the loctite is anaerobic and fills the voids between the threads, the heat opens the voids up; thus, allowing the bolt to be unscrewed easier. Make sure to direct the flame perpendicular to the bar end, so you don't take a chance melting the grips.

February 4th, 2009, 10:53 PM	#12
Nemy ninjette.org sage Name: Tim Location: Portland, OR Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 SE Ninja 250R Posts: 796	ya sounds like too much work especially since I don't have an impact wrench or a torch... UNLESS progrips etc. upgrades are THAT much better and worth the effort?

February 5th, 2009, 07:10 AM	#15
HKr1 IC2(SW) Name: Kerry Location: Pensacola Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot.	24.99 @ Sears http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947641000P

February 5th, 2009, 12:12 PM	#16
Nemy ninjette.org sage Name: Tim Location: Portland, OR Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 SE Ninja 250R Posts: 796	ic... thanks. Now it's time to spend some more money

February 5th, 2009, 12:16 PM	#17
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	You will never regret buying a good impact driver. You will use it when you are stuck in the future and you will count your blessings that you have one. Propane torch is a few bucks for the head unit and a couple of dollars for a bottle of propane? ...besides, this is fire... we all like to play with fire, right? I see these as 2 tools you will need for the rest of your life.

February 5th, 2009, 07:44 PM	#19
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	My GF bought one for me when I was in high school and worked on dirt bikes. I have that impact driver to this day and have used it on countless projects throughout the years. Buy a good one that comes with hardened bits. You'll be using it usually under very crucial circumstances and you don't want the bit failing or stripping out.

February 5th, 2009, 07:52 PM	#20
ninjabrewer dirty old man Name: Chris Location: Hazel Green, AL Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Blue '08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	on the list I put it on my short list of things to get in the future, although that list is getting mighty long right about now. NB __________________________________________________ Death tugs at my ear and says, "Live, I am coming." -Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., poet, novelist, essayist, and physician (1809-1894) www.friendsofsanonofre.org

February 5th, 2009, 10:29 PM	#21
aloh lolwut Name: Alex Location: socal Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 196	wow i never knew about impact drivers...AWESOME. I will have to buy one this weekend... __________________________________________________ 08 Blue Ninja 250R

February 5th, 2009, 10:43 PM	#22
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	search around online to see the different type available. There are some that you can put sockets on in addition to screwdriver bits. Again, look for a driver with quality hardened bits included as they need to be very tough to take the shock of being hammered and incurring a lot of force.

February 5th, 2009, 11:21 PM	#23
minizoom ninjette.org member Name: Alvin Location: Yorba Linda CA - SoCal Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 09 ZX6R, previous bike owned 08 Ninja 250R Blue Posts: 133	You don't need a torch to take off the bar ends. A 40 watt soldering will do the trick. Just place the flat tip of the soldering iron on the bolt for 5+ minutes and it will screw right off. I used an infrared temp gun for temp reading of the bolt. I waited till the temp got to 190+ and it just screwed off.

February 6th, 2009, 01:19 PM	#25
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	as a matter of fact, I still do.

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