Whether you’re driving a Harley or a sports bike, and you want to replace the handle grips, you’ll come across models that are specifically customised for your type of bike and your style of riding. Motorcycle grips can be simple rubber grips like the ones you see on standard cruisers and sport bikes, or they can be quite fancy, like the ones you see on custom choppers costing a few thousand dollars. But generally, most of the grips you’ll find online and in your local motorcycle dealership cost somewhere between a few bucks to a few hundred, depending on the materials they’re made from and their style.
There are some motorcycle grips that enable you to install heated motorcycle grips if you’re driving in colder weather, which can be extremely beneficial. However, chances are, you live in Australia and you want the exact opposite of heated grips. As briefly aforementioned, grips are typically made from materials like rubber, which is on the cheaper side, anodized steel or billet aluminium, which are on the more expensive side. Regardless, the grips you pick should be an upgrade from what you already have, and they should improve your comfort when riding and how your motorcycle controls.
Sportbike grips are usually more functional, whereas cruiser grips are more ornate and fancier. That being said, sportbike grips are usually made from rubber, or a combination of gel and rubber to make riding more comfortable on your hands. Cruiser grips, on the other hand, come in many different variations and most of them are decorative. This allows you to show a bit of attitude while improving how your motorcycle controls and handles.
Regardless of what type of bike you have, you’ll find motorcycle grips that are standard slip-on or lock-on. Standard slip-on grips require some force to get them in place, whereas lock-on grips feature metal collars at either one or both ends, which tightly lock the grip to your handlebars. Due to the fact that they’re bolted-on, they can be looser in fit than standard grips, which makes putting them on and taking them off much easier.
Standard grips are prone to slipping and rotating when they become sweaty and warm, or when you drive with them in humid weather conditions. Lock-on models don’t have these problems, as they’re clamped to the bars and are securely held in place. This is just one of the things that you should consider if you ride in demanding conditions and terrain. However, lock-on grips are usually heavier and more expensive, and they can be uncomfortable for riders who prefer to rest their hands at the end of the bars during long riders.
