Author Topic: Replacing grip rubber on heated bars  (Read 5798 times)

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Offline MadMountainbike

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Replacing grip rubber on heated bars
« on: November 01, 2018, 06:41:45 pm »
Anyone out there had a crack at replacing the grips on heated bars? The OEM instructions for the replacements seem straight forward.

You carefully cut off the old rubber making sure you don't cut in to the heating element, remove the old grip, clean with isopropyl and then slide the new grip on... sounds simple but I'm sure it won't be! 😆

Just wondered if any of the clan had done this and had any tips?
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Offline Phmode

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Re: Replacing grip rubber on heated bars
« Reply #1 on: November 01, 2018, 06:43:31 pm »
Seems straightforward as you say. Just go for it... ;D

Offline black-k1

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Re: Replacing grip rubber on heated bars
« Reply #2 on: November 01, 2018, 07:06:44 pm »
Assuming you have an unused tube of KY jelly laying around, it's great for helping to get new grips onto the bars  ...  amongst  ...  er  ...  other things.
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Offline Phmode

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Re: Replacing grip rubber on heated bars
« Reply #3 on: November 01, 2018, 10:21:56 pm »
I've always used a little soapy water...to the refrain of 'I'm forever blowing bubbles'  ;D

Offline TomL

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Re: Replacing grip rubber on heated bars
« Reply #4 on: November 01, 2018, 11:14:18 pm »
No need to use KY or washing up liquid. Just use an airline. Take a look here.

https://forum.hexcode.co.za/forum/index.php?topic=89.0
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Offline stevel

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Re: Replacing grip rubber on heated bars
« Reply #5 on: November 02, 2018, 07:42:58 am »
 Much easier to replace the whole grip - they are not designed to be messed around with like this, so high chance of breaking it as you go. Used ones on fleabay aren’t expensive (£30 or so), and you can always send it back if it doesn’t work.


Offline MadMountainbike

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Re: Replacing grip rubber on heated bars
« Reply #6 on: November 03, 2018, 08:24:27 am »
Much easier to replace the whole grip - they are not designed to be messed around with like this, so high chance of breaking it as you go. Used ones on fleabay aren’t expensive (£30 or so), and you can always send it back if it doesn’t work.

The instructions and the grips I've got come from BMW. There's nothing wrong with the heating, it's the grip rubbers that have aged and become worn and slippy (they're what... 12 years old now), so that's the bit I'm interested in swapping. The bike isn't high mileage, just getting on a bit like me 😊
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Offline Philip

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Re: Replacing grip rubber on heated bars
« Reply #7 on: November 03, 2018, 12:20:32 pm »
I slide these ( with the help of some washing up liquid ) over the existing grips.
https://www.mandp.co.uk/foam-baja-grips-black.html

Gives you a bit larger diameter to grip & helps eliminate vibration.

The heat from the grips does come through but may take a bit longer.

Offline Steve404

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Re: Replacing grip rubber on heated bars
« Reply #8 on: November 03, 2018, 01:20:21 pm »
Grip-Puppies for me, heat still gets through.
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Offline Expo

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Re: Replacing grip rubber on heated bars
« Reply #9 on: November 03, 2018, 04:10:33 pm »
Agreed, mine have been comfortable and give plenty of grip.
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Offline Phmode

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Re: Replacing grip rubber on heated bars
« Reply #10 on: November 03, 2018, 06:56:49 pm »
Grip Puppies are expensive and cheaper bits are available but the ones on my K12S did 20'odd thousand miles and never even looked worn in, let alone worn out. Much more comfortable on my tender little hands than the 'orrible standard grips.

The standard grips on my R1150GS were much more comfortable and were barrel shaped, fatter in the middle and narrower at each end and very 'cushiony' feeling.

The big advantage, for me, of the Grip Puppies is the slightly 'slower' throttle action for a given wrist movement.

Offline Swindon Andy

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Re: Replacing grip rubber on heated bars
« Reply #11 on: November 04, 2018, 12:30:44 am »
I also use grip puppies. I do have big hands, feet, and - you've guessed - big shoes.

Offline HoSS

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Re: Replacing grip rubber on heated bars
« Reply #12 on: November 14, 2018, 01:07:54 pm »
I've done it, its not a big job. you have to be careful when cutting off and cleaning the silicone glue, that you dont cut the heater wires in their grooves.
I wouldnt use soap to put them back on, but silicone RTV, this way they will be in full contact with the heaters and not slip around or get slack.
I bought grip rubbers from wunderlich, and as a bonus changed to the contoured ones which i find more comfortable

Offline vm5

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Offline Sutty

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Re: Replacing grip rubber on heated bars
« Reply #14 on: November 24, 2018, 04:44:15 pm »
Hello guys, on the way back from the bike show i tried the heated grips, and guess what ? Only the left one worked. I've looked round the forum and it appears the switch gear has problems.
What I wondered was how the current got to the throttle grip, is there a slip ring or is it hard wired given that the grip rotates.
The bike is a 2014 model, I haven't used them in the last year and from the bikes mileage and condition, I wouldn't have thought they had been used much at all.

Any info greatly appreciated.

Best regards.   Mick
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