Grips, Covers & Pads
About Grips, Covers & Pads
Grips are the only part of the bike your hands touch all the time, so their diameter, material and pattern change how a ride feels. Riders replace grips because the rubber has worn smooth or hard, to cut down vibration, to add heat for cold mornings, or to match the rest of the bike.
Settle the fit first. Grips are made for a handlebar and throttle setup, and on many models the listing says whether it is for a cable throttle or a throttle-by-wire system. Slip-on grips are held by grip glue and sometimes safety wire, while lock-on grips clamp to the bar and come off without glue, which suits riders who change grips often. Compound matters too: softer rubber and memory foam absorb more vibration, dual-compound grips balance feel and wear, and heated grips need a power connection. Cruiser listings here include air-cushioned, memory foam and chrome twist grips, and others are made for off-road use.
Brands in this category include DOMINO, SCOTT, HardDrive, CIRO and ODI. Grips work with Throttle Controls, Handlebars and Bar End Weights & Caps, and the whole group is Handlebars, Grips & Controls. For model-specific grips, pick your bike in the Ride Finder at the top of the page.
FAQs on motorcycle grips
How do I install new motorcycle grips?
For slip-on grips, remove the old grips, clean the bar and throttle tube, apply grip glue and slide the new grips on, then let the glue set as the maker says. Lock-on grips slide on dry and are tightened with clamps. Make sure the throttle turns freely and snaps closed before you ride.
What size grips do I need for my handlebar?
Grips fit the handlebar or throttle tube they go on, so match the bar diameter first. Common sizes are 7/8 inch for many street and off-road bikes and 1 inch for many cruisers. Check the listing, because some grips are sized to a particular model's throttle.
What is the difference between cable and throttle-by-wire grips?
On a cable-throttle bike, the throttle tube pulls a cable. A throttle-by-wire bike uses a sensor and electronics instead, so the throttle assembly is different. Grips and throttle parts for the two systems are not always interchangeable, so choose the version the listing names for your model.
Are lock-on grips better than glued grips?
Lock-on grips are held by clamps, so they come off without cutting and do not rely on glue. They suit riders who change grips often. Glued grips have no clamps, which some riders prefer for feel. Either type stays secure when it is installed correctly.
Do heated grips need special wiring?
Yes. Heated grips draw power from the bike's electrical system and usually have a controller or switch, so they have to be wired in. Check that your charging system can supply the extra load and follow the instructions for your model.
