Grip Puppies

[steve'o']

Question regarding the install of Grip Puppies and/or similar items. Is the throttle side grip OD a bit larger, because of the throttle sleeve, than the clutch side OD? I managed to get the clutch side on without a hitch, but the throttle side proved to be a bit more of a task, then "BAM" I tore it. I used the dish soap and water method as shown in a video on line. I wasn't 100% struck on the hair spray, just because I thought it may tack up too quick. I'm not a complete idiot as I did choose to ride an FJR, but expect a bit of a ribbing over this question.

 

[Dj Brady]

I wouldn't imagine the throttle side to be larger. If it were, the grips would feel unusual in your hands. (like B-cup C-cup)

I put a set of puppies on my '06 and it was certainly tight but I got them both on w/out too much struggling. I also used the dish soap method.

 

[Gmann]

Steve'O'

From personal experience the only way to get the Grip Puppies on is to use compressed air. Find a buddy who has small compressor and nozzle. Shoot some compressed air under the grip and they will magically slide right on. I tried soap and water with poor results on the throttle side. Wished I had not wasted my time. Hope this helps.

G.

 

[moto]

Question regarding the install of Grip Puppies and/or similar items. Is the throttle side grip OD a bit larger, because of the throttle sleeve, than the clutch side OD? I managed to get the clutch side on without a hitch, but the throttle side proved to be a bit more of a task, then "BAM" I tore it. I used the dish soap and water method as shown in a video on line. I wasn't 100% struck on the hair spray, just because I thought it may tack up too quick. I'm not a complete idiot as I did choose to ride an FJR, but expect a bit of a ribbing over this question.

slip a bit of the grip puppy over the sleeve. And then (if you have a compressor and air nozzle end) place it in the opened end of the puppy -- hold closed the puppy over the nozzle as best you can -- now give small burst of air and work the puppy over the sleeve. You won't need any hair spray. good luck.

 

[HaulinAshe]

If the Grip Puppy ripped, there's a good chance it was old. They don't store well in open air. But they are cheap enough to warrant keeping spares around. Just make sure you store them in a sealed plastic (ZipLock) bag.

I've tried several different techniques for installing Grip Puppies. A combination of air nozzle and partially rolling it like a condom works best for me.

+1 on soap not working. Never had any luck with it.

 

[luvtoride]

A combination of air nozzle and partially rolling it like a condom works best for me.

A combination of the two, huh? How does your girl feel about all of this?

 

[steve'o']

Would it make any difference/easier if the bar end was removed or just leave it on?

 

[BkrK12]

Remove the bar end. It isn't strictly necessary. But, it makes life easier. Air - good, soap - bad. Sometimes, a long, narrow philips head screwdriver slid under the length of the puppy and rolled around the grip, while you push the puppy with your other hand, can help get it on the last, little way.

 

[frito1]

My primary bike for the last 11 years has 1" bars and I have big hands. As a result bikes with 7/8" bars feel small to me. I've tried grip puppies on 2 different bikes with lack luster results. I used soap & water to install both pairs quickly without any issues, The OD of the grip puppies is larger than my 1" bar'ed bike and caused a bit of cramping on both bikes. I put a set of BMW grips on the FJR and I am much happier with them than the puppies. So far the BMW grips have been the best $25 spent on the FJR.

 

[ndivita]

Question regarding the install of Grip Puppies and/or similar items. Is the throttle side grip OD a bit larger, because of the throttle sleeve, than the clutch side OD? I managed to get the clutch side on without a hitch, but the throttle side proved to be a bit more of a task, then "BAM" I tore it. I used the dish soap and water method as shown in a video on line. I wasn't 100% struck on the hair spray, just because I thought it may tack up too quick. I'm not a complete idiot as I did choose to ride an FJR, but expect a bit of a ribbing over this question.

While your question pertains to the FJR, I just installed a set on my Blackbird yesterday. I used the old soap and water regimen. They went on with not a single expletive, in about five minutes total. I am probably in the 10th percentile of the mechanically inclined on this board.

 

[Bigslim]

Soap and water here as well. Didn't go on super easy but wasn't that bad either. I found I only had a problem getting it over the outside rolled edge of the stock grips. I had to carefully use my fingers to get the grip over the lip all the way around, but once that was cleared, I just slid them on a bit at a time.

 

[Harald]

Maybe this should be a poll? I'd vote for the air method for grip puppy install! Using correct technique, it only takes seconds per side. Easy peasy! :yahoo:

I'll also vote for keeping a spare set. Mine seem to last almost 2 years with almost daily use, but they're only $10 a set so I order 2 sets at a time. My last set is starting to split a little on the ends at about 1.5 years old.

 

[LAF]

Maybe this should be a poll? I'd vote for the air method for grip puppy install! Using correct technique, it only takes seconds per side. Easy peasy! :yahoo:

I'll also vote for keeping a spare set. Mine seem to last almost 2 years with almost daily use, but they're only $10 a set so I order 2 sets at a time. My last set is starting to split a little on the ends at about 1.5 years old.

+1 Been doing it this way for 6 years. Including ordering 3 sets at a time. One set for my riding partner and 2 sets for me. I am hard on them for some reason but they do go about a year or more at least. But having spares is the ticket. I also dont fuss with them after being in the rain if they move around or get a slight wrinkle going on, I wait for them to dry out well.

 

[ALDAWG]

Agreed, mine lasted only 2 years, now they have electrical tape holding them together. I have to order some new ones soon, but am very interested in the BMW grips mentioned in this thread. Anybody have a link or part #, thanks. Ohh and I also used the compressed air technique for the grip puppies. I never, ever thought putting soap on handlebar grips was a good idea.

 

[steve'o']

Cool, I'll try the compressed air way. My luck though, I'll blow them puppies right clear to the other side. mg:

 

[Barry 07 FJR1300AE]

All you need to do is lube the **** out of the grip and the puppy with straight dish soap. Add a little water and it will slide right on, NO effort. Then take a water hose and wash the soap out of the puppy and your done. Shouldnt take more than about 10 sec to install them.

 

[kman09]

Question regarding the install of Grip Puppies and/or similar items. Is the throttle side grip OD a bit larger, because of the throttle sleeve, than the clutch side OD? I managed to get the clutch side on without a hitch, but the throttle side proved to be a bit more of a task, then "BAM" I tore it. I used the dish soap and water method as shown in a video on line. I wasn't 100% struck on the hair spray, just because I thought it may tack up too quick. I'm not a complete idiot as I did choose to ride an FJR, but expect a bit of a ribbing over this question.

 

[kman09]

Put a little hand soap on inside of puppie and spray water on grips.

Less tha 5 minutes

 

[carlson_mn]

Just FYI, If you ever want to just replace your stock grips with larger ones, they come off extremely easy with a little wd40 squirted inside.