Motorcycle grips are the component on your bike you’ll become most familiar with. The grooves, feel, ridges, vibrations, and all the other aspects of your motorbike grips will become etched into your memory.
With your hands spending so much time resting on the grips or operating the throttle, it’s important to use a quality pair on your bike. If you’re looking for a new set, we put together this post with the best motorcycle grips you can find online.
Don’t forget to check out our post on the best heated grips if you’re looking for something suitable for winter riding. Otherwise, let’s jump into our recommendations for motorcycle grips!
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The Best Motorcycle Grips
Grip Puppy Comfort Grips (Best Motorcycle Grips For Comfort)
The Grip Puppy Comfort Grips are a great choice if all you’re looking to do is improve the comfort of your current motorcycle grip setup. These are designed to slide over your standard grips to increase comfort and improve your riding experience.
Some riders suffer from carpal tunnel, numbness, or other discomfort while riding. It’s possible that this is caused by the stock handlebar grips that are already installed.
Rather than removing the old grips and installing a new pair, the Grip Puppy Comfort Grips make for a practical solution. These can be easily slid over your current grips for increased comfort and reduced engine vibrations.
Reducing vibrations can help alleviate any pain or numbness caused from the current handlebar setup. These are also squeezable, being designed by a soft, firm foam material, and allow you to operate the throttle and hold the bars comfortably.
As for durability, these grips are UV resistant and built for use in the sun and rain. Thanks to the foam design, they won’t get slippery or retain water when wet, making them easy to use in a wide range of weather conditions.
When it comes to fit, these are meant to be installed over 7/8-inch handlebar grips with a diameter between 1.25-inches and 1.45-inches. It’s also possible to slip these over heated grips, which really highlights their versatility.
Overall, the Grip Puppy Comfort Grips are the best solution for improving the comfort and versatility of your current motorcycle grips. These are easy to install and can definitely be used to improve your riding experience.
Kuryakyn 6240 Premium ISO Handlebar Grips (Best Cruiser Motorcycle Grips)
It’s the Kuryakyn 6240 Premium ISO Handlebar Grips that we would recommend if you’re looking for the best motorcycle cruiser grips. These are a great choice for cruisers when it comes to improving comfort and dampening handlebar vibration.
With a universal fit, it’s possible to install these grips on handlebars both 1-inch and 7/8-inch in diameter. The old grips will need to be removed, but everything is included for installation with this set, such as the glue and spacer material.
Thanks to the rigid design and rubber spaces, these grips help to dampen handlebar vibration, a problem that’s common on many cruisers. This can help to alleviate any pain, discomfort, or numbness from motorcycle riding.
The non-slip surface is easy to grip, with the recessions between the grip pads allowing for better ventilation and air flow. This is a great feature to have, especially for warm weather riding in humid conditions.
Overall, the Kuryakyn 6240 Premium ISO Handlebar Grips are a great choice if you’re looking for the best cruiser grips for your motorcycle. They’re easy to install, match the styling of most cruisers, and can definitely be used to improve your riding experience.
Oury Black Motorcycle Grips (Best Sportbike Grips)
If you’re looking for the best sportbike grips for vibrations, it’s the Oury Black Motorcycle Grips that we would recommend. These are a popular choice among sportbike riders and designed to reduce vibrations for a more enjoyable riding experience.
When it comes to fit, these are suitable for handlebars 7/8-inches in width, which is what you’ll find on most sport bikes. The old grips will need to be removed in order for these to be properly installed.
It’s the anti-vibration design that makes these such a popular choice for sportbike riders. This is thanks to the large, anti-vibration pad that eliminates numbness and reduces vibrations while you’re riding.
The design also helps to prevent slipping, with the larger spaces between the grip pads. These features make these an ideal set of grips if you’re suffering from hand pain, numbness, or discomfort while on your sport bike.
One additional feature worth mentioning is the small flange at the end of the grip. This helps to keep your hand properly positioned on the grips, especially if you’re riding in rough conditions or at high speeds.
Judging by the reviews, the Oury Black Motorcycle Grips stand as one of the best sportbike grips for vibrations and comfort. Despite the reasonable price, these are a great choice if you’re looking to improve the grips on your sport bike.
Scott Sports Radial Motorcycle Grips
The Scott Sports Radial Motorcycle Grips are a great choice if you’re looking for something comfortable with ample grip. While these are designed to be used for dual sports, they can be installed on any handlebars 7/8-inches in diameter.
The waffle design makes them easier to hold onto, especially in wet or humid conditions. Pair with the right set of motorcycle gloves, you’ll have an amazing grip on your handlebars, even if it’s raining.
To help reduce vibration, fatigue, and arm pump, these are designed with a soft, single density rubber. All of the grooves and ridges really help to dampen any vibrations while providing a good grip without having to hold on too tight.
Installation isn’t difficult and instructions are included for installing these grips. After removing your old grips, these will easily slide on and can be secured in place.
Overall, if you’re looking for a set of motorcycle grips that offer a decent grip without having to break the bank, it’s the Scott Sports Radial Motorcycle Grips that we recommend. These are comfortable, easy to install, and great if you’re riding in a wide range of weather conditions.
Kuryakyn Premium Handlebar Grips
The Kuryakyn Premium Handlebar Grips are another great choice if you’re searching for the best motorcycle grips for cruisers. These are designed to be used with Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, Victory, and Yamaha Japanese motorcycles.
What makes these a great choice is the stylish design and quality build. They’re made using an aluminum body with rubber grips, making it easier to ride with less fatigue and more control.
The matte, streamlined design gives these grips a cohesive look making them ideal for that Japanese cruiser styling. They’re compatible with a wide range of bikes, made to fit most standard cruiser handlebar diameters
Installation is simple with everything needed to install included in the kit. After removing your old grips, these are designed to easily slide on for the handlebars and glue into place to keep them secure.
Overall, the Kuryakyn Premium Handlebar Grips are a great choice if you’re looking for stylishly designed grips for your cruiser. Not only do these look great, but they come with vibration isolating technology and are comfortable to use for riding with.
Why You Should Use High-Quality Motorcycle Grips
The options are seemingly endless when you’re in the market for a set of motorbike grips. Rather than choosing a cheap and poorly made pair, you’re better off going with the best motorcycle grips you can find.
Here are the reasons why you should go with a high quality, well-reviewed, and durable pair of grips for your bike:
Comfort
Installing the right set of grips on your bike can cushion your grip. This makes it more comfortable to ride, especially for extended periods of time.
Riders suffering from motorcycle hand numbness, it could be caused from a cheap set of grips. The numbness is from vibration or poor circulation from keeping your hands on the handlebars for so long.
While a motorcycle cruise control could help, you’re better off buying a quality set of grips. They can be used to immediately improve comfort and help to alleviate any hand numbness you’re suffering from on the bike.
Control
Depending on the aftermarket grips you decide to go with, it’s possible they can improve the control you have of your throttle. Some of the best grips will prevent your hands from slipping and offer a better grip of the throttle controls.
Older bikes, especially those that have been left outside, should have the grips replaced regularly. It’s possible for them to break down and lose their effectiveness, which can impact your ability to control the motorcycle.
Style
It’s not only comfort to worry about if you’re planning on changing out your motorcycle grips. Choosing the right set can actually enhance and improve the look of your bike.
It’s possible to find options in different colors, styles, and designs that better match your motorcycle. This is ideal if you’re working on a restoration, cafe bike, or you just want to improve the look of your ride.
Key Features to Consider
Contouring
Some grips are completely smooth with an equal thickness for the entire length of the grip. Other types have contouring, which provide a better grip and added comfort.
There are also models that have grooves where your fingers would rest as well as ergonomic motorcycle grips for riders suffering from carpal tunnel or other hand pain. Many riders prefer the contouring with ridges or grooves, as this provides the best grip and most comfort.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference when it comes to deciding between the different contour options. Try out a set, and if you don’t like them, you can easily switch them out in the future for something else.
Grip Thickness
Another feature to consider is the overall thickness of the grips. It’s important for the grips to fit the size of your hand, especially since you’ll be wearing motorcycle gloves.
Riders with smaller hands will find thinner grips to be more comfortable and easier to use. On the other hand, those with bigger hands will want to look for thicker, bulkier grips.
This is another feature based on personal preference, although it’s still something that needs to be considered.
Rubber Compound
What you’re looking at different grips, pay attention to the compounds used during the manufacturing process. These are the materials that the grips are designed from and can have an impact on the feel, performance, and comfort.
The most popular compound is dual compound rubber. This style features a harder rubber as the inner layer, which holds the grips form and prevents it from slipping on the handlebars.
The outer layer is a softer rubber, which provides comfort and tactile responsiveness. This type also tends to be thicker, which you should keep in mind if you have smaller hands.
Grip Pattern
This was mentioned in the contouring section, but the grip pattern is another important consideration. Some riders may need to try out different grip patterns to see what they like and to determine what’s comfortable.
The most common patterns include smooth, grooves, and waffle, with a wide range of other textured patterns available. Check out reviews and look at YouTube videos to get a better idea of what to expect with any of the grips you’re interested in.
Flanges
The flared piece at the other end of the grip is known as the flange. This is a design feature that prevents the riders hand from slipping off the grip in wet or slippery conditions.
However, depending on where you’re riding, this is unlikely to happen. The flange is more of a stylistic choice, as opposed to a functional one, although dirt bike riders will find it to be practical.
Riding Style
The last feature to consider is your riding style and the type of bike gear on. Most people want to choose a set of groups that matches the bikes style and appearance.
For example, riders on cruisers probably want a rubber and chrome combination. On the other hand, adventure riders are probably looking for a waffle grip pattern, which provides better traction when the grips are wet.
Types of Motorcycle Grips
ISO Grips
ISO grips are designed for long-distance riding. They’re also meant to reduce vibrations coming through the motorcycle handlebars.
These are ideal for cruisers, touring bikes, and other bikes that are getting a lot of miles. Thanks to the vibration isolating features, they even help to relieve pressure transferred through your hands, which can help improve your riding experience.
Billet Rubber Grips
As the most common type of motorcycle grips, these are designed from a combination of rubber and metal. They typically come anodized and in a wide range of different colour schemes.
Most riders will likely settle on a set of rubber grips for their bikes. Not only are they readily available and affordable, they also provide the ideal combination of style and functionality.
Heated Grips
Heated motorcycle grips are ideal for riders in cold climates. They’re arguably one of the best motorcycle accessories if you’re planning to ride outside of the warm summer riding season.
These groups come with special wiring that connect to your motorcycle battery. Wires inside the grips heat up and keep your hands warm while you’re riding in cold or cool conditions.
Motorcycle Grips Pricing: How Much Do Motorcycle Grips Cost?
Under $25
In this price range you’ll find a wide selection of affordable motorcycle grips. These are also easily replaceable and designed to be easily installed.
While many of the options in this price range are for motocross bikes, there are some sportbike grips available as well. Don’t forget to browse reviews to see what other riders have to say about the products you’re interested in for this price point.
$25 to $75
Most motorcycle handlebar grips will fall into this price range. This is where you’ll find the ideal combination of quality and durability.
Higher in this price range, more intricate designs and better quality materials, such as chrome, start becoming available. At the lower end, you’ll still find quality sets with dual compound rubber and intricate detailing.
Above $75
At this price range will start finding high-end handlebar grips. These will be made using high-quality materials, such as leather, and more durable components.
This is also the beginning price point for heated motorcycle grips. It’s also about what you can expect to spend for OEM grips, depending on the bike.
Helpful Tips
It’s a good idea to regularly replace your motorcycle grips. They especially need to be replaced if you start noticing any cracks, damage, marks or tears on the surface.
When you’re looking at different grips, comfort is probably the most important feature to consider. If you’re not able to comfortably grip the throttle and handlebars, then there’s no point in buying a set. Double check the reviews to see what other riders have to say about comfort as well as their experience.
One main issue riders have is finding the right grips that will fit their bike. Look up your handlebar width beforehand, so you have a better idea of what to look for. You can also look for grips that are specifically designed for your bike’s make and model.
FAQ
Are Motorcycle Hand Grips Universal in Design?
This depends on the specific grips you’re interested in. Some motorbike grips are universal while others are designed to fit a particular bike or handlebar size.
With universal grips you still may need to make some changes to get them to fit. Grips made specifically for your bike will offer a better fit and won’t need to be adjusted.
Always check the product description for a sizing chart. This will be the most helpful information in determining if a set of grips will fit your motorcycle.
How Do You Replace Motorcycle Grips?
Replacing the grips on a motorcycle tends to be a simple process. The hardest part will be removing the old rubber grips without damaging the throttle tube or exposed handlebars.
There are plenty of YouTube videos detailing the process of how to remove motorcycle grips. It starts with either cutting the old grips with a razor or using compressed air, soapy water, or rubbing alcohol for removal if you want to keep them.
When it comes to installation, some people also use soapy water or rubbing alcohol. Depending on the grips, they may use a special glue for staying in place while you’re riding.
Do You Have to Use Motorcycle Hand Grips?
Technically, you don’t need to have motorcycle grips on your handlebars. However, it does make it safer and more comfortable to ride with the best motorcycle grips installed.
Without grips, your hands will be grabbing the plain metal handlebar. If you’re wearing a set of motorcycle gloves, you risk losing your grip and having difficulty riding your motorcycle.
It’s also difficult to operate the throttle without the handlebars installed. This can also be dangerous and unsafe, especially when you’re riding in traffic.
What grips do MotoGP riders use?
MotoGP riders typically use specialized racing grips that are designed for maximum grip, control, and comfort.
These grips are made of high-quality materials and feature advanced technology such as vibration damping and moisture-wicking properties.
Popular brands for MotoGP grips include Renthal, Pro Grip, and ODI.
Do motorcycle grips make a difference?
Yes, motorcycle grips can make a significant difference in the rider’s comfort, control, and safety.
Good motorcycle grips offer maximum grip and control, reducing the risk of hand fatigue and slippage.
They also provide vibration damping properties, reducing the impact of road vibrations on the rider’s hands and arms.
Choosing the right motorcycle grips can enhance the riding experience and make the ride more enjoyable and comfortable.
How do I choose motorcycle grips?
Choosing the right motorcycle grips depends on your riding style, preferences, and needs.
Factors to consider include grip material, grip texture, vibration damping properties, and overall comfort.
Popular grip materials include rubber, foam, and gel. It’s also important to choose grips that fit your hands well and provide a comfortable grip for extended periods.
What are the best street bike grips?
The best street bike grips offer a combination of grip, control, and comfort, making the ride more enjoyable and safe.
Popular street bike grip brands include Pro Taper, Renthal, and ODI.
Some of the popular grip types for street bikes include dual-compound grips, which offer a combination of hard and soft compounds for maximum grip and comfort, and ergonomic grips, which provide a more comfortable grip and reduce hand fatigue.
Choosing the right street bike grips depends on your preferences and needs, so it’s important to research and choose the best grips for you.
Finding the Right Motorcycle Grips For Your Bike
The right motorcycle grips are crucial for a comfortable, controlled, and safe ride.
Factors such as material, texture, and vibration damping properties should be considered when selecting grips that fit your hands well and reduce hand fatigue.
Popular brands for street and racing bikes include Renthal, Pro Taper, and ODI.
Choose the best motorcycle grips that suit your needs to improve your riding experience, and enjoy a more comfortable and confident ride.
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