Replacing Grips

To get your old grips off you must first remove the end weights. These will be locktited from the factory so make so a ratchet with a hex bit for more torque will work heaps better than a standard Allen Key. Pics 1, 2 & 3

Starting with the clutch side get a thin long flat blade screwdriver and push it up under the grip. Squirt some isopropyl alcohol, Isocol rubbing alcohol is mostly isopropyl, under the grip and move the screwdriver around to break the grip away from the bar. Pics 4, 5 & 6

Pull the grip down the bar twisting back and forth as you go. Once the grip is off, clean the old glue off the bar with some alcohol and a rag. Pic 7

Make sure you use the right grip, which in this case is the left, because they are different sizes. Pic 8

Squirt alcohol into liberally into the inside of the new grip and slide it on. Screw the end weight back on and you’re done. Pic 9

Changing the throttle side uses the same procedure but it is important not to damage the throttle assembly or it’s a $120 dollar trip to your local Kawasaki dealer. Pic 10, 11, 12

When you slide the new grip into place make sure there is a gap between the grip and the switch assembly and the same at the end weight so the throttle action is free and doesn’t stick when you release it. Pic 13, 14

Go and find something to occupy your mind for the next 4 hours so the alcohol will evaporate and the grips get a good grip on the bars. The grips used here are Harris, cost me $20, and as you can see look like the factory ones. Genuine grips cost $30 for the clutch side and the previously mentioned $120 for the throttle side because they only sell it as a complete assembly.