I am going to be replacing my stock handlebars with an aftermarket one. Removal of all components (master cylinder, brake and clutch perches, etc.) seems pretty straightforward. Also I am adding some handguards, and this seems easy as well.

However I am a little concerned with the grips. I know to apply there is a hairspray trick that's supposed to work well, but I'm stuck on how to remove, especially the throttle grips.

Any advice or instruction would be greatly appreciated.

Also, when removing the left side lights/blinker controls and the ride side master cylinder, do they just come off and re-clamp onto the new bars or do I need to watch for or set anything?

If you suggest aftermarket grips, what do you recommend for low buzz, 70% road, 30% dirt use?

 

Step one - get out razor blade

Step two - slice grip lengthwise

Step three - pull on grip


For grip replacements, I dig the Pro Taper pillow grips:



Make sure you look at the ID of them when putting them on. The throttle side has a little wider inner diameter.

 

yup just make sure you got the right replacement grips and cut the old ones off.

 

So basically you're saying any time you want to replace handlebars you have to destroy the grips as well?

 

not really but it's easier that way.

 

You can get them off if you want. Where the handlebar comes out of the grip, roll the grip back towards the end of the bar. Spit (or if your more civilized get some soapy water) in the gap between the grip and bar. Let the grip go back down and then wiggle it on the bar. The moisture will spread and as you twist it will work around in the grip. Repeat this process to get the spit/water further and further down the grip. I have shoved a long screw driver down between the grip and bar to help distribute the liquid.

 

Blow compressed air between the grip and the handlebar. They will slide right off.

When using hairspray to put them back on, make sure you use aerosol type. The pump bottle
type didn't work for me.

 

When I got my new KLX I pulled my fairly new grips off of the old KLR, put them on the KLX , and then put the new stockers on the old bike and sold it.

 

Cool, thanks!

What about the throttle tube assemble? Is that part of the grip that I can pull off once I remove the rubber end?

 

+1 on the air. I usually stick the air nozzle in the oposite end of the bars and pressurize the whole inside of the bar, the grip on the other end will shoot off if you don't go easy.