The CB1100 Community Forum

I just received the Pro Grip 719 open end gel grips I ordered but I've never switched out grips myself before. Anyone whose done this with their CB have any pointers? Do I need to cut off the old grips or can I pry them off? Do I need to buy glue for the new grips (they didn't come with any)?

Any advice is appreciated!

I can't address the CB1100, but I've replaced grips on a number of my bikes. They vary in what is required as you might expect. An air compressor helps a ton. On open grips like the Honda has, simply put your needle valve in you air compressor hose, slightly insert it under the end of the grip while encircling the end of the grip closest to the controls and when a little air is applied, the old girp can be simply slipped or "walked" off. The new grip can be attached pretty much the same way. Most new grips I have used are so tacky that glue is not needed. If your throttle grip is glued on, prepare for a long day.

On past bikes I didn't bother trying to 'be nice' to the old grips. I just slit the old grips open with a knife and peeled them off. Be careful cutting on the throttle side for obvious reasons. Done in a minute of less glued on or not. No preparation, no air. If the old grips were glued on add to that a few minutes using a solvent/scraper to get the old glue off of the bars.

I've done this dozens of times.

Slip a long slim dull or rounded screwdriver under the grip all the way in. Use the straw on a can of wd 40 and insert it next to the screwdriver and spray.
Remove the screwdriver and twist - the grip will slide right off.

Clean the inside thoroughly for re-installation.

To install use no glue. Liberally spray Windex inside the grip (the alcohol dries quickly and the soap aids installation and when dry acts as a glue) and slide the grip in place, let it dry over night.

I never ever use glue to install grips.

(06-28-2013, 01:31 AM)Dynaguy_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I can't address the CB1100, but I've replaced grips on a number of my bikes. They vary in what is required as you might expect. An air compressor helps a ton. On open grips like the Honda has, simply put your needle valve in you air compressor hose, slightly insert it under the end of the grip while encircling the end of the grip closest to the controls and when a little air is applied, the old girp can be simply slipped or "walked" off. The new grip can be attached pretty much the same way. Most new grips I have used are so tacky that glue is not needed. If your throttle grip is glued on, prepare for a long day.

+1. Warm soapy water or an aerosol hair spray will make it easier to install the grips. Makes 'em slippery enough to slide right on, just make sure they're aligned fairly quickly, especially with the hair spray.

(06-28-2013, 01:54 AM)Flynbulldog_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I've done this dozens of times.

Slip a long slim dull or rounded screwdriver under the grip all the way in. Use the straw on a can of wd 40 and insert it next to the screwdriver and spray.
Remove the screwdriver and twist - the grip will slide right off.

Clean the inside thoroughly for re-installation.

To install use no glue. Liberally spray Windex inside the grip (the alcohol dries quickly and the soap aids installation and when dry acts as a glue) and slide the grip in place, let it dry over night.

I never ever use glue to install grips.

I'll have to try it this way next time !

Just helped my buddy do grip swap on his thruxton. Since we didn't have a air compressor, which makes grip changes the easiest thing ever, we used WD40 to get the old ones off and hairspray when putting them on as others have said above. Works every time.

+1 on the WD40 and hair spray. Just don't let the wife/girlfriend/significant other know you took her hair spray.

All excellent tips. Thanks guys. I'll be swapping my grips and mirrors out tonight in prep for a nice weekend of riding.

Late to the party but I use the air compressor to blow off the old grips and blow on the new grips.

I assume you know the softer thinner grip goes on the throttle side

On 719s the pattern needs to be paid attention to in the grip, think about how your hand goes around them, then orient before installation

Here is how I orient mine


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