How to Keep Dirt Bike Grips from Slipping – Different dirt bike components have varying maintenance tips and dirt bike grips are no different. Dirt bike grips are vital for off-road motorcycles, providing a secure and comfortable hold to ensure control and reduce hand fatigue. There are many quality dirt bike grip options with varying materials and designs. However, even the best dirt bike grip can slip if you are not careful.
That said, there are different factors behind answering the question, “How to keep dirt bike grips from slipping?”
The Reasons Behind Slipping
Before we get into prevention methods for slipping grips, here are some common reasons to look out for:
- Dirt and Grime: Accumulated dirt and grime can create a barrier between the grips and handlebars, reducing their ability to secure properly and leading to slippage.
- Grease: Grease is a grip’s worst enemy, completely undermining their ability to stick to the handlebars. Cyclists are particularly prone to getting grease under their grips.
- Wet Conditions: Excessive moisture can compromise the adhesive properties of grips, especially if they are worn or damaged, causing them to slide on the handlebars.
- Loose/Worn Grips: Grips that are loose or too worn are common culprits for slippage. This often indicates the need for replacement.
- Damaged Grips: Even relatively new grips can slip if they become damaged, disrupting their function and causing them to move.
- Incorrect Installation: Regardless of grip age, improper installation, whether it’s positioning for slide-on grips or applying enough pressure for lock-on grips, can result in slippage.
How to Keep Dirt Bike Grips from Slipping: Tips and Tricks
Once you’ve figured out the reason behind your dirt bike grips slipping, it makes determining the best solution easier. Some common prevention methods are as follows:
Clean the Grips
Cleaning your grips can surprisingly prevent slipping issues. When dirt and grease come into contact with your grips, they may start to slip. If your grips are still in good condition, a thorough cleaning with a degreasing solution can make a significant difference. Don’t forget to clean the handlebars as well, ensuring all residue is removed before reinstalling the grips for a more secure hold.
Use Grip Glue
using grip glue is a popular and affordable solution. The adhesive that comes with your grips can lose effectiveness over time, posing a safety risk if the grips slip off while riding. Applying grip glue is a straightforward process; each type of glue comes with clear instructions for easy use. Simply spread the glue on the handlebars and slide your grips back on.
However, be aware that when you press the grip onto the bar, some of the glue may scrape away, resulting in only small spots of adhesive holding the grip in place. To ensure a secure grip, many riders opt to use both glue and wire reinforcement to prevent future slippage.
Tie the Grips Down
If you’re still facing issues with slipping bike grips even after cleaning, an additional solution is to tie them down for extra security. While some riders find success with zip ties, it’s worth noting that this method may not be the most reliable choice. Furthermore, it is primarily suitable for slide-on grips, as opposed to lock-on ones.
Use Lock-on Grips
If repair work is not for you, using lock-on grips is an ideal solution. Lock-on grips, such as the ODI Lock Jaw Grip Clamps designed for the ODI Lock-On Grip System, come equipped with clamps that effectively secure your grips to the handlebars. While they offer great convenience, it’s worth noting that they are the pricier option, which may outweigh their effectiveness for some riders.
Additionally, some users have reported a firm grip feel and a thin rubber surface that doesn’t effectively dampen motorcycle vibrations, making them a choice to consider carefully based on individual preferences and priorities.
Replace Old Grips
Replacing old grips is essential to avoid problems from wear and tear, like a worn-out or weak grip feel. If you’ve used the same grips for a long time, it’s smart to consider new ones. Grips come in various styles, but the installation process is the same for all types. When installing new grips, make sure your handlebars are clean; use steel wool to remove any tough residues and oil for a final clean. To keep your grips secure, you can combine methods like grip glue and wire reinforcement. Or, for a simple solution, choose fusion grips.
Prevention Tips
While it helps to know the reasons and solutions to slipping grips, here are some maintenance tips to prolong the issue from happening:
- Proper Installation: Ensure correct installation of your grips. For slide-ons, position them correctly without contaminants inside. For lock-ons, make sure they are in the right position and tightened to the appropriate pressure.
- Keep Them Clean: Regularly clean your bike grips to prevent dirt and grime from undermining their adhesive properties, particularly important for mountain bikers.
- Prevent Damage: Avoid damaging your bike handlebar grips, as they require full functionality to provide a secure grip. Damage can lead to slippage over time.
If you want to explore more maintenance tips, check out How to Store a Dirt Bike for Winter and When to Change Dirt Bike Oil. You can also learn how to change the grips or other parts like the brake pads. And fix things like a sticky throttle. Otherwise, you can check out a buying guide for hand grips.
