Upgrading the hand grips on your Electra Glide Standard is a straightforward task that can significantly enhance your riding experience. Whether you’re looking for improved comfort, better control, or a touch of personalization, installing new hand grips is an effective and cost-effective solution. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions, along with helpful tips and tricks, to ensure a successful and satisfying installation.
To begin, gather the necessary materials: a set of replacement hand grips, a small flathead screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a degreaser. Once you have everything you need, let’s dive into the installation process. Firstly, remove the old hand grips by carefully inserting the flathead screwdriver into the gap between the grip and the handlebar. Gently pry the grip loose while twisting it back and forth. Use the pliers to remove the grip completely.
Before installing the new hand grips, it’s crucial to clean the handlebars thoroughly. Use the degreaser to remove any dirt, oil, or debris that could interfere with the adhesion of the grips. Allow the handlebars to dry completely before proceeding. Next, apply a thin layer of adhesive to the inner surface of the hand grips. This will help to secure them in place. Carefully align the hand grips with the handlebars and firmly push them on. Ensure that they are positioned correctly and that there are no gaps or air bubbles. Once the hand grips are installed, adjust them to a comfortable position and tighten any screws or clamps as necessary. Congratulations, you have successfully upgraded the hand grips on your Electra Glide Standard, adding a touch of comfort and style to your ride.
Preparation and Safety Precautions
Preparation:
Before embarking on the installation process, it is crucial to ensure proper preparation to guarantee a smooth and safe experience. Initiate by gathering essential tools, including a Phillips head screwdriver, 5/16 inch hex socket, T-27 Torx screwdriver, and loctite threadlocker blue. Assemble clean rags for wiping and a small hammer for tapping the grips into place.
Next, disconnect the battery’s negative terminal to prevent any electrical hazards. Remove the handlebars from the motorcycle by unbolting the four pinch bolts using the 5/16 inch hex socket. Carefully lift the handlebars upwards and away from the bike, taking care not to damage the wiring or cables.
Locate the throttle assembly on the right handlebar and remove the three screws securing the throttle housing using the Phillips head screwdriver. Gently slide the throttle housing out to expose the throttle grip. Repeat this process on the left handlebar for the clutch grip.
Safety Precautions:
To ensure safety throughout the installation, adhere to the following precautions meticulously:
- Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to fumes.
- Inspect the new hand grips thoroughly before installation to ensure they are undamaged.
- Avoid overtightening any screws or bolts, as this could damage the components.
- Double-check all connections and ensure they are secure before riding the motorcycle.
Removing Old Hand Grips
Before installing new hand grips on your Electra Glide Standard, you’ll need to remove the old ones. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:
- Gather your tools. You’ll need a flathead screwdriver, a pair of needle-nose pliers, and a razor blade or sharp knife.
- Remove the end caps. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry off the end caps on each hand grip.
- Locate the wires. Underneath the end caps, you’ll find the electrical wires that connect the hand grips to the motorcycle’s electrical system. Disconnect the wires by unplugging them from their connectors.
- Cut the adhesive. Use a razor blade or sharp knife to carefully cut through the adhesive that is holding the hand grips in place. Be sure to cut slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the handlebars.
- Remove the hand grips. Once the adhesive is cut, you should be able to easily remove the hand grips from the handlebars. If they’re still stuck, you can use the needle-nose pliers to gently pry them off.
| Materials |
|---|
| Flathead screwdriver |
| Needle-nose pliers |
| Razor blade or sharp knife |
Cleaning Handlebar
It is important to clean the handlebar before installing the hand grips, to remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the installation.
Here are the steps on how to clean the handlebar:
- Use a clean cloth and some rubbing alcohol to wipe down the handlebar.
- Pay special attention to any areas that are particularly dirty or have any residue.
- Allow the handlebar to dry completely before proceeding with the installation.
Here are some additional tips for cleaning the handlebar:
- Use a mild detergent. A mild detergent will help to remove dirt and debris without damaging the finish of the handlebar.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners. Abrasive cleaners can scratch the finish of the handlebar.
- Rinse the handlebar thoroughly. Make sure to rinse the handlebar thoroughly to remove all of the detergent.
- Dry the handlebar completely. Allow the handlebar to dry completely before proceeding with the installation.
Applying Throttle Cable Lubricant
After installing the left control and throttle housing, you’re ready to lubricate the throttle cable. This will help ensure smooth and responsive throttle operation.
- Locate the throttle cable adjustment barrel at the bottom of the left control.
- Remove the throttle cable adjuster cap and apply a generous amount of throttle cable lubricant to the adjuster threads.
- Reinstall the adjuster cap and hand-tighten it.
- Lubricating the Throttle Cable (Detailed Guide):
- Grasp the throttle grip and rotate it back and forth several times to spread the lubricant throughout the cable.
- Turn the handlebars fully to the left and right while simultaneously rotating the throttle to ensure the lubricant reaches all areas of the cable.
- Repeat this process for a few minutes until the throttle movement becomes smooth and effortless.
- Wipe away any excess lubricant.
Note: Use a high-quality throttle cable lubricant specifically designed for motorcycle applications. Lubricating the throttle cable regularly will help prolong its life and prevent corrosion.
Installing Throttle Side Hand Grip
Follow these detailed steps to install the throttle side hand grip:
1. Preparation
Ensure that the ignition is turned off and the battery is disconnected.
2. Remove the Throttle Housing
Locate the two screws holding the throttle housing in place and remove them.
3. Slide Off the Throttle Housing
Carefully slide the throttle housing off the handlebar. Do not twist or pull the throttle cable.
4. Replace the Throttle Grip
Slide the old throttle grip off the throttle tube. Position the new grip on the tube and rotate it fully clockwise to lock it in place.
5. Reassemble the Throttle Side
Carefully align the throttle housing with the handlebar and slide it back into place. Tighten the two screws securely.
Reattach the throttle and idle cables to the throttle housing.
Connect the battery and turn on the ignition.
Check the throttle operation by twisting the grip and ensuring it moves smoothly and returns to the neutral position.
Securing Throttle Side Hand Grip
6. **Pass the throttle cable through the grip**: This step is crucial to ensure proper functionality of the throttle. Before inserting the cable, slightly lubricate it with a suitable lubricant to minimize friction and promote smooth operation.
Carefully align the cable with the corresponding slots or guides within the grip. Gently push the cable through until it reaches the other end of the grip.
Ensure that the cable is not twisted or kinked during this process. If necessary, rotate or adjust the grip slightly to facilitate the cable’s passage.
Once the cable is successfully passed through, verify its free movement by twisting the grip back and forth. The throttle should operate smoothly without any resistance or binding.
Lubricants |
Advantages |
|---|---|
| Lithium grease | Water-resistant, high-temperature stability |
| Teflon lubricant | Low friction coefficient, corrosion resistance |
| Graphite powder | Dry lubricant, suitable for high-heat applications |
Installing Clutch Side Hand Grip
1. Remove the Bar End Weight
Unscrew the bar end weight using a hex key. Ensure to support the handlebar to prevent it from rotating.
2. Pull Throttle Housing Away
Gently pull the throttle housing away from the handlebar to expose the clutch cable.
3. Loosen Clutch Cable Adjuster
Locate the clutch cable adjuster on the handlebars and loosen the locknut. Turn the adjuster to create slack in the clutch cable.
4. Remove Old Hand Grip
Insert a flat-head screwdriver or a small pry bar into the gap between the handgrip and the handlebar. Carefully pry the grip loose and remove it.
5. Clean Handlebar
Use a degreaser or rubbing alcohol to clean any dirt or adhesive residue from the handlebar.
6. Install New Hand Grip
Apply a small amount of grip glue or hairspray to the handlebar and the inside of the new handgrip. Slide the handgrip onto the handlebar and align it correctly.
7. Tighten Clutch Cable Adjuster
Adjust the clutch cable adjuster to the proper tension. Pull the clutch lever fully in and make sure the adjuster screw touches the lever. Back off the adjuster screw slightly until you feel slight resistance in the clutch lever. Finally, tighten the locknut to secure the adjustment.
8. Reinstall Throttle Housing
Slide the throttle housing back onto the handlebars and ensure it is properly seated.
9. Install Bar End Weight
Screw the bar end weight back into place and tighten it securely.
10. Test Hand Grip
Operate the clutch lever and throttle grip to ensure they are functioning properly.
Centering Hand Grips
Once the grips are installed, you need to center them. To do this:
- Use the marks on the inside of the grips to align them with the center of the handlebars.
- Tighten the grip bolts gradually and evenly, alternating between the two bolts until they are snug.
- Check the alignment again and make any necessary adjustments.
- Tighten the grip bolts to the specified torque (usually around 7 ft-lbs).
- Reinstall the end caps.
- Check the grips for fit and comfort. If they are too loose or too tight, adjust the grip bolts accordingly.
- Wipe down the grips with a clean cloth to remove any fingerprints or dirt.
- Start your Electra Glide and enjoy the ride!
Tips for Centering Hand Grips
* Use a level to make sure the handlebars are level before installing the grips.
* If you have trouble getting the grips centered, try using a small block of wood or a rubber mallet to tap them into place.
* Be patient and take your time. Centering the grips properly will ensure that they are comfortable and safe to use.
Trimming Excess Grip Rubber
After the grips are fully seated, you’ll need to trim any excess grip rubber that extends beyond the handlebars. This is especially important for the throttle grip, as excess rubber can interfere with the operation of the throttle. Here’s a detailed guide to trimming excess grip rubber:
Before You Start:
- Gather the necessary tools: a sharp utility knife or razor blade, a cloth, and a small amount of rubbing alcohol.
- Position the motorcycle on a stable surface and secure it with a kickstand or center stand.
- Clean the handlebar area and grip surfaces with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 1: Mark the Excess Rubber
Using a sharp utility knife or razor blade, carefully score a line around the excess rubber that extends beyond the handlebars. Make sure the line is straight and precise.
Step 2: Cut the Excess Rubber
Hold the utility knife or razor blade perpendicular to the handlebars and cut along the scored line. Apply gentle pressure and slide the blade smoothly to avoid tearing or ragged edges.
Step 3: Deburr the Edges
Once the excess rubber is removed, use the utility knife or razor blade to lightly deburr the edges of the grip rubber. This will remove any sharp or rough edges that could be uncomfortable or cause premature wear.
Step 4: Smooth the Grip Surface
Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently rub it over the grip surface. This will help to smooth out any rough edges or imperfections left from the trimming process.
Step 5: Inspect and Re-Trim if Necessary
Inspect the trimmed grips to ensure that they are flush with the handlebars and do not interfere with the operation of the throttle. If necessary, repeat the trimming process to remove any remaining excess rubber.
| Safety Tip: |
|---|
| Wear appropriate safety gear, such as safety glasses and gloves, when using sharp tools. |
Finishing Touches
10. Adjust the Brake and Clutch Levers
Ensure both levers are properly positioned for optimal comfort and reach. Adjust the levers to fit your hand size and riding style. Tighten the locking nuts securely to prevent any movement or loosening during use.
Adjust the clutch lever so that it engages smoothly and releases without any excessive force. The brake lever should be positioned to provide ample braking power without causing hand strain. Pay attention to the positioning of your fingers on the levers and make adjustments as needed for maximum comfort and control.
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Brake Lever: |
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Clutch Lever: |
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How to Install Hand Grips on an Electra Glide Standard
Installing hand grips on your Electra Glide Standard is a relatively simple and straightforward task. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Gather the necessary tools. You will need a flathead and Phillips head screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a utility knife.
- Remove the old hand grips. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry the edges of the old hand grips loose. Once they are loose, use the pliers to pull them off the handlebars.
- Clean the handlebars. Use a clean cloth to wipe down the handlebars to remove any dirt or debris.
- Apply a thin layer of adhesive to the handlebars. Use a brush or your finger to apply a thin layer of adhesive to the inside of the handlebars.
- Slide on the new hand grips. Slide the new hand grips onto the handlebars, making sure to align them properly.
- Tighten the screws. Tighten the screws on the bottom of the hand grips using the Phillips head screwdriver. Do not overtighten the screws.
- Trim the excess adhesive. Use the utility knife to trim any excess adhesive that may have seeped out from under the hand grips.
People Also Ask
How do I remove the throttle housing?
To remove the throttle housing, you will need to remove the two screws that hold it in place. Once the screws are removed, you can pull the throttle housing off the handlebars.
Can I install any type of hand grips on my Electra Glide Standard?
Yes, you can install any type of hand grips on your Electra Glide Standard. However, you may need to purchase adapters if the hand grips you choose do not fit the handlebars.
How often should I replace my hand grips?
Hand grips should be replaced when they become worn or damaged. This will typically occur every 2-3 years, depending on how often you ride your motorcycle.
