Grips and Handle Bar Ends

[Van Voyager]

Managed to find a set of original Steel handle bar ends for my 86 Voyager. The bike currently has the 'grab on' style grips which I don't particularly like (and won't allow use of the OEM bar ends). I'm going to switch the grips back to something more resembling OEM.

I'm curious to see what are other folks using for grips.

[Rhinestone Kawboy]

I have an '88 1200 Voyager, and on mine I use the Kuryakyn ISO grips which I like very much. I wondered when I was going to put them on (since you can't use the bar ends on these) if that would affect anything. Didn't seem to. My Voyager handles great with or without the bar end weights. I do have a old style Superbrace also, which made more of a difference than just about anything else.

[Mr Jensee]

I replaced my originals with Chinese knock off Kuryakyn ISO grips. Was able to keep my bar end weights by securing 2 allen wrench bolts that had the same thread type as the original Philips head screws which I had to destroy getting them off. On the throttle side I kept the bar end loose where it would spin. The other side I tightened the other side to help prevent the grip from spinning. They work well for me. Found these grips on Ebay for only $35. They are chrome plastic but seem to be holding up well.

[Van Voyager]

I have iso grips on my Vulcan; frankly, I could take them or leave them. I like how they look (so they'll stay on for now) but I prefer the feel of the original grips.

[Van Voyager]

Managed to find a set of original Steel handle bar ends for my 86 Voyager.

Can anyone tell me if there are threaded inserts welded into the handlebars for attaching the steel handlebar ends?

[Bill O]

The steel handlebar ends are secured with a large phillips head screw that were secured with "Red" threadlock. Turns to cement. I found the best way to remove is to use an Impact Hammer driver (Manual works good but suspect a powered impact driver would do well, also). Using the old large hand screw driver is just going to bugger up the screw head, make your hands hurt, and just generally peeve you off. Good luck.

Bill O

[cranky]

+ 1 .. to what Bill said.. borrow an impact driver and save a lot of $#!#$)%#*$)!#$...
BTDT

[Mr Jensee]

I found an impact driver was useless. I ended up using a mini torch and heated the ends up enough to melt the lock tight. Then used a needle nose locking plier to twist the bolt off after I cut off the Philips head. Replaced them with 2 Allen bolts with the same thread. On the throttle side I kept the bar weight loose and painted them silver, on the clutch side I tightened them down by putting a large rubber washer between the grip and the bar weight. This way the grip wouldn't turn. I like the feel of them and my hands don't go to sleep anymore when riding.

[Van Voyager]

Thanks guys. I've go the opposite problem - I want to put the bar ends back on and I'm wondering if the threaded fasteners screw into 'nuts' that are permanently attached to the inside of handlebar ends (Bike's in storage so I can't easily get to it for a look). Thanks.

[Mr Jensee]

Van i had to cut about a quarter inch off the end of my throttle side to remount the bar ends. Used a die grinder to do that. Used up two disks getting that cut off. If you still have the original screws you might have to cut a little off to make it fit. The whole deal is trial and error. If you goof up you can always find replacement bars on Ebay.

[Van Voyager]

Finally got to the grips project today. I removed the foam grips that were on there without too much difficulty. The handlebar 'nuts' for holding on the bar ends are there and in good shape. My problem is the replacement grips I picked out are about 1 1/2 inches too short (4 1/2 vs the Voyager's 6") Had not occurred to me that grips come in different lengths.

Checking eBay, I can't find any listings that specify a length. Can anyone recommend a source for proper length grips for the Voyager?

[Van Voyager]

Checking eBay, I can't find any listings that specify a length. Can anyone recommend a source for proper length grips for the Voyager?

Just bumping this. I'm still looking for some suitable original length grips.

[Me Again]

That's a tough question.
Depends a lot on what you consider suitable.
I have tried the foam covers and did not like them .
A little beefier than stock would be nice .
Remember that you should put the weights back on although a really nice grip may not need them .
The weights are there to help eliminate vibrations .
pretty much any 1" X 6" grip will do .

[Van Voyager]

That's a tough question.
Depends a lot on what you consider suitable.
I have tried the foam covers and did not like them .
A little beefier than stock would be nice .
Remember that you should put the weights back on although a really nice grip may not need them .
The weights are there to help eliminate vibrations .
pretty much any 1" X 6" grip will do .

Ya, I'm not a big fan of the foamies either. And I do want to put the weights back on precisely for the reason you mentioned although to be honest, vibration is minimal. I could cut a hole in the end caps of the foamies which will get the weights on but still leaves me with the foamies. I can't find any 6" grips - the foamies are close but even they are only about 5 1/2".

[Van Voyager]

Double post.

[Me Again]

There were a bunch of them on ebay but I don't know what kind of shipping nightmare that would be.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R ... s&_sacat=0

[cranky]

... good find!!! I like the looks a'them Krators!!! GBG JM2C