Avon handlebar grips

[EZdriver]

Just installed new Avon grips. They are super comfortable, I've used them before. They install fairly EZ, after cutting 1-1/8 inch off each handlebar. You want to use the "Superbike" grips http://avongrips.com/shop/categories/Mo ... ike-Grips/ as they are the correct diameter. You are basically cutting off the counterweight hard point. The bar is solid out there, so it's slow going but I used my cordless Ryobi sawzall to do the deed.
The grips come with two different spools for the cable attach. You will have to loosen the cables at the carbs to give you room to pull the cables up.
The whole operation from start to finish was about two hours. Half of that was scratching my head.
Any questions, fire away!!

[debron]

Just installed new Avon grips........They install fairly EZ, after cutting 1-1/8 inch off each handlebar.......

I think I would rather trim the grips than cut the bars. Do they make any longer? 1-1/8 inch off the ends of the bars is a lot, plus losing the bar weights would make it a 2"+ loss.....

[EZdriver]

This is the only length they make that fit our bars. All other grips are 1" I.D., namely Kuryakyn.
I don't notice the shorter length. I noted how I gripped the bar before I replaced them and I gripped inboard. Personally I didn't need the outboard end or the weights. These grips are awesome and feel so much better.

[EZdriver]

Put 100 mile test ride on my new Avon grips today. They are amazing. The actual measurement of the grip is less than 1/2 inch shorter than the stock grips. You cut 1-1/8 off the bar, but that includes the counterweight boss. I didn't grip that counterweight anyway, and I don't notice the loss of the small amount of grip.

[ghostler]

Speaking of comfort, I installed Bikemaster heated grips. They are almost an inch shorter than the OEM grips. I made up for the difference by using 1" heater hose between the end of the grip and the handle bar tip weight. Worked really nice keeping my wet gloved hands comfortable during rain. (On a trip to Golden Aspen Rally, rode 2-1/2 hours in rain from Elida NM to Ruidoso NM last week Tuesday, 3 hours in rain from Ruidoso to Portales NM last week Sunday.)

I'm a little reluctant to trim the handle bar and remove tip weights. I thought those were to help dampen any vibrations, although compared to other motorcycles, the XII engine is very smooth running.

[EZdriver]

I can tell no difference in resonance without the weights. None. Zip. Nada.

[ghostler]

I can tell no difference in resonance without the weights. None. Zip. Nada.

Not saying you are wrong. Anyone who rides an enduro knows what vibrations are like. My 1987 Suzuki LS650 Savage and 1971 Honda CB100 had considerable vibration through the handle bars. Difference was the CB100 was high frequency when rolling down the highway at 55 mph, very tiring after an hour riding near its upper RPM limits. Savage wasn't as bad as it was lower frequency (5,200 rpm at 75 mph), which was about half that of the CB100.

I guess because Kawasaki ZG1200 was considered a luxury tourer, the OEM decided to take things to a greater extreme to show comfort. I rode the Savage on a 9 hour ride, still enjoyed it but not near as comfortable as with my 2001 XII. I've ridden the XII three hours without stopping. The Savage required stopping in half that. (Of course, the 2.8 gallon tank didn't help, either.) Went on a 2 hour ride east of San Diego in 1983 on my CB100. That was tiring.

Nice thing about motorcycles, one tailors to their own personal liking, and no one is wrong for doing what makes them comfortable. I really love my Bikemaster heated grips. I could have spent 3 times that which I did to have the right length grips, but I am happy with my choice, although some may disagree.
Enjoy your new grips.

[debron]

A photo of the Avon Grips provided by EZdriver:

[ghostler]

Looks sharp, can already feel the comfort just looking at the photos.

Not meaning to hijack this thread, talking about short, this was my effort, which BTW worked on a 100 mile ride this afternoon with friends. Since fall is coming, kept my hands warm on the way home.



Side by side comparison:


I don't know whose grips were shorter, but mine probably scored high in the competition.
Congrats EZdriver on a good job.

[EZdriver]

If anyone is contemplating using these particular Avon grips, I need to make a change to the clutch side cut off dimension. Only cut off 1" on the left. 1-1/8 on the right. This allows the left grip to bottom out with about a 1/8 inch gap between the audio controls to match the throttle side better.

[ELVISJR72]

Any other ideas or suggestions on grip changes for 86 XII? I bought some that are 7/8 diameter and discovered they are to big. Trying to find the 3/4" diameter is seeming to be a daunting task. Any help would be appreciated.

[Bonnie and Clyde]

Can someone clarify what size diameter bars are on grip end? Please and thank you. I am looking to put heated grips on my 1998 Xii. I would like to buy the correct diameter grips the first time. I have put Oxford heated grips on my adventure bikes and they work excellent. Im hoping I can find a good heated grip for the Kawasaki 1200.

[GrandpaDenny]

7/8"