Even the clip-on handlebars were available as penetrating or non-penetrating types, depending on the design, machine type, and custom direction. What to choose? It is determined by the preferences of the machine owner. Let's look at some special tools that are useful to have when changing grips.
Everyone has their own preference for the riding position, and it is natural for people to have their own preference for the shape and design of the handlebars as well. Manufacturers and constructors who understand this reality sell grip kits of various designs and shapes. In the old days, it would have been a thin roll? A fat roll? Is it the raw rubber type with a different grip? There have been a number of topics related to such grips in the past and present.
An idea for an itchy tool!!
This grip end cutter is available from the Dirt Freak unit brand. It comes in a clear case, so you won't lose that all-important tip cutter. This special tool is a must-have for any customization fan or shop.
The handlebar grip of a motorcycle is one of the most noticeable parts, but there are cases where the grip end is not cut out beautifully and has a jagged hole with the cutter blade. In such a case, a grip end cutter is a convenient, fashionable, and beautiful tool to have.
Cut with a single hammer blow to fit the thickness of the pipe!
The cutter with a diameter of 22.2mm is for the clutch side, and the cutter with a diameter of 25.4mm is for the throttle grip side. Lay a thick plate or wood chip on the handlebar end for hammering it out, insert the tool in the same way as the handlebar pipe, and strike it with a hammer while pressing down on the grip end. If you want to use the stock grips, such as when installing balancer weights to the bar handlebar end of a Kawasaki Z1, you can modify the grip end to be like this.
There are a lot of custom parts available today. However, sometimes you want to change your grip from a non-penetration type to a penetration type. This is when you need to change the grip from a non-penetrating type to a penetrating type.
- Point 1 - Don't make jagged cuts with a cutter to make it uncool!
- Point 2 - A set of two cutters and a handle corresponding to the different thickness of the left and right grips.
- Point 3・When punching out a grip end, lay down a thick plate and press down with it!
The clip-on handlebars took the world by storm in the early '80s. Prior to that time, vehicle laws required the handlebar shape to be pipe-integrated, and that pipe had to be fixed to the top bridge (steering bracket). This meant that racing-type clip-on, commonly known as "Clip-on" equipment, were subject to policing by white motorcycles and officers.
Just after the introduction of Japan's 750cc in 1982, there were a lot of modified Suzuki KATANA that was short and low, just like the Export 1100. The crackdown on these motorcycles was so severe that it was called the "katana hunt" at the time. After a change in the Vehicle Law was approved, many new models adopted the clip-on handlebars.
At the same time as the clip-on handlebars, the bar-end weight (balancer weight) was also commonly installed. This part disliked the slight vibrations transmitted to the handlebars while driving, and was installed as a countermeasure to solve this problem.
We all want to install our favorite parts on our handlebar grips to make our riding position our favorite, not just on a pipe hand or clip-on handlebars. However, models equipped with bar-end weight cannot be fitted with grips with non-penetrating grip ends. If you were to install them as they are, you would not be able to install the bar-end weight. Specifically, this is the case when a clip-on handlebars model is equipped with your favorite off-road model type grips or grips for old motorcycles. Especially in the case of on-road old motorcycles, there are many examples of modifications using the stock grips. Even if you have installed a grip end-weight on a continue handlebar or clip-on handlebar, you may prefer the non-penetrating stock grips (design). This bar end cutter is very useful in such cases! The cutter to match the size and thickness of the handlebar is built into the handlebar and inserted into the grip. While keeping the handlebar pressed against a thick board or wood chips, give it a thump with a hammer, and the non-penetrating type grip will change to the through-type! Once you know how easy it is to use and how well it works, it will be one of the special tools you'll want to keep on hand.
