My '83 R100RS has foam grips that were on it when I bought it used a few years ago. The grips are looking a little rough now and I'd like to replace them. Are they BMW parts, or aftermarket? If aftermarket, does anyone have a suggestion as to brand or supplier? I hate to buy Chinese crap off of eBay, but I'm not sure that it really matters with grips. Thanks!
OEM grips are hard rubber. I never cared for foam grips because they seemed to induce a kind of numbness in my throttle hand. I have a set of grips called Turismo, or something like that. They were on my R75/5 when I became the owner in 1989. They are still in perfect condition. I would use those on any bike if I could find them.
former Airmarshal, IL.
I'm with James. I prefer a more substantial grip that's barrel shaped. The barrel shape fits the curvature of the inside of my palm much better, the solid form of the grip means that I can simply lay my hands (or fingers) across the top of the grip and yet still maintain complete control. (I truly believe softer grips lead to the sensation/need to squeeze the grip 100% of the time, thus tiring the hand.)
The best grips I've ever found were made by Biltwell (GR-REN-78-BK). Link: HERE
Biltwell company link: https://www.biltwellinc.com/pages/search-results-page?q=grips
Both Amazon and Biltwell seem to be out of the black color at the moment.
These also work very nicely with "grip heaters". Hope this helps.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
So might I ask why are you looking on Ebay or Amazon for BMW motorcycle grips? Airheads magazine has a few companies who sell all kinds of equipment and accessories.
I bet a five minute search of one of them would turn up a good set.
Don't get me wrong, I do use Amazon and Ebay but not for my BMW parts and accessories. St.
Beware! I do not suffer fools gladly! St.
I don't view eBay or Amazon as a supplier of BMW parts, but I do look at them to see what might be out there in the marketplace.
Thanks for the advice on grips. I think I'll try on of the Biltwell grips.
Don’t want to “hijack” this thread, but, this got me thinking about my sorry old grips. My bike is a ‘78 R100. What is the correct grip size? Is it 7/8” on the left and 1” on the right? Are they sold like that, 7/8” and 1”?
Don’t want to “hijack” this thread, but, this got me thinking about my sorry old grips. My bike is a ‘78 R100. What is the correct grip size? Is it 7/8” on the left and 1” on the right? Are they sold like that, 7/8” and 1”?
Good question. I just ordered 7/8". Hope they work!
The correct nomenclature is "7/8 grip set". A throttle side will be included that is ever so slightly larger. The dia of the bar (not the twistgrip) is where the name originates. (To my knowledge, only Harley uses 1".)
The Airhead actually uses 22mm bars, and if you were buying new bars that would matter. But 7/8 inch is very close and the rubber grips will adapt to either.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
Good to know. Thanks!
I purchased a set of the Biltwell Renegade’s, 7/8”. Installed them today. Clutch side was very typical. Throttle side was quite challenging! Took some serious persistence. Very tight fit. They look great on the bike!
P.S. - Minor typo - BMW bars are 22mm, just short of 7/8”.
I just installed a pair of Biltwell grips today as well. As you said, clutch side was no problem. Throttle side about wore me (and my hands out). Got some nasty blisters twisting that grip on!
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