How Do I Keep My Dirt Bike Grips from Slipping?

Motorcycle grips are an essential part of your bike that play a key role in keeping you safe. Standard grips are usually made from a rubber material and can slip off when you're riding.

To keep your dirt bike grips from sliding, make sure you have high-quality grips. Grip glue is the most popular method to keep your grips tightly attached to your handlebars. There are specific products other DIY home remedy hacks that some riders use, including duct tape, hairspray, wiring and more.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about keeping your dirt bike grips from slipping, including the best ways to apply glue, the best cost-effective hacks, .and a one-stop-shop type of product: The Fusion 2.0 Moto Grip.

Choose the Right Grips (Fusion 2.0)

A big step to making sure your dirt bike grips don't slip on you is to make sure you have the right grips. When it comes down to choosing your grips, personal preference will influence your decision. Many cyclists note, however, that some grips are more effective than others.

Here at Risk Racing, for example, we are a brand that sells our own Fusion Grips. Our grips come with bonding strips that adhere to your handlebar. The bonding strips are easy to apply and go on like a sticker.

Once you remove the bonding strip's backing, you should spray the handlebars with the fusion catalyst. After this step is complete, you can easily slide on the grip. In 10 minutes, the adhesive will dry, and you're ready to ride!

Cost-Effective Ways to Keep your Dirt Bike Grips Secure

While many bikers use glue to keep their grips on tight, some have found at home remedies to work just as well. The most popular at-home remedies include using hair spray or spray paint.

Some bikers swear by using hairspray as an adhesive. Simply spray a thin layer of aerosol hairspray onto your handlebars, and fashion the grips over the spray. The hairspray should dry in half an hour, and keep your grips on tight for the day.

Spray paint will work in the same fashion— spray your handlebars, and then attach the grips. The stickiness of hairspray and paint will work to keep your grips stuck.

While this option won't last as long as glue or wire, it is a cost-effective method that should last you for a full day of tough riding.

Use Grip Glue

As many riders now, grips will tend to slip off the end of your handlebars while riding. The most popular method to keep your grips from sliding off is to use grip glue.

The adhesive that comes with your motorcycle handlebar grips will often fade over time, becoming less effective and eventually wearing off. This is extremely dangerous for the rider; if the grips slip, they can lose control of their bike.

Grip glue will help you ride safely. It is affordable and super easy to apply to the handlebars. Each type of glue comes with its own instructions, but all are simple and easy to follow. Simply spread the glue on the handlebars, and slip your grips back on.

Grip adheres to your motorcycle handlebar easily, and it is one of the most affordable options.

The only issue is that when you press your grip onto your bar it causes most of the grip glue to scrape away.  Ultimately you only end up with small spots of glue attaching your grip to your bars.  That is why they tend to slip in time, and usually need to be glued and wired to prevent them from slipping.

What glue should I use for my motorcycle grips?

You can find many types of glue on the market designed specifically for motorcycle grips. You can use some of these grip specific glues. TheRenthal brand, for example, has its own glue that the company claims works best for installing Renthal grips on your bike. 

Many brands have grip specific glue designed to be used on dirt bikes, motorcycles, and ATVs. However, you don't have to use grip specific glue. Regular superglues can have the same effect.

Many riders use Gorilla glue, a multi-purpose superglue. They work well to adhere motorcycle grips to your handlebars, but they can also be used on various surfaces, like glass, ceramic, concrete, and wood. 

You can save on money by using multi-purpose glue, as it will last for other projects, making it the most cost-effective option.

The most popular multi-purpose glue among riders is Gorilla Glue. The Gorilla glue company also makes other adhesive products, like tapes and epoxies. They also may use Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive.

Some of the most popular grip specific glue that riders use are Three Bond and Renthal. Three Bond makes adhesives and sealants. Many riders prefer using theThree Bond 3-Bond Grip Glue.

Regardless of the glue type you use, you will end up with a slipping grip eventually.  As mentioned before, when you press your grip onto your bar it causes most of the grip glue to scrape away.  Ultimately you only end up with small spots of glue attaching your grip to your bars.  That is why they tend to slip in time, and usually need to be glued and wired to prevent them from slipping.

Safety Wire Your Grips

Some riders find that glue or DIY hacks work well for them, but many riders find that glue wears down over time, eventually causing the grips to slip again. Some riders who are sick of constantly reapplying glue recommend safety wiring your grips.

To do this, you will need safety wire pliers, safety wire, and a razor blade. You may also want to use a grip cutter.

1. Remove the Grip: Using a razor blade, make a slit down the grip. This will make the grip easy to remove. Now you will be ready to attach a fresh grip.
2. Prepare the Handlebars: Residue from a previous adhesive can remain on your handlebars. Before safety wiring your grips, clean the handlebars with steel wool or another abrasive scrub. Use alcohol to wipe down the handlebars to make sure they are clean and grease-free.
3. Prepare the Grips: Now, you can get your new grips ready. You may need to trim them to fit your bar. It is recommended to trim the end if there is a bar-end weight or handguard mount. You will also want to lube the inside of your grip— this will allow the cutter tools to slide easily down your handlebars.
4. Install the Wire: Use between three to five wraps per grip. Wrap the wire around the grooves in your grips. Most will have grooves on the base and in the center. Some grips do not have any grooves; in that case, apply the wire wherever feels best for you. The wire should be 6" to 7". Wrap the wires and twist with pliers until it is tight. You will have excess wire that you will then want to cut off.

Use Lock On Grips

Some grips come with jaws or clamps that will keep your grips secured.The Odi Lock Jaw Grip Clamps, for example, are designed to work with the ODI Lock-On Grip System. The product comes with a set of 4 clamps, bolts, and end plugs.

Lock on grips will clamp your grips to your handlebars, effectively securing the grips. These are the most expensive option.  Maybe people like the easy of use, but the cost can out way the effectiveness for most.  Plus some riders complain of a hard feeling grip or a thin rubber surface that doesn't dampen the vibration from the motorcycle.

Make Sure To Replace Old Grips

Old grips can cause you lots of trouble; they can be worn down, or flimsy. If you have been using the same grips for years, you may want to consider replacing them.

Every rider has their preference when it comes to grips. Some prefer waffle grips, while some swear by diamond grips. But installation is the same no matter what kind of grip you are using.

When installing new grips, make sure your handlebars are completely clean of any residue. Use an abrasive scrub like steel wool to tackle any leftover residue. Clean the handlebars with oil before attaching your new grips.

You may want to consider using a combination of these approaches. For example, combing grip glue with wire will ensure that your grips do not budge.

If you don't want to deal with the hassle that all of these different approaches come with then just take the easy route and by yourself some fusion grips.

Conclusion