Grips - What works for you?

[ericr]

I haven't posted for awhile so I thought I'd stir things up along the likes of what's the best 2-stroke oil.

What are the best grips? Hard or soft? Small or large diameter? What type of pattern? What works for installing them?

What works for you?

I have 2 KDX's. One has Renthal diamond pattern grips in medium rubber. I've liked the soft ones in the past, but they wear out fast. I like small diameter, but at times, my hands do cramp up. This last time I installed them, I used spray paint inside the grips as glue and then safety wired them on. I bent the ends of the safety wire away from the pull of my fingertips.

Our other KDX has cheap Tusk dual density grips. They seem to be even better than the Renthals. Soft on the grip area and firmer inside and on the ends. They have both diamond and waffle pasterns under the fingers. I think I'll buy these again. They're good for me and cheap.

Renthals

Tusk

[oldmxer95]

I have always liked stock Honda grips. Try them, you will like them.

[bufftester]

I used to run Renthal waffles, but went to Pro Taper pillow tops a few years back. Love them as they are soft and on the smaller side, but they do wear quickly, can usually get most of a seaon out of a set. Always run them with grip donuts.

[TwistedRoot]

I used to run Renthal waffles, but went to Pro Taper pillow tops a few years back. Love them as they are soft and on the smaller side, but they do wear quickly, can usually get most of a season out of a set. Always run them with grip donuts.

Im with ya. I recently switched to some Moose half waffle grips, but really miss my Pro Taper pillow tops. Will prob go back to them for this year.

[VTMTcowboy]

Been using the ODI half waffle medium compound with safety wire. Simple grips that do the job, but soon will be ordering some Renthal 1-1/8" bars so this questions was exactly what I would be searching for. I am currently planning on trying some lock-on grips. RMATVMC claims they fit an 04 KDX, so I am thinking I'll give them a go unless I hear a lot of negatives from the rest of the members here?

[K50X200]

Pro Taper pillow tops with grip donuts...

[ericr]

It sounds like the Pro Taper pillow tops are popular. What makes them so good?

[John_S]

My favorite grips are ODI Rogue MX. They're on the larger side and really soft, but last a long time. Currently I have ODI full waffle and was surprised at how much more I like them than the half waffle. Both of those ODI's are non locking. I shoot brake cleaner in the grip to install them and use tie wire although I don't think they'd twist without it. If you want to save the grips and just change styles, you can pinch the grip and get the brake cleaner straw in there, shoot some in and they slide right off with no residue. Wear safety glasses if you shoot brake cleaner into a grip to remove it.

[bufftester]

It sounds like the Pro Taper pillow tops are popular. What makes them so good?

I like them because they are comfortable, on the smaller diameter side, and usually you can get them with a set of grip donuts for about 10-12$. For a soft grip they actually wear pretty well. I haven't tried the ODI Emigs, but my son has a set of ODI half waffles so I may get a chance to test them out (assuming he lets me on his bike lol). I might try the Torc1 KevTek Enduro grips, they look intriguing...

[K50X200]

It sounds like the Pro Taper pillow tops are popular. What makes them so good?

Very soft - almost to the point of being sticky, but they do seem to last. I get a couple seasons out of a pair - probably 40 to 50 (2.5 hr.) rides of Pennsylvania rocks and roots!
As someone else mentioned, I can usually find them on eBay for decent money.

[VTMTcowboy]

Anyone running lock-on grips? Just wondering thoughts on install and usage compared to traditional.

[ericr]

From the feedback, I think my next grips will be ODI Rogue MX or Pro Taper Pillowtops. I'll definitely try the brake cleaner to install them. Thanks for the input! I'm curious too about lock-on grips. If anyone's tried them, what do you think?

[B737driver]

Anyone running lock-on grips? Just wondering thoughts on install and usage compared to traditional.

I am running the Emig lock-on grips. I will never mess with grip glue again For years I ran pillow tops, and they are good grips...bolt on grips are a life changer. They have never moved or twisted. No glue, no wire, no problems

BTW...You will need to order cam L for the KDX. See the application guide. The cam for the KDX/KX hybrid was included.

[VTMTcowboy]

Anyone running lock-on grips? Just wondering thoughts on install and usage compared to traditional.

I am running the Emig lock-on grips. I will never mess with grip glue again For years I ran pillow tops, and they are good grips...bolt on grips are a life changer. They have never moved or twisted. No glue, no wire, no problems

BTW...You will need to order cam L for the KDX. See the application guide. The cam for the KDX/KX hybrid was included.

I suspected this might be the case after reading many reviews from other brand/model bike owners. Unfortunately sometimes the KDX gets forgotten and only the older motocross bikes get parts developed for them, so it is good to know "Cam L" is the KDX spec. I may have to give them a shot. I have a set of ODI grips that will probably get used up first, but either way, I'll go the lock-on route soon enough. Thanks!