Author Topic: Grips  (Read 3039 times)

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Offline bartsitarski

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Grips
« on: May 21, 2013, 07:56:13 AM »
What are you guys using for grips on the CB550? I will be running drag bars and would not mind some cushion. I got a set of EMGO cushion grips from Amazon, but, I am not a fan.

Offline Muckinfuss

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Re: Grips
« Reply #1 on: May 21, 2013, 08:00:20 AM »
I'm a fan of Biltwell.  Especially the gum rubber grips on the skinny bars used on Asian MC.
1984 Sportster 1000cc XL
1988 Heritage Softail
1974 CB550
1989 Corvette

Offline Ian_Butler

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Re: Grips
« Reply #2 on: May 21, 2013, 04:22:16 PM »
Dime City Cycles has a whole section devoted to grips and such: http://www.dimecitycycles.com/cafe-racer-parts/vintage-honda-caferacer-cafe-racer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-parts/vintage-honda-caferacer-cafe-racer-motorcycle-parts/honda-cb-cl-caferacer-motorcycle-controls-levers-grips-mirrors.html

My 550 has a set of foamies on the stock bars right now, but I'm gonna grab a new set soon for some new bars. Dime City has Biltwell among others. Are you planning on running stock controls or getting a new set? Might want to think about clearance issues with the fork nuts (maybe, just a thought, I've never run drag bars)
~ Ian

1974 CB550K

“In a car you're always in a compartment, and because you're used to it you don't realize that through that car window everything you see is just more TV. You're a passive observer and it is all moving by you boringly in a frame. On a cycle the frame is gone. You're completely in contact with it all. You're in the scene, not just watching it anymore, and the sense of presence is overwhelming.” ― Robert M. Pirsig

Offline bjbuchanan

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Re: Grips
« Reply #3 on: May 21, 2013, 04:23:51 PM »
I use those progrip things. Nice soft rubber that, well, grips well. It isn't super cushy but it definitely is comfortable
The dirty girl-1976 cb750k, Ebay 836, Tracy bodykit
Round top carbs w/ 38 pilots, middle needle position, airscrew 7/8ths out, 122 main jet
Stock airbox w/ drop in K&N, Hooker 4-1

Don't trust me alone with a claw hammer and some pliers

Offline lucky

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Re: Grips
« Reply #4 on: May 21, 2013, 09:28:31 PM »
I really like RANDAKKS" grips.
Soft and look great.
Not too fat either.
The best I have ever owned.

Click once on the photo below for a large version.

« Last Edit: May 21, 2013, 09:32:54 PM by lucky »

Offline bartsitarski

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Re: Grips
« Reply #5 on: May 22, 2013, 08:29:24 AM »
Thanks for all the replies guys. All good options and beats buying random things off Amazon hoping that I like what comes. I am running stock controls with the exception of a master cylinder. I have an after market one that is smaller/shorter than the stock. After installing all controls, I have maybe 1/4 inch clearance on each side of the tank.

Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Grips
« Reply #6 on: May 22, 2013, 08:35:36 AM »
+1 on the Randakks grips. I had them on my 550, I have them on my Goldwing and I will probably get them for the 550 I am building too.
"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline Ian_Butler

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Re: Grips
« Reply #7 on: May 22, 2013, 05:14:49 PM »
I looked into the drag bars thing a little more. This is post from a few years ago. Looks like it's the brake Master Cylinder you really have to worry about. Make sure the drag bars you get are wide enough.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=59078.msg641582#msg641582

As for the grips, get something comfy! That's a low riding position!
~ Ian

1974 CB550K

“In a car you're always in a compartment, and because you're used to it you don't realize that through that car window everything you see is just more TV. You're a passive observer and it is all moving by you boringly in a frame. On a cycle the frame is gone. You're completely in contact with it all. You're in the scene, not just watching it anymore, and the sense of presence is overwhelming.” ― Robert M. Pirsig

Offline InTheStreet

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Re: Grips
« Reply #8 on: May 24, 2013, 03:31:38 AM »
 I run these on my 550 with sportbike bend bars. I bought them so I could run bar end mirrors, and they were the only option at the local shop I liked, but they are very comfortable.
1975 CB550K1
1980 CB650C (parting out)
1980 GL1100 (sold and missed)

Offline Harsh

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Re: Grips
« Reply #9 on: May 24, 2013, 01:22:44 PM »
The Randakk's grips are the same exact this as the Progrip 714's.

Offline bartsitarski

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Re: Grips
« Reply #10 on: June 11, 2013, 09:06:24 PM »
Thanks everyone. Got the Progrip 719. They are great. Will know more about long haul later this week.

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Offline Stev-o

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Re: Grips
« Reply #11 on: June 11, 2013, 09:38:11 PM »
+1 love the Pro Grips.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Tews19

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Re: Grips
« Reply #12 on: June 12, 2013, 06:00:21 AM »
These are my favorite grips by far..

Pro grips!
17 shipped to the door and you get in 2 days.

The plastic chrome even looks good upclose

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1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Grips
« Reply #13 on: June 12, 2013, 06:07:51 AM »
Plastic chrome?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Tews19

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Re: Grips
« Reply #14 on: June 12, 2013, 06:15:51 AM »
Lol plastic painted chrome I guess.
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Grips
« Reply #15 on: June 12, 2013, 06:17:36 AM »
Lol plastic painted chrome I guess.

Ya.  Just say no.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline bartsitarski

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Re: Grips
« Reply #16 on: June 12, 2013, 06:32:55 AM »
These are my favorite grips by far..

Pro grips!
17 shipped to the door and you get in 2 days.

The plastic chrome even looks good upclose

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

Those look nice.

Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk 2


Offline KennyRedman

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Re: Grips
« Reply #17 on: June 12, 2013, 06:51:29 AM »
Check out Biltwell's Kung Fu Grips. I've had those on all my bikes and I really like them.
« Last Edit: June 12, 2013, 06:53:52 AM by HomebrewTJ »