Quick poll: Do you still have bar end weights?

dc112675

Joined
Dec 5, 2014
Messages
140
Location
Hobbs, NM
Bike
2004 ST1300A
I have an ST1300 and I'm about to replace grips with bigger, softer grips. I can buy open-ended ones and reinstall bar-end weights/dampeners or closed-ended ones.

Will the cushioned grips alleviate the need for bar ends? What have you done/recommend? Thanks, doug
 
The bar ends are OEM. Never heard of anyone taking them off intentionally, I have removed one when dropping the bike off a lift.

Ohhh... there are also weights inside the handlebars. If you remove those I will buy one off of ya.
 
I simply slipped a pair of grip puppies over the original grips and was quite comfortable. Only cost $10 if I remember correctly.
Others have used BMW grips which are also very comfortable.
 
Yes, I still use bar end weights with my foam grips. IMO, you shouldn't remove them and I've not heard of anyone doing that purposefully. Try and see how the bars feel without those end weights there to minimize vibrations.
 
One additional note - You can easily 'open' the end of most any grip with a sharpened pipe (a little grinder work to bevel the edges) of the correct diameter and a flat piece of metal. Stick the pipe down inside the grip, place the grip end on the flat piece of metal and give the pipe end a sharp whack with the hammer. Cuts a very nice hole in the end of the grip. ;-) If the 'new' grips are a little long, just get longer weight bolts and add some small washers to fill in the space. I use these grips which do not have open ends -

http://www.flanderscompany.com/acti....html&-Operator=Contains&Catagory=Accy8 Grips

Product 151-0001 - which are shaped opposite of your hands - fat in the middle and skinny on the ends. And they work very well with Symtec heated grips. And I like the built in throttle rocker and the fact that they wear like iron. I just cut out the end as I described, add a few washers and longer bolts and put the bar weights back on to have the best of both worlds. ;-)
 
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I removed the oem bar end weights from my vfr and fitted oxford gold coloured bar end weights, which are very light compared to the oem and I notice no vibrations with them.
 
I took the big grips and drilled out the ends so the barends would still fit. I had to do some filing so the right throttle grip wouldn't hang up from it.

handgrips_005.jpg
 
I've pretty much narrowed down the style that I am wanting... I really like Kuryakyn's ISO Grips, but thought I might as well have heated grips. BUT, Kuryakyn does not sell heated grips. I could add the heated elements underneath the grips, but since there is a good bit of air and rubber between the bar and my hands, I don't think they will be super effective.

Avon sells an ISO-Style grip that is heated but it is only for 1" bars (shimming would be required) and the controller is supposed to be mounted on a the bar (which the ST1300's don't have room for). Lots of fabricating for a set of grips!

The best solution based on my reading and this forum's suggestions is the "Show Chrome" heated grips. They sell 2 versions:

17-380 (with a hole for the bar end):
grips 17-380.jpg
















17-385 (with closed ends):
grips 17-385.jpg



























In Your Opinion, should I buy the ones with the hole (and keep weights on) or with the closed end?

Oddly the ones with the closed ends are the ones listed that "fit" the ST1300. FWIW, I like the look of the closed ones but I don't want to sacrifice comfort. Thank you again for your help...I value your thoughts.
 
Indian Express said:
I simply slipped a pair of grip puppies over the original grips and was quite comfortable. Only cost $10 if I remember correctly.
Others have used BMW grips which are also very comfortable.
Click to expand...

+1 Me, too, and yes, I still have the end weights on my ST1300.
 
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I put ISO grips on my Wing and removed the weights. Haven't noticed any difference in vibration.

John
 
dc112675 said:
In Your Opinion, should I buy the ones with the hole (and keep weights on) or with the closed end?
Click to expand...
End weights are there for a reason and serve a significant purpose... removal is not recommended, especially as the ST1300 is designed a tat "borderline" to begin with, thus already prone to headshake due the steeper headstock angle...
 
coolweed said:
SupraSabre, Which grips are those and how much more comfortable are they then your stock pair?
Click to expand...

I DON'T do stock, period! They cause my hands to cramp.

These are the 6" x 7/8" Grab On brand grips. Usually around $20 to $30 on ebay.

Grab-On-Deluxe-Road-Grips

BTW, I tried the Grip Puppyies and they worn out too fast for me, so I tried the SharkSkins, same issue! Back to the Grab Ons!
 
BMW open end ones here with symtech or dual star foil element heaters. Works with the oem bar end weights.
 
SupraSabre said:
I DON'T do stock, period! They cause my hands to cramp.

These are the 6" x 7/8" Grab On brand grips. Usually around $20 to $30 on ebay.

Grab-On-Deluxe-Road-Grips

BTW, I tried the Grip Puppyies and they worn out too fast for me, so I tried the SharkSkins, same issue! Back to the Grab Ons!
Click to expand...
What's the OD on those Bob?

I have the same issues... using bicycle handlebar tape tight now. But thst will probably be eorn out in another year and I'll need something else.
 
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