HowTo Change Rubber Grip on Heated Grips of R1200GS

A while back, I saw another thread on this same subject of swapping out for R11 grips, was wondering if anyone remembered who did that thread. IIRC, it had additional pics and instructions, which combined with this thread would be really helpful to folks like myself, who are about to go down this road.

what's that in mm?
.2 mm – .3 mm ?

This one? http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=347652

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That was one, but there was one specifically done on a 12. IIRC it was a bit different, but I'm not sure, hence the search. Didn't come across it on a google site search.

A couple more:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=626812 (scroll down a bit)
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=770667 (the new film-type heating element)

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My google-fu has failed me, those were what I was thinking of. Thanks!

Well, that was pretty easy.

Used a small flat tip screwdriver to help lift off the rubber at the bonded spots, it came off easy, and my wife (unknowingly) provided the requisite goop for bonding.

Can't believe she uses that stuff in her hair. "Dear? You know I use that stuff to hold parts on my bike, right?"

:d

Nice write up. Thanks.

It's the NEXT project for my 06 GS.

avoid replacing the grips in the first place. a trick i picked up from a GS rental in Hawaii of all places- bicycle handlebar wrap. my grips were wearing fast so i looked for the thinnest wrap i could find. it actually increased the diameter slightly and the soft suede-like feel is nicer than rubber grip alone. when they get worn just re-tape.

I was pondering about changing mine for ages, as the old rubber was getting tacky. Did a lot of reading up on the topic and decided it had to happen. The old ones peeled off reasonably easy. I bought some pro grips 807,s I think.. A bit thicker than normal and they feel fine. Just takes abit longer for the heat to come through. Even though I bought two sets you could get away with one set. There is a lot of give in them. Hair spray work great.

I didn't need new grips- I just didn't like the OEM ones.
<a href="http://kevinstiegler.com/wp-content/gallery/DSCN0285.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-699" title="DSCN0285" src="http://kevinstiegler.com/wp-content/gallery/DSCN0285-300x224.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="224" /></a>
BMW wanted like $Million to but the original grips back on and didn't have anything 'beefier' in stock (I'm use to having some thing a little thicker in my hand ) so I picked up a pair of ODI Mushroom Grips from Motorcycle-Superstore.com
<a href="http://kevinstiegler.com/wp-content/gallery/MushroomGrips.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-698" title="MushroomGrips" src="http://kevinstiegler.com/wp-content/gallery/MushroomGrips.png" alt="" width="621" height="327" /></a>
I figure these are cheap and may only last a season or two- but at $10 a pair, I'll deal with it until I find a better replacement.
<a href="http://kevinstiegler.com/2012/09/27/09-bmw-gsa-heated-grip-change/dscn0286/" rel="attachment wp-att-700"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-700" title="DSCN0286" src="http://kevinstiegler.com/wp-content/gallery/DSCN0286-300x224.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="224" /></a>
I started by removing the hand guard and mirror.
<a href="http://kevinstiegler.com/2012/09/27/09-bmw-gsa-heated-grip-change/dscn0287/" rel="attachment wp-att-701"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-701" title="DSCN0287" src="http://kevinstiegler.com/wp-content/gallery/DSCN0287-300x224.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="224" /></a><a href="http://kevinstiegler.com/2012/09/27/09-bmw-gsa-heated-grip-change/dscn0288/" rel="attachment wp-att-702"> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-702" title="DSCN0288" src="http://kevinstiegler.com/wp-content/gallery/DSCN0288-300x224.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="224" /></a>
Then I GENTLY made a small slit and began peeling of the original rubber being VERY CAREFUL not to nick the element.
<a href="http://kevinstiegler.com/2012/09/27/09-bmw-gsa-heated-grip-change/dscn0289/" rel="attachment wp-att-703"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-703" title="DSCN0289" src="http://kevinstiegler.com/wp-content/gallery/DSCN0289-300x224.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="224" /></a>
Finally- after 10 tedious minutes I had the grip completely removed and trimmed away.
<a href="http://kevinstiegler.com/2012/09/27/09-bmw-gsa-heated-grip-change/dscn0290/" rel="attachment wp-att-704"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-704" title="DSCN0290" src="http://kevinstiegler.com/wp-content/gallery/DSCN0290-300x224.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="224" /></a>
Using a generous amount of Aquanet Hairspray- I coated the inside of the new grip and (with a little grunting and cursing) slipped it over the element. I didn't think is was going to fit- but it did.
<a href="http://kevinstiegler.com/2012/09/27/09-bmw-gsa-heated-grip-change/dscn0292/" rel="attachment wp-att-705"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-705" title="DSCN0292" src="http://kevinstiegler.com/wp-content/gallery/DSCN0292-300x224.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="224" /></a>
<a href="http://kevinstiegler.com/2012/09/27/09-bmw-gsa-heated-grip-change/dscn0292/" rel="attachment wp-att-705">
</a>I cut a hole in the end with an exacto knife (which I used to slice the old grip off with) and replaced the Kaoko throttle lock, hand guard, and mirror.
<a href="http://kevinstiegler.com/2012/09/27/09-bmw-gsa-heated-grip-change/dscn0293/" rel="attachment wp-att-706"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-706" title="DSCN0293" src="http://kevinstiegler.com/wp-content/gallery/DSCN0293-300x224.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="224" /></a><a href="http://kevinstiegler.com/2012/09/27/09-bmw-gsa-heated-grip-change/dscn0295/" rel="attachment wp-att-707"> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-707" title="DSCN0295" src="http://kevinstiegler.com/wp-content/gallery/DSCN0295-300x224.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="224" /></a>

Repeated for left side.

where do worn replaced grips go to die? I need the tiny wire set running from connector to resistance wire. kinda fucked mine while trying to solder it to a different heater.

if anyone has a clue or has a few of these lying around :)

The whole assembly is removable and then you can just replace the wire. no?

true. but I just about ran out on mine :)

I'm talking about the wire that starts at the connector thingy, runs once around the handle and crosses over through the slit in the housing/handle

Did mine tonight..took 20 minutes..used a standard pair of Oury grips..the left stretches over easily, used rubbing alcohol...I did trim down the little plastic "bumps" on the outer ends of the tubes..

Other than being careful with the heating elements..I don't really see what the big deal is??

Let's see some pics of the completed project with the Oury grips.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bksgsvegas/8047562288/" title="IMG_2335 by vegas1200gsa, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8454/8047562288_24445d5e7b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_2335"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bksgsvegas/8047557309/" title="IMG_2334 by vegas1200gsa, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/8047557309_d78e59ac23_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_2334"></a>

Small update..slightly un-seen consequence.

The inner flange of the new grips..and I would venture to say most aftermarket grips, is, no where near as stiff as the inner flange of the OEM grips. I ride with my thumbs fairly hard against the inner..so the grip flange "gives" towards the controls area and rubs it..no big deal at all..except it slows the throttle action significantly..for me, it may make the OURY's a deal breaker..

I'm thinking possibly ATV style grips would be an improvement since they don't have the inner flange like a motorcycle grip.

If you don't hug the inside of the grip like I do, you may never notice this.

My grips were a little shorter than the stock ones- so there's a slight 1/8 gap between the flange and the controls. I was wondering if the gap was going to be an issue- but so far, no.