New grips vs. O-Rings vs. Grip Puppies

[zman1968]

Hey guys,

I put grip puppies on my GSA and they're too fat. Ok for freeways and whatnot, but no bueno for offroad.

Has anyone tried the Excel Cycle Werkes "O-Rings?" Any thoughts? OR.... has anyone installed aftermarket grips that have been great?

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks mates.

[marc]

I've read about folks who used either bicycle handlebar tape, golf club tape, or tennis racket tape to wrap their stock grips for extra thickness. Something to think about.

[zman1968]

I think you're onto something there, Marc, especially with the tennis racquet grip tape. It just might be the low cost answer without going too fat.

Cheers Mate.

[Pastor Passum]

The first year I had my '05 GS I tried Grip Puppies, tennis racket wrap and O-rings. I too thought the grip puppies were too thick. What worked best were the O-rings. Seems like it took about 3 packs of 10 per grip but I could be mistaken about the number. I left the O-rings on 'til Winter. They didn't affect the heated grips at all and on low temp everything was fine. But...for some reason when I left the grips on high heat for a while I had a poor man's cruise control. I'm not sure exactly why but the tight O-rings on the throttle assy. would cause enough binding so that the throttle would stay at whatever position you turned it to Really not a problem but after a few weeks of that I removed the O-rings and for the past 5 years I've gone back to stock grips. Now I don't give them a second thought. After 50,000 miles stock is good and that goes for the seat as well

Jim

[gdayjr]

Man you must have some natural padding there. The standard seat on my 05 must be the worst bike seat i have ever sat on, maybe its because i am 6ft 4with long legs, but if i don't keep moving my weight about while i am riding, 200km is more than enough in one stint.

I was thinking of Grip Puppies as well, but the racket tape was the better option.

[Pastor Passum]

Originally Posted by gdayjr

Man you must have some natural padding there. The standard seat on my 05 must be the worst bike seat i have ever sat on, maybe its because i am 6ft 4with long legs, but if i don't keep moving my weight about while i am riding, 200km is more than enough in one stint.

I was thinking of Grip Puppies as well, but the racket tape was the better option.

Actually no, for the first few months I felt just as you. Thought the seat was terrible but after several long trips either my body or the seat adjusted. Now with several 800+ mile days and 50,000 miles the seat and my butt get along just fine. That's not to say that BMW couldn't do better but my past experience with Sargent Seats have convenced me to stick with the stocker. Being able to stand on the pegs every 30 minutes or so helps a lot too. YMMV

Jim

[gdayjr]

I often stand on the pegs for a while when on a trip. A bit harder with a passenger though, although when i do stand up with my partner on the back, i get a butt massage as well.

I think it's just the shape of it, it puts preasure onto different area's than a flatter bike seat.

I dare say i will get used to it like a lot of others.

[PBGS]

Since we're talking seats, I just bought an Airhawk for my stock seat. It's certainly WAY cheaper than buying custom seat(s), doesn't look too bad and is super comfortable.

[marc]

Another item that helps the stock seat without the expense of a custom or semi-custom replacement is a sheepskin butt pad. I've got this one from Alaska Leather.

Here it is on the bike:

[GuyTimes]

Today, I picked up a set of the trackmaster BIKEMASTER Foam Grips (#114686) from cycle gear. I was able to get them on, only by using my air compressor.

I like extra thick grips but it seems these are going to be too thick.