Tail Gunner here,
This month I thought I would go to basics, Hand Grips. Probably one of the most changed and least talked about items on your bike. There are literally hundreds of grip manufactures. Most are purely aesthetic, some are functional, it’s all up to the rider and what they desire, looks or functionality. For this article, we’ll go with functionality. First up are the Avon Air Cushioned Grips.
Being an old timer, these grips reminded me of the old air grips from the WEBCO catalog. I ordered them direct form Avon; they came almost next day, wow! The people at Avon couldn’t be nicer, and willing to help with any of my questions. I installed them per directions, A NO Brainer. The fly by wire on my ’09 Ultra was too easy; just loosen up the control housing enough to slide the old grip off, and the new one on. 
You have to line up the gears for the sensor, real easy, so I placed the Avon logo horizontal, so I could read it, then tightened and adjusted the housing where I wanted it. The clutch side just slips on the bar and adheres with the supplied tape and small bottle of adhesive chemical.
Let it stand 24 hours, and I was done. I couldn’t be happier. These puppies are great. They really cut down on the vibration, and hand fatigue form long rides. On my scale of five, I give them a 5+ for installation and function.
Next up are the Kuryakyn ISO Grips. I installed these on my ’03 Softail, so I had to deal with the damn cables. After a little wrestling, I had them on.
For the clutch side, I had to adhere them to the bar with a glue of your choice, I chose a little clear silicon, let it cure over night and presto, I was finished. Now for the test ride, the ISO grips performed just as they advertised my hands (arthritic) were not fatigued or cramped and they felt wonderful. As a bonus, Kuryakyn makes the Kewlock Helmet locking device that installs at the end of the grip.
This allowed me to lock my helmet / helmets to end of the bars using a lock with key. I found this to be a really sharp and secure addition, and it works perfectly.
On my scale of five, I give them a four for installation and a five for function. The Avon Grips will run you about $52 and the Kuryakyn’s are $84.95 plus the Kewlock is another $87.99 if you desire it. Since I used both grips on two of my bikes, I don’t really have a preference, I like them both for different reasons, the Avon for the cushion and black anodize, and the Kuryakyn for the addition of the helmet lock. Both feel real comfy on rides and I recommend either of them. It’s a matter of choice.
Reference suppliers:
www.bikerschoice.com
www.kuryakyn.com
www.avongrips.com
I did some research and found that all the suppliers are almost exactly the same on the prices. It will boil down to customer choice and who can deliver the quickest.
— Tail Gunner out till next time.
