Neken SFH Grip Install

samifan
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samifan
Edited Date/Time 10/1/2022 1:43pm
So I picked up a bike with the Neken SFS and SFH setup. I like the handlebars and grips, but I've torn several new grips on installation when sliding them on with almost no pressure. I'm not sure if I got a bad batch, or maybe some that had been sitting for a while, but even with being very gentle, they have been tearing. I have been using clear coat as grip glue, maybe that could be it? They slide on very easy.

This last weekend at the track I went through two new boxes and this was the best I came up with. Luckily they held up but I need to find a better solution. They tear when sliding on, I added the wire to get me through the race weekend. Talking with their tech support has been a little tough as their English is not the greatest. He mentioned using neoprene? Not sure what he means by that.

I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong or if there is a trick to installing these? Any help is appreciated!



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Moto520
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Moto520 9/27/2022 1:05pm
9/27/2022 1:05pm
No trick.....they are garbage. Trying too hard to make a soft grip that it doesn't function properly. Meh.....switch grip brands
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Falcon
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Falcon 9/27/2022 3:11pm
9/27/2022 3:11pm Edited Date/Time 9/27/2022 3:12pm
You are bursting the grips with air pressure. Make sure the ends of your bars aren't plugged, and relieve the pressure by tugging upward on your grips while they are going on - essentially, you want to burp the air out of there. Or, cut a small vent hole in the end of your grip. EDIT: (Before installation)

This happens on a lot of soft grips. I've had the same problem with Renthal and Tag soft grips.
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Rider 5280
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Rider 5280 9/27/2022 3:40pm
9/27/2022 3:40pm
Falcon wrote:
You are bursting the grips with air pressure. Make sure the ends of your bars aren't plugged, and relieve the pressure by tugging upward on your...
You are bursting the grips with air pressure. Make sure the ends of your bars aren't plugged, and relieve the pressure by tugging upward on your grips while they are going on - essentially, you want to burp the air out of there. Or, cut a small vent hole in the end of your grip. EDIT: (Before installation)

This happens on a lot of soft grips. I've had the same problem with Renthal and Tag soft grips.
THIS ^^^ !

I use an Exacto blade to just ever-so-lightly lance the end prior to installation.

And then some of the residual glue that comes out of the miniature hole and reseals it.



mwilcox349 9/27/2022 7:11pm
9/27/2022 7:11pm
Falcon wrote:
You are bursting the grips with air pressure. Make sure the ends of your bars aren't plugged, and relieve the pressure by tugging upward on your...
You are bursting the grips with air pressure. Make sure the ends of your bars aren't plugged, and relieve the pressure by tugging upward on your grips while they are going on - essentially, you want to burp the air out of there. Or, cut a small vent hole in the end of your grip. EDIT: (Before installation)

This happens on a lot of soft grips. I've had the same problem with Renthal and Tag soft grips.
I've tried multiple things like using a pin to put a bunch of holes in the end of grip before intalling. I used to have the ends completely apart during jnstall. I switched to a firmer grip and problem solved.

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R VanKamp77
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R VanKamp77 9/27/2022 7:40pm
9/27/2022 7:40pm
Sounds like you got your answer. I like to drill a 1/8 hole in mine so I can blast them on and use the 5 seconds I have before the glue dries orienting them how I like,

What do you think of the bars and grips? I have been interested in the sfh for a while now.
kpersonius264 9/28/2022 2:40pm
9/28/2022 2:40pm
Ive had certain brands of grips have a what I believe was a chemical reaction while while using clear coat to install grips. Try legit grip glue.
samifan
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samifan 9/29/2022 8:49am
9/29/2022 8:49am
Thanks for all the replies! I'll try the vent method, and I think I'll go with real grip glue and see how that works!
samifan
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samifan 9/29/2022 8:53am
9/29/2022 8:53am
R VanKamp77 wrote:
Sounds like you got your answer. I like to drill a 1/8 hole in mine so I can blast them on and use the 5 seconds...
Sounds like you got your answer. I like to drill a 1/8 hole in mine so I can blast them on and use the 5 seconds I have before the glue dries orienting them how I like,

What do you think of the bars and grips? I have been interested in the sfh for a while now.
Well, I just bought a KTM 350 this spring with the full SFS triple clamps and SFH bars and grips. I hadn't ridden for a good 4 years, but jumped back in when I switched jobs and moved much closer to tracks. I don't have much to compare it to, but the biggest thing is my hands have yet to blister. Which is crazy because I always used to have trouble with that, even when I was riding a ton. So I've stuck with them.
Rider 5280
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Rider 5280 9/29/2022 11:12am
9/29/2022 11:12am Edited Date/Time 9/29/2022 12:29pm
The SFS clamps are AWESOME in my experience. I am sure the SFH grips on top of those are quite impressive. I wouldn't give up on the grips just yet, I think the installation technique learning curve will be worth it!

After you get your situation under control, it would be interesting to hear your thoughts after riding a buddy's bike or two. I suspect your SFS + SFH combo is like properly tuned A-kit = control/firmness + still plush/forgiving.
spimx
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spimx 10/1/2022 1:43pm
10/1/2022 1:43pm
I have those grips and never had a problem and I used weatherstriping adhesive. I always poke a hole in the end and just fast and furious put it on.

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