SteveX
.040 Over
I have noted that a number of R3 owners have opted for the Kuryakyn ISO grips. I have just fitted the Black ISO grips to my ride and thought I would share the experience, as the options are limited in the Black range for the R3 and subsequently they present a few extra hurdles when installing.
During my pre-purchase investigations I noted that there are two types of Chrome ISO grips suited to the R3;
> Part # 6236 ~ 1” grips complete with throttle tube
> Part # 6240 ~ a universal 1” grip (to be used with existing throttle tube)
In the ISO Black range the only option for the R3 is Part # 6340, a 1” universal grip that requires using the existing throttle tube.
The obvious advantage of the #6236 grip is that you just disconnect the throttle cables, remove the throttle grip/tube unit and replace with the new grip/tube, reconnect the cables and you’re done.
The universal grips require the removal of the OEM grip from the throttle tube (and then considerable modification which I will come to) before fitting the new ISO grip to the OEM tube.
Looking for the path of least resistance I decided to contact Kuryakyn to see if they could supply a 6236 throttle tube only that I could use with the 6340 Black ISO grips. Sadly I was informed that they do not supply the throttle tube separately. My next effort was to try and find a generic throttle tube suited to the R3 that I could fit the universal grip to (in attempt to avoid butchering the OEM throttle tube), but once again no joy. I also found out that Triumph do not supply a throttle tube separate to the whole grip assembly either.
So back to plan A ~ utilise the OEM throttle tube. For anyone who is going to tackle this be aware that the following effort and modifications are required;
1. Remove the OEM grip by either cutting it off the tube or by peeling it of the tube with some effort. Note that the grip has to be pried off the throttle tube collar first.
2. Once the grip is off then all of the ribs have to be removed from the OEM throttle tube (approx 50 or so). Using a Stanley knife or similar makes it a relatively easy process.
3. The next modification (if you want a neat finish) is to cut off / trim the collar from the tube. This is probably easier with the tube removed from the bars which will require the throttle cables to be disconnected.
4. Once the throttle tube is trimmed back to a uniform round sleeve then the sanding begins. The universal 1” grip is too tight to fit over the tube at this stage. I used 40 grit sandpaper and after a solid hour or so the new grips were able to fit over the tube but still required considerable persuasion (and lubricant).
5. Once the grip is in place check to see if the throttle will return when released. If the grip is still too tight it will squeeze the throttle tube creating enough friction against the handlebars to stop the throttle from rolling off automatically when released. Don’t despair – remove the grip and continue sanding.
At the end of the process I am very happy with the look & feel of the ISO Black grips and believe that the afternoon’s efforts were worthwhile. Note: the frustration and pain is best soothed by a few beers on completion.
If you like the Chrome ISO grips I would highly recommend the #6236 model complete with throttle tube.
During my pre-purchase investigations I noted that there are two types of Chrome ISO grips suited to the R3;
> Part # 6236 ~ 1” grips complete with throttle tube
> Part # 6240 ~ a universal 1” grip (to be used with existing throttle tube)
In the ISO Black range the only option for the R3 is Part # 6340, a 1” universal grip that requires using the existing throttle tube.
The obvious advantage of the #6236 grip is that you just disconnect the throttle cables, remove the throttle grip/tube unit and replace with the new grip/tube, reconnect the cables and you’re done.
The universal grips require the removal of the OEM grip from the throttle tube (and then considerable modification which I will come to) before fitting the new ISO grip to the OEM tube.
Looking for the path of least resistance I decided to contact Kuryakyn to see if they could supply a 6236 throttle tube only that I could use with the 6340 Black ISO grips. Sadly I was informed that they do not supply the throttle tube separately. My next effort was to try and find a generic throttle tube suited to the R3 that I could fit the universal grip to (in attempt to avoid butchering the OEM throttle tube), but once again no joy. I also found out that Triumph do not supply a throttle tube separate to the whole grip assembly either.
So back to plan A ~ utilise the OEM throttle tube. For anyone who is going to tackle this be aware that the following effort and modifications are required;
1. Remove the OEM grip by either cutting it off the tube or by peeling it of the tube with some effort. Note that the grip has to be pried off the throttle tube collar first.
2. Once the grip is off then all of the ribs have to be removed from the OEM throttle tube (approx 50 or so). Using a Stanley knife or similar makes it a relatively easy process.
3. The next modification (if you want a neat finish) is to cut off / trim the collar from the tube. This is probably easier with the tube removed from the bars which will require the throttle cables to be disconnected.
4. Once the throttle tube is trimmed back to a uniform round sleeve then the sanding begins. The universal 1” grip is too tight to fit over the tube at this stage. I used 40 grit sandpaper and after a solid hour or so the new grips were able to fit over the tube but still required considerable persuasion (and lubricant).
5. Once the grip is in place check to see if the throttle will return when released. If the grip is still too tight it will squeeze the throttle tube creating enough friction against the handlebars to stop the throttle from rolling off automatically when released. Don’t despair – remove the grip and continue sanding.
At the end of the process I am very happy with the look & feel of the ISO Black grips and believe that the afternoon’s efforts were worthwhile. Note: the frustration and pain is best soothed by a few beers on completion.
If you like the Chrome ISO grips I would highly recommend the #6236 model complete with throttle tube.