The Best Dirt Bike Hand Grips Selection Guide – 5 Tips

Dirt bike hand grips are a critical component of any dirt bike, providing riders with the necessary control and comfort for a safe and enjoyable ride. Grip quality can significantly affect a rider’s experience, and choosing the right grip is vital.

Dirt bike hand grips are the rubber sleeves that go over the handlebars of a dirt bike to provide a comfortable and secure grip for the rider’s hands.

There are various types of grips available, each with different materials, textures, and patterns, making it essential to understand your needs and preferences before making a purchase. Some grips provide extra cushioning and vibration dampening, while others offer firmer grips and greater durability.

There are also half and full waffle grips, providing additional control in wet or muddy conditions. Maintaining your grips is also essential to keep them in good condition and prolong their lifespan.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at dirt bike hand grips, the different types available, how to choose the right grip for you, and tips for maintaining your grips.

1. Types of Dirt Bike Hand Grips

There are several types of dirt bike grips to choose from, including:

Soft Grips

Soft grips are made from materials like rubber or gel, which provide extra cushioning and vibration dampening for a more comfortable ride. They are ideal for riders looking for additional comfort and reduced vibration.

Soft grips also provide excellent shock absorption, making them a great option for riders who spend long hours on their bikes or those with weaker grips. However, they tend to wear out faster than harder grips and may not offer the same level of control as other types. We recommend softer grip materials to people suffering from arm pump or carpal tunnel syndrome while riding.

Hard Grips

Hard grips are typically made from materials like stiffer plastic or rubber compounds, which offer a firmer grip and greater durability. They are ideal for racers or those who need more control as they offer a firmer grip and are more durable than soft grips.

They are also more slip-resistant, even in wet conditions, and tend to last longer. However, they may not provide the same level of comfort as softer grips, making them less ideal for riders who spend long hours on their bikes.

ODI hand grips on a new 2023 KTM XC-W 300
Stock 2023 KTM 300 XC-W comes with ODI lock-on grips. No glue or wires needed to install.

Half Waffle

Half waffle grips have a unique waffle pattern on half of the grip surface, providing extra grip and control in wet or muddy conditions. They are an excellent choice for riders who frequently ride in these conditions. However, they may not provide as much grip on dry terrain and may wear out faster than full waffle grips.

Full Waffle

Full waffle grips have a waffle pattern that covers the entire grip surface, providing maximum grip in all conditions. They are the ideal choice for riders who want maximum grip and control, particularly in wet or muddy conditions. However, they may not be as comfortable as softer grips and may not offer as much shock absorption.

When choosing the right grip, it’s essential to consider your riding style, preferences, and the type of terrain you will be riding on. Soft grips are great for comfort, hard grips for control, half waffle grips for muddy or wet conditions, and full waffle grips for maximum grip and control.

2. Choosing the Right Grips

When choosing the right dirt bike hand grips, there are a few things to consider:

  1. Grip Material: Consider the material that the grip is made from, and choose a grip that provides the right level of cushioning and grip for your needs.
  2. Grip Size: Make sure the grip is the right size for your hand, as a grip that is too small or too large can affect your control.
  3. Grip Pattern: Consider the grip pattern, and choose a grip that provides the right amount of traction for your riding style.
  4. Installation: Clamp-on style grips install easily using an Allen head bolt where as the traditional slide in grips are glued on.
Dirt bike hand grips by ProTaper shown on the handlebars.
My go to dirt bike hand grips are the ProTaper clamp-on pillow top grips. They last long and are comfortable.

3. Clamp-On or Traditional?

Clamp-on grips and normal grips are two types of dirt bike hand grips that differ in how they are installed on the handlebars.

Normal grips are the most common type and slide onto the handlebars and are held in place by adhesive or wire ties. Normal grips are generally more affordable but take effort to install, making them a great choice for riders who want a quick and easy replacement.

In case you haven’t installed new grips before, check out our step-by-step guide on how to install dirt bike grips, so you know how to prepare and get it done in under 10 minutes.

On the other hand, clamp-on grips are of newer design. The clamp-on grips come with an inner plastic sleeve attached to the grips, which installs on the handlebar by an Allen head bolt. Clamp-on grips are generally more expensive but offer a more secure and durable fit. They are also easier to install and remove and replace than normal grips, making them a great choice for riders who frequently change their grips or need to replace them quickly.

The choice between clamp-on grips and normal grips will depend on the rider’s needs and preferences. Normal grips are a great choice for riders who want an affordable and easy-to-install option, while clamp-on grips are ideal for riders who want a more secure and durable fit and need to replace or change their grips frequently.

New KTM with ODI dirt bike hand grips installed at the factory
The new KTMs come with ODI lock on grips installed on the factory.

4. Maintaining Your Dirt Bike Hand Grips

To keep your dirt bike hand grips in good condition, follow these tips:

  1. Clean your grips regularly with a mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris. Avoid pressure washer as the soft rubber can easily be damaged by high water pressure.
  2. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents that can damage the grip material.
  3. Replace your grips when they become worn or damaged, as worn grips can affect your control and performance on the trails.

5. Best Dirt Bike Hand Grips On The Market

There are many great dirt bike hand grips on the market, but here are our top 3 picks:

  1. ProTaper Pillow Top MX Grips: These soft grips provide a comfortable and secure grip with a unique pillow top design that reduces vibration and improves grip in wet conditions.
  2. Renthal Full Diamond MX Grips: These full waffle grips provide maximum grip and control in all conditions with a durable and long-lasting design. They are a popular choice among professional riders.
  3. ODI Rouge Lock-On Grips: These clamp-on grips offer easy installation and removal with a secure and durable fit. They feature a soft compound for added comfort and a unique pattern for improved grip.

When selecting a grip, it’s important to consider factors like riding style, terrain, and personal preferences. These top 3 picks offer a range of options for different riding styles and preferences, ensuring a comfortable and secure grip for every rider.

ODI is a grips manufacturer that makes grips for many factory dirt bikes, such as KTM. They also have grips for moto, ATV, watercraft, MTB, road bikes, V-twins and more.

6. My Favorite Dirt Bike Hand Grips

After testing several style grips, I have found these Pro Taper pillow top clamp on grips. They are helping me fight the arm pump as well as carpal tunnel symptoms.

These grips are soft and still thin. My hands are fairly small and larger diameter grips with cushions are not working for me. But these grips are comfortable and have enough soft material to make them resist handlebar vibration still providing great rider feedback.

They also clamp on to handlebars without needing to use glue or adhesives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grips

How do you put grips on a dirt bike without glue?

Method 1: Insert three zip ties inside the grips and slide the grip onto the handlebar with the zip ties inside the grip. When the grip is in place, pull out the zip ties one by one.
Method 2: Use compressed air. Slide the grip onto the handlebar as far as you can by hand, usually about an inch. Next, blow compressed air from the handlebar side into the grip and push the grip in place.

Do all dirt bike grips fit the same?

Yes. Most dirt bike grips are made for 1″ diameter handlebars. Even if you have thicker handlebars that are sometimes called fat bars, the handlebar grip area is still typically 1″ in diameter.

What are the best grips for motocross?

The softer, half waffle hand grips are popular choice for motocross. They provide great rider feedback and control while help prevent arm fatigue, arm pump and harshness.

How do you put grips on a dirt bike without glue?

Use compressed air or zip ties when sliding the dirt bike hand grips place and secure with tripwire.

Are thick or thin bike grips better?

It depends on your riding style and preference. Thin grips give better rider feedback but feel more harsh. Thicker and softer hand grips will help prevent arm fatigue, arm pump and harshness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right dirt bike hand grip is essential to ensure a comfortable and safe ride. Soft grips provide additional comfort and reduced vibration, while hard grips offer greater control and durability. Half waffle grips are ideal for muddy or wet conditions, while full waffle grips provide maximum grip and control in all conditions.

When selecting a grip, it’s important to consider factors like riding style, terrain, and personal preferences. Additionally, the choice between clamp-on grips and normal grips will depend on the rider’s needs and preferences.

Overall, investing in high-quality dirt bike hand grips can significantly enhance a rider’s experience and performance. With a variety of grip options available, riders can select the one that best meets their needs and enhances their riding experience. So, choose wisely and enjoy a safe and comfortable ride with the perfect dirt bike hand grip.

Grip it and Rip it!

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