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Motorcycle grips are a very important part of your bike and can be crucial to your safety. As a competitive or recreational rider, it is important to make sure your motorcycle grips are secured in place so you arrive at your destination safely. When replacing or readjusting handle grips, grip glue is often the most popular method. Here is a buying guide for some of the top-rated grip glues on the market.
Benefits of Glue for Motorcycle Grips
- Promotes safety. The adhesive on your motorcycle handlebar grips can start to wear down over time. This can be hazardous because your grips can slip, which can affect your control of the bike.
- Easy to use. Glue for motorcycle grips is very simple to apply. As long as you follow the instructions, you can easily spread the glue yourself without paying someone else to do it.
- Affordable. Even the best glue for motorcycle hand grips is not very expensive. It only costs a few dollars to purchase the glue, and it’s a worthwhile investment because of the benefits it provides, whether you ride a Harley-Davidson, Honda, or Kawasaki.
Types of Glue for Motorcycle Grips
Grip-Specific Glue
Some types of glue for motorcycle grips are designed especially for motorcycles. For example, the Renthal brand says its product is “a must” if you plan on installing medium or soft-compound Renthal grips on your bike. There are a handful of brands of adhesive that are specifically made to be used on motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, etc.
Generic Contact Adhesive
Other types of glue, including brands such as Gorilla, are multipurpose. They work on motorcycle grips but can also be used in a variety of other applications, such as on glass, ceramic, concrete, and wood. The benefit is that if you have any of this type of glue left over, you can use it for other projects.
Top Brands
The Gorilla Glue Company
This company is based in Sharonville, Ohio, and it’s been selling its famous Gorilla Glue since 1999. In addition to its flagship product, the company also sells other adhesives, tapes, and epoxies. One of its top products is the Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive.
Three Bond
Three Bond International produces industrial adhesives, sealants, and coatings as well as cleaners and engineered dispense solutions. Its North American headquarters were established in 1997 in Cincinnati, Ohio. One of the company’s most popular glues is the Three Bond 3-Bond Grip Glue.
Renthal
Renthal, based in Stockport, United Kingdom, and Valencia, California, was founded in 1969. The company produces handlebars, chain wheels, grips, and other motorcycle accessories geared towards the off-road, street, and ATV markets. One of its top products is the Renthal Grip Glue.
Glue for Motorcycle Grips Pricing
- $5-$12: The best glue for motorcycle handlebar grips is typically not very expensive. Generic brands not geared specifically towards grips tend to be less expensive than brands that are designed for motorcycles, ATVs, and watercraft.
Key Features
Staying Power
The most important feature to look for when shopping for grip glue is how well and how long it adheres to the surface area. This is particularly important if you live in an area where there’s a lot of sun and heat, which can cause glue to degrade over time. It’s also important that the grips stay strong for long periods of time if you ride a sportbike, do a lot of off-roading, or ride a cruiser.
Curing Time
When you install new grips on your bike’s handlebars, some glue products work faster than others to adhere. The curing time is how long it takes for the glue to set before you can safely ride your motorcycle or ATV. Many grips adhere to the bar ends within 24 hours, but some take even less time than that.
Application
Motorcycle grip glue has a different consistency, depending on the brand. Some are thick, while others are runny. This can make application tricky. Also, some types of glue activate very quickly, so you don’t have a lot of time to make adjustments to the right or left grip before the glue sets.
Other Considerations
- Toxicity: It goes without saying that most glues are toxic. For example, Three Bond glue is flammable and harmful if swallowed. The vapor from the glue is unhealthy, and it can be dangerous if it gets into your eyes. Gorilla Glue is also flammable and shouldn’t be used around flames, heat, or cigarettes.
- Tube Size: Glue for motorcycle hand grips comes in a variety of sizes. Many tubes are an ounce or less, but some such as Gorilla Glue come in 3-ounce containers. If you want to use the glue for more than one application, you may want a product that provides a larger quantity.
Best Glue for Motorcycle Grips Reviews & Recommendations 2020
Best Overall
Three Bond 3-Bond Grip Glue
Best Value
u003cstrongu003eGorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesiveu003c/strongu003e
Honorable Mention
u003cstrongu003eRenthal Grip Glueu003c/strongu003e
Honorable Mention
Motion Pro Glue Grips
Honorable Mention
Bob Smith Industries BSI-222H Clear Grip-It Super Glue
Honorable Mention
Beacon Quick Grip Glue
Honorable Mention
Multi-Grip Adhesive
Honorable Mention
Beacon Adhesives Quick Grip Glue
Honorable Mention
Scott Motorcycle Handlebar Grip Glue Stick
Honorable Mention
Three Bond Griplock #1501C
Tips
- Think about whether you are looking for a quick fix or long-lasting grip glue. This will help you decide on what size glue you need to buy as well.
- Consider how much time you have in terms of waiting for the glue to dry. Do you need a fast-acting glue, or are you willing to wait at least 24 hours for it to dry?
- Be aware of the time and spacing between each re-application. A lot can go a long way, so there’s no need to overuse the product. Plan accordingly.
- A great way to keep motorcycle grips from slipping and sliding on the handlebar is by using hairspray. Simply spray the inside of the grips and on the handlebar, slide the grips on when they’re still wet, and they should stick after you leave them on overnight.
- Motorcycle grips tend to be of different sizes. Ones with larger internal diameters fit over the throttle tube.
- Another way to keep your grips from moving is by using safety wire. First, apply the glue, and then wind the safety wire around the grip so they do not spin.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of motorcycle grip glue?
A: Over time, the original adhesive on handle grips on motorcycles may start to wear down, which can be dangerous. Grip glue reinforces the seal and keeps handle grips in place.
Q: Will any type of glue work on my motorcycle grips?
A: Ideally, grip glue should be permanent and weatherproof. Most normal glues melt off under the sun or in extreme heat or wear down with frequent use. It is important that motorcycle grips are secured properly.
Q: Is there a difference between motorcycle grip glue and normal branded superglue?
A: Most grip glues are made to be activated with heat or act more as rubber cement. Normal superglues are just really strong adhesives and will not always get the job done.
Final Thoughts
Our pick for the best glue for motorcycle grips is the Three Bond 3-Bond Grip Glue. This glue is the best in terms of price, quality, and convenience as it can be found in just about any hardware store and online.
For a more budget-friendly option or a quick fix, we also recommend the Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive.