Handlebar grips, what were the originals like?

[VanRiver]

I'm not enjoying the cheap aftermarket foam grips that are currently on my 1986 Venture Royale. They are too "Fat" in my opinion and my hands get uncomfortable holding a large diameter grip. What were the original Yamaha grips like for our bikes? Were they just a plain rubber type like on most Yamaha's of that vintage, or were the originals special in some way?

 

Also, when I order new ones they should be for a 7/8" bar size for a first gen 1986 Venture Royale, correct?

[dna9656]

I have a set would you like to have them? They are THIN, have a pattern on them, black neoprene. I will send pics when i locate them... I think they are on the parts bike.

[VanRiver]

Thanks Doug, I really appreciate the offer of the grips off your parts bike!!! I'll most likely buy some new ones ( I would assume that after 30 years the originals have probably seen better days), but I would really like to see a close up picture of what the originals looked like, that way I can try to match them up to a new pair if they are a better design for my hand comfort then what I currently have.

 

Once again, much appreciate your offer and the Picture if you don't mind taking one!

 

I have a set would you like to have them? They are THIN, have a pattern on them, black neoprene. I will send pics when i locate them... I think they are on the parts bike.

[Prairiehammer]

I'm not enjoying the cheap aftermarket foam grips that are currently on my 1986 Venture Royale. They are too "Fat" in my opinion and my hands get uncomfortable holding a large diameter grip. What were the original Yamaha grips like for our bikes? Were they just a plain rubber type like on most Yamaha's of that vintage, or were the originals special in some way?

 

Also, when I order new ones they should be for a 7/8" bar size for a first gen 1986 Venture Royale, correct?

 

Stock grips are pictured below. There are a couple of NOS grips on eBay. Seven-eighths is bar diameter, but be aware, because of the throttle tube on the right grip, that there is a right and there is a left. One other point about grips for the First Gen: the stock grips are longer than most Yamaha grips of the era. Nearly six inches long if IIRC. If you elect to go with aftermarket grips, those that are advertized to fit a GL1500 will fit the Venture perfectly for diameter and length.

1984 1993 Yamaha XVZ1200 XVZ1300 Venture Royale Left Grip 26H 26241 00 | eBay

Yamaha Grip Assembly 84 85 XVZ1200 86 93 XVZ1300 26H 26240 00 00 | eBay

Yamaha Hand Grip LH XVZ12 Venture Royal 26H 26241 00 00 | eBay

[dna9656]

Thanks Doug, I really appreciate the offer of the grips off your parts bike!!! I'll most likely buy some new ones ( I would assume that after 30 years the originals have probably seen better days), but I would really like to see a close up picture of what the originals looked like, that way I can try to match them up to a new pair if they are a better design for my hand comfort then what I currently have.

 

Once again, much appreciate your offer and the Picture if you don't mind taking one!

 

Looks like Kevin has hooked you up! He is a cornucopia of information! "IIRC"! very Funny Kevin!

Kevin has great info resources and a lot of experience on these bikes.

Van; if Kevin doesn't have the answer to a question on these bikes it's a rarity indeed!

Above in you're quote you mention "cheap, foam grips" Where did you find ANYTHING for a motorcycle that was CHEAP?

the thing about those foam grips (for me anyway) is that they isolate what little vibration in the bars. For me a set with gel filled grips would be pretty neat but I haven't come across any in my travels but them I don't even know if there is such a thing.

[videoarizona]

Doug, If you weren't kidding about "cheap"...you can buy cheapo foam grips on EBay for $9 pair...or the Grip Puppies...more expensive but much better quality that will last.

 

Amazon.com: Grip Puppy Comfort Grips: Automotive

 

I've had mine for 6 months now and very comfortable...

david