Grip Puppies

Grip Puppies

Cushy alternative to bad vibrations

IT'S A FACT: MOTORCYCLES VIBRATE. Because the buzz is less prevalent in modern machines than in the bikes of yesteryear, current-day riders seem less tolerant of even the tiniest pulsations emanating from common points of contact-handgrips, seat or footpegs-particularly if the vibes occur at cruising speeds.

There are various ways to deal with handlebar vibration, inclut1’ filling hollow bars with le shot, fitting gel-filled grips or wearir

thicker gloves. Kim Leong, president of California Sport Touring, a San Francisco Bay Area aftermarket retailer, has developed a product that addresses both handlebar vibration and the prevalence of small-diameter OEM grips on many current motorcycles.

Five inches in length, approximately . 15 inches thick and designed to fit grips that are 1.25-1.65 inches in diameter, Grip Puppies are slip-on covers made from UV-resistant, non-hydroscopic, CE-certified foam commonly seen on tennis rackets and hand tools. Installation takes a couple minutes using compressed air and a little soapy water as a lubricant.

Tested on four bikes powered by two different types of engines-V-Twins and inline-Fours-the firm-yet-cushy Grip Puppies performed as advertised, which is to say they reduced the buzzing coming

through the bars without completely isolating the riders from their bikes. Think of them as an inexpensive investment in the battle against the buzz. □

DETAILS California Sport Touring, Inc. 636 Alfred Nobel Dr. Hercules, CA 94547 888/799-5445 www.casporttouring.com Price...$7.50 ^Jps A Non-slip A Work with aftermarket and OEM heated grips A Two sizes fit most motorcycles; longer application for Honda Gold Wing Downs ▼ Black only ▼ Overkill when combined with gloves that have thickly padded palms ▼ Not everyone likes gain in grip size