Finding the right motorcycle grips can enhance comfort, control, and feedback when navigating city streets or winding roads. This article reviews five top picks, highlighting materials, fit, and performance to help riders choose grips that suit their 7/8″ and 1″ handlebar setups. The selections emphasize non-slip materials, durability, and compatibility with various throttle configurations. Below is a quick summary of the featured products to guide your comparison.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit | Handlebar Size | Color Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal 7/8″ Gel Rubber Grips | Rich Choices | Non-slip gel rubber with aluminum core | 7/8″ (left) and 1″ (right) | Black, Red, Blue, Silver, Gold, Titanium, Green |
| ODI Motocross Grips | Old Dutch International | Comfortable, durable single-ply grip | 7/8″ | Black |
| Renthal G149 Full Diamond Grips | Renthal | DuPont Kevlar reinforced, long-lasting | 7/8″ | Black (and variants in other listings) |
| ODI Ruffian Road Racing Grips | Old Dutch International | Ultra-narrow diamond pattern for road feel | 7/8″ | Black |
| Oury Grip OSCROG10 | Oury | Anti-vibration design with small flange | 7/8″ | Black |
Universal 7/8″ Gel Rubber Grips — Rich Choices
These grips combine CNC machined aluminum with a non-slip gel rubber surface for a confident hold. The design accommodates left-side 7/8″ and right-side 1″ throttle twists, making them suitable for a wide range of street bikes and cruisers. Available in multiple colors to match bike aesthetics. Note that they may not fit ATV throttles without adapting with a second set.
ODI Motocross Single Ply Grips
ODI’s grip features a proprietary medium compound aimed at balancing comfort and durability. The single-ply construction keeps weight down while offering a predictable feel and good feedback for riders who want direct connection with the front end during aggressive riding or daily commuting.
Renthal G149 Black Full Diamond Grips
Renthal’s dual- compound design uses DuPont Kevlar resin for enhanced durability while maintaining a tacky feel. Available in various patterns, these grips are widely used by professionals for their longevity and control, particularly in sportbike settings where grip life and feel matter during high-speed riding.
ODI Ruffian Road Racing Grips
The Ruffian line features an ultra-slim profile and a full diamond texture to maximize road feel and precise control. The medium compound provides comfort without sacrificing grip life, and the open-ended design allows the grips to fit street bikes with end plugs or bar weights. Suitable for 7/8″ handlebars and track-inspired riding styles.
Oury OSCROG10 Road/Street Grips
Oury’s OSCROG10 grips emphasize anti-vibration relief with a large comfort pad and a small flange tailored for street motorcycles with twist throttles. The 7/8″ size fits a wide range of street and sport bikes, and the pair configuration ensures symmetrical feel and performance on both sides of the bar.
Universal 7/8″ Gel Rubber Grips — Rich Choices (Second Option)
This second Rich Choices listing reiterates the 7/8″ left and 1″ right throttle compatibility with gel rubber backing and aluminum core, offering color variety and a secure non-slip grip for daily rides and sport touring. When ordering, confirm throttle side dimensions to ensure fit with the intended bike layout.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations For Street Bike Grips
- Handlebar compatibility: Ensure the left grip is 7/8″ and the right side accommodates twist throttles at 1″ if your bike uses a throttle on the right. Some models are universal but verify inner diameters (0.87″ or 22mm standard) and end plug compatibility.
- Material and feel: Gel rubber vs. rubber compounds offer different levels of grip and comfort. Pro riders often prefer a balance between tackiness and durability; compounds like DuPont Kevlar reinforce longevity on high-stress applications.
- Profile and shape: Narrow, diamond, or multi-textured patterns affect road feedback and control. Road racing grips tend to be slimmer for better leverage, while sport and street riders may favor slightly larger diameters for fatigue reduction.
- Durability and maintenance: Consider UV resistance, abrasiveness of the surface, and whether the grips are replaceable after wear or require ongoing maintenance to preserve grip life.
- Color and aesthetics: Grips are available in multiple colors to match bike styling. Evaluate color options that complement your bike’s paint and decals for a cohesive look.
- Installation and compatibility: Some grips are “open-ended” or require end plugs or bar weights. If you’re replacing both grips, verify tangency with throttle grip and any locking mechanisms on your handlebars.
- Riding style and application: Road racing, commuting, and trail riding demand different grip textures and compounds. For aggressive riding, durability and a firm feel often trump softness, while touring benefits from a softer touch to reduce hand fatigue.
- Price-to-performance: While price is a consideration, prioritize grip texture, material quality, and compatibility with your bike’s throttling system to ensure a worthwhile upgrade.