A bike’s grips can have an impact on your safety as you ride. They’re a crucial part of any motorcycle, which is why you want to ensure you use only the best glues for motorcycle grips. These adhesives will keep the grips securely in place, so you can increase your safety and control as you ride.
However, not all adhesives are created equal. In fact, many have a very short lifespan and are not able to handle fluctuations in temperature. I’ve reviewed many of the leading glues on the market, narrowing it down to four adhesives that can get the job done and keep your grips securely in place, regardless of where you ride and what time of year.
I’ve also put together this buyer’s guide, which includes all the information you need to know to make an informed decision as you shop around for the right glue.
Below, you’ll find a comparison chart, which includes all the important specs you’ll want to pay attention to, in addition to how each product rated.
Table of Contents
Glues for Motorcycle Grips Comparison Chart
Product | Size | Curing Length | Type | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kuryakyn 6152 R&D Glue Shop On Amazon! | 15 Oz | Instant | Motorcycle Grip-Specific | |
Scott Motorcycle Grip Glue Shop On Amazon! | 14 Oz | Instant | Motorcycle Grip-Specific | |
Loctite Heavy Duty Threadlocker Shop On Amazon! | 0.2 Oz | 24 H | Contact Adhesive | |
Gorilla Micro Precise Glue Shop On Amazon! | 5.5 G | 10-45 s | Contact Adhesive | |
Outlaw Racing Grip Glue Shop On Amazon! | 3.2 Oz | 48 H | Motorcycle Grip-Specific |
Kuryakyn 6152 R&D Black Widow High Strength Grip Glue
This motorcycle grip-specific high strength glue is said to dry almost instantly, so you won’t have to sit around and deal with a lengthy curing time. However, some riders have also noted that it doesn’t bond any better than your average super glue, so you may need to reapply it later down the line.
Fortunately, you’ll get a good-sized tube that weighs in at fifteen ounces, so one tube should last you at least a year, depending on how often you need to reapply it. If you decide to go on a long trip, you can keep the glue on hand and reapply it in the event your grips begin to slip.
Pros
- Large-volume
- High strength
- Dries instantly
- Low price
- Easy to apply
- Narrow nozzle for improved control
Cons
- Designed for Kuryakin grips only
- May require reapplication
Conclusion
Despite the fact that this glue is designed specifically for Kuryakin grips, it can be used on all types of motorcycle grips and dries instantly. The fact that it has such an impressive curing time makes it a perfect choice if you’re planning a cross-country trip and want to keep glue on-hand in the event your grips start to slip in hot weather.
This is a high-volume tube, so it should also last you several months, depending on how often you need to reapply it. Overall, this glue is a great buy, despite the fact that it can require reapplication.
Scott Motorcycle Handlebar Glue
This motorcycle-specific glue from Scott comes in a small fourteen-ounce tube, with an easy application nozzle. It can also be used for standard bicycle grips, jet skis, ATVs, and pretty much any type of handlebars. This type of versatility makes the glue invaluable if you own a wide range of toys. The glue is designed to quickly cement the grips in place. Thanks to the tapered nozzle, the application is fast, easy, and mess-free.
Unfortunately, the glue dries so fast that you have to quickly apply it and slide the grips on in a matter of seconds, otherwise, you’ll find that you need to redo the process. Additionally, the glue isn’t slick, so you’ll need to use some extra force to push the grips into place. You will also need to use a lot of the glue to get it to slide smoother, so this tube won’t last as long as competing products.
Pros
- Low price
- Fast drying
- Tapered application nozzle
- Versatile
- Mess-free application
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Difficult to apply
- Need to use a lot of glue to apply
Conclusion
For the newbie, applying this glue will be a frustrating process, since you’ll need to be fast and efficient. You’ll also have to use a lot of glue to get the grips into place, so this tube won’t last more than one to two applications. Considering it does an excellent job of cementing the grips into place, you’ll find that you won’t need to reapply it often.
Loctite Heavy Duty Threadlocker
This contact adhesive glue by Loctite isn’t specifically designed for motorcycle grips, but many riders who have had a positive experience using it, highly recommend it. This product will prevent the loosening of metal fasteners that is caused by vibrations. Additionally, the protective formula is designed to protect threads from corroding and rusting. While this glue is specifically designed for metal, it does an excellent job of adhering to rubber as well, so it’s a great choice for motorcycle grips. If you’re looking for a product that’s fast-drying, one that you can use when you’re on the go, then this product isn’t for you. This glue takes approximately twenty-four hours to cure. However, once the glue is fully dried, you’ll find that you don’t need to reapply it ever, even in hotter climates. This alone makes this glue a great buy for the motorcyclist searching for a tough glue that won’t let them down.
Pros
- Easy application
- Low price
- Can withstand hot climates
- Only one application needed
- Works for metal and rubber
- Versatile
Cons
- Twenty-four-hour curing time
- Small tube
Conclusion
This thread locker glue does an excellent job of bonding to both metal and rubber. While the tube size is very small at 0.2 ounces, you’ll only need to apply this product once and it’ll last until you decide to replace your grips. The glue is a steal for the price and offers an easy, no-mess application.
Gorilla Micro Precise Super Glue
Most people are familiar with Gorilla Glue and just how tough and versatile it is. For many riders, this is the go-to glue to use for many repair issues. It’s also a great choice for motorcycle grips and has a fast-curing time of 10-45 seconds.
The fast-drying process is what also makes this product a good choice if you need a glue you can keep on hand for your next motorcycle trip. It offers smooth application thanks to the dispensing tool that fits easily in your hand and gives you more control over the gluing process.
Pros
- Fast curing time
- Bonds to paper, leather, rubber, ceramic, metal, wood, and plastic
- Easy application
- High strength formula
- Low price
- No-mess dispensing tool
Cons
- May need to be reapplied
- Not specifically designed for motorcycle grip use
Conclusion
This latest formula by Gorilla Glue is fast-drying, easy to use, and can work on a wide range of materials. It’s a great choice for motorcycle grips, however, it’s basically a high-strength super glue, so you can anticipate needing to reapply it at some point, especially if your bike is parked directly in the sun in hotter climates.
Overall, this product is a great choice for a wide range of projects, and it offers the no-mess application and fast drying process that most motorcyclists are looking for.
Outlaw Racing OR2192 Grip Glue Motorcycle
This motorcycle grip-specific glue has a very long drying time, which is what costed it some points in my lineup. It’s a popular choice for many motorcyclists and features an easy application. Many riders have claimed they had to allow the glue to dry for a period of forty-eight hours, otherwise, you’ll find that the glue is still a gooey mess, and the grips will still slide, even after twenty-four hours.
The lengthy curing time makes this glue a bad choice if you’re looking for a faster drying product that you can use when you’re on the road. Aside from the long curing length, many riders have found that the glue works great and keeps their grips securely in place. The no-mess application nozzle is also a huge selling point, as is the lower price.
Pros
- Low price
- Easy application
- Only one application needed
- Control nozzle prevents mess
- Motorcycle grip-specific formula
- Versatile
Cons
- Forty-eight hour curing time
- Small tube can be difficult to handle for riders with larger hands
Conclusion
While the longer-than-average curing time is a big problem for some riders, if you’re looking for a grip adhesive that lasts and one that you won’t have to frequently reapply, this glue is a great choice. Keep in mind, competing products that are fast-drying have to be reapplied more often, especially in hotter climates. If you’re looking for a longer-lasting solution to your motorcycle grips sliding off when you ride, then this product by Outlaw Racing is an excellent choice.
Glues for Motorcycle Grips Buyer’s Guide
When you buy a motorcycle, they often come equipped with stock grips. These grips can start to move and slip as well, but usually, this is the time when a motorcyclist will upgrade their grips, instead of just buying glue to fix them in place. However, if you’ve invested in a new set of grips that have started to slide as you’re on the road, then purchasing some glue for the grips can be a more affordable option compared to purchasing another new set.
In this guide, we will go over the following:
- The various benefits of motorcycle grip glues
- Types of glues for motorcycle grips
- Must-have features
Now, before I kick off the buyer’s guide, let’s take a look at some of the most important benefits that this type of adhesive has to offer.
Benefits of Glues for Motorcycle Grips
- As I mentioned above, adhesives for motorcycle grips can be a more affordable option compared to purchasing a new set of grips. This is especially true if you have top-of-the-line grips, which can run you around $100 a set.
- Glue for your motorcycle grips can begin to wear down over time. This can lead to an accident if a grip comes off as you’re riding.
- When you change your motorcycle grips, you can choose to simply spray the new glue inside your old grips or give your new grips a shot of glue to increase their security.
- This type of glue is fast and easy to apply, as long as you carefully follow the instructions on the package.
Types of Glue for Motorcycle Grips
There is a wide range of glues you’ll come across when you’re shopping online for a new adhesive. Below, I’ll go over the different types of glues to choose from that can keep your motorcycle grips securely in place.
Motorcycle Grip Specific Adhesive
If possible, only buy glue that’s specifically designed for motorcycle grips. You’ll find some great brands that produce high-quality adhesive specifically made for grips. Avoid using off-brand glues that are meant for metal or wood use. Grip-specific adhesive can be used for snowmobiles, bicycles, UTVs, and more.
Contact Adhesives
You’ll also come across multipurpose glues. These glues work on grips but are more versatile and can be used on different types of materials including wood, metal, ceramic, and glass.
Must-Have Features
Below, I’ll go over the different features to look for when you’re shopping for an adhesive for motorcycle grips, so you can choose a product that will meet your needs, grip type, and budget.
Strength
Obviously, the stronger the glue, the better. How long a glue adheres to the surface area will vary from product to product. If you live in a hotter part of the country, then this will be extremely important. Glues can degrade over time, but the rate in which they degrade can be accelerated in hotter climates.
Curing Length
When you install grips, some products will take longer than others to adhere to the surface. The curing length is the amount of time it will take a product to adhere to before it’s safe to use. Most glues have a curing time of twenty-four hours, while others may have an eight to ten hour curing length or they will adhere instantly.
Application
The glue’s consistency can also vary by brand. Some are runnier or thicker than others. Glue that’s runny or too thick can make it difficult to use and apply. Some types of glues have a fast activation time, so you won’t have much time to correctly set the grips and make the right adjustments before it sets.
Toxicity
Most glues that you’ll come across are toxic and can be harmful if ingested. These glues are also very flammable. When using one of these products, make sure you apply it in a well-ventilated area, since the fumes can also be harmful.
Quantity
Tubes of glue are available in a variety of sizes. You’ll find sizes ranging from one to twenty ounces. If you’re a professional mechanic or you have a number of bikes, ATVs, or snowmobiles, then you may want a product that’s available in a larger quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Stop My Bike Grips Slipping?
Some motorcyclists recommend using hairspray to keep grips in place and prevent them from slipping, but hairspray is basically just a quick fix and won’t last more than a day or two. Using a dedicated grip adhesive is the best way to go and will last the longest.
Are Motorcycle Grips Universal?
Some, but not all. You’ll find both universal grips and grips that are made for specific models or types of bikes. When you’re shopping for grips, make sure you check that the grips are compatible with your bike’s make and model.
Are all Motorcycle Grips the Same Size?
Grips are available in a couple of standard sizes. So, when you want to replace your old grips, make sure you measure the diameter of the handlebar so you can match it to the size of grips you need. Most grip sizes are based on motorcycle type, such as grips for street bikes or grips for dirt bikes.
Final Thoughts
The best glue for motorcycle grips will allow you to get more use out of your old grips, instead of wasting money and investing in a new set. Remember, it’s important to take glue type, curing time, and product quantity into consideration before you buy.
Make sure the glue your purchase is compatible with the type of material your grips are made out of and that it dries at a faster rate, which will be essential if you’re on the road. This guide and my list of the top products should help point you in the right direction, so you can find the perfect adhesive for your grips and a product that will allow you to get more time and value out of your old set.