Left-hand grip on new-to-me '14 800 is killing my palm. Any aftermarket favorites?

Discussion in '8th Generation 2014-Present' started by Grahf, Jun 11, 2023.

  1. Grahf

    Grahf New Member

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    I'm not sure if they are stock, the ones on there now, but they are very hard. Left one is the killer because of the clutch obv. What do?
     
  2. bmart

    bmart Member

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    You likely have a hand problem (angle of grip and too tight) not a grip problem. :)
     
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  3. Sparkie

    Sparkie New Member

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    Yep. The grip is fine. You might be gripping too hard, at a funny angle, or your propping up your body weight thru stiff arms. You can try adding grip puppies, or padded gloves, but it won't really fix anything. Make sure to grip the bars loosely, and don't use them to hold yourself up and on the bike.
    Using the clutch should not hurt your hand. That would either be bad ergonomics, lack of strength, or arthritis, or something along those lines.
     
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2023
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  4. bmart

    bmart Member

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    Humor us. Sit on the bike holding the bars normally for you and have someone take a photo or three from where your eyes are down toward the bars.

    Bars and grips seem straightforward...but unless they're set up right, you'll have problems. I used to ride with a guy who went through a bunch of sets of $300 golves every season. I've had mine for 5+ years...and I'm still using them.
     
  5. Grahf

    Grahf New Member

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    I'll just have to experiment. I'm super not used to the harder clutch pull - just upgraded from a Ninja 400 which requires like half the force to pull.
     
  6. bmart

    bmart Member

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    It is possible that something is wrong with it. Spitballing...

    Does it return properly, fully, and quickly when you releas the lever? If not, could be some goop on teh shaft behind the slave cylinder.

    Have you removed the lever, cleaned and checked the pivot...lubed (wheel bearing grease or similar), reinstalled, and checked for improvement?

    Have you compared to other bikes? I've never ridden a bike with a clutch that wasn't easy to activate (admittedly there is variation), even when they're set up like crap.

    My money is still on the rider...send those pics. :)
     
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  7. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    Old grips get worn smooth and go hard.... plenty of choices out there, look for a larger diameter.
    Your wee Ninja may have a slipper clutch, which is about 25% less effort than a non-slipper.
     
  8. Grum

    Grum New Member

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    Be aware if you have the Deluxe version you are dealing with heated grips. If its the standard version without the heated grips then just fit whatever you like.
    Agree with all of the above good comments - clutch is light and smooth (relatively speaking) on my 2014.
     
  9. bmart

    bmart Member

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  10. Grahf

    Grahf New Member

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    Whelp, my hand got used to it. BUT... anyone got a line/tips on smaller levers? Could use some that sit closer to the grips. My hands are small.
     
  11. bmart

    bmart Member

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    Adjustable Chinese levers from Fleabay are on all of my bikes and most of the bikes I've seen the last decade. They work. They're cheap. They're adjustable, many for length as well as distance from the bar/grip. Some even have a pivot so that they don't break in a crash.
     
  12. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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  13. Sparkie

    Sparkie New Member

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    OP, you never posted pictures.
    Here's a start to point you in the right direction.
     
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2023
  14. blitz jr

    blitz jr New Member

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    I used to have a 2013 CBR500R. The clutch on that bike was much easier to pull. My left hand did hurt when riding my 2015 VFR800. I added grip puppies and raised the bars with the standard Honda parts. It was much better after that. The grip puppies were no problem with the heated grips.
     
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