The grips are the only place where you and the bike actually touch besides the seat and the pegs, and yet most riders never give them a second thought until the OEM rubber starts going hard and slippery. I swap grips on every bike I own, usually within the first thousand miles, because the stock parts on most bikes are built to a price.
I have tested foam grips on long touring runs, hard rubber on track days, and heated grips through three Northeast winters. The five below cover every realistic motorcycle category and they are all available without obscure dealer ordering.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Renthal Road Race Soft Compound | Best overall | 4.8/5 |
| Pro Grip 714 Gel Touring Grips | Touring | 4.7/5 |
| Oury MTB Single Compound | Dirt and ADV | 4.6/5 |
| Oxford Heated Grips Premium | Heated | 4.7/5 |
| ODI Rogue Lock-On Grips | Lock-on style | 4.6/5 |
1. Renthal Road Race Soft Compound - Best Overall
Renthal soft compound grips are the standard in club racing for a reason. Tackiness in light rain, real damping under big braking, and they wear evenly for thousands of miles.
2. Pro Grip 714 Gel Touring Grips - Best for Touring
The 714 gel grips have a soft gel core that genuinely takes the edge off long-haul vibration. I rode 600 miles in a single day on a set and my hands were noticeably better off than usual.
3. Oury MTB Single Compound - Best for Dirt and ADV
Originally a mountain bike grip, the Oury moved into the dirt bike and adventure scene because the chunky waffle pattern locks gloves into place even when soaked.
4. Oxford Heated Grips Premium - Best Heated
Oxford has been doing aftermarket heated grips for decades and the premium set has five heat levels and a wiring kit that any home wrench can install in an afternoon.
5. ODI Rogue Lock-On Grips - Best Lock-On
Lock-on grips clamp directly to the bar so they cannot spin in the rain. The ODI Rogue is the cleanest implementation, with metal end caps and easy clamp access.
What Matters Most
Compound and diameter. Soft compound for cold weather and rain, harder compound for sustained high-grip riding. Diameter affects hand fatigue more than people expect.
My Setup
Renthal soft compound on my track bike, Pro Grip 714 gels on my touring bike, Oxford heated on my winter commuter. Three bikes, three different grips.
Common Mistakes
Using starting fluid or hairspray as a grip adhesive shortcut. Use proper grip glue and they will stay put for the life of the rubber.
Final Recommendation
For most road riders the Renthal soft compound is the right place to start. Touring riders should jump straight to the Pro Grip 714 gels.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need bar weights with new grips?+
If you remove bar end weights to install closed-end grips, vibration goes up noticeably. Either keep the weights or upgrade to a heavier set.
How long do motorcycle grips actually last?+
Quality rubber grips last 20,000 to 40,000 miles depending on glove abrasion. Foam grips wear faster but feel better in vibration.