Upgrade Your Bike's Look and Feel with Legendary Red Monkey Grips

An Introduction to Red Monkey Grips

For many motorcycle enthusiasts, upgrading and customizing their bikes is almost as exciting as riding them. One of the most popular ways to make a motorcycle feel more personal is by installing aftermarket grips. Not only can new grips improve comfort and control, but they also allow riders to add a touch of style and personality to their machines.

When it comes to aftermarket grips, few companies have reached the iconic status of Red Monkey. With their distinctive red and black color scheme and exceptional quality, Red Monkey grips have become a staple in the motorcycle community. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Red Monkey grips, including their history, design, and why they are one of the top choices for riders looking to upgrade their bikes.

The History of Red Monkey Grips

Red Monkey grips were first introduced in 1975 by a small company in Southern California fittingly named Red Monkey. Started by two motorcycle enthusiasts, Red Monkey was dedicated to manufacturing high-performance aftermarket parts specifically for Japanese motorcycles. Their grips quickly gained a reputation for their innovative waffle pattern design, durable rubber compound, and eye-catching red and black colors.

Over the decades, Red Monkey continued expanding their product line while gaining popularity around the world. The distinctive look and feel of Red Monkey grips made them one of the most sought-after accessories for custom bikes, track bikes, and street bikes alike. The company changed ownership a few times over the years but their commitment to quality and style never wavered.

Today, Red Monkey offers grips to fit a wide range of Japanese and European motorcycles. However, they remain best known for their original grips made for Hondas, Yamahas, Kawasakis, and Suzukis. For many riders, the classic Red Monkey grip is still the ultimate choice for improving both the performance and appearance of their bikes.

Why Riders Love Red Monkey Grips

There are several key reasons why Red Monkey grips stand out from the competition and remain a favorite for riders across all disciplines:

• Superior Grip - The unique waffle pattern on Red Monkey grips provides excellent traction, even in wet weather. The grips conform nicely to the rider's hands without being too soft.
• Vibration Dampening - Red Monkey grips are designed to dampen vibrations from the engine and road. This helps reduce hand fatigue on longer rides.
• Build Quality - Constructed from dense rubber with a steel core, Red Monkey grips can endure years of use and abuse.
• Ease of Installation - Most Red Monkey grips slide right onto the stock handlebars and lock securely in place with glue or double-sided tape.
• Customization - With bold colors and designs, Red Monkey grips allow riders to instantly customize the look of their bikes.

While the performance benefits are excellent, for many the style and customization aspect of Red Monkey grips is equally appealing. The vibrant red and black colors look fantastic on vintage bikes, cafe racers, and modern sportbikes alike. The grips have an undeniably classic, heritage feel while still offering contemporary performance.

Types of Red Monkey Grips

Red Monkey offers an array of grip designs to suit different bikes and riding styles:

• Original Grips - The classic diamond waffle pattern grips for standard 7/8" handlebars.
• Big Bars - Larger 1 1/8" grips with a more open waffle pattern to accommodate off-road style fat handlebars.
• Low-Rise Bars - Grips specially contoured for low-rise drag style handlebars.
• Superbike Grips - Longer grips with softer compound for sportbikes.
• Heated Grips - Electrically heated grips with integrated resistors for cold weather riding.

Within each category, there are further options for grip length, color combos, and design accents. Whether your ride is a classic UJM or a modern supersport, Red Monkey offers the perfect set of grips to match your bike and style.

How to Install Red Monkey Grips

One of the beauties of Red Monkey grips is that they are designed for quick and easy installation:

1. Start by removing the stock grips and throttle tube/housing from the handlebars.
2. Clean and degrease the handlebar thoroughly to ensure proper adhesion.
3. Apply glue or double-sided grip tape to the bar. Make sure to avoid getting any adhesive on the inside of the new grips.
4. Slide the right grip all the way onto the throttle side of the bar and into place.
5. Reinstall the throttle and slide on the left grip.
6. Allow the adhesive to fully cure before riding.

With basic hand tools and a bit of care, installing your new Red Monkey grips can be done in under an hour even for first-timers. It’s best to avoid shortcuts and follow the directions to prevent the grips from rotating or sliding off later on.

Where to Buy Genuine Red Monkey Grips

Given their popularity, there are many imitation and knock-off Red Monkey grips on the market of inferior quality. To ensure you are getting the real deal:

• Purchase directly from the official Red Monkey website.
• Shop from authorized dealers listed on the Red Monkey website.
• Look for the Red Monkey logo molded into the rubber.
• Inspect packaging for authentic Red Monkey branding.
• Check prices against MSRP - extremely low pricing indicates fakes.

Every genuine set of Red Monkey grips is backed by their legendary warranty against defects and wear. Avoid spending money on fake grips that won't deliver the same performance or longevity.

Matching Your Bike Setup to Red Monkey Grips

While bolting on a set of Red Monkey grips is straightforward, taking some additional steps to match other components on your bike helps maximize both the performance and look:

Handlebars

The right set of handlebars paired with Red Monkey grips completes the custom look. For a cafe racer or street tracker vibe, low-rise drag or clubman bars add to the heritage styling. For a more modern and aggressive stance, clip-ons mounted below the triple clamp are ideal. Be sure to get the proper diameter bars to match the inner diameter of your grips.

Levers

Swapping the stock brake and clutch levers for shorty or adjustable aftermarket levers enhances the ergonomics and control. Levers designed specifically for use with Red Monkey grips feature the same red highlights and logo for a fully integrated look.

Bar End Mirrors

Ditching the stock mirrors for compact bar end mirrors removes visual clutter while complementing the stripped-down style of Red Monkey grips. Make sure to get the appropriate clamps to mount the new mirrors onto the handlebars.

Grip End Caps

Red Monkey grip end caps replace the stock black caps with machined aluminum or acrylic options etched with the Red Monkey logo. Offered in red, black, or silver, these caps put on finishing touch on your grip installation.

With some thoughtful accessory selection, Red Monkey grips can anchor a complete custom handlebar makeover to take your bike's performance and style up a notch.

FAQ

Are Red Monkey grips comfortable?

Yes, Red Monkey grips are designed for maximum comfort. The rubber compound balances vibration dampening with durability. The waffle pattern provides a secure grip without being too hard on the hands.

Do Red Monkey grips improve performance?

Absolutely. The excellent grip and vibration reduction offered by Red Monkey grips provides better control and less hand fatigue. This allows you to ride faster and longer compared to basic stock grips.

What's the difference between original and Big Bar grips?

The original grips are for 7/8" handlebars found on most bikes. Big Bar grips are slightly larger at 1 1/8" diameter and have a more open waffle pattern for off-road style fatbars.

Can you install heated grips on any motorcycle?

Heated grips require special wiring and connectors, so you'll need to purchase a specific model designed for your particular bike. Consult your bike's manual or the Red Monkey website for compatibility.

How long do Red Monkey grips last?

With proper care, Red Monkey grips can realistically last upwards of 5-10 years or more. The durable rubber compound withstands sun, rain, oils, and solvents exceptionally well.

Conclusion

For over four decades, Red Monkey grips have been synonymous with premium quality, performance, and iconic motorcycle style. Their instantly recognizable look and reputation for enhancing the riding experience has earned them a passionate following worldwide. Whether you're restoring a classic bike or upgrading your daily rider, install a set of Red Monkey grips and enjoy the same grip and control felt by generations of enthusiasts.

FAQs

What is the sizing for Red Monkey grips?

Most Red Monkey grips are designed for 7/8" handlebars. Grips for 1 1/8" fatbars are specifically labeled "Big Bar" models. They offer grips in various lengths including standard, long, and super long to fit different hand sizes and preferences.

Can you put Red Monkey grips on any motorcycle?

Red Monkey grips are primarily designed to fit Japanese and some European motorcycles. They may not directly fit certain American models or exotic bikes. Check your specific bike's compatibility or contact Red Monkey support for guidance.

Do I need special tools to install Red Monkey grips?

No special tools are required. You'll need standard metric hex wrenches and screwdrivers to remove the old grips and controls. An adhesive like grip glue or double-sided tape is required to attach the new grips.