Fitting Grip Buddies to the BMW R1250GS

I suffer some vibration from the handlebars on long trips, in particular on the throttle side. Hopefully these will help? Here is my video of fitting the Grip Buddies™ to the BMW R1250GS. Enjoy
Hi All
Below are various links to kit I use or items referenced in this video.
These are amazon.co.uk (United Kingdom) links and clicking through and purchasing does earn me a small commission and costs you nothing extra.
I'd be really grateful if you are buying any of these if you used the links and help support the channel.
Thank you
Nick
Accessories on (or used for) My R1250GS
Horn
Denali Soundbomb Horn - amzn.to/2qUA4Ni
Battery Charger (Dual Standard Connect and Canbus - Fits Din Socket to charge)
Optimate 4 - BMW Canbus Edition - amzn.to/2phUAXN
Din/USB Twin Outlet Adapter
Optimate Dual USB Charger - 3300mA DIN Plug - amzn.to/2CJEl99
Tank Bag
Givi ST602 Sport Tanklock Bag - amzn.to/2CGK13G
Tanklock Ring for above (R1200/1250GS) - amzn.to/2QmYXvR
Motorcycle Dryer
Bruhl MD1400 1400W Motorcycle Dryer - amzn.to/33NGA79
Protection
ACF50 Rust Protector (with buddy bottle, aerosols are poor) - amzn.to/2NKL5tJ
Clothing I wear
Crash Helmet
Shoei Neotec II - amzn.to/2rKw8zk
Waterproof Jacket (Over Rukka Textile)
Tucano Urbano Nano Rain Jackket - amzn.to/2NNCnLe
Waterproof Trousers (Over Rukka Textile)
Tucano Urbano Nano Rain Trousers - amzn.to/33ZCed6
Equipment I use to film videos
Main Helmet Camera
Go Pro Hero 7 Black - amzn.to/2CKUmvo
Mirror Mounted (rear-facing) Camera
SJ Cam SJ4000 - amzn.to/377slwc
Fixed Front and Rear Cameras (supplementary footage)
Innovv K2 Dual Camera Kit - amzn.to/2CJAngU
Adapter needed to add supplimentary mics to GoPro Hero 5/6/7/8
GoPro Microphone Adapter - amzn.to/378aSU8
Case for mounting GoPro and Mic Adapter
Ulanzi Multi-purpose GoPro Case - amzn.to/32JIkgA
BOTH MICS below have leads for Mobile Phone (to use GoPro Adapter with these you need a TRS to TRRS Adapter)
Rode Phone Accessory (TRS to TRRS Adapter) - amzn.to/2CHKJh1
Helmet Microphone (needs GoPro Adapter) and Tie-pin mic Indoors
Aufgeld Lavalier Microphone - amzn.to/375WVpX
Indoor Microphone (GoPro and Phone Cameras)
Rode Micro Compact - amzn.to/2KlXUZn

[@alangoran7036]

I love the vibration on my 1200. The 1250 is much smoother. Great video. Please don't stop posting videos. T takes a lot of time to get these videos edited and posting it. Really appreciate the knowledge and the information.

[@nickhodgeUK]

Thanks Alan. I’ll try and keep posting interesting things 👍🏻 ride safe

[@motocrusader72]

Have used this video for two Grip Buddies. Good job.

[@nickhodgeUK]

Thanks for the comment 👍🏻

[@treemands]

Thanks, nice video. I have put them on in the past but am due again on my new bike. You make it clear and easy. PS had them on 2 or 3 bikes in past and would not live without them.

[@nickhodgeUK]

Thanks Dave. Enjoy your new bike 👍🏻

[@2awesomedadsadventures988]

Nice, simple to follow video. I watched it and decided to purchase a set of Grip Buddies for my R1250GS. Keep up the great work!

[@nickhodgeUK]

Great news. Enjoy

[@axcamaro]

best one

[@My.Sm.family]

This product works for me installed them today by applying small amount of Vaseline in the hole went in easily

[@nickhodgeUK]

Good job 👍🏻

[@richardd9976]

Thanks for the video. Must admit I'm not too keen on the appearance of these - particularly the visible join. I used "Grip Puppy" (available on Amazon), which are similar but perhaps a bit nicer, and also do not involve any glue - although they take a little longer to fit.

[@nickhodgeUK]

Richard D thanks for commenting. I um’d and ah’d over which and it seems most have plus/minus. I’m not sure about the seam but once I’ve ridden a little I’ll know. For sure I had to do something.

[@lllucky13]

i get the same problem on my FZ6.. i use renthal bars with weighted bar ends aand a brace bar on my handlebars

[@CLLUK]

Thanks for the video. Well i guess you've had time to form an opinion. Would be great if you could share with us?

[@nickhodgeUK]

They make the ride a little more comfortable, particularly with larger hands. Not sure they take much of the vibration away although I guess they must. Tried the slide in ones which are much cheaper and hated them as they gave no confidence when shutting throttle hard to switch off cruise control. I’ve not got them in the K1600 I have now and the grips do feel small 👍🏻

[@CLLUK]

Thanks Nick. Hmmm, I've been pondering over both options; these grip buddies and the grip puppies. From what I've read the puppies seem to be more popular for decreasing vibration. Apart from the practical aspect, I'm concerned about the aesthetic aspect ( oh, wish I wasn't!) I like the look of the buddies apart from the join seam and I dislike the look of the puppies and the fact that after a few thousand miles they look quite worn. ( based only on a few I've seen on bikes at cafes etc. ) I'm still looking at other options, even replacement grips that are thinker as I find these too thin compared to what I'm used to on my Yamaha XJR1300. Anyway, thanks for your feedback.

[@nickhodgeUK]

They both wear quickly. If you take time with the buddies so the seam is underneath and right on the bit where your fingers and thumbs meet I’d say you’d not see them and you’ll get used to quickly. They both feel weird when first fitted. Good luck in your hunt 👍🏻

[@TheSpragz]

I’ve broken both hands multiple times fighting. I have arthritis and miss places knuckles. I struggle “holding on”. Do you think these would help me?

[@nickhodgeUK]

They may. They make the grip fatter by quite a bit 👍🏻

[@joshnnik]

Very interested to watch and read through the comments and replies Nick. I experienced the tingling and numbness for the very first time yesterday after about 3 hours on my new F900XR, never got it on my T120 but the grips on that always felt fatter than those on the BMW and the Tiger 900. Must be the frequency. As you mention, at least cruise control does give some respite by letting you stretch the fingers for a while.

[@nickhodgeUK]

Hi Roger. Also don’t be dragged into buying the Cheaper Grip puppies. Useless IMHO. Ride safe 👍🏻

[@noerror1997]

nice video!

[@nickhodgeUK]

Roy Jo thanks

[@janeberthet962]

I just fitted the grip buddies on my 1250 GSA, while it seems to have slightly reduced the engine vibrations from the grips, I still feel them. I’m disappointed.

[@nickhodgeUK]

Andre. I have not re-fitted anything on my GSA either. I have to say these are much better than the ‘slide-fit’ grip puppies and they felt comfortable, ‘fatter’ for my big hands and reduced the vibration slightly but not significantly for sure 👍🏻

[@mikestrickland6032]

Just curious as to what you think about the grip buddies now that you have had them for a while. Thanks

[@nickhodgeUK]

Mike Strickland Hi Mike. Not noticed any difference for vibration numbness if I’m honest. They are more comfortable though for sure with my big hands and still affixed firmly after 4,500 miles. Thanks for comment, ride safe

[@robertoarienti1628]

I liked.....👍❤️🏍

[@IanTed]

I use Grip Puppies, they’re better having used both, easy to fit too...

[@nickhodgeUK]

Chukky aka Ian Cheers Ian. I’ll try those when these wear out 😂

[@Nightcrawler666]

Hmmm I'm not sure about this one. I do het pins and needles in my right hand mostly on my bikes. Not got the 1250 yet. I sat on it on Saturday. I should het it in a couple of weeks so I'll see how I get on. I'm not sure about the visable seam either. I'll see how you get on with that. Good video though. Thanks.

[@nickhodgeUK]

Nightcrawler777 thanks. Still not got it? Come on 😂. That’s the drawback for me the seam but I’m looking forward to first decent ride to see the difference. Hopefully 🤞🏻

[@ryanmalone2681]

Bought these after your review. How is the heat from the handlebars in the winter?

[@nickhodgeUK]

That’s still fine surprisingly 👍🏻

[@ryanmalone2681]

@@nickhodgeUK Installed them. My hands are so big they overlap when gripping and ended up with the seam around 2’o’clock. Will be interested to see how that position works out. No matter where it is I’ll feel it.

[@nickhodgeUK]

I’m not sure that’ll matter too much. See how you get on. It feels strange to start but improves. I never refitted to this bike and miss them so will probably get a new set? 👍🏻

[@nilhirve]

Hey Nick, whats your review after riding with these ? Did they help with the tingling in your fingers ?

[@nickhodgeUK]

Hi Nilesh. Unfortunately not really. They did ‘fill’ my hand better and since I’m back to standard with the new bike they feel very ‘thin’ so they did something but not much on the tingling. Still use cruise control to relieve that 👍🏻😂

[@nilhirve]

@@nickhodgeUK yeah same here. Was hoping that this would do the trick so just ordered them. My fingers definitely start tingling after an hour.. I even got the bar risers to help with some neck pain and it helped a little bit still trying to find the most comfortable setup overall.. I have the exclusive gsa too btw. Good choice 😁

[@MotoNish]

It might be because I'm coming from a FJ-09/Tracer but I really don't notice and vibration from my R1250GSA.

[@nickhodgeUK]

Hi Ryan. Maybe and it may be my old blood vessels too 😂

[@MotoNish]

@@nickhodgeUK lol

[@dalehawkes1698]

Hi Nick did you refit these on your GSA if so what’s your take on them as I have big hands and do like you get a cramp/ache some longer journey’s . I came across this video as I’m looking to see if in your great way of explaining things you show how to remove tank plastics , as you know I’m getting Gsa in two days ( can you tell I’m excited lol) &ive got to fit my Givi tank bag power lead so hence me needing to know how to get it off / on without breaking a brand spanking bike . Stay safe 👍

[@nickhodgeUK]

Dale. I do don’t refit them. I fitted grip puppies instead but they were useless. I use the ‘hard’ twist of closing throttle to disengage cruise control often and they slid over the factory grips!!! I just ride with factory grips now and use cruise more often to rest my hand. On the tank plastic removal why do you need to remove it? Are you running from the battery?? I think it’s ok. Wind deflectors, front centre bolt, two bolts in little compartment at front and two at back. I can’t remember if that’s it but be very careful of two small rubber blocks which are not well glued onto posts to support top of tank plastic. I think my re-farkling video shows it???

[@dalehawkes1698]

@@nickhodgeUK thanks Nick 👍 I’ve rewatched the re farkle video. Thank you I’ll have a go just a little scared of breaking the plastics on my new baby 🤪 thanks again

[@drw1926]

I'm going to give it a go with that Americanised warranty! How does that work exactly?

[@nickhodgeUK]

Normally with far more exclusion clauses 😂👍🏻

[@suburbanhobbyist2752]

So what is "an Americanized" warranty?

[@nickhodgeUK]

One that spells ‘Americanized’ with a ‘z’ (zed, not zee) in it 😂 sorry, couldn’t resist it 👍🏻

[@suburbanhobbyist2752]

@@nickhodgeUK I never seem to get British humor! How would you spell it? Do the British spell it differently?

[@nickhodgeUK]

SuburbanHobbyist we don’t get it sometimes 👍🏻. We have an ‘s’ in customise, randomise, etc

[@oiradonilecram6967]

Muito bom, pode mandar o link onde comprou?

[@nickhodgeUK]

www.nippynormans.com/f650st-f650cs-f650gs-f650-dakar/grip-buddies-vibration-elimination-grip-covers-all-bmw-models-plus-ducatihonda-kawasaki-suzuki-and-yamaha

[@DimitrisNiktos]

Will the Heated Grips warm the hands after this intervention?

[@nickhodgeUK]

Yes. It does dull it somewhat but I think the high setting with only standard grips can be a bit too toasty anyhow

[@TonVerkleijT3]

Looks good, did it work as expected?

[@nickhodgeUK]

Not really Ton. Didn’t skip the vibrations but suit my hand size much better

[@TonVerkleijT3]

@@nickhodgeUK That's a pity. I do experience the same numbing- and tingling feel after a while. A believe these are very high frequency vibrations hard to dampen. Perhaps this will help: olympiagloves.com/25-tips-reduce-hand-numbness-motorcycle-riders-shock-absorbing-gloves-and-more/

[@johnk9290]

Did they work?

[@nickhodgeUK]

Not really John, but they worked better than the grip puppies which seemed to slip easily. They do give a more comfortable grip though for larger hands 👍🏻

[@stevecockton6624]

need something like these , was looking at Grip Puppies also but heard tales that heat from the Heated Grips was minimal - how is it on these ?

[@nickhodgeUK]

It radiates through on both. I’ve had both. I don’t find either that good but these are best as I found the puppies slid when twisted ‘backward’ to disengage cruise control which is disconcerting to say the least 👍🏻

[@stevecockton6624]

@@nickhodgeUK "radiates", that sounds like you don't get a great deal of heat, but also with handguards + extenders I suppose it would reduce the windchill !

[@nickhodgeUK]

@@stevecockton6624 I'm not a lover of the heated grips per se. They tend to overheat the palms and the thumbs are still cold (I'm a 2020 GS so two settings, but not sure 2021 5 settings improves them overall). If you truly want warm hands then heated gloves are best, followed by larger guards and/or overmitts (IMO). What these definitely do do very well is give people with large hands a much better grip without thumb overlap.

[@stevecockton6624]

@@nickhodgeUK 👌

[@davidosbourne6116]

GRIP PUPPIES THEY ARE MADE IN BRITAIN they are a slip on sleeve so no seams there soft foam and way better than what you have put on your bike. You can buy them on EBay they cost $33 Dollars Australian Ebay around £18 pounds look them up.

[@nickhodgeUK]

Now David I disagree. I had these on for two years. Everyone said grip puppies. Fitted them to the new adventure (£15.99 on eBay) really poor. Don’t adhere in anyway to underlying grips. Slip as you ‘roll off’ to close cruise control causing panic. They are currently somewhere on the side of the road in North Wales. So sorry. Don’t agree

[@crooky1811]

@@nickhodgeUK You must have used too much washy up liquid when fitting them, Put them on my 1200 and 1250 RT, 1250 RS and a new Vstrom with no slip. Love them although can be tricky to fit.

[@nickhodgeUK]

@@crooky1811 mmmmm maybe although I put less on than I thought and they were quite a pig to get on still. Also I would have expected wet/dry/wet/dry to have changed that but it didn’t. Back to OEM as I’ve not really found either helped with tingling hands but with my large hands they did feel more comfortable

[@jacekmarciniak9477]

Noooooo😮😮

[@neilfrazer9962]

Nice, clear informed videos. Like some others I chose Grip Puppies and also changed bar ends to Cymarc, heavier than OE and seemed to smooth out any vibes

[@nickhodgeUK]

Thanks Neil. I now have Grip Puppies and am going back to these

[@ichbinmartin]

Why? Could you please compare? I don't have any yet, but due to large hands I would buy one of them. For now I only knew about Puppies.

[@nickhodgeUK]

The puppies slip. And that is used to ‘deactivate’ the cruise control. It’s disconcerting when you’re fast up behind someone and it doesn’t deactivate believe me 👍🏻