Review of new ZETA Dirt Grips & grip replacement how-to!

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Hi, my name is Kotaro, your Webike off-road specialist. I'd like to introduce the new ZETA grips that were recently released and give you my impression of them, as well as a guide on how to replace your grips! Let's try out these grips that show just what one of Japan's largest off-road parts developers is capable of!

Type and color!

There are two types, open and closed, and each type is available in four colors. You can choose whether to attach bar ends or not, use open or closed hand guards, etc., according to your handlebar preferences.

Let's look at the details!

These grips adopt an anti-slip diamond pattern that is non-slip and easy to grip.

The waffle grid is placed in the same diagonal direction as the fingers, corresponding to the "doorknob grip" that is ideal for riding. The thumb and index finger area has no waffle for less interference, making the grips slim and easy to grip, as well as reducing the chance of getting blisters.

Compared to a typical half-waffle, the waffle area is narrower, making it easier to grip with less force and reducing arm fatigue. The waffle is also designed to be wider at the end, making it easier to grip from the pinky finger to the middle finger. This makes stable throttle work possible even in slippery conditions such as mud or water.

A special shape is used to make the grip end less uncomfortable to hold. You can see that it is not completely circular. They know what they're doing!

Grooves for safety wire are placed in four locations to prevent the grips from slipping due to twisting or water intrusion. Having your grip move during a race is the worst thing that can happen. Most grips have three grooves, so the designer's passion for preventing grip movement is evident!

By cutting at the wire groove on the end, the overall grip length can be shortened by approximately 3.5mm. This can be used for mini size motocrossers, etc.

Markings are included so that the waffle on the bottom will be in the proper position. Install it so that the mark is facing upward.

Now it's time to replace the grips!

*Note: This is the author's personal style.

First, peel off the old grips. After cutting the safety wire with wire cutters, use an exacto knife to cut and remove the grip. Don't put too much power into the cut so as not to damage the throttle cone.

After removing the old grip, clean off the adhesive and degrease with parts cleaner. It is good to roughen it up with coarse sandpaper when cleaning off the old adhesive, as this will improve the hold of the new adhesive.

Apply grip bond. By the way, a light coat is fine (the amount in this image is a bit too much). After applying, leave it for 10-15 minutes. This is called "open time", and for rubber adhesives it is good to leave a little time for it to become sticky.

After some time has passed, spray some parts cleaner as a lubricant on the inside of the grip, and insert it after checking the orientation of the marking. The ingredients of the parts cleaner will vaporize in a few hours and it will adhere firmly, so it is safe to spray enough to allow smooth insertion.

If you stop just before the grip is fully inserted and wipe off the excess bond before inserting it all the way it will leave a clean finish and prevent issues such as the throttle not turning properly!

Now all you need to do is wire it up and you're done! Use a wire twister. I always wind mine in a double layer.

Sometimes you may see machines with the ends if the wire folded in the opposite direction, but the correct orientation is counterclockwise on the brake side and clockwise on the clutch side, on the lower side of the grip. (The above image shows the clutch side.)

Think of it this way. When you are riding, your hands turn toward you on both the throttle and clutch sides. So this is the direction that the wire will not stick your fingers when you make that movement.

After lightly bending the end with radio pliers or the like, push the end into the grip and you're done!

Review

I had been a repeat user of Pro Taper Pillow Grips for many years due to their low aggressiveness to the palm and the plumpness that helps reduce fatigue.

ZETA's Dirt Grips are thinner and have a more aggressive pattern. I was concerned that they might hurt my delicate palms, but they only hardened the blisters on my hands, not to the point of peeling them off. I found the balance between the height of the waffle and the grip to be very well balanced. The narrower grip also helped reduce arm pump by making it easier to grip with less force. This is a good point because I have been suffering from arm pump due to a lack of practice time, which makes me want to cry in the early stages of every race.

Even if they look like the above picture after a fall, they will still give you good grip, so you should change your grips regularly! It's not just tires that wear down!