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I recently bought a 1979 KZ1300A1 which was imported from the USA.
This bike is 99% stock standard, but does have a pair of rather unusual Non Standard Handlebar Grips fitted.
These are quite "bulbous" in design.........probably for comfort / vibration purposes maybe ???

Anyway, the Throttle Grip has 2 x round knurled adjusters on the outer end which appear to be for "locking" against each other ???
The one at the end of the rubber grip itself is about the same diameter of the grip, then there is a 2nd smaller one further out which seems to act as a locking device against the larger one. I assumed this was some kind of strange manual cruise control device or something, but now have my doubts ??

Anyway..........when I went to remove the grip tonight (after disconnecting the 2 cables) to clean and lube it I found there is a rather large spring attached to it inside which then runs down inside the centre hole of the handlebars, and prevents the grip from being completely removed from the end of the handlebar. The spring is quite thick and strong...........and for the life of me I cannot work out what its purpose is ???

Are these grips something any USA KZ1300 Owners may have seen or heard of before, as in 40 years riding and repairing bikes in the UK, I have never seen anything like it before and cannot work out why and what they are meant to do?

Any help or guidance appreciated !

Pete F
UK.

Could you post a couple photos? That would be best.

Please see image of throttle grip.

Thanks

Pete F
UK

Hi Pete

my first impression had be: something to reduce vibration. Never seen before though,

best regards,
Holger

Thanks Holger,

I think they must be some sort of American idea / design, as like you I have never seen anything like them in the UK.

It will be interesting to find out what they are?

Pete F
UK

That's one scary looking gadget. What happens when something or worse, someone runs out in front of you? How do you rapidly roll off the throttle and still stay in control of the bike and avoid an accident? As much as I would like to have a break from holding the throttle for hours on end, I really appreciate a fast snapping closed throttle. Last thing I need to focus on in a panic situation is shutting down the power

The "barrel grips" are quite comfortable and fit your hand nicely. I've seen and used these since the mid 70's. In the 80's, the foam grips came out and I had them on the CBX and preferrd them. Only issue was as they got old, if it rained, they would absorb rain water.