Grip Puppy and Airwick cushion

[Dochands]

Made two recent comfort mods to my Spyder and they both are excellent.

Thanks to the informative post by ABN350F I got my Grip Puppies on easy. Had to take off my friction lock for a second but they went on easy and fit great. These are basically foam cylinders that make a more comfortable grip and also absorb some vibration. My right hand no longer goes numb if I am not using my friction lock as poorman's cruise control.

The Airwick cushion totally surprised me. It is basically a neoprene set of adjoining cells from which air moves from cell to cell depending on the pressure. Very easy to install and setup and its like I am not even riding a bike. Have not had a chance to take a long ride yet but there is no way to be more comfortable that I can imagine. There is a less expensive model now but I opted for the more durable neoprene. It has a washable zippered cover that slides on and off.

So for less than $200 I have an even more comfortable ride (the Puppies are less than $10).

 

[clueless]

i am guessing you mean AIRHAWK seat pad and not airwick the air freshener...

 

[Raptor]

Made two recent comfort mods to my Spyder and they both are excellent.

Thanks to the informative post by ABN350F I got my Grip Puppies on easy. Had to take off my friction lock for a second but they went on easy and fit great. These are basically foam cylinders that make a more comfortable grip and also absorb some vibration. My right hand no longer goes numb if I am not using my friction lock as poorman's cruise control.

The Airwick cushion totally surprised me. It is basically a neoprene set of adjoining cells from which air moves from cell to cell depending on the pressure. Very easy to install and setup and its like I am not even riding a bike. Have not had a chance to take a long ride yet but there is no way to be more comfortable that I can imagine. There is a less expensive model now but I opted for the more durable neoprene. It has a washable zippered cover that slides on and off.

So for less than $200 I have an even more comfortable ride (the Puppies are less than $10).

Nice post. I may have to look into these grip puppies. People seem to really like them. Did you get yours online or from a local shop?

 

[JJW SpyderRider]

Grip Puppies

I added the grip puppies about a month ago. The high spring tension on the throttle meant I had to use a lot of grip to maintain the throttle position. Now I’m able to hold my speed with little more than resting my hand on the throttle. The extra diameter gives some extra leverage. They do feel BIG when you first use them.

It took me 90 seconds each to install using a soap solution, a short and long screw driver to stretch the grip over the old one. I used the short screw driver to help spin the thin screw driver around to old grip while pushing the new grip on.

Good value for the money. :2thumbs:

 

[Dragonrider]

I use the GPs that velcro on, as well as a BeadRider - got both for under $70, and I can add or remove at will. The BR is terrific for hot or wet weather, and frankly, the comfort is amazing....

 

[Raptor]

I added the grip puppies about a month ago. The high spring tension on the throttle meant I had to use a lot of grip to maintain the throttle position. Now I’m able to hold my speed with little more than resting my hand on the throttle. The extra diameter gives some extra leverage. They do feel BIG when you first use them.

It took me 90 seconds each to install using a soap solution, a short and long screw driver to stretch the grip over the old one. I used the short screw driver to help spin the thin screw driver around to old grip while pushing the new grip on.

Good value for the money. :2thumbs:

See, the extra diameter is just what I am looking for. I kinda have big hands and a bigger grip would feel grrrrrrrreat!

 

[Dochands]

iPhone. Lol.

 

[NautiBrit]

I use the GPs that velcro on, as well as a BeadRider - got both for under $70, and I can add or remove at will. The BR is terrific for hot or wet weather, and frankly, the comfort is amazing....

+1 for the BeadRider. I went from a standard seat to the comfort and still wasn't happy. The BeadRiders have made a huge difference to the Spyder and I have a set now for my VFR on a standard seat that is equally as good.

 

[Dochands]

I liked my Beadrider and it certainly was a bargain but it does not compare to the Airhawk. It is the most comfortable seat accessory I have ever experienced.

 

[Raptor]

I liked my Beadrider and it certainly was a bargain but it does not compare to the Airhawk. It is the most comfortable seat accessory I have ever experienced.

Good deal Doc. Definitely gonna get some puppies; I think I'm really going to love those. But no Air Hawk for me. I have to feel the bike underneath me so I can feel what's happening. I would just feel very uncomfortable with something that would insulate me from my connection with the road. I guess it's just the way I ride.

Having said that, I understand that they are removable, so perhaps for the long hauls where you are doing long stretches of non-technical highway there may be something to this. Always keep the mind open I say! SO we'll start with the puppies and go from there...

 

[NancysToy]

Good deal Doc. Definitely gonna get some puppies; I think I'm really going to love those. But no Air Hawk for me. I have to feel the bike underneath me so I can feel what's happening. I would just feel very uncomfortable with something that would insulate me from my connection with the road. I guess it's just the way I ride.

Having said that, I understand that they are removable, so perhaps for the long hauls where you are doing long stretches of non-technical highway there may be something to this. Always keep the mind open I say! SO we'll start with the puppies and go from there...

You would be quite surprised at how much feel for the bike there is with a properly adjusted AirHawk. In fact, I think it helps on a Spyder, since it is easier to shift your weight without having to move on the seat. Some dealers have demo pads. If you ever get a chance, try one on a ride.

 

[SpyderWolf]

Sounds like the AirHawk pad may be just what is needed for my wife, as she did not fare nearly as well as I did with all the ryding to, from, and around SitS.

 

[Dochands]

It's does not dull your ride or insulate you from the bike at all. To be blunt it just makes your butt feel great. Pressure free. lol

 

[Just Doo Me]

I bought the Airhawk 2 which is a less costly version [neoprene vs. Polyurethane] and found the longer tours it really helped in the comfort department, shorter rides I didn't bother with it. Keep it with me in the trunk at all times .I can see though until you get it inflated to the sweet spot, it might disconnect you from the road if over inflated.

 

[Dochands]

I ride everyday so I was looking for something I could put on and leave on. The Beadrider actually annoyed me somedays.

I have not experienced the Airhawk 2 and really debated between the two. I can see no difference except the material of the air bladders. Not sure what neoprene gives you except durability unless it is a better insulator.

 

[NancysToy]

I ride everyday so I was looking for something I could put on and leave on. The Beadrider actually annoyed me somedays.

I have not experienced the Airhawk 2 and really debated between the two. I can see no difference except the material of the air bladders. Not sure what neoprene gives you except durability unless it is a better insulator.

I tried both the AirHawk and the AirHawk 2, before I bought the original. Biggest difference to me is the valve. The AH2 has a solid plastic valve stem that is longer. On my RTS, the valve already hits my skinny butt, if I sit back far enough to contact the bumstop. The rubber valve gets uncomfortable after a while, but I can wiggle around and avoid it, and even bury it in the seat recess if I work it right. The plastic valve poked me no matter what. Others, with different seating postures, may have no such problems, but it pays to check it out thoroughly, before you lay your money down.

BTW, twice the warranty on the original...but nearly twice the price.

 

[Just Doo Me]

The rubber valve gets uncomfortable after a while, but I can wiggle around and avoid it, and even bury it in the seat recess if I work it right.

Too much informationpps::roflblack: I got my Airhawk2 because the dealer had it their in the showroom plus the cost.As mentioned the original has neoprene which should last longer.I never noticed a problem with the valve,I have the saddle style as opposed to the rectangular.

 

[Firefly]

I love my grip puppies too!

Great cheap mod!

 

[NancysToy]

.....The rubber valve gets uncomfortable after a while, but I can wiggle around and avoid it, and even bury it in the seat recess if I work it right.

Too much informationpps::roflblack:

Not my seat recess, the RTS' seat! You guys don't give a fella any kind of break, do ya? :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

 

[Raptor]

Not my seat recess, the RTS' seat! You guys don't give a fella any kind of break, do ya? :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

It's a tough room in here , Scotty!! :roflblack: