Before I go into the Pro Grip 786-102 Soft Touch Rally Grips, let touch first on the Pro Grip 714 Rally Grips. This is how I came into using Pro Grip, the brand all the way from Italy!
I have been a massive fan of the Pro Grip 714 Rally Grips! You know this already from the PRO GRIP 714 Rally Grips article. And the video Pro Grip 714 Rally Grips cushy vibration dampening for your Yamaha TW200 dual sport motorcycle! Every bike I have owned, other than the street bike, I used Pro Grips 714 Rally Grips on them! The 1997 Honda XR400, the 2005 KTM 950ADV, the 2002 Honda XR100, the Kawasaki KLR650 and the 1997 ATK 605DS – all have ran the 714 Rally Grips!
HOW & WHY PRO GRIP 714 RALLY GRIPS?
But how did I come about using the Pro Grip 714 Rally Grips? When I first got the XR400 back in 2006, I was looking for a comfortable grip to withstand the long days of riding in the rugged deserts of Southern California. As I was recently coming off the rally car circuit, my approach to the bike was still rally. Thus, I looked to what the Dakar Rally moto riders were using. A majority of them were / are using the Pro Grip 786 Rally Grip (786-102). This grip is a full foam style design. While I new the rally guys would change these grips often, I initially opted for the 714 Rally Grip as it is a more durable rubber design.
Why the 714 Rally Grips? Well, Lyndon Poskitt explains it very well here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1320705298063513 Like Lyndon, The 714 Rally Grips from Pro Grip has been my grip of choice for the last 15-years! Even though the foam grips may absorb moisture, how often am I really riding in the rain? My choice in rally grips might be changing. Yes, I am about to try something different…
My hands have taken a lot of abuse over the years! Skateboarding, BMX, mountain biking and everything else working hands take on! I am 54-years old as of this writing (March 2021), and I am still trying to play hard! Thus, thinking back to my initial discovery of Pro Grip 786 Foam Rally Grips, I think I am going to give them a try! With the Yamaha TW200’s limited travel of 6-inches in comparison to the 1997 Honda XR400’s 11-inches of travel, I want every advantage I can get!
Same time, this past year (2020) I have encountered some hand issues, mainly in my right hand. Maybe it’s Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from years of computer work, I don’t know, but I can clearly tell you my hand is not 100%! My hand-issue is to the point I will avoid shaking hands with my right hand. Yes, it kills my hand! hehehe Crazy right!
With all that, this is why I am going to give the Pro Grip foam based 786 Rally Grips a try! I may simply see no difference other than they wear out quicker than the more durable rubber based 714 Rally Grips. If that is the case, then I will move back to the 714’s. BUT, if I see a benefit to my old hands with the 786 Foam Rally Grips, then you are sure to hear and see a lot more from me about what these grips! It could very well be worth the “wear factor” for the comfort gains!
LETS SEE IF MY OPINION CHANGES FROM MY PREVIOUS 15-YEARS OF USING THE 714 RALLY GRIPS…
