MXA TEAM TESTED: TORC1 ENDURO GRIPS

 

WHAT IS IT? Torc1 Enduro grips are dual compound to reduce vibration in the handlebars. Torc1 also supplies a tube of grip glue.

WHAT’S IT COST? $12.99.

CONTACT? (661) 505-7114 or www.torc1racing.com.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Torc1 Enduro grips.

(1) Design concept. Riding is hard on the hands. Torc1 sought to build a grip with superior cushioning and anti-vibration technology. The problem is that more cushioning translates into more material, which results in a fatter grip.

(2) Dual-compound. The firmer inner compound clamps to the bar/throttle tube for a solid platform. The outer compound is super soft, pliable and plush. Torc1 uses a custom Krayton material to aid glove traction and cushioning.

(3) Pattern. The tapered, raised squares on the grip are very soft and pliable. We like that Torc 1 left space between each row of squares for safety wire. The ends of the grips are a soft material that we did not like, as just a small tip-over could rip the end of the grip.

(4) Diameter. These grips are designed for comfort. To achieve this, Torc1 added more material in the palm area to provide extra shock absorption. If you like small-diameter grips, then Torc1’s Enduro grips are not for you. These grips work best for riders with big or soft hands. The extra material makes them soft, but there is a trade off in diameter.

(5) Feel. When switching from relatively hard OEM grips to the Torc1 grips, the test riders noted more give, and after a hard day of riding their hands were less beat up. The grips also took a noticeable amount of vibration out of the bars. The large diameter of the grips wasn’t a deal-breaker for riders with smaller hands, but it took a few test sessions to get used to. We think a smaller-diameter grip of the exact same design would be a smash hit.

(6) Installation. Extra care must be taken during installation, as safety wire can cut through the soft rubber.

(7) Colors. There are eight different colors to choose from.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? The downside to soft grips is durability. The soft gripping surface makes the rubber more vulnerable to tearing in a tip-over, while use over time can wear the pattern edges off faster than with a medium-density grip.

Anyone with soft or large hands and anyone who plans to spend hours in the saddle will love this grip.