Your motorcycle grips are what you touch all the time. Poor material, wrong diameter, poor installation: you pay the price in comfort, grip, and sometimes safety. The good news is, choosing 1-inch (25,4 mm) grips for your Harley or American custom is easy when you know the three key criteria. This guide explains them, along with the complete KustomTech range available at Holdfast.
What is a 1-inch motorcycle grip?
Le 1 inch (25,4 mm) 1 inch is the standard inner diameter of grips mounted on Harley-Davidson handlebars and most American custom motorcycles. This measurement refers to the inner hole of the grip: it corresponds to the outer diameter of the handlebar onto which it slides. If you ride a Harley, Indian, Victory, or a custom chopper/bobber built on a Harley chassis, you're using 1 inch grips. European and Japanese sport bikes, on the other hand, use 2.5-inch grips. 22 mm (7/8 inch) — but that's not the point here.
A 1-inch grip serves several functions: absorbing engine vibrations, ensuring a secure grip (even with wet gloves), and visually integrating the cockpit with the rest of the design. A good grip is also a style statement: the material, finish, and design speak volumes about the machine's personality.
The 3 technical criteria to check
1. The type of throttle cable (external or internal)
This is the number one criterion, the one you can't go wrong with. On some motorcycles, the throttle cable exits the grip housing through the côté (external cable(modern Harley standard). On others, it passes inside from the handlebars before exiting at the housing (internal cable(standard Harley from the 80s-90s and some custom models). Your right grip must match the type of housing you are using. At KustomTech, each part number specifies compatibility:
- External cable: Vintage Polished Aluminum, Vintage Black Aluminum, Nastro Telato
- Internal cable: Vintage Polished Aluminum, Vintage Black Aluminum, Nastro Telato
- Inverted controls (clip-ons): Vintage Polished Aluminum, Vintage Black Aluminum, Nastro Telato
Handles Kustom rubber (blue, red, green) operate in universal configuration (external or simple cable).
2. Matter
At KustomTech, there are four families of materials:
- Mirror polished aluminum + brass The classic heritage option. Polished aluminum, brass ring that develops a patina over time. Ideal for a customized chopper, bobber, or café racer. View Polished Aluminum Handles ›
- Black anodized aluminum + brass Same handle but with a deep black finish. Perfect for a monochrome build with just a touch of brass on the ring. View the Black Aluminum Handles ›
- Nastro telato (woven band) Polished aluminum block covered with technical fabric. Unique textile grip; won't burn in summer and won't slip in the rain. A vintage chopper classic. View Nastro Telato handles ›
- Kustom Colored Rubber : dense, durable, applies in 2 minutes. Available in blue, Red, shiso, white flask. For a pop touch that's easy to change.
3. Handlebar compatibility
All the KustomTech grips listed here are designed for the 25,4 mm (1 inch) handlebarsBefore buying, measure the outside diameter of your handlebars with calipers if you're unsure. 22mm (7/8 inch) handlebars won't accommodate these grips without an adapter ring—it's best to look for grips specifically designed for 22mm handlebars.
Which style for which motorcycle?
For a heritage chopper or bobber
Favors the Vintage Deluxe Polished Aluminum + Brass or the Nastro TelatoThese finishes match the chrome and brass parts found on other custom components (levers, risers, fuel caps). Pair them with... Deluxe Polished Brass Risers or in Raw Brass Risers for a complete set.
For an all-black monochrome build
The Vintage Black Aluminum + Brass They maintain the soft contrast of the brass without disrupting the dominant black. Perfect with chrome risers for a nuance or some satin chrome risers for more discretion.
To add a touch of color
The Rubber Kustom (Blue, red, green) can be installed and removed in 2 minutes. Perfect if you want to try out a color without commitment, or change your mood with the season. These handles cost only a fraction of the machined versions.
Don't forget the finishing touch: the handle ring
Between the handle and the switch, you can slide a finishing ring (also called a "ring" or "grip ring"). It's a small machined part with an outer diameter of 36 mm that adds a visual accent. Four finishes are available:
- Polished Aluminum Ring — to be paired with the polished aluminum handles
- Black Aluminum Ring — to be used in conjunction with the Black Aluminum handles
- Polished Brass Ring — to be combined with the Nastro Telato
- Chrome Ring — the versatile one, a superb contrast with black
Installation time: 5 to 15 minutes depending on the type of handle
- Kustom rubber : a spray of detergent on the handlebars, put it on, attach the white flask. 2-5 minutes.
- Vintage Deluxe or Nastro Telato Remove the old grips, clean the handlebars, slide on the new grip, tighten the brass ring, and check the orientation of the control box. 10-15 minutes.
- Internal cable : Pass the throttle cable inside the handlebar before threading the grip. 15 minutes.
In all cases, we start with the left handle (simpler, no cable), then the right one with the throttle body. Always test the full opening/closing of the throttle after installation, before going for a ride.
FAQ
Are KustomTech grips sold in pairs?
Yes, unless otherwise stated. You receive the left handle and the right handle.
Do these grips fit on a 22mm handlebar?
No, not without an adapter ring. The grips listed here are specifically for 25,4 mm grips.
Are Kustom rubber products durable?
Yes, high density rubber, withstands 3-5 years of daily use without deforming.
Can an external cable handle be mounted on an internal cable housing?
No. The cable routing is physically different. Always check your housing before buying.
Is there a stock in France?
Yes. All the listed handles are in stock at Holdfast in Marseille. Shipping within 48 hours, with no customs fees or surprises.
Explore the full range
All throttle grips › — 12 references + 4 finishing rings.
Matching Deluxe risers › — 5 finishes in 22 mm and 25,4 mm for a consistent cockpit.