Though these protectors are designed to keep off-road rider’s fingers from slipping at the levers during less than-ideal-weather conditions, they also act as an insulator, assisting the numbing-felling effect. Think of a heated hand grips principle; levers, usually aluminum, are cold, and the protectors help insulate them.
This helps with through-glove feeling in colder weather while riding stop-and-go traffic that requires operating the shift and front brake levers on a near continuous basis.
The Progrip Lever Protectors package does not provide any instructions, written or pictorially, since the assumption is that the rider knows how to install these devices. The one picture I did find in Progrip’s digital catalog shows the levers without any ball at the end, which is typical for most off-road and dual-sport machines.
As with installing handgrips, you will need to use glue to fasten the lever grips to the levers. You have the option of buying and using handgrip glue but I have found using rubber cement to be equally effective.
For the slightly vain, the protectors come in blue, green, red, white, and black to match your ride’s color.
At around $4 for the set, the Progrip Lever Protectors not only improves my safety but also act as a very cost effective lever insulator.
For additional information, visit Progrip.
The Progrip website does have pictures of the lever grips installed on levers with the ball end intact. Two suggestions: heat the grips in boiling water and they will soften and should be able to be slipped over the balls; squirt brake cleaner under the grips after the residual water has evaporated–it will enable the grips to be maneuvered into place and once it dries, it will hold the grips firmly on the levers.
Thanks for the tip, J. Davis!
The ball is there to keep the lever from stabbing you if you crash. If you have seen off road bikes with levers missing balls, the rider probably broke it off in a crash. The lever cover will slide over the ball (I use Windex and a wrap of safety wire to keep it there)