I UPGRADED This Yamaha R9… And It Completely Changed The Ride! (Hidden Discount Inside!)

I UPGRADED This Yamaha R9… And It Completely Changed The Ride! (Hidden Discount Inside!)

Yamaha R9 Upgrades: Domino Grips and Hangers. Which Rear Stand Setup Is Better?

We're back to the R9, and man, this thing is beautiful.

I really cannot wait to get out and ride it.

In the last video, I said we were going to do all the upgrades in one shot, but once I started looking at everything, I realized that would make the video way too convoluted.

So we're going to break it up. The M4 exhaust is getting its own video, and today we're doing two simple upgrades: Domino grips and rear stand hangers.

I'm also going to show you the difference between traditional spools and hangers, because there are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Installing the Domino Grips

The customer went with blue and black Domino grips, and they match the R9 perfectly.

I love little details like this. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to make a motorcycle feel more like your own. Sometimes a set of grips makes the controls feel better and gives the bike a completely different look.

The first thing we need to do is get the factory grips off.

Removing the stock grips without destroying them

The easiest way to remove old grips is to cut them off with a blade.

But these factory grips are brand new. Why would I want to destroy perfectly good grips?

So instead, I'm going to save them and give them back to the customer.

I started on the throttle side because that's the side that requires a little more attention. The left grip slides directly onto the handlebar, while the right grip has to fit over the throttle tube.

First, remove the weighted bar end. Then you can start working on the grip itself.

One thing to pay attention to before installing the new grips is that the two sides have different internal diameters. The throttle-side grip is larger because it has to fit over the throttle tube.

Make sure you identify the correct one before trying to force anything onto the bike.

The compressed-air trick

If you have an air compressor, removing grips without cutting them can be incredibly easy.

I like using an air nozzle with a rubber tip.

You carefully work the nozzle underneath the grip, introduce a little air, and rotate the grip as the air helps release the adhesive.

Work your way down the grip, and eventually it will slide right off.

That's it.

Now we have a perfectly good factory grip that the customer can keep instead of throwing it in the trash.

Putting the New Grips On

There are a few different ways people install grips.

Some people use grip glue, some use other installation products, and some use lubricants.

I'm not a fan of using WD-40 for this. I've seen mixed results where the grip goes on easily, but later the residue can contribute to the grip moving or spinning.

That's not something I want to deal with, especially on the throttle side.

In the video, I used a very small amount of diluted Dawn dish soap to help the grip slide into place.

You don't need a ton. Just enough to make installation easier.

Then I pushed the grip on, lined up the Domino logo, and adjusted it before everything dried.

Always follow the grip manufacturer's installation instructions. Some grips require specific adhesive or installation methods, and you should never assume a lubricant will provide adequate retention. Before riding, the grip must be completely secure and unable to rotate independently of the handlebar or throttle tube.

The Most Important Throttle-Grip Check

Once the throttle-side grip is installed, you need to pay attention to clearance.

There is a flange on the throttle tube, and the grip needs to be positioned so it does not bind against the throttle housing or bar end.

You want a small amount of clearance.

Then check the throttle.

Turn it.

Release it.

Make sure it snaps back freely.

Check it with the handlebars straight and turned both directions.

If the throttle sticks, drags, or does not return properly, do not ride the motorcycle until the issue is corrected.

That little check is far more important than how good the new grips look.

And once both sides were installed?

Man, the blue and black looked awesome on this R9.

Why I Don't Like Metal Grips

One thing I mentioned in the video is that I'm not a fan of those cheap aftermarket grips with large metal sections where your palms are supposed to rest.

I see them all over Amazon, eBay, and Temu.

For me, a grip is supposed to give you comfort, control, and feel.

Putting hard metal against your palm can make the bike less comfortable, especially on longer rides, and it can contribute to pressure points or numbness for some riders.

I'd rather have a quality rubber grip that feels good in my hands.

That's why I like the Domino setup.

Spools vs. Hangers: What's the Difference?

Now let's move to the back of the motorcycle.

A lot of riders want to know how to get their bike onto a rear stand so they can clean the chain, clean the wheel, or do basic maintenance.

There are two common options: traditional swingarm spools and hangers.

Both work.

I just personally prefer hangers for a lot of sportbike applications.

Traditional Rear Stand Spools

Spools have been around forever.

They bolt into the threaded mounting points on the swingarm, and a compatible rear stand uses hooks that fit underneath the spool grooves.

They're simple, affordable, and easy to use.

Some spools are also made from materials such as Delrin and can provide a degree of sliding protection in a tip-over.

But there are a couple of things I don't love about them.

The downside of spools

Spools stick out from the swingarm.

If the motorcycle goes down, that protruding spool can take a hit. Depending on the design and the impact, the spool or mounting bolt can break, and in some cases the threaded mounting point can be damaged.

That's not something I want to deal with.

Another issue is that some spool locations can interfere with axle removal or other maintenance.

Not every motorcycle has that problem, but I've seen setups where the spool is right where you want access.

So while spools work perfectly well, there are reasons I prefer another option.

Why I Like Hangers

Hangers use a different mounting arrangement and work with a compatible stand.

The ones we installed on this R9 sit lower and give the bike a really clean look.

I like them a lot.

They don't have the same bulky spool sticking out, and with the stand setup we're using, they provide good access around the rear wheel and axle.

They can still get scratched or damaged in a crash, and they are not a guarantee that your swingarm will be protected. But for my preferences, they're a better setup.

You can also add optional sliders to some hanger designs if you want additional protection.

Installing the Hangers

Installation is straightforward.

We removed the hardware, positioned the hangers, and installed them using the appropriate fasteners.

I used a small amount of blue threadlocker on the threads.

You don't need to pour it on like ketchup on fries.

Just use the amount specified by the product manufacturer.

And please, pay attention to the size of the bolts.

These are small fasteners going into the swingarm. You do not need to crank on them like you're tightening a truck lug nut.

Use the correct torque specification for the hanger kit and motorcycle. If you're unsure, use a torque wrench and consult the instructions rather than guessing.

Once both sides were installed, we were ready to try the stand.

Putting the R9 on the Rear Stand

The spool stand and hanger stand use different lifting attachments.

With spools, the hooks fit into the grooves.

With hangers, the stand uses the matching hanger-style attachments.

You adjust the stand to the correct width, make sure both sides are properly engaged, and then lift the motorcycle in a controlled motion.

It's simple once you understand how it works.

But always make sure the stand is compatible with your motorcycle and mounting hardware, and have somebody help stabilize the bike if you're not comfortable doing it alone.

Once the R9 was up, you could see why I like this setup.

The rear wheel is accessible, the hangers look clean, and the whole thing just works.

Which One Would I Choose?

For me personally?

Hangers.

I like the way they look.

I like the access they give me.

And I don't like having big spools sticking out from the swingarm.

But that doesn't mean spools are bad.

A quality spool setup with the correct stand is a perfectly good option for a lot of riders.

It really comes down to your motorcycle, your stand, and what kind of maintenance you plan on doing.

What's Next for the R9?

That's two more upgrades knocked out.

The Domino grips look awesome.

The hangers look awesome.

And the R9 is slowly getting closer to being finished.

Next up, we're going to tackle the fender eliminator, and then we've still got more R9 content coming.

I know you guys want to see the M4 exhaust, hear what it sounds like, and see what happens when we start tuning this thing.

Trust me, I want to see it too.

Thank you guys for watching and supporting MotoBros.

If you're looking for grips, hangers, or other motorcycle parts, check out MotoBros. We've got packages available for bikes like the R9, R6, and R1, and I appreciate everybody who supports the shop.

Please ride safe, grow your skill, and I'll see you guys in the next one.

Craig, MotoBros