I can't recall the deal with the 07 bar ends, but the 06 "bar ends" were actually part of the grip (all rubber). If my memory serves, the bar ends on the 07's are actual bar ends and can be re-used.
As for Brands, I've always been hesitant to try a brand that I can't touch and feel personally, so I've stuck to what's available at the local shops. My favorite is the Progrip brand. I like their "gel touch" series.
The first one I had <a href="
http://www.progrip.it/default.asp?tip=2&ite=gri#top">on the Buddy </a>had a fine diamond pattern on them. The second I had <a href="
http://www.progrip.it/default.asp?tip=2&ite=gri#top">on the Blur</a> was also a "gel touch" series with a more aggresive grip pattern. The third I just put on this week <a href="
http://www.progrip.it/default.asp?tip=8&ite=gri#top">on my Concours</a> (except in black, not red) I like the best because they're really cushy, grippy and have a bulge in the middle that fits the curve of my hand better. I had to cut the end off of that one to use the bar end weights, which wasn't bad at all.
It's a pretty biased opinion, since I've stuck to the one brand, but I've been very pleased (and I picked that brand over the other brands in stock) with each iteration I've tried. If I had it to do over again on the Blur, I'd get the Rally grips.
As for switching them out, I was able to pull the stock ones off without cutting or mutilating (just takes a little time). As for the hairspray, etc, I didn't bother with that either. I used rubbing alcohol when I did the Buddy's grips (fast drying, no residue) and that worked pretty well, but I couldn't ride for a little while afterward. The other two I just worked on and had no issues with.
Any 7/8" grips will work. Have fun!
