mine were custom braided by a friend, debby is going to have a set braided for her bike also. our harley shop has the store bought versions in stock, i'm with you, very surprised your HD shop didn't have them. did you ask? maybe they were out of stock, or keep them elsewhere? i have not installed a store bought set, but it appears that there are two different types, leather wrap like a steerieng wheel cover, and braided like a chinese finger puzzle. either type should simply slide over the levers and tighten the straps. i love mine, especially in the summer, as i were shorty gloves, and the levers dont get hot in the sun anymore.
i have had great luck with denniskirk.com you can order a free catalog for the harley and/or the metric bike, free shipping on all orders over $100.00, excellent service and quick shipping. once you have there catalogs, (as big as the old sears catalog) then the dreaming really begins, plus you can get a pretty good look at what you're ordering. good luck

Starmom:  check out these grips and fringe...

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cfm?model_ID=103&Category_ID=10&manu...

No mfg's product required.  J C Whitney has some nice ones.  Got mine locally at a HD repair shop.  Also, some people complain they 'whip' on your arm if wearing a short sleeve shirt.  RIDE SAFE!