Grip Heater Switch

Where are all of you mounting grip heater switches, controllers? A little scared to cut a hole in my plastic til I see that someone else has done it...

Any pics? Thanks!!!!

You can see my On/Off/Temp knob on the red panel to the left of the dash.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3471/3724555585_f233343409_o.jpg

BThomas,
Here's a pic showing where I located mine... I put it to the left side in the black plastic as I'm sure if I ever decided to remove it, that piece will be a whole lot less expensive than the red plastic! (the pic has my garage door opener swithc circled on the right. the grips switch is on the left side!)

By the way... the grip heaters are the best farkle for the $ I ever put on my bike! I LOVE 'EM!

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1235949961/gallery_9056_4462_405606.jpg

[image: View Post]Twox48, on 16 January 2010 - 09:09 AM, said:

BThomas,
Here's a pic showing where I located mine... I put it to the left side in the black plastic as I'm sure if I ever decided to remove it, that piece will be a whole lot less expensive than the red plastic! (the pic has my garage door opener swithc circled on the right. the grips switch is on the left side!)

By the way... the grip heaters are the best farkle for the $ I ever put on my bike! I LOVE 'EM!

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1235949961/gallery_9056_4462_405606.jpg

I put my switch in the exact same place - I have the same round rocker switch which came with my Symtec heaters. Unfortunately, I will be replacing the switch soon. Due to the fact that it isn't waterproof, and because it faces up, rain and wash-water have taken their toll on the contacts and corroded it. I hate to admit it, but I don't have a relay on switch/heater wiring and this switch problem left me stranded at work once - the switch shorted out and ran my heaters for who knows how long, leaving me w/ a dead battery at the end of the day.

So, in short, you want to: a) consider a different location(I like Tightwad's location best), or b) find a waterproof cover for it.

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on 16 January 2010 - 09:14 AM, said:

I put my switch in the exact same place - I have the same round rocker switch which came with my Symtec heaters. Unfortunately, I will be replacing the switch soon. Due to the fact that it isn't waterproof, and because it faces up, rain and wash-water have taken their toll on the contacts and corroded it. I hate to admit it, but I don't have a relay on switch/heater wiring and this switch problem left me stranded at work once - the switch shorted out and ran my heaters for who knows how long, leaving me w/ a dead battery at the end of the day.

So, in short, you want to: a) consider a different location(I like Tightwad's location best), or b) find a waterproof cover for it.


I too had a similar set up and it wasnt on a relay. Same problem: hard rain and dead battery. I switched to a better toggle and put it on a relay and now have happy days. There must be 3000 places to put it.

I am at a similar location, but I have not had any issues with the switch. Mine is wired through an auxiliary fuse box that is only hot when the key is on. Here you see it in the left dash panel right below a voltage readout.

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1246851954/gallery_3681_4773_733019.jpg
VFR For Sale Photos 010.jpg

I believe that is the handiest place for switches. All mine are there.

Mac

Just somthing to think about, left side is your clutch hand and it is usually free to adjust things, put tape down where you think you should put it then get on the bike and reach for it in riding postion check for ease of reach and if you can view it, I have my grip heater adjuster on the side dash but it cant see it and I have to reach under the handle bars its a bit awkward - I would not do that again If I refarkle.

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on 16 January 2010 - 09:14 AM, said:

[image: View Post]Twox48, on 16 January 2010 - 09:09 AM, said:

BThomas,


By the way... the grip heaters are the best farkle for the $ I ever put on my bike! I LOVE 'EM!

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1235949961/gallery_9056_4462_405606.jpg

I put my switch in the exact same place - I have the same round rocker switch which came with my Symtec heaters. Unfortunately, I will be replacing the switch soon. Due to the fact that it isn't waterproof, and because it faces up, rain and wash-water have taken their toll on the contacts and corroded it. I hate to admit it, but I don't have a relay on switch/heater wiring and this switch problem left me stranded at work once - the switch shorted out and ran my heaters for who knows how long, leaving me w/ a dead battery at the end of the day.

So, in short, you want to: a) consider a different location(I like Tightwad's location best), or b) find a waterproof cover for it.

Mine are also the same Symtec switch in that same exact spot. I just assumed the switch was waterproof, hmm, might have to think about that. What is Tightwad's location?

[image: View Post]Ryanme17, on 16 January 2010 - 01:12 PM, said:

Mine are also the same Symtec switch in that same exact spot. I just assumed the switch was waterproof, hmm, might have to think about that. What is Tightwad's location?

If you pack the switch with dielectric grease the day you get it, it should be fine. I didn't... :comp13: :blush:

OK, I have a Gen5, but the idea is the same.

I mounted my controller over the clutch reservoir on a small bracket. An alternative would be to mount the controller directly to the top of the reservoir using double sided tape.

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1228325948/gallery_5774_4309_1096673.jpg

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_images/light/snapback.png' alt='View Post' />SEBSPEED, on 16 January 2010 - 09:14 AM, said:

[image: View Post]Twox48, on 16 January 2010 - 09:09 AM, said:

I put my switch in the exact same place - I have the same round rocker switch which came with my Symtec heaters. Unfortunately, I will be replacing the switch soon. Due to the fact that it isn't waterproof, and because it faces up, rain and wash-water have taken their toll on the contacts and corroded it. I hate to admit it, but I don't have a relay on switch/heater wiring and this switch problem left me stranded at work once - the switch shorted out and ran my heaters for who knows how long, leaving me w/ a dead battery at the end of the day.

So, in short, you want to: a) consider a different location(I like Tightwad's location best), or b) find a waterproof cover for it.


OK, I'm gonna take some flak on this one but...
I don't ride in the rain if I can help it! Only if I get caught. I have a cage for when it's raining! And my grips are on a relay so no dead battery for me. I thought about the water getting in to the switch when I installed it but couldn't fins a small similar waterproof switc hI liked, I figured that I'll replace it when it craps out... I liked the spot. Easy for me to see & reach.

[image: View Post]Twox48, on 16 January 2010 - 03:07 PM, said:

I don't ride in the rain if I can help it! Only if I get caught. I have a cage for when it's raining!
Flugabwehrkanone given...........

[image: View Post]Twox48, on 16 January 2010 - 05:09 AM, said:

BThomas,
Here's a pic showing where I located mine... I put it to the left side in the black plastic as I'm sure if I ever decided to remove it, that piece will be a whole lot less expensive than the red plastic! (the pic has my garage door opener swithc circled on the right. the grips switch is on the left side!)

By the way... the grip heaters are the best farkle for the $ I ever put on my bike! I LOVE 'EM!

[image: View Post]Earthshake, on 16 January 2010 - 06:35 AM, said:

I am at a similar location, but I have not had any issues with the switch. Mine is wired through an auxiliary fuse box that is only hot when the key is on. Here you see it in the left dash panel right below a voltage readout.

Where did you guys get these 3 position rockers?? I've been looking for exactly that switch to replace an old 3P toggle for my grip heaters.

[image: View Post]vfrcapn, on 16 January 2010 - 03:17 PM, said:

Where did you guys get these 3 position rockers?? I've been looking for exactly that switch to replace an old 3P toggle for my grip heaters.

You can get 3 position rockers just about anywhere, radio shack, electronics stores, online, even Meijers or Walmart! Finding a waterproof one might be more difficult, though.

[image: View Post]Ryanme17, on 16 January 2010 - 12:22 PM, said:

[image: View Post]vfrcapn, on 16 January 2010 - 03:17 PM, said:

Where did you guys get these 3 position rockers?? I've been looking for exactly that switch to replace an old 3P toggle for my grip heaters.

You can get 3 position rockers just about anywhere, radio shack, electronics stores, online, even Meijers or Walmart! Finding a waterproof one might be more difficult, though.
Radioshack doesn't carry the 3 position round rocker like in the pics, at least around here. I've checked a couple local elec stores and they didn't have them. I'll have to search online I guess.

I've got the same switch. It came with the Symtec heated grips, that I've yet to install. But I like Two's location. That's probably where I'll put mine.

[image: View Post]vfrcapn, on 16 January 2010 - 02:17 PM, said:

Where did you guys get these 3 position rockers?? I've been looking for exactly that switch to replace an old 3P toggle for my grip heaters.

$5.00 option with DualStar grips! :fing02:
[image: Attached Image]
My 3 position switch is just in front of this powerlet plug.

Tightwad has these at WireMyBike.com. $3.45 each.

http://www.wiremybike.com/images/onoffonswitch.jpg

VFRD member Tightwad sells the switches on his site. I had one crap out from water too. I took apart the new one and packed it with dielectric grease.

Switch

[image: View Post]BaileyRock, on 16 January 2010 - 01:18 PM, said:

[image: View Post]vfrcapn, on 16 January 2010 - 02:17 PM, said:

Where did you guys get these 3 position rockers?? I've been looking for exactly that switch to replace an old 3P toggle for my grip heaters.

$5.00 option with DualStar grips! :fing02:
[image: Attachment] copied pics 058.jpg
My 3 position switch is just in front of this powerlet plug.


I have had Dual-Stars on two bikes and I have a set for my DRZ. On my VFR I did not want to cut into the plastics, so I went with this option. I picked up the mini switch and housing from Hotgrips, but I looked and can't find the mini on/off/on, just the regular size.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h56/B12nscott/VFR/IMG_0763.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h56/B12nscott/VFR/IMG_0762.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h56/B12nscott/VFR/IMG_0761.jpg

[image: View Post]Knife, on 16 January 2010 - 04:34 PM, said:

Tightwad has these at WireMyBike.com. $3.45 each.

http://www.wiremybike.com/images/onoffonswitch.jpg

Great minds think a like :laugh:

I bought Carlingtech Rockers because they're marine grade(vibe proof, waterproof, and ignition proof). I very reluctantly started hacking away. They worked great but it was little troublesome disconnecting the wires when I needed to remove the cowl.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e81/Dutch9090/VFR%20Misc/0096.jpg http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e81/Dutch9090/VFR%20Misc/Scooter087.jpg


After I threw the bike down I bought new cowls and decided to mount the same switches on the inner panel below the bars. Like HS said earlier definitely think it through because the location can be a hassle/dangerous if you have to reach under the bars while riding.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e81/Dutch9090/VFR%20Misc/IMG_2772.jpg

I made a simple right angle bracket out of aluminum and using that mounted a toggle switch to the lower screws holding the clutch lever assembly onto the bars. I can turn it on with my thumb while still keeping my hand on my grip.

[image: View Post]swimmer, on 16 January 2010 - 05:31 PM, said:

I made a simple right angle bracket out of aluminum and using that mounted a toggle switch to the lower screws holding the clutch lever assembly onto the bars. I can turn it on with my thumb while still keeping my hand on my grip.


Swimmer,
That's Tucson, AZ, right?
You can bust me about not wanting to ride in the rain but what's a guy in Tuscon need grip warmers for??? :huh: Here in New England we ride in mesh jackets till it gets below 45!

Swimmer,
That's Tucson, AZ, right?
You can bust me about not wanting to ride in the rain but what's a guy in Tuscon need grip warmers for??? :huh: Here in New England we ride in mesh jackets till it gets below 45!
[/quote]

I ride with my mesh jacket year round. I did today! :goofy: I had the rain proof inner liner, but not the quilted liner. I think it's too bulky. I also added a heated jacket liner. Though it was mild today, 45, compared to what it's been the last month or so.

[image: View Post]bryan217, on 16 January 2010 - 07:02 PM, said:

Swimmer,
That's Tucson, AZ, right?
You can bust me about not wanting to ride in the rain but what's a guy in Tuscon need grip warmers for??? :huh: Here in New England we ride in mesh jackets till it gets below 45!

I ride with my mesh jacket year round. I did today! :goofy: I had the rain proof inner liner, but not the quilted liner. I think it's too bulky. I also added a heated jacket liner. Though it was mild today, 45, compared to what it's been the last month or so.
[/quote]

1. Normal winter temps here in the morning are low 30's with upper 20's not being too uncommon. Not too many people would be happy riding in those temps without heated grips/gloves or a very good pair of winter gloves.
2. My motorcycle is not confined to one state or elevation.
3. I also have a heated vest.

Thanks you guys for all the info... I have the round switch that came with my Symtec heaters but I think I am going to find a waterproof marine rocker--i just assumed the switch from Symtec was waterproof??? Not sure yet which place I'll put the switch but all the photos in this string looked really good...Also, I have Tightwad's fuse block and will be powering to that as suggested above.

Anyway, thanks a ton!!! I'll post a pic when I'm done!

you can see my switch at the bottom left. It went there because there was already a hole there from the previous owner. The symtech switch pooped the bed and this is a replacement. I found it hard to find good switches that are "off centre".
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm313/timmythecop/025-1.jpg

well, the switch pictured in the above post took a crap. I decided that I only use my grip heaters on hi, so I got a waterproof push-to-operate switch but it was one that was just on-off. I liked the result so much that I'm going to do the same thing again with an orange light for low, right next to the red one.
off
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm313/timmythecop/002-6.jpg
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm313/timmythecop/004-7.jpg
on
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm313/timmythecop/001-8.jpg
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm313/timmythecop/003-10.jpg

Now you can tell all the beemer guys that you have NOS!! :goofy:

[image: View Post]Bthomas, on 16 January 2010 - 07:50 AM, said:

Where are all of you mounting grip heater switches, controllers? A little scared to cut a hole in my plastic til I see that someone else has done it...

Any pics? Thanks!!!!
http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1159290340/gallery_285_20_390561.jpg
Switch.jpg Here's my OEM Style Grip heater switch install I did to my 4th gen

Beck 95 VFR

Here's my grip heater three-way (High-Off-Low) switch mounted in the right switch pod, right above the starter switch where US bikes do not have the headlight switch.
Switch came from a 12V halogen desk lamp that I had lying around.
It's been there for about three years now with no problems.

Beck
95 VFR

[image: View Post]Beck, on 20 January 2010 - 05:41 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Bthomas, on 16 January 2010 - 07:50 AM, said:

Where are all of you mounting grip heater switches, controllers? A little scared to cut a hole in my plastic til I see that someone else has done it...

Any pics? Thanks!!!!
http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1159290340/gallery_285_20_390561.jpg
Switch.jpg Here's my OEM Style Grip heater switch install I did to my 4th gen

Beck 95 VFR

Here's my grip heater three-way (High-Off-Low) switch mounted in the right switch pod, right above the starter switch where US bikes do not have the headlight switch.
Switch came from a 12V halogen desk lamp that I had lying around.
It's been there for about three years now with no problems.

Beck
95 VFR

Nice! :fing02:

Ihave an extra right switchgear and I've been tempted to try that, but to be honest, my fumbly fingers might make it very difficult for all that micro work........

Tightwad's got a nice spot for his, he mounted it upside down in one of the plastic triangles behind the windscreen. Won't get water in there!

[image: View Post]Bthomas, on 18 January 2010 - 12:38 PM, said:

Thanks you guys for all the info... I have the round switch that came with my Symtec heaters but I think I am going to find a waterproof marine rocker--i just assumed the switch from Symtec was waterproof??? Not sure yet which place I'll put the switch but all the photos in this string looked really good...Also, I have Tightwad's fuse block and will be powering to that as suggested above.

Anyway, thanks a ton!!! I'll post a pic when I'm done!

A buddy who's way better at electronics than I came over and we finished putting in Tightwad's fuse block, my grip heaters and a radio. I used a sealed, lighted marine on-off-on rocker switch. I like the way it came out. I love the heated grips--just as hot as my OEM ST1300 grips and about $300 less!!!!

Anyway, thanks all of you for the ideas!

Attached thumbnail(s)

• [image: Attached Image]
• [image: Attached Image]

Those are great switches. A bit big for that particular application, if you ask me. But a very nice installation job. Now if I only had a friend like that who could help me install my Symtech grip heaters and Tightwad's fuse block. :unsure:

Since my location (and switches) have been referenced I thought I would finally get around to linking a pic:
http://wiremybike.com/Gallery/albums/Voltgauge/Heated_Grip_Install_005.jpg

I like the location, even tho it is above my throttle hand...it's easy to get to and almost invisible. I have a push button under the left windshield pillar that opens my garage door.

A little late to the game but here's yet another option for mounting the grip heater switch.

It fits here so perfectly that I assumed they started with one of these switches then built a bike around it. It pushes into place and stays there. I've had to remove it a couple times for other maintenance and I can just gently pry it up with a small blade screwdriver.

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1264477361/gallery_17747_5163_158893.jpg

[image: View Post]BCmcrider, on 11 February 2010 - 11:49 PM, said:

A little late to the game but here's yet another option for mounting the grip heater switch.

It fits here so perfectly that I assumed they started with one of these switches then built a bike around it. It pushes into place and stays there. I've had to remove it a couple times for other maintenance and I can just gently pry it up with a small blade screwdriver.

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1264477361/gallery_17747_5163_158893.jpg


Now you show up to the game... After I had to drink half a 5th and take 3 anxiety pills while my buddy cut a hole in my 6mo old bike!!!!! :ohmy: That looks nice!

[image: View Post]Bthomas, on 11 February 2010 - 11:06 PM, said:

[image: View Post]BCmcrider, on 11 February 2010 - 11:49 PM, said:

A little late to the game but here's yet another option for mounting the grip heater switch.

It fits here so perfectly that I assumed they started with one of these switches then built a bike around it. It pushes into place and stays there. I've had to remove it a couple times for other maintenance and I can just gently pry it up with a small blade screwdriver.

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1264477361/gallery_17747_5163_158893.jpg


Now you show up to the game... After I had to drink half a 5th and take 3 anxiety pills while my buddy cut a hole in my 6mo old bike!!!!! :ohmy: That looks nice!


But then I'd have to move my Powerlet! :)

Flash

So if the symantec switches aren't waterproof, could I just put hot glue around it to waterproof it?

[image: View Post]danmurphymn, on 20 February 2010 - 11:32 AM, said:

So if the symantec switches aren't waterproof, could I just put hot glue around it to waterproof it?

I believe problems start when water goes between the round toggle and the larger ring surrounding it. I don't think its water that goes between the larger round ring and mounting platform (bike) that creates the issues. I think putting hot glue inside the switch (betw the toggle and the surround) would ruin the switch. Sebspeed suggested packing it with dielectric grease prior to installation--that might work?

It also sounds like lots of people have installed it and not had any problems... I don't know--my buddy who installs stuff like this for a living told me that every switch put on a bike or a boat should be of the sealed, water-resistant/proof variety. Living in Oregon, I ride in the rain a lot and my bike sits in the rain a lot. To me, it was an easy $9 insurance policy to buy a waterproof one...