If you've got 'em, what is your favorite heated grip?
Why?
Anything that has caused problems??
I wanna hear all the good and bad.
Thanks
Why?
Anything that has caused problems??
I wanna hear all the good and bad.
Thanks
What are your favorite heated grips??
28 posts Started 19 Nov 2011 Last recovered post 4 Dec 2011 Wayback Machine snapshot 27 Jul 2012
Symtec heated grips. Easy install, low cost and worked great.
I've had 3 types of heated grips on my Hawk GT.
I've used one of the varieties of install-them-under-any-handgrips-you-want (like the symtec ones). However, the wires to the grip heaters broke off after only a little usage. (Apparently I had not left enough slack with the wiring.)
I've also tried the wrap-them-over-the-top-of-any-handgrips-you-want kind (like the ones that Aerostich carries here). Those are convenient & portable, and allow you to have heated grips whenever you want (or to remove them for your normal grips when you don't want). You do need an electrical plug somewhere accessible (like an SAE plug for a battery tender or an electric vest).
I've also had hotgrips on my Hawk GT for 10 years now, along with the optional variable controller (in place of the standard combination of an off-low-high switch & resistor). I've been happy with them.
Overall impressions of the hotgrips?
I can post pix if you want to see them. Just let me know.
-Ron
I've used one of the varieties of install-them-under-any-handgrips-you-want (like the symtec ones). However, the wires to the grip heaters broke off after only a little usage. (Apparently I had not left enough slack with the wiring.)
I've also tried the wrap-them-over-the-top-of-any-handgrips-you-want kind (like the ones that Aerostich carries here). Those are convenient & portable, and allow you to have heated grips whenever you want (or to remove them for your normal grips when you don't want). You do need an electrical plug somewhere accessible (like an SAE plug for a battery tender or an electric vest).
I've also had hotgrips on my Hawk GT for 10 years now, along with the optional variable controller (in place of the standard combination of an off-low-high switch & resistor). I've been happy with them.
Overall impressions of the hotgrips?
- I like them.
- I recommend the variable/dial controller - it's nice to be able to warm up the grips with full heat, and then taper them off when things get toasty.
- They're of a slightly larger outer diameter than the normal honda handlebar grips, but some people go with larger-diameter grips for ergonomic reasons, so they work for me.
- The grip material IS hard - after 10 years & 30,000 miles of use, they show some wear, but I do not have any immediate need to replace them.
- Which is good, because I used their recommended epoxy to put the things on - and I don't know how/if they'll even come off.
- (I figure that process will be pretty destructive to the grips if & when that time comes.)
- I have not had even a threat of the same wiring problem that I encountered with the earlier grips; the junction where the wires meet the hotgrip is reinforced considerably (AND we now have a sufficient amount of slack).
- There is another downside to the grips, in that they're not as comfortable as I would like them to be. I sometimes add a 2-inch wide strip of neoprene handlebar cover in the middle of the bar, to give them a more stepped/barrel-shaped appearance. That helps on longer trips.
- Would I use them again?
- Yes.
- I've been planning to add a set to the VFR as well.
- But that's taken a lower priority - if it's really cold, I already have one bike with heated grips, and it's the bike without expensive bodywork should I encounter an icy patch.
- If/when I do get around to putting them on the VFR, I'll probably check out their Ergo1 & Ergo2 models, to see if either of those would be more comfortable.
- Until then, I can also use my old wrap-them-over-the-existing-handgrip heaters when I do want to electrify the VFR (I still have them, and they still work).
- Yes.
I can post pix if you want to see them. Just let me know.
-Ron
Symtec. It was 34 degrees riding into work tonight. "High" was too warm, had to back them off to "low"
all for around 30 bucks.
all for around 30 bucks.
Symtec universal under grip set. I live in So. Ca. but morning and evening trips here near the coast are so much nicer with the temp on the low setting. High setting is for more extreme cold. Two seasons now with no problems. Easy install.
I think there's a well known member here who installed them under his Corbin seat to keep the boys from freezing. :tongue:
I think there's a well known member here who installed them under his Corbin seat to keep the boys from freezing. :tongue:
[image: View Post]Earthshake, on 18 November 2011 - 11:50 PM, said:
Symtec heated grips. Easy install, low cost and worked great.+1
Hotgrips...no issues, no muss, no fuss. They just work, and they get HOT. Hot to the point that even with gloves, I can't keep my hands on them. (I've used mine down to 33 degrees)
Oxford sport gripz....Easy install....feel is good....4 heat settings....Hotter than needed.....Would buy them again
My '01 came with the Hot Grips Ergo 1's already installed by the PO--bike originally came from NY. While I liked the idea of heated grips, I was concerned/halfway convinced that the rather hard ribbed design of the grips was a significant factor in the throttle hand discomfort--well above anything I'd felt on any of my other bikes, even my CBRs with much harsher ergos--I was experiencing. Despite the double palm-padding of my gloves, the ribs create pressure points across the palm: all the weight normally borne by your hands, but focused on (only) half the surface area.
However, while I'm still convinced the ribbing is less than ideal for exactly the reason I describe, my clip-on swap/realignment has improved the overall situation to the point where the ribbed grips in and of themselves are not a problem.
Having said all that, the things work great--have only needed the "low" setting so far; it'd have to be some kind of (non-Florida) serious cold to merit the "high" setting. Somewhat ironically, in the cooler morning temps on my ride back from Indy, turning on the heated grips helped alleviate the worst of the hand cramping/pain caused, in part, by the grips themselves.
As for the rest:
The grips do show some fairly obvious signs of wear--slight surface "tearing"/"suede-ing" of the rubber ribs--like a mild version of a tire after track use--but nothing of any real (functional) concern, and I don't honestly know how long the grips have been on the bike, although I bought the thing with a relatively modest 14K on the clock.
The optional/accessory bar-end spacers kit Hot Grips sells (for a minimal $3)--or a suitable substitute spacer arrangement--needs to be used for fitment on the VFR if you retain the stock bar-ends.
Removal of the epoxy-fitted grips was not a problem when I performed my clip-on swap (right-for-left and left-for-right); the standard compressed-air method of removal worked just fine. The (1" ID) grips utilize a plastic sleeve for use on standard 7/8" 'bars, and neither the sleeve nor the rubber grip itself adhere to the epoxy with any great force; the epoxy sticks to the metal 'bar (and must be (easily) shaved/sanded off) and then just kind of fills the gaps/crevasses and keeps things in place that way.
[image: vfr_mods_061.jpg]
However, while I'm still convinced the ribbing is less than ideal for exactly the reason I describe, my clip-on swap/realignment has improved the overall situation to the point where the ribbed grips in and of themselves are not a problem.
Having said all that, the things work great--have only needed the "low" setting so far; it'd have to be some kind of (non-Florida) serious cold to merit the "high" setting. Somewhat ironically, in the cooler morning temps on my ride back from Indy, turning on the heated grips helped alleviate the worst of the hand cramping/pain caused, in part, by the grips themselves.
As for the rest:
The grips do show some fairly obvious signs of wear--slight surface "tearing"/"suede-ing" of the rubber ribs--like a mild version of a tire after track use--but nothing of any real (functional) concern, and I don't honestly know how long the grips have been on the bike, although I bought the thing with a relatively modest 14K on the clock.
The optional/accessory bar-end spacers kit Hot Grips sells (for a minimal $3)--or a suitable substitute spacer arrangement--needs to be used for fitment on the VFR if you retain the stock bar-ends.
Removal of the epoxy-fitted grips was not a problem when I performed my clip-on swap (right-for-left and left-for-right); the standard compressed-air method of removal worked just fine. The (1" ID) grips utilize a plastic sleeve for use on standard 7/8" 'bars, and neither the sleeve nor the rubber grip itself adhere to the epoxy with any great force; the epoxy sticks to the metal 'bar (and must be (easily) shaved/sanded off) and then just kind of fills the gaps/crevasses and keeps things in place that way.
[image: vfr_mods_061.jpg]
HOT GRIPS.
It don't get no better.
Mac
It don't get no better.
Mac
Symtec!
Hein Gericke. Everything good that has been said above.
Oxford Gripz. Slightly larger diameter than OEM. Work well and I use them a lot more than I ever thought I would. Heaters go on whenever the fingers are feeling cool where once I would have toughed it out. Haven't had them long enough for any problems to show.
Kit was complete and I haven't needed to use any glue on either side - yet. Both grips were an interference fit.
Kit was complete and I haven't needed to use any glue on either side - yet. Both grips were an interference fit.
I have some of the flat, under-the-grip heated elements on my 5th gen. Unknown make, but they work great. Hot setting is just right when ambient temp is 32 to 38 degrees, and low setting is good for temperatures up to about 55.
I installed some Hot Grips Ergo 1 grips on my 98 Honda Pacific Coast. I am disappointed in their performance. The hot setting on the Ergo 1 grips is about the same as the low setting on my VFR. I wish I had purchased the high performance Hot Grips. Too late now, they are epoxied on, per Hot Grip instructions.
Jeff J.
98 Honda PC 86,000 miles
98 VFR 70,000 miles
I installed some Hot Grips Ergo 1 grips on my 98 Honda Pacific Coast. I am disappointed in their performance. The hot setting on the Ergo 1 grips is about the same as the low setting on my VFR. I wish I had purchased the high performance Hot Grips. Too late now, they are epoxied on, per Hot Grip instructions.
Jeff J.
98 Honda PC 86,000 miles
98 VFR 70,000 miles
Alright, I think I've decided on the Symtec under grip heaters. Thanks for the awesome responses.
Now for part two of this questions:
My VFR needs new grips, what is the consensus our there for that one???
Now for part two of this questions:
My VFR needs new grips, what is the consensus our there for that one???
Dual Star, lasted me 8-9 years so far. Easy to put on, inexpensive.
http://www.dual-star...ed_grip_kit.htm
http://www.dual-star...ed_grip_kit.htm
Dual Stars are great.
Timely thread. I could have used some heated grips today. Instead, I had some ski gloves that did keep my hands pretty warm despite the temp falling sharply as I went up to about 3000' elevation. My chest got really cold also, mainly where the air flow was compressing my down vest under my suit...Toasty on my back, freezing on my shoulders. I did have a numb thumb when I got off after about 2hrs...I bet with heated grips, probably not. Any issues with current draw or RR problems, running current to grips and maybe a vest?
Now that I have a sport touring bike, I plan on riding a lot more... On my pure sport bikes, I wouldn't even consider going out if it was at all cold or unpleasant....it was painful enough just sitting on them for more than a few hrs at a go....add some 'iffy' weather and who needs it?
Now that I have a sport touring bike, I plan on riding a lot more... On my pure sport bikes, I wouldn't even consider going out if it was at all cold or unpleasant....it was painful enough just sitting on them for more than a few hrs at a go....add some 'iffy' weather and who needs it?
Symtec!
Reasons,
Cost
Feel,You use your favorite grips.For me this is very important .I feel the over grip and Hot Grip type ones are too big and feel odd.If you want a finer feel of control the Symtecs give you that,...for $35.00!!!
Reasons,
Cost
Feel,You use your favorite grips.For me this is very important .I feel the over grip and Hot Grip type ones are too big and feel odd.If you want a finer feel of control the Symtecs give you that,...for $35.00!!!
[image: View Post]mznyc, on 27 November 2011 - 10:10 AM, said:
Symtec!Reasons,
Cost
Feel,You use your favorite grips.For me this is very important .I feel the over grip and Hot Grip type ones are too big and feel odd.If you want a finer feel of control the Symtecs give you that,...for $35.00!!!
Where do you find these for $35? My google says they are lots more expensive and you must also buy the controller? Am I missing something? I do need new grips anyhow, so I am looking into putting heat in there at the same time..Help?
Don Hanson
Oops sorry $30.30.Includes Hi-Lo-Off switch.
http://www.amazon.co...d=3JNHDWFBTD811
You can use your old grips if you can remove them without damaging them.which you should be able to do.
http://www.amazon.co...d=3JNHDWFBTD811
You can use your old grips if you can remove them without damaging them.which you should be able to do.
[image: View Post]mznyc, on 27 November 2011 - 07:32 PM, said:
Oops sorry $30.30.Includes Hi-Lo-Off switch.http://www.amazon.co...d=3JNHDWFBTD811
You can use your old grips if you can remove them without damaging them.which you should be able to do.
Thanks, ordered some up just now.
[image: View Post]gnarly928, on 26 November 2011 - 11:15 PM, said:
Timely thread. I could have used some heated grips today. Instead, I had some ski gloves that did keep my hands pretty warm despite the temp falling sharply as I went up to about 3000' elevation. My chest got really cold also, mainly where the air flow was compressing my down vest under my suit...Toasty on my back, freezing on my shoulders. I did have a numb thumb when I got off after about 2hrs...I bet with heated grips, probably not. Any issues with current draw or RR problems, running current to grips and maybe a vest?Now that I have a sport touring bike, I plan on riding a lot more... On my pure sport bikes, I wouldn't even consider going out if it was at all cold or unpleasant....it was painful enough just sitting on them for more than a few hrs at a go....add some 'iffy' weather and who needs it?
[image: View Post]gnarly928, on 26 November 2011 - 11:15 PM, said:
Timely thread. I could have used some heated grips today. Instead, I had some ski gloves that did keep my hands pretty warm despite the temp falling sharply as I went up to about 3000' elevation. My chest got really cold also, mainly where the air flow was compressing my down vest under my suit...Toasty on my back, freezing on my shoulders. I did have a numb thumb when I got off after about 2hrs...I bet with heated grips, probably not. Any issues with current draw or RR problems, running current to grips and maybe a vest?Now that I have a sport touring bike, I plan on riding a lot more... On my pure sport bikes, I wouldn't even consider going out if it was at all cold or unpleasant....it was painful enough just sitting on them for more than a few hrs at a go....add some 'iffy' weather and who needs it?
Using heated grips and a heated vest,I'm able to ride into the upper 30's no problem.Really extends your riding season .
If you run any accessory through a relayed circuit you will be assured that it won't draw when the bike is shut off.Don't have the specs on hand,but the bike should be able to handle grips,heated vest,driving lights and,a small additional item,i.e. GPS,phone,etc.Member Tightwad sells high quality wiring harnesses for the VFR and would have exact specs on what the bike can handle.
I just ordered a set of Symtecs as I have a couple winter projects in need of some heated grips.Already have a set on the VFR.Also ordered these,
http://www.amazon.co...=A1QMOGWERWEUPX
,have no experience with them but for $27 worth an experiment and they were about 10 bucks cheaper,I'll do a comparo when I get both.
I like Pro Grip Gels grips.Give you race grip feel,but gel insulates vibration on longer trips.And they don't feel that much unlike a certain part of the female anatomy! :goofy:
http://www.amazon.co...=A1QMOGWERWEUPX
,have no experience with them but for $27 worth an experiment and they were about 10 bucks cheaper,I'll do a comparo when I get both.
I like Pro Grip Gels grips.Give you race grip feel,but gel insulates vibration on longer trips.And they don't feel that much unlike a certain part of the female anatomy! :goofy:
[image: View Post]gnarly928, on 27 November 2011 - 08:03 PM, said:
[image: View Post]mznyc, on 27 November 2011 - 07:32 PM, said:
Oops sorry $30.30.Includes Hi-Lo-Off switch.http://www.amazon.co...d=3JNHDWFBTD811
You can use your old grips if you can remove them without damaging them.which you should be able to do.
Thanks, ordered some up just now.
I put mine on today...wanted to get outside after the freezing fog burned off, but the install took me most of the day, including a 40 mile trip to town for wire and connectors. Actually went pretty easy, though the weights in my bars are kinda buggered up so that took a bit of 'finesse' to get the grips back on and make the throttle turn smoothly. I used spray adhesive to put the grips on over the Symtec heater pads.
When I got finished, it was just getting dark and it was about 34 with dropping temp...so I forgo-ed the test ride till mid-day tomorrow. Again, I forgot about the VFR kill switch, which I'd bumped during all my fishing around with wire and stuff....so when I turned on the key.....I got the dreaded...Lit FI light and no start....I thought "Oh Great! Another stellar 'fix' that resulted in a different problem"....but then I remembered that switch....sure enough, it was off...
I also got my paint in the mail......about $130 worth of Honda Tempest Gray metalic/clear. And I got notice the decals are 'in the mail' too...So I am moving right along....
Don Hanson
i have the oxford grips and love them . they have 4 settings and to this day have never run full heat and ive riddin in - 5 . even 75 can be a little warm sometimes . they feel great i love that they are a little thicker in diamimeter then stock and and first i was a little hessatant to use the super glue that came with them but they have been on my bike and worked flawlwssly and have never come loose or twist . they are a little pricey at 60-75 on ebay ... but u know the old saying " u get what u pay for "
This is a post I did on the Crybaby-14 forum a month ago.
Some of the sales links expired but the pictures are still there and the sellers have the items still for sale.
I just installed these on several of my bikes.
http://www.ebay.com/...984.m1438.l2649
Fairly simple install. About an hour per bike.
They have a high and low. High gets very hot.
I just bought six of these to install on my friends bikes, basically to get them to stop whining about their hands being cold.
http://www.ebay.com/...984.m1439.l2649
They should be just as good minus the low heat setting. But the price it definately right.
I have these on my C-14 and I have put them on several other bikes with a good outcome.
http://www.ebay.com/...984.m1438.l2649
They are a bit more.
The heat range is fully adjustable.
You can mount the switch in the left Aux outlet hole.
The grip itself has a wider diameter and is a bit more comfortable over the stock grips.
The seller FlyNCycle is a decent Ebay vendor. I buy a lot of stuff from him and I have never had an issue.
Some of the sales links expired but the pictures are still there and the sellers have the items still for sale.
I just installed these on several of my bikes.
http://www.ebay.com/...984.m1438.l2649
Fairly simple install. About an hour per bike.
They have a high and low. High gets very hot.
I just bought six of these to install on my friends bikes, basically to get them to stop whining about their hands being cold.
http://www.ebay.com/...984.m1439.l2649
They should be just as good minus the low heat setting. But the price it definately right.
I have these on my C-14 and I have put them on several other bikes with a good outcome.
http://www.ebay.com/...984.m1438.l2649
They are a bit more.
The heat range is fully adjustable.
You can mount the switch in the left Aux outlet hole.
The grip itself has a wider diameter and is a bit more comfortable over the stock grips.
The seller FlyNCycle is a decent Ebay vendor. I buy a lot of stuff from him and I have never had an issue.
[image: index.php?app=gallery&module=images§ion=img_ctrl&img=424]
DSC00276.JPG
Album: "Presious"
Uploaded 31 Oct 2009 - 16:24
[image: index.php?app=gallery&module=images§ion=img_ctrl&img=424] DSC00275.JPG Album: "Presious" Uploaded 31 Oct 2009 - 16:23
[image: index.php?app=gallery&module=images§ion=img_ctrl&img=424] DSC00274.JPG Album: "Presious" Uploaded 31 Oct 2009 - 16:22
[image: index.php?app=gallery&module=images§ion=img_ctrl&img=424] DSC00273.JPG Album: "Presious" Uploaded 31 Oct 2009 - 16:21
[image: index.php?app=gallery&module=images§ion=img_ctrl&img=424] DSC00277.JPG Album: "Presious" Uploaded 31 Oct 2009 - 16:25
This is my solution, I've had heated grips(Two stage on my BMW) , but like this way better.
[image: index.php?app=gallery&module=images§ion=img_ctrl&img=424] DSC00275.JPG Album: "Presious" Uploaded 31 Oct 2009 - 16:23
[image: index.php?app=gallery&module=images§ion=img_ctrl&img=424] DSC00274.JPG Album: "Presious" Uploaded 31 Oct 2009 - 16:22
[image: index.php?app=gallery&module=images§ion=img_ctrl&img=424] DSC00273.JPG Album: "Presious" Uploaded 31 Oct 2009 - 16:21
[image: index.php?app=gallery&module=images§ion=img_ctrl&img=424] DSC00277.JPG Album: "Presious" Uploaded 31 Oct 2009 - 16:25
This is my solution, I've had heated grips(Two stage on my BMW) , but like this way better.
End of thread · 28 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 27 Jul 2012