Grip heaters

[gregory]

Just wondering what is best?

something like this high dollar

or something like this low dollar

Right now, my "heat needs" are not that great. In a coupla years I will be in much colder climate so I a looking long term. Is it worth it (expense wise ) to go the hear troller route? do the cheap ones last and produce much heat?

TIA,

Greg

 

[SLK50]

Yes. And oh yeah...Yes.

 

[paulie]

I went through the same issues and decided on the factory grips (a high dollar option). I'm glad I did. Here are my reasons:

(1) While expensive, by the time you added in the Heatroller it wasn't that much more.

(2) The really cheap ones require some jury rigged wiring.

(3) Installation was a snap. They are totally plug-n'-play. Find the right plug, snap it in, and your wiring is done.

(4) You get a new throttle cable housing that routes the wires on the right side in a totally unobtrusive way. A custom clamp on the left side does the same there.

(5) The unit comes with its own rotary variable temp adjuster that snaps right into a pre-drilled hole in the fairing. Very clean.

(6) The location of the controller is very convenient but doesn't clutter the handlebars.

(7) They put out way more than enough heat, and I say that living in Alaska. I never use them on high setting - usually about 1/2.

(8) I suspect that factory options increase the resale value of the bike compared to aftermarket because they look more "finished".

(9) I can't speak to durability since I've only had them on for one riding season.

So, you can save $100 bucks or thereabouts with aftermarket, or you can suck up for the $300 and have a totally stock looking install. I"m happy with my decision to spend the extra bucks.

Paulie

 

[gregory]

Thanks guys

Greg

 

[jnor]

I've got the cheap wrap around kind from Aerostitch.....i've had them on 4 bikes $45.00

 

[Harald]

For about $160, you can have some really nice grips that look almost factory installed and include a nice looking controller. They were made for a Honda ST1300, but I won't hold that against them. Check THIS thread for pics and part number. They do require some custom wiring and plastic cutting. Mine have worked great for a year now and with some grip puppies ontop, are very comfy.

 

[Fencer]

Dont get the cheapies as they are hard on the electrical system.

 

[s_boy]

I went through the same issues and decided on the factory grips (a high dollar option). I'm glad I did. Here are my reasons:
(1) While expensive, by the time you added in the Heatroller it wasn't that much more.

(2) The really cheap ones require some jury rigged wiring.

(3) Installation was a snap. They are totally plug-n'-play. Find the right plug, snap it in, and your wiring is done.

(4) You get a new throttle cable housing that routes the wires on the right side in a totally unobtrusive way. A custom clamp on the left side does the same there.

(5) The unit comes with its own rotary variable temp adjuster that snaps right into a pre-drilled hole in the fairing. Very clean.

(6) The location of the controller is very convenient but doesn't clutter the handlebars.

(7) They put out way more than enough heat, and I say that living in Alaska. I never use them on high setting - usually about 1/2.

(8) I suspect that factory options increase the resale value of the bike compared to aftermarket because they look more "finished".

(9) I can't speak to durability since I've only had them on for one riding season.

So, you can save $100 bucks or thereabouts with aftermarket, or you can suck up for the $300 and have a totally stock looking install. I"m happy with my decision to spend the extra bucks.

Paulie

dittos +1... couldn't have said it better... my yammy grip heaters will be on order soon.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Had heated grips on the last bike and they were OK for a fall ride home. But when it gets cold enough to need heat, I'll take the heated gloves without any hesitation at all.

 

[Colin24]

Dont mean to hijack the thread. But have you considerd the VStrom Hand Guards Farkle instead of heated grips? (If you have an AE see the VStrom Hand Guards For AE)

It has the advantage over heated grips of

- Zero power consumption (leaving precious electrons for other uses, like heated pants and jacket)

- Keeps your gloves/hands dry(er) since they are out of the rain.

- Uber-Reliable. No electrics or moving parts to fail, ever!

- EZ to install. Seriously, 20 minutes at most with very simple hand tools and you dont have to pull any panels off the bike. (Like the inner fairing panels to get to the battery hookup, which you would have to do for heated grips.)

- Cheap! Total parts should be less than $100.

Put them on my bike over two years ago and I swear by them now. After a year of seeing them on my bike even my Dad came around and agreed to a set on his FJR. (He likes them too!). Plus I have discovered that the underside of the hand guard makes a sweet location for mounting switches for other accessories.

- Colin

 

[Jagermeister]

Dont mean to hijack the thread. But have you considerd the VStrom Hand Guards Farkle instead of heated grips? (If you have an AE see the VStrom Hand Guards For AE)
It has the advantage over heated grips of

- Zero power consumption (leaving precious electrons for other uses, like heated pants and jacket)

- Keeps your gloves/hands dry(er) since they are out of the rain.

- Uber-Reliable. No electrics or moving parts to fail, ever!

- EZ to install. Seriously, 20 minutes at most with very simple hand tools and you dont have to pull any panels off the bike. (Like the inner fairing panels to get to the battery hookup, which you would have to do for heated grips.)

- Cheap! Total parts should be less than $100.

Put them on my bike over two years ago and I swear by them now. After a year of seeing them on my bike even my Dad came around and agreed to a set on his FJR. (He likes them too!). Plus I have discovered that the underside of the hand guard makes a sweet location for mounting switches for other accessories.

- Colin

+1

 

[Panman]

I agree with Harald

I use the ST1300 grips also, I also have the V-Strom Hand Guards. I feel it is a great combination I don't have wear heavy glove in the winter or hassle with trying to connect electric gloves up.

 

[GPRIDER]

Dont get the cheapies as they are hard on the electrical system.

Where did you get this information? This is the first I've heard of that. I had the Dual Star wrap arounds on my 04 and had no problems. I was thinking of getting them again for my 08. What do you know that I don't.

GP

 

[OlyFJR]

I have dual-star heating elements with a heat troller with BMW sport grips over it. I also run the V-strom handguards and don't have any issue keeping warm until it gets down into the low 30's. I just bought a pair of Gerbing heated glove liners for when it's that cold.

It was wired to a barrier strip under the seat and wasn't to difficult.

Dont get the cheapies as they are hard on the electrical system.

Where did you get this information? This is the first I've heard of that. I had the Dual Star wrap arounds on my 04 and had no problems. I was thinking of getting them again for my 08. What do you know that I don't.

GP

I think he is refering to the controller.

 

[JimLor]

Ditto - I've had the Dual Stars on my 05 for 3+ years now and they work great. Probably the best $30 I've spent.

 

[jnor]

Like I said....i've had the Aerostitch wrap around ones on 4 different bikes, and never had a problem

 

[Harald]

I agree with HaraldI use the ST1300 grips also, I also have the V-Strom Hand Guards. I feel it is a great combination I don't have wear heavy glove in the winter or hassle with trying to connect electric gloves up.

I didn't mention the Vstrom Hand Guards, but I also have those on the bike in the winter. I tried heated grips alone and it wasn't enough for me and my very cold sensitive hands. The hand guards make a huge difference!

Because they are so easy to remove ( a grand total of 2 screws), I take them off for the summer so that I get more cooling air up my sleeves.

 

[doctorJ]

I've used the cheap symtec grip heaters on several bikes and like them fine. I have put them on the 08 FJR with a heattroller (bought from warm N safe as a combo). Just depends on what you prefer to spend money on I guess.

doctorj

 

[doctorJ]

Dont get the cheapies as they are hard on the electrical system.

Uhhh, based on what? I know lots of LD riders who use the symtec/dual star setup and not read of problems. I am not being critical of the comment but would like to know where the facts are to back the statement up.

doctorj