If you are one of those people who use their motorcycle on a daily basis, it is very likely that, in addition to using heated gloves, you have thought about fitting your motorcycle with heated grips. Heated grips are ideal for extending the riding season and keeping you comfortable when the temperature drops.
Heated grips are part of the equipment needed to combat the cold, as winter thermal clothing alone is sometimes not enough. However, despite knowing what their function is, you may have some doubts about them. Do they cost a lot? What do I need to install them? Where can they be purchased?
Therefore, at Mototechno, we solve these doubts and tell you everything you need to know about the heated grips.
5 Steps to Install Heated Grips on your Bike
The most important steps to follow are:
1. Removed the seat
The grips need electric current, which is obtained from the battery of the motorcycle. If the motorcycle has a protective plate and a control unit, we would have to remove them. Subsequently, we disconnect the battery. Next, we connect the poles: the negative with the black color and the positive with the red color. Once ready, fix the screw in each pole again and replace the switchboard and the protective cover.
Sometimes it is also advisable to remove the fuel tank for a more professional result.
2. Pass the wiring through the front
First of all, it is highly recommended to follow the wires that go to the front of the bike. It is very important that the cable does not tear, itch, or get pinched at any time and that it does not prevent the handlebars from turning. But, without a doubt, it is vital that it not touch the hot part of the engine at any time.
Once the cables have been routed to the front, you must put the tank back in its proper place.
3. Remove the traditional grips from your bike
Undoubtedly, this is one of the crucial moments of the process. If we have compressed air, it is better to use it. However, normally we do not have this, so the best thing to do is to remove the grips that come with the bike by inserting a flat screwdriver to take them off. If, even so, you still have difficulties, it is recommended to introduce a little alcohol through a syringe. This is undoubtedly the most effective method. We apply it, and after a few minutes, we can easily remove the grips.
With alcohol, you do not damage the motorcycle or leave any trace of residue.
4. Anchor the switch or control unit.
It is very important to place the switch or switchboard in a comfortable place when you need to raise or lower the temperature. We know that each motorcycle is different. Some of them have a support included where you can anchor the switchboard, or if you don’t have it, you can glue it using super glue.
5. Install the heated grips.
To install the grips, put glue on the inside and hook them. If there is excess glue, you can always remove it with degreaser. The throttle grip should be on the right side. However, as long as the diameter is larger than on the left,
Regardless of this, it is important to position them so that they do not disturb us when we operate the motorcycle controls. We recommend always checking this before installing them permanently.
Connect the grips to the battery:
When you have checked that the heated grips are correctly installed, connect the grips to the battery. We connect all the wiring harnesses, wind them up so that they do not get in the way, and attach the cable ties. Then, check that they do not touch the controls of the motorcycle and that they do not disturb you at any time while riding.
Finally, always remember to check their maintenance to ensure their proper use.
Related: Ducati: Electronic Innovation Without Limits.
What should you consider when choosing your heated grips?
These types of accessories are usually purchased at specialized motorcycle stores. However, as with most motorcycle accessories, there is a wide range of heated grips for all tastes and budgets.
And some of them are of very good quality and have a really economical price. In addition, if you take care of the installation yourself, you will also save on labor.
When choosing a model, you must take into account:
- The type of handle: It can be only the tires, the tires with a gas rod, or the complete gas handle. The simplest way is to change only the rubbers. The grips are also divided into open and closed ends. The open end is like a rubber cylinder, and the closed end has the visible part covered.
- Size: The cuffs usually have a standard size of 120 mm in length and 22 mm in diameter.
- Materials: The cheapest and most typical are rubber. High-end grips can perfectly combine rubber with other materials, such as aluminum.
- Hardness: The hardness of heated grips must be adapted to the rider. Hard grips have a worse grip but are more durable. If you are looking for grips that are softer to the touch, you should always opt for soft grips.
- Feel: There are smoother and rougher ones, but the ones that offer a better grip are those in which roughness predominates.
- Price: Heated grips have very different prices. It is best to go to a specialized store and choose according to your budget but also according to your needs.
General characteristics of the heated grips
Their main features are:
- They are connected to the battery.
- They reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- They have five adjustable heat positions.
- The buttons on the control unit are made of silicone so that they can be comfortably operated with gloves on.
If you liked this guide about motorcycle heated grips, in our blog you can find much more useful information on various topics, so you will never have doubts about everything related to the world of motorcycling.