Little write up on heated grip install today

Got a set of heated grips in my stocking this year. Since I'm not allowed to go to work(had surgery a week ago) but I'm not in enough pain to just lay on the couch anymore I decided I go ahead and heat up the garage and get them installed.

Here's the kit....I think it's about $30 for anyone interested.
http://www.eagleboxing.com/thring/ga_rr/heated%20grips%20053.jpg
Not a lot too it, just a switch, couple wires, and the two heating elements that wrap around the bars.
http://www.eagleboxing.com/thring/ga_rr/heated%20grips%20055.jpg
Bike before I got started
http://www.eagleboxing.com/thring/ga_rr/heated%20grips%20054.jpg
First things first, remove those bar ends.
http://www.eagleboxing.com/thring/ga_rr/heated%20grips%20056.jpg
Now for the grips. Just use a long, thin, flat bladed screw driver and shove it up in there and spray some WD-40. Do this on the top so that it will drip to bottom. Just keep working the grip till it releases.
http://www.eagleboxing.com/thring/ga_rr/heated%20grips%20057.jpg
And whola....off them come.
This is what the throttle side looked like when I first got it off.
http://www.eagleboxing.com/thring/ga_rr/heated%20grips%20059.jpg
I got most of the old glue off with my fingers, used a razor blade to get the little bits I couldn't peal off.
http://www.eagleboxing.com/thring/ga_rr/heated%20grips%20060.jpg
Next be sure to clean off any oil or old glue residue left on the bars. I used some alcohol to make sure they were clean. After they are clean and dry I removed the tape backing on the heating elements and placed them on. I found the best place for the wires to come out was right on the bottom. You want to make sure especially on the throttle side that the wires are able to move the little bit when you turn the throttle. I used some electrical tape around the heating element for approx. 15 mins on each side to make sure they stuck well. I actually even used the heat gun to get the glue an a little extra sticky so they would stay down.
http://www.eagleboxing.com/thring/ga_rr/heated%20grips%20063.jpghttp://www.eagleboxing.com/thring/ga_rr/heated%20grips%20064.jpg
I was going to use some hairspray like many on here have recommended to put the grips back on but found out today my wife doesn't use hair spray so their wasn't any in the house. I mean seriously, I thought all women had hair spray. :D Anyways, I fished around in the garage and found a can of spray adhesive used to put up head liners in cars and decided it would work. It did very nicely on the left bar, but gave me some trouble on the throttle side when it started getting tacky before I could get the grip on. All in all, seemed pretty good though. Just be sure to be ready to get that grip on quick if you use it.
http://www.eagleboxing.com/thring/ga_rr/heated%20grips%20061.jpg
Now time to route those wires. I thought I'd be able to leave the fairing on....but figured out quickly it'd be a sloppy job. Off comes the tank cover, seat, black side plastic parts, and the 2 inner ram air tube covers.
http://www.eagleboxing.com/thring/ga_rr/heated%20grips%20062.jpg
There are about 10 different ways to wire these systems so I'm not going to go into that. Just follow instructions and do what works best for you. Here's where I grounded my system. Not the best job but I did soder it.
http://www.eagleboxing.com/thring/ga_rr/heated%20grips%20067.jpg
Power wire wasn't quite long enough so I had to add to it around the front of the seat.
http://www.eagleboxing.com/thring/ga_rr/heated%20grips%20069.jpg
Make sure to cover those splices with heat shrink tubeing or if nothing else electrical tape.
http://www.eagleboxing.com/thring/ga_rr/heated%20grips%20070.jpg
Then just hook to the positive terminal on the battery. If you're real good you could find a switched cable which would be even better so you don't accidently leave it on and drain your battery. Ok, now time to mount up the switch. Before looking at this picture know that I'm definitely not happy with my crapsmanship on this mount. It won't be staying this way. I'm thinking I may move the switch to the tool box but if I don't do that I'll at least make myself a better mount for it that doesn't look thrown on there like I did today.
http://www.eagleboxing.com/thring/ga_rr/heated%20grips%20065.jpghttp://www.eagleboxing.com/thring/ga_rr/heated%20grips%20066.jpg
Well, that's it, all done. Put the bike back together and admire your work. I only turned the heater on for about 5 minutes. They seemed to get pretty warm on high. I didn't try the low setting yet. I can't drive the bike for a couple more weeks till my doc says my back has healed enough so I can't saw how well they work while riding. I'll be sure to post up when I do.
http://www.eagleboxing.com/thring/ga_rr/heated%20grips%20071.jpg[/url]

Nice write up!

In other news, I still love your chain and sprocket. :mrgreen:

Very clean install, it’s nice to see some time taken to attend for detail. Ex: proper connection of wires with solder and heat shrink. Nice job.

Nice. I have the same ones sitting waiting to install them myself. Unfortunately I only have a carport so its either warm enough that I want to ride or cold enough that its too cold to work in the carport...ugh.

It took me a while to assemble more stuff than you though. I got a bosch relay and a relayed wiring harness (from heated clothing) to run to the battery. This way I can wire it from the battery, through a keyed power source (the taillight in my case) so that I dont drain the battery. I am still trying to get in touch with my friend to borrow his soldering iron too...nice to see I'm not the only one interested in heated grips.

Great write up! I'd like to do this mod while it's still winter.

Let us know how good they work, I'm very interested.

For better placement of the switch, remove the black plastic cover just below (towards the tank, in the middle of the forks) the ignition switch and put a rocker switch in there. My roommate bought a bike that had previously had neons or some kind of electrical device on it, and there was already a switch mounted there, it's a perfect location.

For better placement of the switch, remove the black plastic cover just below (towards the tank, in the middle of the forks) the ignition switch and put a rocker switch in there. My roommate bought a bike that had previously had neons or some kind of electrical device on it, and there was already a switch mounted there, it's a perfect location.

I'll check that out, thanks. If you get a chance, take a picture of that and post it up.

I think I'm going to pick up another switch from the hardware store that isn't so damn ugly. Maybe a little black rocker switch or something.

just remove the hi-lo plate to make it a cleaner switch. I already did that and I havent even installed it yet.

I'd be interested in a photo of the revised install location. I was thinking I'd install it on the left side ram air cover.

I was thinking I'd install it on the left side ram air cover.

I considered that but just really didn't want to drill the plastics.

Well I finally got around to installing this. I love the heat! I installed the switch where I said I would, on the right hand ram air cover and it looks good IMO. I'll post a picture later.

Took me a while to wire it up as I described in thread above but I'm happy I did so I wont leave them on when I turn the bike off...I just know I will sooner or later.

Here's where I mounted my switch...

http://www.600rr.net/gallery/files/2/7/5/8/0001_195517.JPG

I dont think they are too hot. Tried them this morning...mmm.

[edit-11.12.06: updated link for pic and they DO get toasty...really warm]

added picture:
http://www.600rr.net/gallery/files/2/7/5/8/0007_883205.JPG

Awesome! That's where I mounted my HID switch. I'm going tol do this when I replace the OEM grips with the Spider grips... :bounce:

Excellent write up!!! very nice!!

Wow! Nice write up with the pix and all, thanks.

Jason

THere on sale here: $23.35

http://store.azmusa.com/kigrhekit.html

I did the heated grip install a couple weeks ago. It was a easy install and I did the spyder grips at the same time. the switch is on the inside of my right air duct cover. There are two settings. Hi and Lo. The ceramic resistor seems to be the Hi setting. It was an easy install and only took like 20 min. My only problem is that the switch needs an "on" light somewhere near my gauges so I remember it's on. It's so nice to flip a switch and have hot hands. You get a better feel for the bars. Even if there is a slight chill on an early summer morning they provide just the right amount of heat to take the chilly edge off. Way worth it in my opinion for anyone who rides at night or early mornings or through the winter. Just don't forget to turn them off. I have a couple times while parked but the bike still started right up. My next mod is to install a reminder lamp... The heated elements are well worth the $23.00. Get your self some hot hands today! http://store.azmusa.com/kigrhekit.html

Great tutorial! I'm thinking about picking these up though it seems to be getting warmer now...maybe I'll hold off until this Fall.

Any other pics of the finished product? I want to see a close up of where the wires come out of the grips

Good mod man,

I'm also a fan of heated grips, I have a set on my VFR, but I chose the Symtec kit, because their resistor is built in, and the rocker switch is much nicer, it actually looks oem!

Pic shows a choice of switches, there's no extra cost for the round one.
http://www.symtec-inc.com/210019Comp.jpg
I bought them from California Sport Touring(.com) for $30.

wwow great write up!!

Good Job nice write up! thinkin about that mod myself.

Good Job nice write up! thinkin about that mod myself.
You'll love them. I couldn't ride without them in the winter.

I made a small metal bracket, covered it with red vinel and mounted it next to the left headlight above the plastic that covers the left intake duct. Its very clean, out of the way, yet easy to reach when riding if u need a lil heat :flamethro


http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/kixxvaz1/100_1532.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/kixxvaz1/100_1531.jpg

hey kixx sounds interesting please post up a pic i am waiting for mine to come in they should be here the end of this week.

Added pics to above post if u wanted to check it out. I used vinyl to cover the metal bracket surface.

My heated grips came with a low profile rocker switch, (better looking than the stick switch IMHO) and I mounted it where the stem cap use to me. It looks stock and is easily accessible while riding. I ran power from the running lights, which were no longer used on my 600RR.

http://condor.depaul.edu/~thong/bike/heated_grips.jpg

I might just pick one up for my Ninja 250.

thanks kixx..... maoisn, i have been looking all over the place for a switch like that. no one in town had one.... what kit do you have maybe i can order one from them.....?

maoisn, i have been looking all over the place for a switch like that. no one in town had one.... what kit do you have maybe i can order one from them.....?

I got my kit from http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=16025&Category_Code=dual_star_e

That switch location is nice =)

Yeah I couldn't find a switch similar to that when I did mine, so I did the bracket on the side instead.

nice write up man- thanks

Is that a dealer stock or online order?

I got some heated grips for Christmas. I installed them a few days after, and OMG they are wonderful. I mounted the rocker switch on my toolbox. The small button above it is for my garage door.

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/6404/img2350yw0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Nice work!

Just ordered mine today!!!!


QUick question though. Is there a way to wire in a light or better yet swap out the rocker switch they provide, for one that has a light on it? I know having a light tell me its on would be very convienent, but I dont want to mess up the wiring provided. So any ideas?

Just ordered mine today!!!!


QUick question though. Is there a way to wire in a light or better yet swap out the rocker switch they provide, for one that has a light on it? I know having a light tell me its on would be very convienent, but I dont want to mess up the wiring provided. So any ideas?

I'm going to install an inline light after the switch so when I turn it on the red inline light turns on too.

Would you be able to simply splice the power and grounds of the heated elements and then just wire the light into them?

In-line means inline, so you just cut the hot wire, hook one side up after the switch and the other side up to the other end of the cut wire. when the switch is on and the heated element completes the circuit the light should turn on.

haha yeah i figured that but I am very obsessive about things like this and always double and triple check with wiring. You shouldve seen me wire my flushmounts. Im pretty sure I check the wiring diagram 20 times making sure I wasnt ******* up.

Well I have an early ride on Sunday, but just ordered them today so Im guessing they wont get shipping until tomorrow. Sense its ground shipping i'll expect to have them next friday.

What grips do you guys recommend. I like the bland look of the gray Renthals and love the small grippy spikes they have. Plus for only $16 they are a deal. What do you guys have on?

http://www.spidergrips.com/2005/id6.html

cv, where did you purchase those spider grips and do they come in other colors?

Got them here: http://www.600rr.net/vb/showthread.php?t=17085&highlight=SPIDER+GRIPS

Lots-O-colors

i got mine from www.pit-bull.com ... and they have plenty of colors as cv said... plus quick shipping

Great write up! I might do this before Spring.

wouldnt you want to do it when its cold, say like winter ?

O nevermind I see you're from Boston, so its colder for longer i assume.

Okay guys I got my kit on and started taking off the grips. On the Clutch side under the rubber grip is this black plastic like surface and what seems to be a gold rivet on the clip on. Do I scrape this crap off and get down to the silver bare metal?

just make sure you get all of the old adhesive off... or at least the vast majority off it...

Im soo going to do this mod Very soon! Im running out of room for switches on my left side ram air cover though,lol. HID's, headlight LEDs....And that is an excellent idea to get the power from the running light wire, because my front blinkers are single filiment so the extra wire is jsut dangling.

Here i got my wraps on, and i cut a lil section out of the left side control thingy so the wires go right through the controlly thingamajig. And the throttle side is awesome too, the wires are all hidden and the movement is nice an clean

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f38/shiftn3rdon1/Heatedgrips008.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f38/shiftn3rdon1/Heatedgrips006.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f38/shiftn3rdon1/Heatedgrips003.jpg

looks good bro... where did you mount your switch?

I didn't yet but I will mount the round rocker switch on the inside of the left ram air tube cover, by my other switches

cool that is where i mounted mine.... was just curious.

nice! I need one of those to ride up here in tahoe

My heated grips came with a low profile rocker switch, (better looking than the stick switch IMHO) and I mounted it where the stem cap use to me. It looks stock and is easily accessible while riding. I ran power from the running lights, which were no longer used on my 600RR.

http://condor.depaul.edu/%7Ethong/bike/heated_grips.jpg
hella clean!!!!! damn i wish i could put my GPR somewhere else :-p.

I rode a buddies bike this weekend that had heated grips and this is something I am definately going to do. I am also going to get a heated vest so I can ride a little longer this fall, with gas prices going through the roof! Something my friend had was a distribution block for accessories. It made the install super easy and you can add more. It will also keep you from leaving things on and draining the battery. here is a link http://www.canyonchasers.net/shop/generic/relay.php

nice write up with those pics man.

Here's a notso good picture of my 600 with the rocker switch in the middle thingy. I can't believe how hot my hands get now. I can't put it on High (too hot) and have to turn off the low setting after 5 minutes. But that's much better than having frozd fingers. Thanks for the write up. I never would have done this project without help from 600RR.NET.

very nice. ill have to look into that kit

Hopefully no one minds me asking questions in this thread. I searched but could not find answers.
1st Is it advisable to use heavy wall shrink tube underneath the heaters to insulate the clipons? Are they steel so we don't have to worry about it?
2nd I am thinking about fabbing up a bracket that would attach to the two screws holding the ignition. This way the hi/lo switch would be right in the middle, no drilling in the plastics. I plan on using a relay, but you could even put an indicator light next to the switch so it would be highly visible. Anyone try this out?

Best bet is to find a switched wire or better yet a relay setup... I'll be installing this very kit tomorrow and will post up some information on how to get it switched properly. I plan to be riding all winter long (as long as there is no snow) :)

Any response? ^