Heated Grips: bad idea?

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by zPix87, Sep 23, 2011.

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  1. zPix87

    zPix87 New Member

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    I'm looking to add some versatility to my 87 700 by adding something to make riding in the cold more comfortable. I have considered putting a power outlet on, but I don't really want to pay for tons of heated gear, and the install seems complicated. So, I think that heated grips would be a great start. I found these on motorcyclegear.com, and they look intriguing. Does anybody have experience with these or similar kits?

    Symtec Motorcycle Grip Heaters With Metal Toggle Switch :: MotorcycleGear.com

    Also, will the power that these things pull drag down the rest of my power? I don't want to install them only to find that they zap the battery and dim all of my other lights. Thanks in advance!
     
  2. derstuka

    derstuka Lord of the Wankers Staff Member

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    I have been using Oxford Hotgrips for years. They work pretty good. Using them, coupled with some insulated gloves, should do ya just fine on a cold ass day. I believe that they only pull 2 to 4 amps at full power, so your electrical system (assuming it is not already overloaded with accessories) should do just fine.

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  3. Dukiedook

    Dukiedook New Member

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    On an 87, probably, just get some hippo hands covers for your bike if you plan on riding year 'round. My fairing protects my hands (compared to my fairingless CB)besides the insulated gloves and my rides are usually within the city limits so it may be different for you out there in wheat country.
     
  4. zPix87

    zPix87 New Member

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    I've looked at the hippo hands, but there are several problems as far as I'm concerned. First, I couldn't find my bike on the list that they have specific fits for. There probably is a "standard" type fit, or a similar bike style, but I didn't see any. They are also cost alot for what they are, and I don't think they would look right on my bike. But it is a cool concept, and I still might consider it.

    I like the looks of those HotGrips! They are only about $25 more than the kit I was looking at and it looks way more refined. Plus, I wouldn't have to buy grips to go over the elements like I would with the Symtecs.
     
  5. zPix87

    zPix87 New Member

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    Also, while I have the controls taken apart to install whatever type of heated grips I buy, I want to do something about the sun faded switch housings. They are all white and sparkly and don't look very good at all. What do I need to do to paint these? Take them apart? Leave them on and mask around them?
     
  6. Spike

    Spike New Member

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    Heated grips, it is one of those things that once you try, you won't want to go back. They are such a simple thing, but make a big impact on riding comfort.
    As for difficulty of th einstal versus a power outlet, I would say the power outlet install is easier. Yes the expense of heated gear is higher, but you can also take that gear to your next bike very easily, no so much so with the heated grips.
     
  7. OTTOMAN

    OTTOMAN New Member

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    I've tried the "Hot Grips" before and really prefer the grid style under some nice silicone grips. Hot Grips were real hard and did not warm up nearly as well.
     
  8. Dukiedook

    Dukiedook New Member

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    I am not sure the 86-87 alternator is robust enough for a set of heated grips or heated gear is what I was trying to say.
     
  9. zPix87

    zPix87 New Member

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    Yeah, thats one of my main worries, and if thats the case then Hippo Hands it is! (If I can make them work). Does anybody have a heated grip/power outlet set up on this style of bike?
     
  10. Knife

    Knife Member

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    How about battery heated gloves or battery heated glove liners? No wires, no draw on your system, just need batteries.
     
  11. zPix87

    zPix87 New Member

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    I've seen a few battery powered options, but they are pricey and reviews say they don't heat as well.

    Heres the ones I saw
    Battery Heated Gloves - webBikeWorld

    If somebody knows of other battery powered options, please do let me know!
     
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