'...if you're handy...install a simple two way, hi-low switch. A reostat is just not needed for heated grips. The Low-High is more than enough IMO. Simple and cheap to repair too!'

Ah, oh...I see the problem. Yeah, not so handy. There is a reason why I have enlisted a qualified and certified engineer to come with me on my travels! I've pretended he is my best mate for a reason- I couldn't fix a length of string.

I will have him follow out your directions and see if he can resurrect the beast!

Or I may just get some of the new ones with that better switch arrangement.

Birdy Logic - If you can buy a new one, don't bother fixing it!

I'm shit.

Happy Riding.

Bar Muffs are a great Idea!!

I've seen a lot of this information regarding handlebar insulation on various forums, and would like to offer my take.

It's just not needed.

Personally, I've had 4 sets of Symtecs on different bikes, and currently fitted to two of my own bikes. Between my mate and myself, I guess we've fitted over a dozen or so sets to various mates bikes. Of 20 odd off roaders out in the Peak District yesterday I think about half were running Symtecs with the other half wishing they were by 3 o'clock

The Symtecs run a hotter heating element on the clutch side to compensate for the heat loss into the bar, which is why they are marked for clutch and throttle sides. I have never insulated a throttle tube, and know of no-one that has, or has had one melt, even after continuous all day running.

I insulated the clutch side on the first set I fitted, but haven't bothered since. The difference is only really noticeable in the first 5 minutes of start up from cold, when the right side does warm slightly quicker, the rest of the day you don't notice.

I believe all the insulation talk on various forums stemmed from fitting of the Enduro Engineering grip kits, which are similar, but run the same rated elements both sides, and regulate the hi - lo settings through a resisted switch. This arrangement will always result in the right side running hotter than the left, hence the need for insulation on the clutchs ide.

With the different rated elements for left and right, the Symtecs just don't need it, and thinking logically, if a heater element can melt a nylon throttle tube, then one wrap of electrical tape isn't really going to prevent much.

Also, it's OK to use grip glue right

Don't know if there are two Enduro Engineering's but the one's I've seen here in the UK are quite different to the Symtecs. A wider single heating element in both sides, with both sides rated the same as in the ATV / Snowmobile kits, and the hi / lo regulated by a resisted switch. Not like the Symtec kits at all, a few friends have had the switches fail in these.

Hi all,

my Oxford heated grips arrived today!

I got them off ebay for £40.00 inc postage so not too bad, can't wait to get them fitted and try them out.

Thanks for the assistance, I'll post a review when I've used them for a bit.

Cheers.

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Beware the dark, mechanical bird.

I've been using my Oxford grips for a while now and I can honestly say they are brilliant!

Fitting was a doddle. The kit includes a bracket with pre-drilled holes that match up to the clutch/brake lever mounting (they did on my TA anyway) meaning the control unit can be easily reached with a gloved thumb whilst riding. An adhesive pad is also included to stick the unit to your fairing if you prefer.

They heat up from cold in a few minutes & I can't tell any difference between sides. The max setting (of four) is HOT! I find them Warm on No3, adequate on No2 & just noticeable on No1. That was based on yesterdays admittedly short ride, but the temperature was around freezing, not including wind chill.

The actual grips are quite chunky and do have a pronouced ridge at the end but neither have caused me problems. Time will tell how durable & weatherproof they are but they look and feel like quality items, as does the control unit.

I did notice how cold the backs of my hands were in comparison and likewise the brake and clutch levers!

All in all I'm well pleased, it makes a big difference to be able to feel your fingers and it follows that your ability to control the bike has to be better, something that's nearly caught me out in the past.

I'd recommend them to everyone!

Cheers all.

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Beware the dark, mechanical bird.

Hi all, I used to do courier work and wouldn't be without my heated grips and have been using them for over 12years now. Used in conjunction with handlebar muffs is a superb way to survive the winter months in the UK, not your current USA weather!!!
I usually take the feed from the live side of my horn circuit with a piggyback blade connector, but check for suitable fuse and wire thickness first.
I'm currently running grips at 1 or 4 amps, plus twin horns on the same circuit and it is switched on/off with ignition.

Cheers, Richard.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all.

That ties in with my experience of the Oxford grips Crusty.
As you mention, now that is sorted the backs of the hands become the next consideration - will we ever be satisfied??!


As wobbly says, I am thinking about getting some handle bar muffs: they are not pretty, but who cares, they are easily added and taken off again when the weather improves; heated grips running inside them should need only a minimal heat setting. Also, thin gloves can be used which I much prefer for feel of the controls.

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Dave

I Have the latest oxford ones fitted, the control unit packed up on the first ride out with the grips stuck on full heat(not a good start).

I had to pull over on to the hard shoulder of the m6 and unplug them before my hands were fried.

At least they offer a no fuss 2year warranty with them now, so after the unit was replaced they have worked fine. I find the tips of my fingers still get cold but not enough to bother me.

I have only ever used them on the lowest setting and my hands are like toast. Overall, I cant belive that I did not get arround to fitting them sooner.


Roy

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"Whats in that thing??", An R1 owner said.

There's another vote for handlebar muffs in post no 11 here:-

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...e-winter-31739

Roy,
Such electronic things will probably fail very quickly or immediately, if they are to fail at all; once it is proven to work OK I reckon it should last for years - so, the 2 years warranty is reasonable IMO and a good deal compared with the earlier stuff based on rotary switches or similar.

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Dave

Sounds right m8, must of just had a duff one.


Just to add, on cold days I use them Two finger mitts that look daft but are so much better at keeping your fingers warm.

They look akward, but they are very easy to live with.

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"Whats in that thing??", An R1 owner said.

Hi Roy "n" guys, I use the two fingered gloves from HG, excellent at keeping the cold out, i don't find them awkward, couldn't get on with hbar muffs, potentionaly dangerous imo...
TDMalcolm

Any particular experience for this TDM?
I can see that it could be difficult to get your hands back on the bars if you take them out of the muffs for any reason while on the move.
I just don't take my hands off the bars now that they are heated!

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Dave

I've installed Daytona heating grips on my V strom. Works great, only thing is that You must put some tape under the left grip,to isolate the grip from the handlebar. Other than that, it's working very nice. It has two step heating switch, START and ON so when the grips are heated You just switch to ON mode and ride on