How To Install Kimpex Grip Heaters

[2thdr]

I think mine is like going on 4 years on my bike already and it still work very well. Made sure I wired it really well with a proper relay to keep it from being left on when parked. I don't use it much here in SF, but it does get pretty cold once in a while. I got to "test" it yesterday when I was cleaning the bike and I hit the switch by accident and the grips heated up nicely.

Only thing I might have to attend to are the rubber grips on top of the heating elements are twisting a bit, everytime I ride the bike these days. I might try some "spray net" to keep them from doing so. Don't really like the idea of using something too permanent like epoxy as suggested by many.....

You could use some safety wire over the grips - one inboard and one outboard

[enuf]

Will be putting heated grips on after a 28 degree ride last Thursday. Is there a part number for the relay and where can one be purchased? I understand hooking the relay to the lic plate light wire, where did you pick up the power for the grips at the relay?

I to will be using this as a guide. Just trying to assemble a parts list.

[bryan217]

Will be using this as a guide!

I'm still considering heated grips. I'd prefer a pair of heated gloves, seeing as I already have the jacket, but they'd have to be "Yev priced". (Inside joke from our local forum.)

[y3v]

Will be using this as a guide!

I'm still considering heated grips. I'd prefer a pair of heated gloves, seeing as I already have the jacket, but they'd have to be "Yev priced". (Inside joke from our local forum.)

Wasn't Chris selling a pair?

Edit: http://www.bandofriders.net/forums/showthread.php?t=73307

Edited April 24, 2013 by y3v

[Beck]

Will be putting heated grips on after a 28 degree ride last Thursday. Is there a part number for the relay and where can one be purchased? I understand hooking the relay to the lic plate light wire, where did you pick up the power for the grips at the relay?

I to will be using this as a guide. Just trying to assemble a parts list.

You can get an automotive relay that would work from any well stocked auto parts store. I used a very small one made for a Japanese fog lamp kit I just happen to have lying around in my tool box. You can google up a wiring diagram for relays to figure out which wire goes where. The relay housing have markings that will tell you the spade contact code/locations are, which will be called out on relay wiring diagrams.

The grips don't really draw that many amps, so most relays (contacts usually rated at 20amps) are more than up to the job. The switching power as you suggested, can be taken from the license plate light circuit. Make user you have an inline fuse on your main positive power wire to protect the system. Your switching power will be protected through the fuse used by the license plate light.

BTW, lots of riders had fun finding locations for the nice round two way switch that Kimpex provides with their heated grip kits.

Most mount them on their instrument panels or their fairings when they find the space, but some had also mounted it on top/in the steering tube (it fits perfectly) so it is easy to see and reach right in the middle of the triple clamp. Just be careful if you go that way as you will need to adequately protect the wiring to it as it goes into the steerer tube from below as the movement from steering the bike can eventually chafe the wires at the lower edges of the steering tube and cause a short if it is not protected.

Beck

95 VFR

[Polarbear]

Ok, I'm reading this thread with great interest as I'm trying to install my own Dual Star grips --started yesterday, I'm stuck with the wiring. Could anyone tell me what I should do with my setup: I have the Vfrness and the fuse box sold by Tighttwad. Should I plug the grips in the fuse box? If so, do I still need a relay?? Is there a wiring diagram with this very setup anywhere on the site? I couldn't find one.

Thanks in advance for any help.

C

[Beck]

Ok, I'm reading this thread with great interest as I'm trying to install my own Dual Star grips --started yesterday, I'm stuck with the wiring. Could anyone tell me what I should do with my setup: I have the Vfrness and the fuse box sold by Tighttwad. Should I plug the grips in the fuse box? If so, do I still need a relay?? Is there a wiring diagram with this very setup anywhere on the site? I couldn't find one.

Thanks in advance for any help.

C

Relay's real function in the system is that it will keep you from accidentally leaving the system on when you park your bike, so you do not end up running down your battery. You can do without one and just a fuse in the system connected straight to the battery.....if you can always remember to turn off the grips after you ride with them on. You might also consider just directly connecting to an ignition switch controlled circuit, like the lights as long as you are sure that it will not overload that circuit you choose to tap into. As I noted, the systenm does not draw that much power surprisingly...something like 5 amps max., IIRC,. so directly piggybacking to a ignition switch controlled circuit could maybe work as long as there's enough capacity left in it.

Beck

95 VFR