Guest Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 As we enter Fall, I'm thinking about heated grips. Hot Grips seem to be rated the best. Anyone have an opinion? Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baileyrock Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 I've used DualStar heated grips ($30) for 8 years w/o issue! One of the Best mods ever! BR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Conedodger Posted September 27, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted September 27, 2011 I'll second the DualStar grip heaters. Used them on my ST1100 and my VFR. I had occasional issues with the round rocker switches, because they were not waterproof, but they are cheap and easy to replace. I'm currently running the OEM ST1300 heated grips because I like the cool controller and I got them for less than $60 through a miracle of circumstances. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 Cool! I'll check them out. Seems like switches should be easy to switch out. Hello Radioshack! Thanks Guys! Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beck Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 (edited) Consider getting the Symtec system. Works great, easy to install, cheap...cheap...did I say cheap (but well made. Mine cost me something like 15 bucks. when I got it)? Plus the heating is balanced because the heating grids are different from left to right to compensate for the effect of the plastic throttle barrel. I've had one for over 3 years now on my 95 and it hasn't let me down yet. Never did like the old fashoioned looking hard grips that Hotgrips typically provided with their system, plus you have to deal with mounting one of those ceramic resistors on your bike that I think gets quite hot. They might have changed them already, but I also remember the Hotgrips had an ugly looking switch in their kit that looks like it came from a WW2 army vehicle. Beck 95 VFR Edited September 27, 2011 by Beck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baileyrock Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 Cool! I'll check them out. Seems like switches should be easy to switch out. Hello Radioshack! Thanks Guys! Jim Several years ago Duel Star changed their heaters to like the Symtec using a hotter heater on the left bar, Also DuelStar sells the nice flat round switches for a $5 option as the stock switch is a crappy bar type. BR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmythecop Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 I use symtech and the switch is crap, but I ride in the rain alot and the switch is not tucked under the screen like some have done. Replacing the switch evey couple if years is no big problem for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 Hmm...ok I'll look at symtec too...choices!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer crazybrother Posted September 27, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted September 27, 2011 I second the symtec's. I too have had some issues with the rocker switch but when I called them about the problem, they sent me two replacement switches for free! Have used them on four different bikes with great success and easy to install. I see that you live in San Jose, you can ride on up to California Sport Touring in Rodeo and pick them up (in stock). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer MuddDawg Posted September 27, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted September 27, 2011 I am running Dual-Stars, but I think they are repackaged Symtec's. The design is the same and I doubt Dual-Star makes their own being a small company and all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rossgazz Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 I went with the Oxford Sport grips. I really like the controller which allows for several different heat settings and they were pretty easy to install. http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/5220 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Goosechef Posted September 28, 2011 Share Posted September 28, 2011 I have a set out of Show Chrome. They are better than the set I had to replace. This unit is sealed with silicone so there will be no vibration/moisture issue inside the board. You will like what ever you get. They help good gloves. If you have the grips and crappy gloves, you will still have cold hands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer swfarrar Posted September 28, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted September 28, 2011 Highly recommend the Dual Star heated elements, combined with a pair of BMW grips. I've installed them on two bikes and couldn't be happier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BCmcrider Posted September 28, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted September 28, 2011 I use symtech and the switch is crap, but I ride in the rain alot and the switch is not tucked under the screen like some have done. Replacing the switch evey couple if years is no big problem for me. I went through this issue last night. I've been noticing that my grips were not as hot on high as they were on low so I attacked with a multimeter last night and believe I found the problem. I checked the resistance of the switch through both the high and low terminals to center, and found that the resistance was .5 ohm through the low terminal and 1.8-2.5 ohms through the high terminal. Obviously the switch was moved to the appropriate position for the test. I then sprayed some WD40 in the switch by dripping it adjacent to the rocker itself, then flipped it back and forth about 50 times to scrub the contacts inside. The resistance afterwards was .5 ohm on both high and low settings. I then tested the amperage draw through both high and low by reconnecting both the high and low side terminals but placing the multimeter between the hot wire and the center terminal. I noted about 1.5 amps on low and 2.8 amps on high (from memory) so I think I've found the problem. I guess these switches need to be protected from the weather. I have not tested the grips on high in a real world test yet. I don't know whether the WD40 is partially responsible for correcting the resistance readings or if it was just cycling the switch. I don't want to take the switch apart to actually find out whether there is any weather protection built in as they are often impossible to re-assemble. The lesson here is either get a weatherproof switch or place it somewhere out of the weather. BC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Conedodger Posted September 28, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted September 28, 2011 On the rocker switches, I've had some success water proofing them by removing the rocker part and filling the cavity with dielectric grease, then reinstalling the rocker. You just have to be carefully not to lose any parts, and part it back together properly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Flightar Posted September 28, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted September 28, 2011 I have hot grips and they are great...very, very, hot...so hot in fact, that on high you will have to remove your hands from the grips periodically, even with gloves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BCmcrider Posted September 29, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted September 29, 2011 On the rocker switches, I've had some success water proofing them by removing the rocker part and filling the cavity with dielectric grease, then reinstalling the rocker. You just have to be carefully not to lose any parts, and part it back together properly. Thanks for that. I tested the grips on high this morning and they are back to normal lava temperature so my switch fiddling worked at least temporarily. I will take your advice and disassemble the switch to add some grease. Is your switch the round black one like this picture shows as opposed to the big metal locomotive headlight switch? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Conedodger Posted September 29, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted September 29, 2011 On the rocker switches, I've had some success water proofing them by removing the rocker part and filling the cavity with dielectric grease, then reinstalling the rocker. You just have to be carefully not to lose any parts, and part it back together properly. Thanks for that. I tested the grips on high this morning and they are back to normal lava temperature so my switch fiddling worked at least temporarily. I will take your advice and disassemble the switch to add some grease. Is your switch the round black one like this picture shows as opposed to the big metal locomotive headlight switch? Yes, it was the round black rocker switch that gave me problems. You can carefully pry the rocker out of the main body. As I remember, there is a spring or two inside that you want to be careful with. The metal switch, while ugly, works great when you add a water proof condom to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Twox48 Posted September 29, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted September 29, 2011 Yes, it was the round black rocker switch that gave me problems. You can carefully pry the rocker out of the main body. As I remember, there is a spring or two inside that you want to be careful with. The metal switch, while ugly, works great when you add a water proof condom to it. Where might one find this swithc set up? Looks like the answer to me! Any part mumbers would be most helpful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Conedodger Posted September 29, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted September 29, 2011 Yes, it was the round black rocker switch that gave me problems. You can carefully pry the rocker out of the main body. As I remember, there is a spring or two inside that you want to be careful with. The metal switch, while ugly, works great when you add a water proof condom to it. Where might one find this swithc set up? Looks like the answer to me! Any part mumbers would be most helpful! I think I bought the condom at Home Depot years ago. They had the switches too, but I used it with the metal switch that came with the first heater kit that I installed on my ST1100. Marine/boating supply stores might have them as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 Ok there is a lot of info here! Jeez. I have some research to do this weekend! Thanks everyone! Jimbo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tightwad Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 I use the dual stars, with a rocker vs a toggle switch. Mine is tucked under the windscreen so no issues. There is a condom deal available for round rockers too...I bought a bunch to look at and I include them with the switches I sell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BonusVFR Posted September 29, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted September 29, 2011 Symtec for me.........maybe 8 years?? I use a rocker. Run my grips from an aux fuse box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sublo Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 Well, I installed my HotGrips yesterday. Model # 475-875. I've had these sitting in my drawer for 2 or 3 years - just finally got around to installation as I didn't want yet another really uncomfortable late Fall / early Winter commute experience. I love them! Rode today for the first time albeit in really nice Fall weather. They look clean (I'm OCD and routed wires, taped and zip-tied everything properly), heat up to reasonable temperatures and are generally easy to install for anyone with intermediate mechanical skills. I'm so now looking forward to the colder weather (not really - ha) now that the most significantly cold part of my body (hands) on bad days has been addressed. The most challenging parts of the whole install are (1) routing the wires and resistor appropriately and (2) finding an appropriate power source/lead. I tapped a thick red constant +12v right after a 30amp fuse behind the battery for now. I have to go to Radio Shack or something tomorrow to get a relay as I'm worried I might one day forget to turn the thing off or worse, some idiot in the City is messing with the switch on my behalf one day lest I come out to a dead battery. Net net, I'm very happy. -Freddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sentry Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 I also have the Symtec Heated grips however I didn't use the rocker switch provided. I used one purchased at a local Electronics store with a rubber boot for protection, installed an LED to let me know the grips are on, fuse protected and even installed a relay so that when the bike is on (12v from number plate light to coil), power is given to the switch but if the bike is off, the grips wont stay on. This relay is also responsible for the power to my USB ports (for charging music players on the go). I mounted the switch and LED on the inner black panel on the left hand side of the tank. It's unused space as far as I can tell and perfect for mounting all the bits and pieces. I'll see if I can dig up a photo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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