Hot grips users' question

[nzspokes]

Im lookin at getting some hot grips. if you have the original ones do you use the maximun setting much?

[Muppet]

Im lookin at getting some hot grips. if you have the original ones do you use the maximun setting much?

Hi I have Oxford Hot Grips on my ZX12R. Best piece of equipment ever invented for bikes. I frequently use the 100% setting, whereas friends don't go over 30 or 50%. Don't listen to anyone who says they're for softies, when you're riding in Southland and the rain is falling sideways and it's freezing, you'll have the last laugh!:killingme

[CookMySock]

Im lookin at getting some hot grips. if you have the original ones do you use the maximun setting much?100% of the time. I discarded their piece of shit controller and wired the grips (now on full setting) directly to my headlight relay. There's a connector near the bars where I can unplug them if I am forced to, or else they stay on full the whole time. Damn good! Do it, you won't regret it.

[nzspokes]

Its just im looking at the light version. Main difference is that they go up to 45 degrees and the standard goes up to 50degrees. So just seeing if I really need the top ones. I prefer the switch on the light ones.

[jellywrestler]

Im lookin at getting some hot grips. if you have the original ones do you use the maximun setting much?

get a jacket, then all of you is warm including your fingers and toes and you can reduce the amount of clothing you wear and when you sell your bike the jacket stays with you to your next bike.
Simple as that

[Tigadee]

get a jacket, then all of you is warm including your fingers and toes and you can reduce the amount of clothing you wear and when you sell your bike the jacket stays with you to your next bike.

Do you mean a heated jacket?

[DR650gary]

I have a set of these

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Universal-heated-motorcycle-hand-grips-Honda-Yamaha-Suzuki-Kawasaki-Ducati-/320913579840?pt=AU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ab7f09f40#ht_500wt_969

Have had a set on the last 3 bikes and when they are on they are ON.

I have a spare set I can flick you for $20 inc postage. All I do is throw the switch away and grab a waterproof job from Jaycar and either run a separate relay or piggyback off the aux circuit that is usually lying around the headlight area on a bike.

They are fantastic when the winter bite is here...like now!

[nzspokes]

I have a set of these

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Universal-heated-motorcycle-hand-grips-Honda-Yamaha-Suzuki-Kawasaki-Ducati-/320913579840?pt=AU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ab7f09f40#ht_500wt_969

Have had a set on the last 3 bikes and when they are on they are ON.

I have a spare set I can flick you for $20 inc postage. All I do is throw the switch away and grab a waterproof job from Jaycar and either run a separate relay or piggyback off the aux circuit that is usually lying around the headlight area on a bike.

They are fantastic when the winter bite is here...like now!

Very intrested in that type, are they hard to fit the grips without wrecking them?

[jellywrestler]

Do you mean a heated jacket?

yep, reason you get cold fingers and toes is that when you get cold your bodies priority is to maintain the core temp, or you die.
To do this it limits the blood flow to your digits as this blood returns cooler than when it went out and is not good.
A heated jacket will maintain your core temperature and there will be plenty of blood sent off to your fingers and toes so they don't get cold.
And you don't have to have heaps of extra clothing on when you ride, the jacket makes up for a lot of it.

[kiwigjt]

Only time I used mine at 100% is through the middle of the north island in July. Other than that I am comfortable at 50 - 75%.
They are definately a must have item though.

[ducatilover]

yep, reason you get cold fingers and toes is that when you get cold your bodies priority is to maintain the core temp, or you die.
To do this it limits the blood flow to your digits as this blood returns cooler than when it went out and is not good.
A heated jacket will maintain your core temperature and there will be plenty of blood sent off to your fingers and toes so they don't get cold.
And you don't have to have heaps of extra clothing on when you ride, the jacket makes up for a lot of it.
What about cold wind/sleet/snow landing on your fingers, that usually gives me cold fingers

[jellywrestler]

What about cold wind/sleet/snow landing on your fingers, that usually gives me cold fingers

No problem, I lived on Mt Ruapehu for a few years and once i spent two weeks in the south island riding with john bull gumboots, lace up waterproof ones, in june and got cold toes just twice. like i said the blood flow is reduced when your core is cold, heat the core and it reheats the fingers.
I'm not anti hotgrips just giving my take on warmth.

the best part about it all is your head is clear, when you get cold overall you'd be surprised how much your attention/concentration level is suppressed, oftne without you even being aware, early hypothermia, the heated jacket cures this, hot grips don't.
I rode my faired BMW back to welly s afew weeks ago and it was colder than a Fritzl family reunion, had my hot grips on high (factory fitted) but I had trouble riding well over the peakak hill as I was in an overall cold state and my mind was fuzzy.

[Old Steve]

I had a set of OXfords on my learner bike, usually ran them only on the lowest setting and only ran them over the 4-5 months over late autumn/winter/early spring. Even when riding down near Taupo in winter. See you're in Manurewa, so you'd probably do the same. But well worth the investment and made winter riding a pleasure.

I had a problem with the controller but Oxford swapped a newer model controller in and I had no problems after that. Just be careful you always switch them off, if wired directly to the battery they will flatten it real quick. I always switched them on after starting the engine, let the bike stand on it's sidestand while I put on my helmet, glasses and gloves, then the grips would be warm when I got on the bike. A good set of gloves helps too.

The heated griops allowed me to ride all year round with the same jacket, when it cooled down I put the inner liner in. So my core temperature was probably OK, I never had any problems with cold feet (wore thick merino socks all the time), but I liked my fingers to be warm.

Problem with the Hyosung GV250 was that it had a throttle spline which meant the heated grips had to be a permanent attachment, I hope GLORIA's new owners are enjoying them.

[ducatilover]

No problem, I lived on Mt Ruapehu for a few years and once i spent two weeks in the south island riding with john bull gumboots, lace up waterproof ones, in june and got cold toes just twice. like i said the blood flow is reduced when your core is cold, heat the core and it reheats the fingers.
I'm not anti hotgrips just giving my take on warmth.

the best part about it all is your head is clear, when you get cold overall you'd be surprised how much your attention/concentration level is suppressed, oftne without you even being aware, early hypothermia, the heated jacket cures this, hot grips don't.
I rode my faired BMW back to welly s afew weeks ago and it was colder than a Fritzl family reunion, had my hot grips on high (factory fitted) but I had trouble riding well over the peakak hill as I was in an overall cold state and my mind was fuzzy.
Quite interesting, I don't "feel" like I get cold under my gear, but sometimes my fingers get chilly (Teknic Lightning gloves are bloody excellent BTW)
What you're saying makes sense, because I've usually got 1-2 thermals on under my jacket :2thumbsup

[mazz1972]

Very intrested in that type, are they hard to fit the grips without wrecking them?

Just be a bit careful when putting the grips back on.

I got something similar from Torpedo 7 for hubbys dirt bike for when he does adventure riding. He didn't want Oxfords because he doesn't want the Oxford grips for trail riding. He wired the grips on (dirt bike grips) pretty tightly so hopefully all will stay in place after he's been riding for a few hours with them running

The ones from T7 don't get anywhere near as hot as the Oxfords, and the wires are much much thinner than the ones on ebay so dunno how robust they will be. If they crap out I might get some of the ebay ones.

Compare http://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/T7GRHN0GH/title/torpedo7-moto-grip-heaters

If the ones you've been offered are the exact ones in the ebay listing, they look better quality and I reckon you've been offered a pretty sweet deal!

Warm toasty hands make such a difference. I get cold hands very easily on a bike, and often use my Oxford heated grips in summer too, but I've never had them at full heat even in winter.

[nzspokes]

Im mainly after them due to carpel tunnel issues so get very sore hands. No i dont get that cold up here.

[Gremlin]

It depends on brand and person.

Different brands have different functionality and I'd definitely recommend Oxford ones as they are good quality. The sports grip patter on the grip I found was shit, and didn't offer much grip, plus wore out quicker than the original ones.

I also tried Daytona ones, or something, with just Off, Start, On, and they were crap. On didn't do much and Start was too hot at 0 degrees...

Different people are affected by the cold differently, so while one person might not need grips, another might have them on full... YMMV

[SILVER SUZI]

I have a set of these

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Universal-heated-motorcycle-hand-grips-Honda-Yamaha-Suzuki-Kawasaki-Ducati-/320913579840?pt=AU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ab7f09f40#ht_500wt_969

Have had a set on the last 3 bikes and when they are on they are ON.


Whats with the pieces of rubber & the tape?

[Flip]

I have a set of these on my bike.

http://www.heatdemons.com/Internal-Handlebar-Grip-Warmer-brHarley-1-14-Left-Mount-Black_p_45.html

They are a good quality product.

[Muppet]

yep, reason you get cold fingers and toes is that when you get cold your bodies priority is to maintain the core temp, or you die.
To do this it limits the blood flow to your digits as this blood returns cooler than when it went out and is not good.
A heated jacket will maintain your core temperature and there will be plenty of blood sent off to your fingers and toes so they don't get cold.
And you don't have to have heaps of extra clothing on when you ride, the jacket makes up for a lot of it.

Very interesting and makes sense. What if I get the cold shoulder though? :killingme:killingme:killingme

[Rhubarb]

I have Oxford grips and I love them.

Even when riding to the Brass Monkey I only use about 30 to 50% of the heat range.

A decent pair of gloves compliment the heated grips. Sometimes the top of your hand and fingers can still get cold while the palms are warm.
This is where good gloves really pay off.

[munster]

Just bought myself a set of Oxford Cruiser Grips (currently on special at Cycletreads), haven't fitted them yet. Making sure that I have everything all lined up. Apparently there is an auxilliary power outlet (ignition controlled) in the headlight, wiring diagram seems to back this up. Will make it easier if I don't have to thread wires all the way down to the battery.

I got icycle fingers riding the desert road back in March, ever since a set of these has been top of my <STRIKE>want</STRIKE> need list.

[BASS-TREBLE]

I have the Oxfords aswell and my controller gave up a few years ago. I hardwired them to the 12V so its either 100% on or off. Once they are fully warm they can be extremely hot if moving in city traffic but on the open road they are perfect.

[rustic101]

Not doing their advertising but I think WMC may be selling Oxfords cheap at $79??? get hold of crasherfromwayback.

Spokes have a look on our other (NSWbandit) forum as there's some great information on there. Just fitted a new set of Oxfords to mine. The push button type not rotary dial. lowest setting is the bees knees.

If its your wrists you may also want to try taping them, or those stick on heat pads (last for ages)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Thermacare-HeatWraps-Back-Hip-Large-XL-8-hours-Pain-Relief-2014-exp-/180890926833?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a1df07ef1#ht_1443wt_1164

or these

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HOTTEEZE-Hotteeze-Heat-Pad-1-pack-/330434949641?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cef753209#ht_1388wt_1139

My local silverstream pharmacy has the latter ones. About $25 for a pack of 12

[rustic101]

I have the Oxfords aswell and my controller gave up a few years ago. I hardwired them to the 12V so its either 100% on or off. Once they are fully warm they can be extremely hot if moving in city traffic but on the open road they are perfect.

You can buy spare or different controllers...

[DR650gary]

Whats with the pieces of rubber & the tape?

The pieces of rubber are heatshrink and you can put them over the heat pads or if you have alloy bars use them as a heatshield as alloy tends to suck the heat down. Mine didn't have tape but it would be useful to tape the pads all over to give a nice smooth finish if you have thin grips. I have just stuck them on with the adhesive backing then taped the edges to help slide the grips back on. I like them as you can change the grips whenever you want whereas Oxford's have the grips as part of it.

Had Oxfords on another bike and didn't like them as there was no way to upgrade the grips that I could see.

[Gremlin]

You can buy spare or different controllers...
Bear in mind the wiring has changed between rotary dial and digital controller, so they are not completely cross compatible... I'm on my last rotary controller, grips have done somewhere around 90,000km and the edges are pretty worn... still has a pattern tho... tough buggers.

[banditrider]

Love my Oxfords - got a set on each bike. I prefer to wear thinnish gloves all year run so generally only need the temp on the lowest setting. When wearing my thicker gloves (this week!) I need to turn them up more (funny that).

The one's on my Connie have done 82,000km and one of the grips has worn badly/melted a bit in the sun (Gremlin can attest to this) so I have just (last night) slipped a set of Grip Puppies over the top of the grips. Obviously I'll need to run a higher temp now. Haven't tried the set up yet (hopefully will this weekend) but not sure if I'm gonna like the extra thickness but we'll see...

[tigertim20]

Im lookin at getting some hot grips. if you have the original ones do you use the maximun setting much?

when I had them on my 600, I almost never used the highest setting, as my hands would start to sweat if I was on a long ride using the hottest setting.

[cave weta]

Do eeet! they are just great- I have em on two of my bikes

[Blackshear]

Maybe all you bastards are wearing winter gloves.
My oxfords at 100% RED ZONE ACTIVATE give me the tingly hots after 5 minutes.
Sad, given that the topside receives frostbite.

[slofox]

Im lookin at getting some hot grips. if you have the original ones do you use the maximun setting much?

I never use the top setting - one click below to warm up and then 50%. Or leave on 75% if it's tits-off weather.

[slofox]

Sad, given that the topside receives frostbite.

I hear ya on that one! Fingernails turn to ice. :wacko:

[nzspokes]

Not doing their advertising but I think WMC may be selling Oxfords cheap at $79??? get hold of crasherfromwayback.

Spokes have a look on our other (NSWbandit) forum as there's some great information on there. Just fitted a new set of Oxfords to mine. The push button type not rotary dial. lowest setting is the bees knees.

If its your wrists you may also want to try taping them, or those stick on heat pads (last for ages)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Thermacare-HeatWraps-Back-Hip-Large-XL-8-hours-Pain-Relief-2014-exp-/180890926833?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a1df07ef1#ht_1443wt_1164

or these

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HOTTEEZE-Hotteeze-Heat-Pad-1-pack-/330434949641?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cef753209#ht_1388wt_1139

My local silverstream pharmacy has the latter ones. About $25 for a pack of 12

Its not my wrists that hurt but my hands. i know its my wrists that are the problem.

Yes im on that site already but am more intrested in the differences in the oxford grips.

All I can tell so far is that the standard ones go up to 50 degree and the light ones go up to 45 degree and are half the price.

[nzspokes]

Maybe all you bastards are wearing winter gloves.
My oxfords at 100% RED ZONE ACTIVATE give me the tingly hots after 5 minutes.
Sad, given that the topside receives frostbite.

Im in Auckland. Dont get cold here. Im after relief from sore hands.

[Oakie]

Im lookin at getting some hot grips. if you have the original ones do you use the maximun setting much?

Mine have 4 temps ... I think I might have used the second highest once. Never used top heat.

[banditrider]

Im in Auckland. Dont get cold here. Im after relief from sore hands.

So is heat the answer or comfort?

[nzspokes]

So is heat the answer or comfort?

It helps. Need surgery to fix but that will be a long way off.

[banditrider]

It helps. Need surgery to fix but that will be a long way off.

Grips with thin gloves then so heat gets through and still have good feel on the bars rather than thick gloves which you might sweat in. :yes:

[nzspokes]

Grips with thin gloves then so heat gets through and still have good feel on the bars rather than thick gloves which you might sweat in. :yes:

I prefer thin gloves anyway. My winter gloves are thin for winter ones. To thick is hard to hold.

Just went out and worked out I will run the relay at the back under the seat. Will be tidier and easy to work on if needed.


Love bikes that have room to work on..

[swbarnett]

Im in Auckland. Dont get cold here.
Earlier this week I lost feeling in my pinkies. And that was just on a 15 minute commute at 7AM.

Bought a pair today for Boots' Hornet. She's down to Hamilton once a month and she's been known to be close to frostbite riding back to Aucks after dark.

[nzspokes]

Earlier this week I lost feeling in my pinkies. And that was just on a 15 minute commute at 7AM.

Bought a pair today for Boots' Hornet. She's down to Hamilton once a month and she's been known to be close to frostbite riding back to Aucks after dark.

Are you going to fit them? Be on for Sunday? :woohoo:

But yes very fair call. Yes this week has been the coldest ive ridden in. Ive got a new textle jacket coming as my leather one is to cold for the Sass rides etc.

[nzspokes]

Im really thinking of the Light version now. Read to much trouble with the original ones controlers.

So which relay will be best?

[swbarnett]

Are you going to fit them? Be on for Sunday? :woohoo:

But yes very fair call. Yes this week has been the coldest ive ridden in. Ive got a new textle jacket coming as my leather one is to cold for the Sass rides etc.
Nah, I've got to work tomorrow. Looks like she won't be coming anyway. Too much work, too little time...

I've told her that once I get them on I'm taking the Hornet for a spin to try them out. Maybe I'll get a pair for Maha's cold ride in August.

[nzspokes]

Nah, I've got to work tomorrow. Looks like she won't be coming anyway. Too much work, too little time...

I've told her that once I get them on I'm taking the Hornet for a spin to try them out. Maybe I'll get a pair for Maha's cold ride in August.

Thats a shame, but work comes first. Im looking forward to a non L plater ride. Looks like just you and me at this stage. Maggies working.

[swbarnett]

Thats a shame, but work comes first. Im looking forward to a non L plater ride. Looks like just you and me at this stage. Maggies working.
Especially when you've got a tight deadline and a PhD to finish.

Even with just us it'll be one more than I usually have.

[nzspokes]

Especially when you've got a tight deadline and a PhD to finish.

Even with just us it'll be one more than I usually have.

I wouldnt know about a PhD, aint that smart......

Well hopefully weather will be good so we can open our oil boilers up a bit.

[slofox]

Im really thinking of the Light version now. Read to much trouble with the original ones controlers.

So which relay will be best?

I've had my Oxfords for nearly four years now - they've done service on two bikes. Never had a problem with controller.

[Maha]

Why the lack of female responses in this thread.....:bleh:

[Oakie]

Why the lack of female responses in this thread.....:bleh:
They're tougher than us boys and don't whinge when they get cold pingies.

Hmmm. I wonder if there's a market for 'Oxford Nipple Warmers'?

[swbarnett]

The only problem I've had so far with Irene's new hot grips is that while setting the correct angle I managed to snap the throttle cable! Mind you, the broken end is VERY rusty. I'm just glad it happened at home and not half way round the coro loop tomorrow (yes, she'd decided she needed the break and would come, not any more - what timing :facepalm:).

[nzspokes]

The only problem I've had so far with Irene's new hot grips is that while setting the correct angle I managed to snap the throttle cable! Mind you, the broken end is VERY rusty. I'm just glad it happened at home and not half way round the coro loop tomorrow (yes, she'd decided she needed the break and would come, not any more - what timing :facepalm:).

You give up to easy. Look up Jonny Ballistix on trademe, he may have one.

[DR650gary]

The only problem I've had so far with Irene's new hot grips is that while setting the correct angle I managed to snap the throttle cable! Mind you, the broken end is VERY rusty. I'm just glad it happened at home and not half way round the coro loop tomorrow (yes, she'd decided she needed the break and would come, not any more - what timing :facepalm:).


Shameless plug :shifty:


http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=483353104

[nzspokes]

Well went and bought some original hot grips today. Fitted them up, harder than I thought as there is way to much length in the cables. Had to file the throttle to get the grips on. But all in all happy with it. Cant wait to go for a ride.......:niceone:

[nzspokes]

As a side note. Prices on these things is odd. Theres a price range of $89.90 to $135 in bike shops in Auckland.

How do shops justify being 50% more than one a couple of Ks away?

[Tigadee]

Hmmm. I wonder if there's a market for 'Oakie Nipple Warmers'?

Fixed that for ya.... :laugh:

[CookMySock]

BTW, hollow bars heat up much more quickly. My solid bars get hot after an hour or or so, but not impossibly so. Hollow bars will get too hot IMO.

[caspernz]

Be interesting to hear whether the hot grips alleviate the problem you described with the wrists...

Oxford Hot Grips went on my bike at the first service, four or so years ago.

Not sure what model Oxford Hot Grips, the square push button controller shows 30,40,75,100%. Mostly used at the lowest setting, flick onto the second setting on really cold days. Have tried the third and fourth settings, but that's too hot for me, even when riding across the Central Plateau in near freezing conditions.

My gloves are a Revit H2O model, and even though the outside of the hand can feel the cold, it hardly ever gets uncomfy. Put it this way, I bought a pair of mid weight winter gloves and hardly ever wear them...so them grips are a good investment. Wired up to the ignition, so key off, grips off.

[nzspokes]

Im hoping they will help. Ive put a relay in so its switched. They look ok on the bike to.

Not interested in push starting a 250kg bike. :no:






I will never ever use another revit product, got a pair of winter gloves that lasted 2 rides before falling apart. Utter crap.

[banditrider]

Tried out my grip puppies (over the hot-grips) today: http://banditrider.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/grip-what.html

[nzspokes]

Tried out my grip puppies (over the hot-grips) today: http://banditrider.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/grip-what.html

Im amazed how much I like hot grips. Only problem Im finding is due to increased size Im struggling to get to the brake/clutch levers. Even with them on the smallest setting. Not sure if aftermarket levers would help that. May need to get out the file.

I think with Puppies on they would be way to big for me.

[banditrider]

Im amazed how much I like hot grips. Only problem Im finding is due to increased size Im struggling to get to the brake/clutch levers. Even with them on the smallest setting. Not sure if aftermarket levers would help that. May need to get out the file.

I think with Puppies on they would be way to big for me.

Both my levers are adjustable and I've got them right in. Not sure if aftermarket ones would offer any more adjustment for me. I'm not sure if I'll keep the puppies as I also hate "fat bars" whether caused by grips or gloves - and I'm a 2XL or 3XL glove wearer...

[paturoa]

I had one of the old "2 speed" versions, off, on and high. It was a rotary switch the connected the grips in either series (on) or parallel (high).

They were crap. The on postion was too cold and the high was too hot. I was always having the change the switch every few minutes.

Currently got the push button "4 speed" version and will buy it again.

A caution with these. The controller box is NOT water-proof. Make sure you mount it with the cables facing down so that water will not get past the grommet. DAMHIK.

[Magnum Noel]

I had one of the old "2 speed" versions, off, on and high. It was a rotary switch the connected the grips in either series (on) or parallel (high).

They were crap. The on postion was too cold and the high was too hot. I was always having the change the switch every few minutes.

Currently got the push button "4 speed" version and will buy it again.

A caution with these. The controller box is NOT water-proof. Make sure you mount it with the cables facing down so that water will not get past the grommet. DAMHIK.

Paturoa could you post a pick of your controller as just had mine replaced under warranty and don't want them crapping out again
cheers

[nzspokes]

Both my levers are adjustable and I've got them right in. Not sure if aftermarket ones would offer any more adjustment for me. I'm not sure if I'll keep the puppies as I also hate "fat bars" whether caused by grips or gloves - and I'm a 2XL or 3XL glove wearer...

Do you think the adjustable levers come in closer to the grip?

I can file down the clutch lever but the brake lever looks harder to do.

[banditrider]

Paturoa could you post a pick of your controller as just had mine replaced under warranty and don't want them crapping out again
cheers

The first one is my 82,000kmk old one on the Connie - no issues with it since I plugged all the wiring in properly (shop didn't) and the second is the newer version (10,000km old) on my DL.

265190265191

[banditrider]

Do you think the adjustable levers come in closer to the grip?

I can file down the clutch lever but the brake lever looks harder to do.

Yeah, but there's not a huge difference. Not sure if aftermarket ones offer more adjustment or not. Not cheap either: http://www.fastbikegear.co.nz/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195_198_376&products_id=725

[nzspokes]

Yeah, but there's not a huge difference. Not sure if aftermarket ones offer more adjustment or not. Not cheap either: http://www.fastbikegear.co.nz/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195_198_376&products_id=725

It would be a cold day in hell before I paid $295 for brake levers.

Would either be e-bay ones or modify mine.

[paturoa]

Paturoa could you post a pick of your controller as just had mine replaced under warranty and don't want them crapping out again
cheers

There are 2 parts - the box with the buttons on that I've mounted on my bars and the controller which is under my seat.

The bit on the left is on my bars and the bit that I call the controller leaked and farked out, is on the right.

http://www.smart-riders.co.uk/images/uploads/Oxford_Grip_Controller_Complete.jpg


The grommet things are made of hard-ish plastic and I had the original mounted with the cables facing up. Suffice to say over less than 2 years water leaked in an rusted out the shunt near the edge of the board.

[CookMySock]

The controller box is NOT water-proof. Make sure you mount it with the cables facing down so that water will not get past the grommet. DAMHIK.You don't say. Every one of these controllers I have seen is dead. Junk! Why can't they fill the bloody thing with epoxy!

[swbarnett]

I'm about to install Hot Grips on Irene's Hornet. I want to wire them in to the ignition with a relay. I've found the ignition circuit that goes in to the fuse box. I removed the fuse, turned the key and put a voltmeter across the terminals. It reads roughly 24v. My question is wether it is OK to put a 12v relay in to this circuit? Or do I need a relay with a 24v coil voltage?

[nzspokes]

I'm about to install Hot Grips on Irene's Hornet. I want to wire them in to the ignition with a relay. I've found the ignition circuit that goes in to the fuse box. I removed the fuse, turned the key and put a voltmeter across the terminals. It reads roughly 24v. My question is wether it is OK to put a 12v relay in to this circuit? Or do I need a relay with a 24v coil voltage?

Something very wrong there, should be 12 to 14.5v. I run it from a light circut for switching and direct from battery for power source.

[Corse1]

First two settings for me are a waste of time. I only use 75 and 100%. Most of the time though they are off. The lower settings don't do anything to warm my hands if needed in winter, mind you I have a problem with circulation in one hand. I resisted hot grips for years. Wouldn't do without them on a bike ridden in the winter now.

[swbarnett]

Something very wrong there, should be 12 to 14.5v. I run it from a light circut for switching and direct from battery for power source.
That's what I thought. Theadlight circuit also reads 24v. Given that it uses a 12v bulb I'm guessing that either there's something wrong with my meter or the way I'm using it.

[p.dath]

Im lookin at getting some hot grips. if you have the original ones do you use the maximun setting much?

I live in Auckland (where it is warmer than the South Island). 90% of the time I used the bottom setting only. 10% of the time I used the next setting up. Never used the other settings apart from testing that they worked.

[Gremlin]

That's what I thought. Theadlight circuit also reads 24v. Given that it uses a 12v bulb I'm guessing that either there's something wrong with my meter or the way I'm using it.
Put the tools down, order a mechanic. Have beer while mechanic installs.

You've been warned :lol:

[swbarnett]

Put the tools down, order a mechanic. Have beer while mechanic installs.

You've been warned :lol:
Nah, not the first time I've been a little confused during an operation. Thanks to a methodical approach it's always come out right so far.

[nzspokes]

Is it done yet? Can Boots ride her bike now?

[swbarnett]

Is it done yet? Can Boots ride her bike now?
Unfortunately not. Still waiting for the throttle cable to arrive.

[nzspokes]

Unfortunately not. Still waiting for the throttle cable to arrive.

Got hot grips for your one yet?

[swbarnett]

Got hot grips for your one yet?
Not yet. I'll take the Hornet for a ride one cold night and try them out first.

[munster]

Got the Oxford Cruiser Hot Grips installed yesterday. Wow, they get hotter than I expected. No more cold hands for me.

[hellokitty]

Got the Oxford Cruiser Hot Grips installed yesterday. Wow, they get hotter than I expected. No more cold hands for me.

I have hot grips on both bikes - the cruiser grips on the Harley are much hotter than the other grips on the Hornet. I have the dial about 1/4 of the way compared to 100%.

[munster]

I have hot grips on both bikes - the cruiser grips on the Harley are much hotter than the other grips on the Hornet. I have the dial about 1/4 of the way compared to 100%.
That could be due to the power source, I read that's why they reccomend you wire them direct to the battery. I've wired mine to the aux power lead (10amp fused) in the headlight and no issues so far. If your power source is of low amperage, your hot grips won't be getting the juice they need.

[veldthui]

yep, reason you get cold fingers and toes is that when you get cold your bodies priority is to maintain the core temp, or you die.
To do this it limits the blood flow to your digits as this blood returns cooler than when it went out and is not good.
A heated jacket will maintain your core temperature and there will be plenty of blood sent off to your fingers and toes so they don't get cold.
And you don't have to have heaps of extra clothing on when you ride, the jacket makes up for a lot of it.

Makes up for a lot but does not fix the issue of cold wind/rain hammering your fingers. Your body can only produce so much heat. Get the grips they are wonderfull. Use mine on 40% most of the time going to 75% for bursts. Find they get too hot at 75% for too long. Yes I have a heated vest as well so know from experience that the vest by itself dost not help the fingers.

[nzspokes]

Thread dredge.

It would seem Oxford have worked on the problems with there Hot Grips.

http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/products/1557-oxford_heated_grips/10597-oxford_touring_hot_grips_premi.aspx