Not-So-Hot Grips

[tracyprier]

Hi all

My recently-purchased KLE 500 came with a set of oxford hotgrips fitted (the permanent ones that replace your grips).

The thing is they just don't seem very hot.

I have rewired them direct from the battery and I even plugged one of the grips directly into the main power wire (bypassing the temp rheostat) and they still didn't get any hotter.

They are working in that they do get warm but compared to my previous beemers factory hot grips they are pathetic.

So my question is... just how hot should they get?? comments from oxford hotgrip users would be helpful.

The bike itself is a 2005 model but had only done 2,700km when I got it so although the hot grips are 5 years old they have had almost no use.

Thanks
Tracy

[whowhatwhere]

The controllers on the Oxfords are notorious for failing, but given how old they are it's unlikely they'd replace them for you. I'd go for another brand myself.

[Kiwi Graham:Me]

Only ever have mine on setting 3 too hot otherwise

[CookMySock]

The controllers on the Oxfords are notorious for failing, but given how old they are it's unlikely they'd replace them for you. I'd go for another brand myself.

I destroyed three brand new controllers and they wouldn't replace them.

On solid bars they are not so warm - I can leave mine on full all day. Hollow bars are much warmer.

Steve

[Coldrider]

I have 'daytona' type hot grips, only normal setting and preheat (high). 3watts and 12 watts I think, I hooked them up top a 12v timer pulsing on and off ,and leave them on preheat.

[whowhatwhere]

I have cheap Motrax grips - not sure if you can get them in NZ. Although they look like the tyre that could be rebranded and sold under any name. They are great though!

[slofox]

I cannot run my Oxford Hotgrips on full for more than maybe ten minutes - even on the frostiest Waikato morning (perhaps negative 5C at worst)...

[davebullet]

I have standard oxford hotgrips - 4 heat settings (100, 75, 40 and 30 from memory). My bike has hollow bars. As slowfox said - The 100 / full setting gets too hot to leave on. If it's really really cold - might leave them on the 75 setting. Usually 40 is good enough for winter once they've warmed up which takes no more than about 5 - 7 minutes.

I'd say something has gone wrong. Are the grips both the same temperature? Sounds like a controller issue. Easiest way would be to borrow another controller. I doubt the grips themselves have failed if they are heating up. Not sure how many elements that have going through them, but if only a single element and they are warming - indicates the grips themselves are good. No point ripping off good grips. Then again I don't know if you can get replacement controllers only (as per DB's post above).

I've only had my oxfords for about 8 months, so don't know how long they are meant to last.

I presume your headlight doesn't dim when you turn them on / no voltage drop - ie. your alternator / battery / charging system is working ok.

[crazyhorse]

I've had two sets of Oxford Heated grips, and both times, have been very disappointed with the temperature they put out. Only just appear to make the glove slightly warm. Good if you are riding with no gloves, but that is not the case.

Won't ever install another set. Waste of money and it drains the battery. I would rather invest in really good winter gloves

[BiK3RChiK]

I destroyed three brand new controllers and they wouldn't replace them.

On solid bars they are not so warm - I can leave mine on full all day. Hollow bars are much warmer.

Steve

What he said.........

I have hollow bars and they are too hot on the hottest setting. I have them on lower settings. So it seems to make a huge difference what type of bars you have.

[Gremlin]

Have used 2 sets of oxford on 2 different bikes. Much better than the actual hot grips brand (off, on, start). One grip isn't working on 1 bike tho, suspect the wire into grip, and will get it looked at. Only needed more heat riding in extreme conditions.

[Coldrider]

Throttle side heat grip will be hotter as it is over the plastic throttle body, more insulated.
The daytona type on high for long sessions just about smoke, I have had a heat blister on the inside of one finger through the gloves.

[CookMySock]

The daytona type on high for long sessions just about smoke, I have had a heat blister on the inside of one finger through the gloves.

Well thats fooken hot compared to the Oxfords. Oxfords get quite warm - even something you might be tempted to call hot, but they won't get as hot as you describe.

Steve

[Coldrider]

Well thats fooken hot compared to the Oxfords. Oxfords get quite warm - even something you might be tempted to call hot, but they won't get as hot as you describe.

Steve

yep, that is why I put them on a timer, low is too low, preheat too hot, (in series, then in parallel) a rheostat would work too but i had a freebee timer.

[banditrider]

My oxfords have been on the bike for 53,000km and the only issue I've had is a wire not plugged in properly when fitted causing one side to work intermittently. Fixed myself and they've been sweet as every since.

Generally only ever have them on the lowest setting - I generally only wear thin gloves year round. Have gone as high as 70% heat when in really bad weather and soaked hands. I've just recently bought some thicker waterproof (well, 2 hours in fiordland waterproof) gloves and I could still feel the hot grips through them on about 60%.

Personally, I think they're pretty good at around $100. Ya gloves cost more and don't last as long...