Oxford Hot Grips

[STJim]

They are good heated grips, but I disagree with their wiring instructions, (as do others).
I personally prefer the metod of using a heavy (30amp) relay to transmit voltage, rather than direct wiring from the battery.
I believe that method is responsible for early controller failures, and flattened batteries.
I can not prove this, but I believe the internals of the controller has a weakness with currant leakage. MHO

I agree with this. I had my Oxfords installed by Hamilton Honda iin May this year. Grant at Hamilton Honda wired them direct to the battery. A few weeks later I forgot to turn them off and my battery was drained. On top of that the controler unit decided to pack a sad.

The problem was fixed with the instalation of a relay and a warranty claim for a new controler unit.
With the relay installed the grips shut down when the ignition is turned off.

[HenryDorsetCase]

thanks for this: I will be installing them on my bike next. Mate has them on his R1 (the "Sports" ones) and he likes them a lo: doesnt get the numb hands anymore he reckons.

[Gremlin]

I found the sports grips with the dimpled pattern were not nearly as good as the original grip pattern. The dimples were hard to grip once glovers got wet, and I suspect the dimples also wear down faster. I've got the digital 2 button on one bike and the original push button on another. Both have performed well, clips on different ones are even standard, so you can plug another grip in if one fails... Had that.

[doc]

But what if the Oxfords are installed on a Daytona?

Then it would be a Gaytona.

[ROBMW]

I agree that heated grips are a must and there are several safety bonuses when your hands are warm. Mine are connected directly to the battery and yes they do turn off when I accidently leave them on, but it leaves the battery quite weak causing a sluggish start. I'm thinking about re-wiring it through the ignition so that they turn off automatically when the key is turned off. From my limited battery knowledge I don't think it's good for a lead acid battery to be significantly discharged frequently as over time it reduces the battery's capacity. My battery (sealed unit) is now much weaker than it was a year ago when it was new!

[STJim]

I agree that heated grips are a must and there are several safety bonuses when your hands are warm. Mine are connected directly to the battery and yes they do turn off when I accidently leave them on, but it leaves the battery quite weak causing a sluggish start. I'm thinking about re-wiring it through the ignition so that they turn off automatically when the key is turned off. From my limited battery knowledge I don't think it's good for a lead acid battery to be significantly discharged frequently as over time it reduces the battery's capacity. My battery (sealed unit) is now much weaker than it was a year ago when it was new!

Hamilton Honda can fit a relay which will solve the problem

[ROBMW]

Cheers. I spoke with them yesterday and I think I'll do that.

[thepom]

As for them turning themselves off below 11 volts it is not true,my unit flattened the battery twice after I forgot to turn them off.....

[Gremlin]

As for them turning themselves off below 11 volts it is not true,my unit flattened the battery twice after I forgot to turn them off.....

Depends on your version I believe... how they are installed as well.

[sinned]

As for them turning themselves off below 11 volts it is not true,my unit flattened the battery twice after I forgot to turn them off.....

Depends on your version I believe... how they are installed as well.

The battery may not fully flatten but will lose sufficient charge as required to crank a big motor. It happen to me and then I fitted a relay with the feed wired from the battery - problem solved.

[F5 Dave]

11V is flat!

A relay is in all respects like being wired to the battery with the marked exception that it can be controlled separately, ie disconnect if ign off if you connect the control wire to a switched power. Wiring it to teh battery is decidedly 'bush'. But you can see they wouldn't get many people knowing how to throw a relay in. Really simple though but an auto electrician could do it quick if they have access to loom. (fairing panels out of way)

I've never tried Oxford, Old Daytonas are pretty ordinary & my current bike has newer ones on which are better but still a bit naff. But I got some Hot Grips (that's the brand name) from the States (had to buy from a distributor as the co wouldn't sell to overseas). They were rudimentary looking but best I've used. The 'mercians know something about being cold.

While yer about it the Widder 'lecy vests are great.

[scumdog]

The battery may not fully flatten but will lose sufficient charge as required to crank a big motor. It happen to me and then I fitted a relay with the feed wired from the battery - problem solved.

True!

An ignition key controlled relay is the only way to go.

[davebullet]

Relay relay, olay olay!

[been_there]

+++ on the relay...
I now have radar and hot grips working with no flat batteries.

Attached is a picture of what we did. Really simple even for me.....

[Owl]

When is that controller supposed to shut off power? I understood it was 11.3v, but I allowed mine to drain to 10.9v yesterday with the grips still going strong. I got bored and gave up