Oxford Hotgrips fitting

**davebullet** · 28th June 2009, 17:16

I fitted a pair to the VTR250 yesterday. i used the supplied super glue. Just make sure you do the following:

1. Dry fit them. It's not a problem with how tight they fit - but how quickly you can force / twist them on. Get them on within 10 seconds and you should be ok. I think the supplied superglue has a little slip in it - not like the off the shelf stuff which sticks like shit to a blanket.
2. Scrape off any shit on the throttle sleeve. I didn't bother with the clutch side as I didn't want to scrape the handlebar chrome = rust.
3. Use slowfox's link to the www.canyonchasers.com site and wire them up via a relay. MEans you can never forget to turn them off when you leave your bike (= flat battery.)
4. You can get a cheap automotive relay from DSE (abuot $7) - but you need to pay $6 postage (not in stock at stores). Still cheaper than supercrap / ripco (cheapest I found was about $15). I bought the DSE ones since I have two sets of grips to fit.
5. Use your rear number plate light to trip the relay. In the VTR250 case - the rear number plate light = the tail light.

**obstacle** · 28th June 2009, 17:22

so on all my bikes i've used hairspray. it works as a great lubricant to slip the grips on and sets like concrete once it dires (about 5 minutes). I'd imagine the heated grips would help it set a whole lot quicker

**Owl** · 28th June 2009, 17:26

I've got all the gear, but I haven't got around to installing them yet. I had to make my own bracket, as the one supplied was useless.

**Voltaire** · 28th June 2009, 18:52

I did mine a few weeks ago, was out on the bike and noticed the clutch felt a bit strange, but then came right.
Problem was I only glued the throttle on as the clutch grip was very tight....that is until it heats up and loosens off and the cable guide catches on the clutch lever.
solution: use the glue.

heres the post I did.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...d.php?t=100344

**nallac** · 28th June 2009, 19:16

Originally Posted by Owl

I had to make my own bracket, as the one supplied was useless.

Me too,the supplied one only bends a few times before snapping..

**Owl** · 29th June 2009, 19:06

Originally Posted by nallac

Me too,the supplied one only bends a few times before snapping..

Mine didn't break, it just won't fit. Had to offset it to clear my mirror mount.

**Sidewinder** · 29th June 2009, 19:10

Originally Posted by bastardsquad

Quick question, sourced the grips recently

(93 bucks cheers cycletreads!), fitting instructions seem straightforward...but: im not inclined to use the superglue to stick 'em on. Ive done some online reading and talked to one person but im not getting a consistent answer. Whats the best/what glue did you use? Im thinking 5 min epoxy as its good stuff and should allow me some time to fluff about getting them on and positioned correctly....

just get grip glue, thats what its for!

**SPman** · 29th June 2009, 20:12

Originally Posted by Owl

Mine didn't break, it just won't fit. Had to offset it to clear my mirror mount.

Easy to bend to fit......

**Hitcher** · 29th June 2009, 20:22

Looks like I'll have to take a multimeter to mine. The RH one has stopped working. What can one do with only one hot hand?

**nallac** · 29th June 2009, 20:30

Originally Posted by SPman

Easy to bend to fit......

Not the bracket as they only bend a couple of times before snapping,as i found out..

**nallac** · 29th June 2009, 20:34

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Looks like I'll have to take a multimeter to mine. The RH one has stopped working. What can one do with only one hot hand?

I take it you have checked that the crappy plugs are still plugged in.
Mine looked like they were ,but weren't quite. (only talking 1mm or so out)
So I tapped em up haven't had any problems since.

**Owl** · 29th June 2009, 20:53

Originally Posted by SPman

Easy to bend to fit......

I'll guess your occupation

Butcher?

**mops** · 30th June 2009, 15:36

I have recently installed these on mrs bike.

Mine didnt come with any glue ? I dont like using glue because one day i'd like to remove them without destroying other things...

Left was reasonably tight, to get the right one tight i wrapped the handle with 1 layer of electrical insulating tape. it appears that the grip itself is of tappered - larger diameter on the inside end than outside end, which works ok with insulating tape. Just get it nice and tight on there

They will not fell off as such because bar ends will physically stop them from doing so. Worst that can happen is they can 'twist in place', but I made mrs aware that might happen and to check for that and heard no bad comments.

I wired it into main headlamp wire, as it is the thickest wire in the gpx250 electrical system. I also replaced light fuse with 15A (instead of 10A) - also heater is separately fused with 5A.

Mrs is very happy now she wants outside hand warmers. I'm working on the design....

**davebullet** · 1st July 2009, 07:47

I'll also add...
1. make sure you cover your tank / fairings / front guard with a towel or dropcloth or something. When you slide the grips on, some glue may drip out
2. Don't overglue near the control end (ie. inside) of the throttle side grip - otherwise your glue may make it into the throttle sleeve....