[Tazman]

someone else posted a question about these in another space. I want to poss the question agian.

many different types. Are there any pros and cons of them. lets see whats out there.

1. http://www.hotgrips.com/kawasaki.html
this type. heated grips. these seem like the heat would go right to your hands. pretty pricy tho. you cant remove them if needed. and I have always wondered if the wire would ever get in the way.


2. http://happy-trail.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=SYMTEC-210019
these type. under the grip. do they really work. are they warm. I have heard they have to heat the bar before they heat you hand. I know a few of you use these. Are you happy. KLRGUNN you ride in some pretty cold weather, you stated before you like them. have you tried other types, and they warm enough for you.


3. http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Aerostich-Warm-Wrap-Grips-p-16731.html
third type is the wrap around the grip. these seem like the heat would go right to the hand. you can remove them. but does the grip become way to thick. do they stay in place, or get worn out fast.

wanted to start a discussion about these. So want do you all think.

 

[Biker Scout]

I just put a pair of Hot Grips on last night. (I haven't wired them up yet)

I got these because they are better than the heat patches. I knew going in that I'd be limited to that particular grip, and removal would be a pain in the ass. But I felt they were superior to anything else out there. A nice feature that I have yet to purchase is their Heatroller which is suppsed to make installation even easier and give you more control over the heat settings. Plus, it allows the units to consume less power. That's + for the KLR!

As soon as the Heatroller arrives and I've got them hooked up I'll give everyone the lowdown on the way they feel through gloves this winter!

 

[theotherbigjoe]

the wrap style

Someone... Oh Aztec! had those. I liked them. seemed nice that they would come off in a hurry.
they might be a lil bulky with gloves on. but I'd just use them when it was a cold ride anyway.
adding a cig. plug and an inline switch, would make them portable.

 

[larryboy]

the wrap style

Someone... Oh Aztec! had those. I liked them. seemed nice that they would come off in a hurry.
they might be a lil bulky with gloves on. but I'd just use them when it was a cold ride anyway.
adding a cig. plug and an inline switch, would make them portable.

oh yeah,i had forgotton about that. i should get some for my birthday from a gigantic red head. :wink: 30 days to collect cans on the side of the road. :lol:

 

[MeefZah]

I got the DS version. Can't beat 'em for the cost and the ability to use whatever grip you want over them. There is minimal heat transfer to the bar on the clutch side (not throttle side due to the plastic throttle tube) but that is minimized even more by wrapping a bit of electric tape around the bar. MZ

 

[gunny]

I haven't went with heated grips yet, but I have used a pair of covers from my polaris ATV that has pockets in them for putting those little chemical heating pouches, they do work really great, I could ride in 30 degree weather with just my regular gloves on, the covers keep the wind from finding its way up the sleeves of my jacket also.

 

[r_w]

I bought the hotgrips. HOT is an understatement. you definitely need a controller to cut back the power.

I also have the ATV mitts (from before the hotgrips) and they will keep you warm too.

Put the two together and your hands would stay warm way past the point you should be riding a motorcycle--I figure they would be good to 0 deg F or colder for me and I am a wimp to the cold.

 

[Kawioops]

I just put a pair of Hot Grips on last night. (I haven't wired them up yet)

I got these because they are better than the heat patches. I knew going in that I'd be limited to that particular grip, and removal would be a pain in the a**. But I felt they were superior to anything else out there. A nice feature that I have yet to purchase is their Heatroller which is suppsed to make installation even easier and give you more control over the heat settings. Plus, it allows the units to consume less power. That's + for the KLR!

As soon as the Heatroller arrives and I've got them hooked up I'll give everyone the lowdown on the way they feel through gloves this winter!

No offense, but I gotta call ya out when you say something is better when you admit they aren't even hooked up! I used the Symtec pads under my gel grips and they are great, high gets hot quickly and lo maintains a good warmth for longer rides. I only paid $30. plus used a relay from checker auto( $4.00 ). Aren't the hot grips expensive? Locally, they are about $80 plus, if memory serves. Like I said, no offense, just asking.

 

[Biker Scout]

Correct... but when making a purchase decision I weighed all the options out there and tried out my boss' "Heat Patch" heaters. One thing I failed to mention is that I've used Hot Grips on a Snow Mobile once, and I liked them even through some super heavy snow gloves. Also, heat patches work better on Steel Handle Bars, whereas if they are installed on Aluminum Bars, the heat tends to dissipate quickly and the bar gets warm all over. My Boss has Almunim Bars, and says they aren't adequet for him during cold weather MX riding.

However, I do not have first hand experience with Hot Grips on my KLR in regards to my daily winter commute. So, yeah... I don't have anything to compare to from last winter having nothing but a pair of under sized "winter riding" gloves. I was not a happy camper.

I don't look at the price as an overall influence to sway me one way or the other. If I research a product and feel it's the best for my intended purposes, then price just means how soon I'd be able to get it.

 

[Kawioops]

Correct... but when making a purchase decision I weighed all the options out there and tried out my boss' "Heat Patch" heaters. One thing I failed to mention is that I've used Hot Grips on a Snow Mobile once, and I liked them even through some super heavy snow gloves. Also, heat patches work better on Steel Handle Bars, whereas if they are installed on Aluminum Bars, the heat tends to dissipate quickly and the bar gets warm all over. My Boss has Almunim Bars, and says they aren't adequet for him during cold weather MX riding.

However, I do not have first hand experience with Hot Grips on my KLR in regards to my daily winter commute. So, yeah... I don't have anything to compare to from last winter having nothing but a pair of under sized "winter riding" gloves. I was not a happy camper.

I don't look at the price as an overall influence to sway me one way or the other. If I research a product and feel it's the best for my intended purposes, then price just means how soon I'd be able to get it.

That's cool, now I understand. However, I have installed the patches on my Alum. Renthal bars and they get very hot, even on the clutch side. I realized that the problem is the hollow bars will allow heat to migrate due to the air in the bars, so I plugged the bars about six inches in on the clutch side. When the grips are very hot, the bar just beyond the lever clamp is cold. Seems to do the trick.

 

[Biker Scout]

That's a good trick. I guess the word of the day here is INFO... for someone wanting heated grips on a "Patch" budget, should know about the bar material issue and farkle accordingly. For some it's not a problem, but for me I've got poor hand circulation and I can hold very hot objects in my hand. So for me, I like the idea of a total heated grip all the way around.

 

[Big Rigger]

The original owner of my bike installed Symtec 210019RR/mt, grip heaters on my '05 Klr. I really like 'em, they work great. They have two heat settings. So far, the lowest temps I've rode in is the upper 30's, and using the low setting, my hands have stayed warm, with summer riding gloves. I also have a bar snake and Spider Grips installed, which may effect performance. :smile:

 

[Airwolf]

Finally got my Hot Grips installed the other day and have had them out a few times since in temps down to 35.

Worth their weight in gold.

Even with insulated gloves I have to put them in "lo" after awhile but "high" *really* helps take the chill off fast.

They're on the stock handlebars. I put a single wrap of electrical tape on the left side before mounting to add a bit of insulation so it wouldn't dissipate heat too quickly on that side. Seems to help as the right side is only a tad bit warmer than the left.

 

[KLRGunn]

Taz,
I have not tried any other types, but Symtec, for the money, are an excellent choice. Just make sure you hook them to a hot wire that works off the ignition. My Dad hard wired his to the battery, and every once in awhile, he will forget to shut them off, and the next day, his battery is dead......

 

[Daddyjoe]

KLRGunn


Taz,
I have not tried any other types, but Symtec, for the money, are an excellent choice. Just make sure you hook them to a hot wire that works off the ignition. My Dad hard wired his to the battery, and every once in awhile, he will forget to shut them off, and the next day, his battery is dead......

That is one GOOD reason for using lighted switches.