I'm gonna invest in some heated grips so I can ride a bit more comfortably through winter. Has anybody fitted any or got any experience with them, if so what do you recommend?
I'm also interested honda do some standard equipment ones but 300 quid.. Perhaps I will just buy the throttle side and keep the clutch hand in my pocket..
I bought oxford ones and they are ace.. about £70 quid from Ebay. On your top yokes, there are 2 x blanked off threaded holes. I used one of these to mount the heater control and i use them all the time! I also use them with the QA throttle kit no issues.. 2 wires to the battery.. couldn't be simpler PS - I bought the ones with the auto-cut-off if you forget to switch them off (as I forget all the time) MOTORCYCLE BIKE OXFORD OF692 HEATED SPORTS HANDLEBAR HOT GRIPS CONTROL SWITCH | eBay
I fitted these before last winter. They're nice and HOT on full power. You can feel the difference in the settings. Auto cut-off and a tiny red light indicator on the right grip that flashes faster the higher you have them set (but it's not distracting). The down-side is, like all heated grips, they're a bit 'fatter' than the standard grips. The control switch is incorporated in the left-hand grip so no need for a separately mounted switch either. 2 year warranty too! I'm very happy with 'em. Datatool Heated Grips Therma Grip Heated Hand Grips | eBay
I have had heated grips fitted to all my blades, I ride all year round. I use the Oxford versions that are very good. Newer digital versions do not require either ignition wire or a relay, wired straight to the battery and turn themselves off when it senses no current flow from the alternator.
Not sure if you have considered heated inner gloves. A lot less bother to fit and cheaper too, look at Keis
I have not fitted them to the blade but they are worth their weight in gold. I fitted a pair to my Speed triple and they where great. I find the fairing and screen helps keep me warm compared to the naked speed triple. But I do not use the bike when it's too cold
IMHO, heated grips are rubbish. Unless you grip with your hands all the way round the grips permanently maybe, but I barely touch the grips when riding. I switched to Keis heated inner gloves and they are brilliant because the heat actually gets to your hands, constantly. Heated Motorcycle Clothing & Gloves | Keis Apparel
No need, they don't drain much power (unless you use multiple items, eg, gloves & jacket, etc) You can also run them from a portable battery pack if you like.
I followed el-nicko's advice. These things are brilliant! Whitefinger numbness has been wrecking my riding and now, I'm sorted. Been out for 7 hours today when temperatures ranged between 7C and 12C and no problems. Previously I would have been physically incapable of doing this due to unusable fingers. A doddle to fit too, and look neat on the bike. Thanks very much for the post el-nicko
