{"id":17318,"date":"2021-04-14T11:53:44","date_gmt":"2021-04-14T15:53:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/?p=17318"},"modified":"2021-04-14T11:53:44","modified_gmt":"2021-04-14T15:53:44","slug":"heated-grips-motorcycle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/heated-grips-motorcycle\/","title":{"rendered":"Installing Heated Grips on a Motorcycle"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Comfort Right Down to your Fingertips!&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:35|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text]Last October, I had the great pleasure of testing the outstanding BMW R 18 (<a href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/the-2021-bmw-r-18-a-beast-of-a-motorcycle\/\">here&#8217;s why I refer to this bike as a real beast<\/a>). Among its many qualities that impressed me, I particularly appreciated the heated grips. This was my first time getting a taste of this accessory, which seemed relatively frivolous to me at the time. But it quickly became clear that I would no longer be able to live without them. Riding in late October, without freezing my fingers, was truly delightful. I promised myself that I&#8217;d install heated grips on my Kawasaki Vulcan S before the start of the next season. In this article, I explain how I did it.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Choosing your Grips&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:35|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text]As with most motorcycle accessories, there is a wide range of heated grips to suit all tastes and at budgets. You don&#8217;t have to break the bank to get good quality grips. Plus, by installing them yourself, you&#8217;ll also save on labor. I&#8217;ve received quotes up to several hundred dollars to have heated handles professionally installed. The total bill for my beloved handles: $100 (and several drops of sweat). Take the time to shop around; your local accessory stores will surely have something for you!<\/p>\n<p>When choosing, simply go with your taste. <strong>There are various heat control mechanisms out there<\/strong>. For example, some operate with a lever on the handle, while others (like mine) are adjustable with a button on a separate remote control. Beware: some handles only have an on\/off button, so they don&#8217;t offer the option to choose the power level.<\/p>\n<p>Another aspect to consider is the look and feel of the handle in your hand. I have a preference for handles with a lot of grip: not only do I think they look nice, but I also feel they give me a better sense of control and are more comfortable. Other people prefer a smoother style. It&#8217;s really up to you!<\/p>\n<p>Most importantly, <strong>make sure you get the right size<\/strong>! Check your bike&#8217;s specifications to identify the size of it handlebars. If you can&#8217;t find these specs, you can always measure the diameter of your handlebars with a tape measure. Most handlebars are 7\/8, 1 and 11\/4 inches in diameter.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Equipement&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:35|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text]Here&#8217;s what you&#8217;ll need:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>a set of Allen keys;<\/li>\n<li>sandpaper;<\/li>\n<li>Krazy Glue (a tube was already included in the package when I bought my handles)<\/li>\n<li>a screwdriver;<\/li>\n<li>black tie wraps;<\/li>\n<li>a diagonal cutter;<\/li>\n<li>WD-40.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17307&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Steps&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:35|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3b816c74e70\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3b816c74e70\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/heated-grips-motorcycle\/#1_Remove_the_grips\" >1. Remove the grips<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/heated-grips-motorcycle\/#2_Sand_the_handlebars\" >2. Sand the handlebars.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/heated-grips-motorcycle\/#3_Install_your_new_grips\" >3. Install your new grips.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/heated-grips-motorcycle\/#4_Put_the_handlebar_ends_back_into_place\" >4. Put the handlebar ends back into place.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/heated-grips-motorcycle\/#5_Plug_the_wires\" >5. Plug the wires.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/heated-grips-motorcycle\/#6_Test_your_new_grips\" >6. Test your new grips.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/heated-grips-motorcycle\/#7_Install_the_temperature_control_mechanism\" >7. Install the temperature control mechanism.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/heated-grips-motorcycle\/#8_Place_the_wires\" >8. Place the wires.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Remove_the_grips\"><\/span>1. Remove the grips<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Start by removing the handlebar ends with an Allen key.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17291&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17290&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]To remove the handles, you&#8217;ll need to insert a screwdriver between the grip and the handle to loosen it.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17312&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]WD-40 will be your best friend at this stage: spray it liberally under the handle. The lubricant will help dislodge it.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17313&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Sand_the_handlebars\"><\/span>2. Sand the handlebars.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Using the sandpaper, roughen the handle. This will ensure that your grips will be securely attached to your handlebars, as glue adheres better to porous surfaces than smooth ones.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17306&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17305&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Install_your_new_grips\"><\/span>3. Install your new grips.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>First, be sure to identify the left and right handlebars. The one on the throttle side will have a larger hole to accommodate the moving portion of the handlebar.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17304&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]Second, it is important to plan the angle at which you&#8217;ll be installing the handles, so that the wires wind up in the right place. Look at where you will want to run the wires later before you install the handles.<\/p>\n<p>Put glue on the end of the handlebar. Be careful not to go more than a few centimetres from the end (I was aiming for about halfway down the handle), as you don&#8217;t want the glue to run between the handle and the other handlebar hardware.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17300&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]Hurry up and install the handle. I repeat: you will have to work very quickly, because the glue dries at the speed of light! I strongly recommend that you ask a friend to help you hold the bike at this stage. You will have to push very hard while turning the handle, and you&#8217;ll appreciate having someone on the other side of the bike to make sure you don&#8217;t tip your motorcycle over.<\/p>\n<p>If you fail on your first attempt, don&#8217;t panic! Simply pick up your screwdriver and WD-40 and go back to step #1.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17302&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]Now do the same thing on the other side.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17301&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17303&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]There will be a gap between the handle and other handlebar accessories, especially on the throttle side. This is normal, and very important, even.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17298&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17299&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Put_the_handlebar_ends_back_into_place\"><\/span>4. Put the handlebar ends back into place.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17297&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]If, like me, you have dropped your poor motorcycle in the past, take this opportunity to give the bar ends a little love with some black nail polish on the tips, to hide the scars of your blunder![\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Plug_the_wires\"><\/span>5. Plug the wires.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Connect the wiring to your battery according to the instructions of the handles.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17292&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]Plug in the wires.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17293&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Test_your_new_grips\"><\/span>6. Test your new grips.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Before moving on to the next step, I recommend testing your handles to make sure they work properly. If you need to exchange them, you&#8217;ll be glad you didn&#8217;t wait until the final stage of installation to find out![\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17310&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Install_the_temperature_control_mechanism\"><\/span>7. Install the temperature control mechanism.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If, like me, your grips come with a separate remote control, install it in a spot that is aesthetically pleasing but, more importantly, that is convenient and safe. The left side of the handlebars is best, as this will prevent you from having to release the throttle to adjust the heat level of your grips while riding.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17296&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17294&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17295&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Place_the_wires\"><\/span>8. Place the wires.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Now it&#8217;s time to plan where the wires will run so that they are as invisible as possible. Follow the existing wires; this will guide you. Be sure to leave enough slack on the throttle side so that the wire can follow the movement of the handle as you turn it![\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17309&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]Use the tie wraps to secure the wires in place. As much as possible, stay away from essential tubing, such as your brake oil hose, so as to avoid blocking the flow of fluids. When you are satisfied with the placement of the wires, use the diagonal cutter to trim the excess off the fasteners.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17311&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;17308&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;That&#8217;s it!&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:35|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text]There you have it, it&#8217;s that simple! No matter what kind of bike you have, if you don&#8217;t have heated grips yet, I strongly recommend that you get some. You&#8217;ll see: it will change your life, while also extending your riding season. You&#8217;ll thank me later![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;-Em&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:35|text_align:left&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Kaushan%20Script%3A%22regular%22|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=\"Comfort Right Down to your Fingertips!\" font_container=\"tag:h2|font_size:35|text_align:left\" use_theme_fonts=\"yes\"][vc_column_text]Last October,&hellip;","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":17341,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1771],"tags":[2948,2945,2947,2946,2949,1858],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17318"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17318"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17318\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17341"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17318"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17318"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17318"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}