Heated Grips installed

Last fall while riding my 2002 V-TEC I decided that heated grips would definitely extend my Midwest riding season. I shopped around and decided to go with Honda heated grips from David Silver spares in England. www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/index. I went to the official Honda Britain site to get the part numbers. www.honda.co.uk. These grips are intended to be used on a variety of models but come with specialized harness points for the respective model.

Grip installation is straightforward: the instructions were very complete. No drilling of bodywork or additional resistors is needed. NOTE: when it says check the right brake switch for 12v + it means it. You just have to find which switch lead is the hot lead and use it. The controller is bulky but has a feature that does not allow for battery drain. You can also mount it where the controller mechanism can be used as a thumb wheel when under way on the left side. I will say that because the harness is for many bikes it is not a particularly clean installation with the need to bundle the excess wire. However, you can cut and splice to shorten the harness as needed but you must be sure to waterproof the splice.

The grips work well and really make a difference. They were relatively expensive compared to other alternatives and it would be worth shopping around. Interestingly enough there is no Honda logo anywhere on the grips so even owners of non-Honda machines can use them and not have to explain themselves.

David Silver Spares was easy to work and shipped quicker then some US folks I’ve dealt with. I have no complaints so I don’t know how good they will be if you have problems. Price was around $200 US but exchange rates fluctuate.

The Honda UK site lists items not currently listed as accessories for 2002/2003 V-TEC models. Worth taking a look to see what others can get from their dealers and we can’t.

 

Thanks for the information, Jozef.  I have been considering the heated grips for a while now.  I also live in the midwest where the mornings are very brisk but nice by the afternoon.  It would be nice to make the ride to work more enjoyable if my hands weren't frozen!  I'll check out th web sites you provided and do some shopping around!

Vifferchic

 

Wow, I have to say I am impressed with David Silver Spares. After finding this article, while searching for info on heated grips, I odered some last week from David Silver Spares. I was looking for info on the generic heated grips, since for some strange reason, Honda USA doesn't import the kit here (really, why is that?). Thought I would go with Hot Grips, since I have had them before, but wanted to see the latest info. When I saw this, I knew I wanted the Honda kit. Ordered them last week, along with some other stuff that they didn't have in stock. Expected them it 2-5 weeks, with over seas and just general dealing with dealers on stuff. Got them last night! Haven't had a chance to look at them, so can't post about that, but just wanted to post a thumbs up to dealling with DSS, even from the US.

Spike

Oh, the items they didn't normally carry was the storage covers for the side cases, and the top box. I saw them on the UKHonda sight, and they also are not brought in here. Since most of the time my bags are off the bike, & on a shelf in the garage, I thought the covers would at least keep them dust free, but also might prevent minor scratches and scuffs, as I move stuff around.

 

I wonder if these will also work well with 5th generation 2001 VFR?

 

Bar size???

Guy's I'm looking into getting heated grips. Does anyone know what size the handle bars are so I get the right ones? is it 7/8":biggrin:

 

Model Ergo2-520-760 - kit - for 7/8" Handlebars

 

Hi Guys,

I also got the Genuine Honda grips for my 2008, but I can't complete the install because I can't find the earth connector that is supposed to exist in the loom from the indicator light. Do I need to remove the side cover to get at it?

Replies appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Redex

 

Hell, I just had the previous owner of my '99 inform me that my new (to me) bike has them...are they thermostatically controlled er what?
He also just e-mailed me that the bike has the Throttlemeister throttle mechanism so that was a nice little treat...
Gents, tell me about heated grips if you would - how ITF do they work?
Joe

 

Hey Red. I have the Honda VFR Grips from Japan and they use the ground connection at the horn. Maybe that'll work for ya.

 

I have these installed on mine and they are wonderful. Mounted the variable rheostat in the fairing by my right hand.

 

Hey Jasonsmith,

Thanks, that could be the answer. I didn't think to connect at the horn, but it should be OK. The kit comes with connectors that are supposed to interrupt the existing earth for the RH indicator, but I can't see any terminals that fit. I'll have a look at the horn connectors and if they are the right ones, I'll connect there.

Thanks/regards,

Redex

 

Hey jasonsmith,

Well, you were right. I took off the fairings today looking for the part described in the directions for where to install the earth, but it wasn't there. However, the horn earth connection was perfect. I really appreciate your suggestion, and I'm now enjoying heated grips.

Thanks & best regards

 

Your welcome Red. I don't use mine all that much but when I do I'm super glad that I have em.