hot grips hook-up

Has anyone installed the HotGrips on their VFR? Can you tell me a good place to draw the power from? The installation instructions say not to use a location that is hot when the engine is off. Makes sense.

I have the '07.

Thanks,

Taylor

 

Howdy,
I tapped the turn signal wire on my '06. I also put a fuse in the line and grounded at the horn. No problems so far.
The rear brake wire is switched too.
Hope this helps.
They don't call'em HOT GRIPS for nothing.

Mac

 

turn signal wire on '07

Hmm, didn't know the turn signal circuit would provide enough juice for the hot grips. Another problem is, the turn signal on my '07 has only two wires-ground and hot. The hot wire must have a variable current since it provide both the running light power (dim) and signal (bright) on the same wire/filament. If I hooked the hot grips to this wire, it wouldn't get a consistent current. Perhaps I could hook the grips to one of the headlight hot wires?

Thanks

Taylor

 

Hey Taylor,
To my knowledge the whole system is 12volts. I guess I should have been more specific, the switched wire I tapped carries current to the running lights and the horn. The switch turns on second filament in the bulb, making it bright, signaling a turn. Flashing....you know.
I will tell you that I am a jack-leg mechanic, at best, a poor electrician. Also, my rig does function.
I am sure you will enjoy the grips. They let me ride below 40 degrees, which it seems to be about a third of the year here in the High Country. Just the diameter of the grips gave me greater comfort on the bike. They suit the hand better than stock.
The weather is asposta break, so I'm riding the Snake Saturday. Black'06, covered in Corbin Crap. Maybe I'll see ya?
Good luck.

Mac

 

mystery solved

After poking around, I found the fuseblock on the right side. I was able to pull the wire out of the fuseblock that provides power to the horn and turn signals. I then soldered the positive lead (fused) from the electric grips variable switch to the metal base of this wire. The pair of wires was then re-inserted into the fuse block for a fairly sanitary installation (if it works).

Tonight I will epoxy the heated grips to the handlebars and tomorrow finish the hook-up. I am saving drilling a hole in the fairing for the variable switch for last since this is the scariest part.