heated grips for a 1999 California V1100 EV

[mauricedonini]

Hi Gang,

As promised in post #1, there will be questions.

Looking to put heated grips on my recently purchased 1999 California V1100 EV.

Believe these Oxford Heaterz are the correct diameter and length.  Correct me if I am wrong.

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/oxford-heaterz-premium-sport-heated-grips

Also, on a high level the procedure is - remove seat, remove gas tank, remove existing grips, install new grips, install controller, run wires, connect everything up, reinstall tank & reinstall seat.  Did I miss anything major?

Finally did I read (on this site) that removing the tank is a bit of work?  Was going to follow the procedure in the service manual found on 'thisoldtractor.com'.

http://www.thisoldtractor.com/mg_manuals/workshop_manual_california_en_de_ne.pdf

Any words of wisdom on this upgrade is appreciated.

Thank you,

Maurice

[fotoguzzi]

If I was lazy or didn't want to take tank off, maybe just raise it up enough to string the wire under it, would be best to zip tie it to the frame tho..
there are tricks to getting the old grips off.. get a tiny straw in there and spray in some wd40 or anything else liquid, twist, repeat..
if hooking up straight to battery have an inline fuse near the battery connection..

[john fish]

Check the length of your existing grips.  I think you might need the Touring version, but please measure your existing grips.

I have three different types of heated grips on my bikes and the Oxfords are the best.  A bit firmer than most non-heated grips but tolerable for me.

I didn't remove the tank, but did remove the frame filler thingys up near the headstock.  Zip tied the wires to the frame.  The kit does come with an inline fuse.  Quality stuff.  Also, they turn off shortly after you turn the bike off.  Important for grips wired straight to the battery.

[Wayne Orwig]

IF you take the tank off. IF your model has the electric solenoid shutoff. DO NOT sit the tank down on the wires. They are fragile, and if the fail, you get no end of weirdness.
AND, do NOT mix up the solenoid cable, with the low fuel light cable. They use identical connectors, and the fuel level sensor can be destroyed if they are crossed. There is a red band on one set that you are supposed to match up.

[mauricedonini]

Check the length of your existing grips.  I think you might need the Touring version, but please measure your existing grips.

I have three different types of heated grips on my bikes and the Oxfords are the best.  A bit firmer than most non-heated grips but tolerable for me.

I didn't remove the tank, but did remove the frame filler thingys up near the headstock.  Zip tied the wires to the frame.  The kit does come with an inline fuse.  Quality stuff.  Also, they turn off shortly after you turn the bike off.  Important for grips wired straight to the battery.

Thanks for the info.

Will remeasure the grips (measure twice / cut once)

I have Oxford Heaterz on another motorcycle and really like them.  Very good product.

[mauricedonini]

IF you take the tank off. IF your model has the electric solenoid shutoff. DO NOT sit the tank down on the wires. They are fragile, and if the fail, you get no end of weirdness.
AND, do NOT mix up the solenoid cable, with the low fuel light cable. They use identical connectors, and the fuel level sensor can be destroyed if they are crossed. There is a red band on one set that you are supposed to match up.

Very good info.  Real life stuff not found in the workshop manual.

Thank you.

[jas67]

I just installed a pair of the $59 (@ Revzilla) Bikemaster heated grips on my Monster.   I also have these on my V7S, and have had them on other bikes as well.  They work really well.

To avoid disconnecting the fuel pump electrical connections and hoses, I just suspended it from the ceiling.

[steven c]

 I'm a big fan of Polly Grip heaters, they go inside the bar so you can use any grip and the wires are inside the bar.

[jas67]

I'm a big fan of Polly Grip heaters, they go inside the bar so you can use any grip and the wires are inside the bar.

Fitting for the age demographic around here.   

Seems to me that the handlebar would sink away a lot of the heat generated.