2020 California Heated Grip Question

[ff73148]

I own a 2020 California. I believe I purchased the last one in the USA. There is a switch on the handlebar to turn on your heated grips. Unfortunately the bike does not have heated grips. To further complicate matters the heated grip kit does not fit my model because it is a ride by wire throttle. I'm looking for options. Will the heated grips on the V85TT fit the California? Even better maybe the new V100 will have a kit that will fit?
If anyone from Piaggio reads these posts, why would you put a switch on the handlebar when there is no heated grip kit to install?

[Kiwi Dave]

I own a 2020 California. I believe I purchased the last one in the USA. There is a switch on the handlebar to turn on your heated grips. Unfortunately the bike does not have heated grips. To further complicate matters the heated grip kit does not fit my model because it is a ride by wire throttle.

Apparently you can't use MG heated grips on you model.  You could consider Koso Apollo heated grips, I have them fitted on my Indian FTR1200S.  I purchased my heated grips from Revzilla, but there's plenty of other sources.

You could also consider Oxford heated grips.  I fitted them to my Griso 1200SE, they have a small controller that needs to be mounted somewhere on the handlebars.  I also have them on my V85TT, the controller is not required as the V85 dashboard controls the settings via a small button on the LH handlebar switchgear.  The heat setting is visible on the dashboard.

[steveford]

I own a 2020 California. I believe I purchased the last one in the USA. There is a switch on the handlebar to turn on your heated grips. Unfortunately the bike does not have heated grips. To further complicate matters the heated grip kit does not fit my model because it is a ride by wire throttle. I'm looking for options. Will the heated grips on the V85TT fit the California? Even better maybe the new V100 will have a kit that will fit?
If anyone from Piaggio reads these posts, why would you put a switch on the handlebar when there is no heated grip kit to install?

Is your cruise control on the right or the left? When they made the change to the cruise on the left (later models) there wasn't an option for heated grips on the new switchgear. The early models with the cruise on the right had the heated grip button on the lower front of the left switchgear. I was told that the later models didn't have the option for heated grips. I'm talking about the California 1400 Touring. You didn't specify which model your talking about.

[moto-uno]

 Take some of these suggestions , (great as they are)  are not that relevant to the 1400's . I have a 2018 Eldorado and
living in Canada felt a need for the same . I went with the Koso Apollo kit , works fine :) . BUT , the throttle tube on the
ride-by-wire models are much larger in diameter than these grips were designed to fit . It took me close to 2 hours of
careful filing and sanding to get the grip round and down to a very tight sliding fit . These grips expand on heating and will
then spin on the tube . The tight fit and glue make for a happy combo . I thoroughly enjoy the ease of adjustment and
range of temps available on these Koso grips !    Peter

[steveford]

I own a 2020 California. I believe I purchased the last one in the USA. There is a switch on the handlebar to turn on your heated grips. Unfortunately the bike does not have heated grips. To further complicate matters the heated grip kit does not fit my model because it is a ride by wire throttle. I'm looking for options. Will the heated grips on the V85TT fit the California? Even better maybe the new V100 will have a kit that will fit?
If anyone from Piaggio reads these posts, why would you put a switch on the handlebar when there is no heated grip kit to install?

Is your cruise control on the right or the left? When they made the change to the cruise on the left (later models) there wasn't an option for heated grips on the new switchgear. The early models with the cruise on the right had the heated grip button on the lower front of the left switchgear. I was told that the later models didn't have the option for heated grips. I'm talking about the California 1400 Touring. You didn't specify which model your talking about.

[smdl]

It sounds to me like you would prefer not to add an aftermarket heated grip setup to your bike, and to instead make use of the factory button, if possible?  As your bike has the button to control heated grips, I would assume (hate that word) that the integrated grip controller is still present, as well.  So, much like many of us have adapted aftermarket heated grips to the factory controller on the V85TT, I would assume (there's that word again), that you could probably do the same.  I would suggest that you not plan to use factory heated grips for this purpose, as they are notoriously weak in heat output, and you might be disappointed. 

I would think that the best way to start would be to find a proper wiring diagram for your bike, and confirm that the heated grip connectors are present in the harness/loom.  If so, buy a set of Oxford grips that you like (there are a few variations), purchase the appropriate Molex connectors to plug into the factory connectors, and make an adapter cable to join the Oxford grips to the factory wiring.  The end result should be lots of heat, with complete integration to the bike.

The trick to the above, as Peter relates, is that the ride-by-wire throttle tube is larger in diameter than a standard throttle.  The ID of the Oxford grip is roughly 25mm, where the throttle tube is has an OD of 26.5mm, so the fit was impossibly tight, in my experience.  Some people have seen success in bevelling the end of the tube and the grip, and forcing the grip on, but the Oxfords have a rigid plastic center tube, and I found it really difficult to try to do this.  Rather than try to modify the expensive factoy throttle tube, I felt better about making adjustments to the relatively cheap Oxford grip.  So, I purchased a cheap adjustable reamer (thanks for the suggestion, Jrt) on Amazon, and used it to slowly open up the ID of the grip.  This was slow work, with constant test-fitting, but after about 20-30 minutes of trial and error, I eventually got it so that the grip was a tight, but not impossible fit on the throttle tube.  Then, I just had to get it lined up properly, apply the glue, and slide it into place.

If you decide to do as I describe above, please let me know before you do it.  I learned several hard lessons in doing the work, experienced unnecessary stress, and ruined one Oxford grip in the process.  Fortunately, replacements can be purchased individually, so it wasn't a huge issue.  However, I'd really recommend that you learn from my dumb mistakes, as the job really didn't have to be that difficult. 😬🙄

Edit:  I have a bit more time, so I thought I'd add my additional thoughts on case they might be of help to anyone who might want to do this;

- This is the reamer that I used:

https://www.amazon.com/HHIP-2006-0085-16-1-1-Adjustable-Reamer/dp/B0742N21LX

- After fighting with the reamer for a while, I finally settled on putting it in a vise pointing upwards.  Then, I was able to slide the Oxford grip over it and turn the grip rather than the reamer.  This worked much better for me.  I started off with the reamer just snug in the grip, and then continually adjusted it in small increments as it removed the plastic from inside the grip, and therefore became looser.  It took more time that I expected, but then I wasn't rushing, either.

- When you finally get the grip to a tight, but workable fit to the throttle tube, you'll want to make sure that it is properly oriented before installing it permanently.  On the V85, it is possible for the brake lever to contact the spot on the Oxford grip where the wire exits on the throttle side.  So, I rotated it clockwise (looking from the end of the bar) a bit in order to avoid this. I'm not sure if this will be an issue on the California, but it's worth checking.

- Before installing the grip on the throttle side, be sure to put something removable up against the plastic throttle housing to act as a shim, and prevent the grip from sliding onto the bar too far.  If you don't do this, when your side the grip on, it will slam home against the throttle housing, the glue will set, and your throttle will not move freely as the grip will be rubbing against the throttle housing.  I put an o-ring on the throttle tube before installing the grip, which kept the grip from sliding on too far, then just grabbed it with a pick, cut it with a knife, and removed it.  A friend of mine was smarter, and just cut out a piece of cardboard to slide over the throttle tube up right against the throttle housing, installed the grip, then removed the cardboard afterwards to provide clearance.

- Lastly, when applying glue at the time of final installation on the throttle side, resist the urge to put glue on the inside of the grip.  Instead, put the glue on the throttle tube, inward about an inch from the bar end.  Why?  If you put the glue inside the grip, as you force it on the throttle tube, the glue will get scraped off and will be forced between the throttle tube and the handlebar, thereby effectively gluing your throttle closed, and rendering it useless.  Then, you will have to remove the whole throttle assembly from the bar (not easy when it's glued), and spend some quality time removing all the glue that has been jammed in there.  Ask me how I know!  🙄

End edit.

The alternative to all of this is, as others have described, to install an aftermarket grip system.  Of these, I think that the Koso Apollo makes for the cleanest installation (no separate controller to attach to the handlebars) but they are also the most costly.

Hope this helps!

Shaun

[ff73148]

It sounds to me like you would prefer not to add an aftermarket heated grip setup to your bike, and to instead make use of the factory button, if possible?  As your bike has the button to control heated grips, I would assume (hate that word) that the integrated grip controller is still present, as well.  So, much like many of us have adapted aftermarket heated grips to the factory controller on the V85TT, I would assume (there's that word again), that you could probably do the same.  I would suggest that you not plan to use factory heated grips for this purpose, as they are notoriously weak in heat output, and you might be disappointed. 

I would think that the best way to start would be to find a proper wiring diagram for your bike, and confirm that the heated grip connectors are present in the harness/loom.  If so, buy a set of Oxford grips that you like (there are a few variations), purchase the appropriate Molex connectors to plug into the factory connectors, and make an adapter cable to join the Oxford grips to the factory wiring.  The end result should be lots of heat, with complete integration to the bike.

The trick to the above, as Peter relates, is that the ride-by-wire throttle tube is larger in diameter than a standard throttle.  The ID of the Oxford grip is roughly 25mm, where the throttle tube is has an OD of 26.5mm, so the fit was impossibly tight, in my experience.  Some people have seen success in bevelling the end of the tube and the grip, and forcing the grip on, but the Oxfords have a rigid plastic center tube, and I found it really difficult to try to do this.  Rather than try to modify the expensive factoy throttle tube, I felt better about making adjustments to the relatively cheap Oxford grip.  So, I purchased a cheap adjustable reamer (thanks for the suggestion, Jrt) on Amazon, and used it to slowly open up the ID of the grip.  This was slow work, with constant test-fitting, but after about 20-30 minutes of trial and error, I eventually got it so that the grip was a tight, but not impossible fit on the throttle tube.  Then, I just had to get it lined up properly, apply the glue, and slide it into place.

If you decide to do as I describe above, please let me know before you do it.  I learned several hard lessons in doing the work, experienced unnecessary stress, and ruined one Oxford grip in the process.  Fortunately, replacements can be purchased individually, so it wasn't a huge issue.  However, I'd really recommend that you learn from my dumb mistakes, as the job really didn't have to be that difficult. 😬🙄

Edit:  I have a bit more time, so I thought I'd add my additional thoughts on case they might be of help to anyone who might want to do this;

- This is the reamer that I used:

https://www.amazon.com/HHIP-2006-0085-16-1-1-Adjustable-Reamer/dp/B0742N21LX

- After fighting with the reamer for a while, I finally settled on putting it in a vise pointing upwards.  Then, I was able to slide the Oxford grip over it and turn the grip rather than the reamer.  This worked much better for me.  I started off with the reamer just snug in the grip, and then continually adjusted it in small increments as it removed the plastic from inside the grip, and therefore became looser.  It took more time that I expected, but then I wasn't rushing, either.

- When you finally get the grip to a tight, but workable fit to the throttle tube, you'll want to make sure that it is properly oriented before installing it permanently.  On the V85, it is possible for the brake lever to contact the spot on the Oxford grip where the wire exits on the throttle side.  So, I rotated it clockwise (looking from the end of the bar) a bit in order to avoid this. I'm not sure if this will be an issue on the California, but it's worth checking.

- Before installing the grip on the throttle side, be sure to put something removable up against the plastic throttle housing to act as a shim, and prevent the grip from sliding onto the bar too far.  If you don't do this, when your side the grip on, it will slam home against the throttle housing, the glue will set, and your throttle will not move freely as the grip will be rubbing against the throttle housing.  I put an o-ring on the throttle tube before installing the grip, which kept the grip from sliding on too far, then just grabbed it with a pick, cut it with a knife, and removed it.  A friend of mine was smarter, and just cut out a piece of cardboard to slide over the throttle tube up right against the throttle housing, installed the grip, then removed the cardboard afterwards to provide clearance.

- Lastly, when applying glue at the time of final installation on the throttle side, resist the urge to put glue on the inside of the grip.  Instead, put the glue on the throttle tube, inward about an inch from the bar end.  Why?  If you put the glue inside the grip, as you force it on the throttle tube, the glue will get scraped off and will be forced between the throttle tube and the handlebar, thereby effectively gluing your throttle closed, and rendering it useless.  Then, you will have to remove the whole throttle assembly from the bar (not easy when it's glued), and spend some quality time removing all the glue that has been jammed in there.  Ask me how I know!  🙄

End edit.

The alternative to all of this is, as others have described, to install an aftermarket grip system.  Of these, I think that the Koso Apollo makes for the cleanest installation (no separate controller to attach to the handlebars) but they are also the most costly.

Hope this helps!

Shaun

Thanks Shaun. I'll start with getting the wiring diagram. Which seems difficult as I can only find up to 2018 models.

[moto-uno]

 You can simply add a wire to the switched side of one of the relays around the battery . Works a treat and will turn off
even if you forget :) . Peter
 If my memory serves me , the Koso grips were a bit nubby on the inside also .

[smdl]

Thanks Shaun. I'll start with getting the wiring diagram. Which seems difficult as I can only find up to 2018 models.

You're welcome.  Honestly, the more I think about this, the less likely I think it is that Guzzi changed the wiring on the bike for the heated grips just because the handlebar controls were changed.  Looking at the 1400 manual online, the connectors for the heated grips appear to be in exactly the same place they are on the V85 (on the right size of the steering head). 





I'm also pretty confident that the connectors are going to be the same as used in the V85.  Here is what I ordered:

https://www.amazon.com/Molex-2-Circuits-Receptacle-Terminal-Standard/dp/B079NNS1LR/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?

Good luck with it.  Please let us know how it goes.

Cheers,
Shaun

[Dave_NWTrophy]

This thread shows how to integrate Oxford grips with the factory controller, starting about halfway down the second page:

https://www.guzzitech.com/forums/threads/heated-grips-for-mgx.16582/page-2

You just need two of the the two pin Molex connectors to go into the factory harness.

If I were to do it again, I'd probably go with the Oxford Evo grips and use the Oxford controller, since they heat faster with the thermister control in them, and should also be more even between left and right.  You can wire the controller back to the connector for the heated seat if you want a switched connection.  You'd just need a Tyco Electronics Superseal 1.5 2 pin connector (available at TLM, Amazon, and other sources https://shop.tlm.nl/en/wire-connector-set-2-way-waterproof-01751600-2-moto-guzzi) to plug it in.  Like others have said, take some time to file the throttle grip out, and plug them in and allow them to heat up a bit and they'll slide on easier.  You could also warm them up with a hair dryer, or try taking them inside to warm up.  Don't leave them powered on too long if they aren't installed on the bars, as they use the bar as a heat sink to prevent overheating (ask me how I know).  Also, test fit dry to get them lined up so the wires don't foul the clutch or brake levers, or the horn/start button, so you know where to slide them on.  You pretty much get one shot with the glue, especially on the throttle side.

The V85TT grips are too long, and there are also no bosses drilled in the 2017+ Cal 1400 handlebar for the left side grip.

Dave