V85TT Heated Grips

[Alpo]

Thank you, my first ever Guzzi! Do you have any pictures of the grips installed on the bike? I have installed the oxford heated grips on other bikes but never integrated into the stock harness.

You’ll want to unscrew these plugs from the ends of the bars to make it easier to slide the grips on




I installed them oriented the way Oxford recommends, but the levers, when fully pulled in, do touch the rubber boot where the wires enter the grip when installed this way. Easy enough to rotate them and re-glue though.

[sactownv85]

Thank you!, great step-by-step write up and a great alternative to the factory heated grips. I have had good luck with the Oxford heated grips, very robust and way too hot on the hottest setting on previous bikes when using the factory heat controller. When installed with the factory harness is their a noticeable difference within the three heat settings on the TFT dash?   

[NWrider]

Yes

[Vagrant]

https://www.denniskirk.com/kimpex/handlebar-grip-heater-kit-12-170.p3931.prd/3931.sku

here is another option and they are available under a lot of brand names and prices this is just an example. I have used probably 8-10 sets on bikes over the years and no reason you couldn't wire them right up to the Guzzi's wiring harness. I know Wayne Orwig did on his Stelvio.
now his tip was to take the paper thin styrofoam from an egg carton and glue it on the left H bar to insulate it so it heats up identically to the throttle pipe side. then buy 2 sets of your grip of choice so you have two large inside diameters. big advantage here is you pick the grips jell, foam, tapered etc. they work great. the ones on my EV have been on since 2007.

FYI I did this last week and they work great.

[Kitze]

I put the OE heaters on. The install is straightforward. I was also a bit taken aback by the price. Later realized that the kit included a new potentiometer. But the main reason was that with the OE setup it has the 2000 rpm cutout and seamless dash integration. Plus a nice preinstalled switch. I really like that. I’m just not comfy cutting into the harness on an expensive new bike with a warranty. And installing a stand alone system would sideline the RPM cutout, switch and the dash.
As far as heat...nowhere near as hot as say a Harley setup. But with gloves designed for heated grips highest setting is definitely too hot. Middle, #2, is good for most weather here and into the sierras. Wearing winter gloves with heavily insulated palms they are marginal even at full blast.
But...your mileage may vary.

[giusto]

Nice job on the posts fellas!!   

[Alpo]

I put the OE heaters on ... I’m just not comfy cutting into the harness on an expensive new bike with a warranty. And installing a stand alone system would sideline the RPM cutout, switch and the dash...

Just to be clear, the method I used to install the Oxford heated grips did not involve cutting any of the bike's harnesses, and utilizes all of the bike's factory functions.

[Vagrant]

any grip can be plugged right into the bikes wire harness giving you the benefits of the stockers.  did you go to the dealer and have to pay to reset the new system. I susspect it's the dash doesn't send enough juice to the grips and that's why they don't get hot enough not the actual grips themselves.

[Kitze]

Just to be clear, the method I used to install the Oxford heated grips did not involve cutting any of the bike's harnesses, and utilizes all of the bike's factory functions.

Sweet. I misread your post.

[smdl]

Hi, folks.

I'm in the process of fitting Oxford grips to my V85 TT, and running into an issue on the throttle side.  So, I'm reviving this thread in hopes of getting some assistance from those who have gone before.  Before getting into the issue, I wanted to take a moment to thank Alpo for the excellent installation guide provided in this thread.  Really well done, and very helpful!

So, to the issue:  On the throttle side, the inside diameter of the Oxford grip is just over 25mm, as indicated that it should be in the Oxford manual.  However, that same manual indicates that the outside diameter of the bike's throttle tube should be approximately 25.4mm, and mine seems to be about 26.5mm.  As a result, there is no way that the Oxford grip will go on. 

I can't imagine that my V85 throttle is any different from others, so I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered this?  If so, how did you adddress it?

Looking forward to any insight!

Thanks,
Shaun

[Vagrant]

If connected to 12 volts and on high they will swell up. Add dish soap and maybe...

[smdl]

If connected to 12 volts and on high they will swell up. Add dish soap and maybe...

Thanks for the suggestion.  Hadn't thought of turning the heat on, which might indeed cause some expansion. 

Hoping that someone else might be able to expand upon what they found when they installed the Oxford grips.  Was the throttle side a real fight, or did it go on relatively easily?

Cheers,
Shaun

[Alpo]

Hoping that someone else might be able to expand upon what they found when they installed the Oxford grips.  Was the throttle side a real fight, or did it go on relatively easily?

Yep, it was a bit of fight to get the throttle side slid on over the Guzzi throttle tube. Nice benefit is that there's no way the grip will slip on the throttle tube once installed.

[jrt]

Hi, folks.

I'm in the process of fitting Oxford grips to my V85 TT, and running into an issue on the throttle side.  So, I'm reviving this thread in hopes of getting some assistance from those who have gone before.  Before getting into the issue, I wanted to take a moment to thank Alpo for the excellent installation guide provided in this thread.  Really well done, and very helpful!

So, to the issue:  On the throttle side, the inside diameter of the Oxford grip is just over 25mm, as indicated that it should be in the Oxford manual.  However, that same manual indicates that the outside diameter of the bike's throttle tube should be approximately 25.4mm, and mine seems to be about 26.5mm.  As a result, there is no way that the Oxford grip will go on. 

I can't imagine that my V85 throttle is any different from others, so I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered this?  If so, how did you adddress it?

Looking forward to any insight!

Thanks,
Shaun

Hi Shaun,
I found the same thing-  the ID of the Oxford grip (throttle side) is ~25.4 mm and the OD of the throttle tube is ~26.5ish mm.  No Go!  I was a little surprised myself.  I used an adjustable reamer to remove a millimeter of material from the grip, taking out a very small amount at a time until it was pretty snug, but fit, and then used silicone sealant to glue it to the tube.   And finally- don't push it onto the throttle too far- the L shaped piece will rub against the switch block and the throttle won't snap back.
If this turns out to be a poor course of action (see Vagrant's post), then I'll post it up here.  I doubt I'll ever really get these hot enough to swell that much.

[smdl]

Hi Shaun,
I found the same thing-  the ID of the Oxford grip (throttle side) is ~25.4 mm and the OD of the throttle tube is ~26.5ish mm.  No Go!  I was a little surprised myself.  I used an adjustable reamer to remove a millimeter of material from the grip, taking out a very small amount at a time until it was pretty snug, but fit, and then used silicone sealant to glue it to the tube.   And finally- don't push it onto the throttle too far- the L shaped piece will rub against the switch block and the throttle won't snap back.
If this turns out to be a poor course of action (see Vagrant's post), then I'll post it up here.  I doubt I'll ever really get these hot enough to swell that much.

Excellent feedback, thanks!  I tried sanding the throttle side, a bit, but it was still too tight, and I actually damaged the Oxford grip by pushing too hard on it.  I hadn't thought of using a reamer on the grip, but I like that idea a lot more.   Better to take chances with an inexpensive grip than to risk the throttle tube assembly itself.  I have a replacement Oxford grip, now, so I'll pick up the adjustable reamer and give it a go.

Cheers,
Shaun

[jrt]

This is literally the only time an adjustable reamer has been useful to me.  So- I don't know if it is worth purchasing one (1 1/16") as it would add 50-75% onto the price of heated grips.  What does it cost to mail one?  I'd be happy to loan my POS out to you. 
Does anyone know if (US) USPS flat rate box count to Canada?

[smdl]

This is literally the only time an adjustable reamer has been useful to me.  So- I don't know if it is worth purchasing one (1 1/16") as it would add 50-75% onto the price of heated grips.  What does it cost to mail one?  I'd be happy to loan my POS out to you. 
Does anyone know if (US) USPS flat rate box count to Canada?

Thanks again!  Unfortunately, shipping from/to the US seems to have gone through roof, lately.  Probably not worth it, but I don't know what the cost would be, exactly.

Let me see what I can find for pricing on a reamer, first.  If it's prohibitive, then perhaps it makes sense to take advantage of your generous offer.

Much appreciated,
Shaun

[jrt]

Just send me a PM if you want to, Shaun.  I'm afraid this thread will get buried and I wouldn't see a reply in...a week or so. 
Via USPS, looks like it would be either $25 or $50 depending on the size of the box.  I'll pay shipping to you if you pay it on the way back.

[smdl]

Just send me a PM if you want to, Shaun.  I'm afraid this thread will get buried and I wouldn't see a reply in...a week or so. 
Via USPS, looks like it would be either $25 or $50 depending on the size of the box.  I'll pay shipping to you if you pay it on the way back.

Hi, JRT. 

I have actually already placed an order for one, and it should be arriving this weekend.  Crazy world we live in, as it will actually be cheaper and faster for me to purchase and receive a new one than for us to ship yours back and forth!

Once again, though, your generosity is so appreciated.  Another example of what a wonderful community the Guzzi World is!

Cheers,
Shaun

 

[jrt]

No problem, Shaun!

Just go slow with the adjustable reamer.  If you try to take too much off, they just dig in and get off center.  They are horrible, evil tools.   At least you aren't aiming for a specific diameter.

It has been cold and raining here for the last three days, so I haven't even been able to go for a ride.  Tomorrow or Saturday looks like nicer weather, so I'll get her out then. 

[smdl]

No problem, Shaun!

Just go slow with the adjustable reamer.  If you try to take too much off, they just dig in and get off center.  They are horrible, evil tools.   At least you aren't aiming for a specific diameter.

It has been cold and raining here for the last three days, so I haven't even been able to go for a ride.  Tomorrow or Saturday looks like nicer weather, so I'll get her out then.

Thanks for the advice!  I'll report back once I get a chance to tackle this.

Cheers,
Shaun

[Amstaff]

Seems the plastic cover to the right and below the steering stem can be finagled clear to get access to the factory heated grip leads without unfastening the gas tank. I used some grip heating elements I had laying around and got the molex connectors. Seems to work good for cheap.

Thanks for the good posts and pictures making it easy.

[greer]

Yes, thanks so much for this how-to, especially the pictures.  We put the Oxford Touring grips on Doug's bike yesterday evening.  Doug beveled the end of the throttle tube, scraped it with a razor blade and sanded the heck out of it and it was still crazy tight, even after getting good and hot.  Finally figured out a trick-- we found a pipe that would just slip over the grip and butt up against the grip flange, then we tapped the end of the pipe to push the grip in place.  Boy, I'm jealous of that handy control button on the switch gear, but my bike is so much prettier than Doug's I reckon I'll let him have it.

Sarah

[KiowaEagle]

Many thanks to Alpo for the tutorial. Here are some notes about my installation.

I didn't have a crimper for the Molex connectors so I just used needle nosed plyers. Was it perfect? No, one connector actually came off during installation but I recrimped it and it's fine now. The cost of a Molex crimper just didn't justify the need in my opinion. I doubt if I would use it again.

Getting the throttle grip on wasn't as difficult as I'd imagined from reading this thread. I just plugged it in and turned it on and it got HOT. That with some soapy water and gently rounding the edge of the throttle tube with an emery board was enough to get it on. It didn't need any adhesive.

My biggest issue was with the left hand grip. It was bigger than the handlebar and the first attempt at gluing it did not hold. The second attempt I used most of the tube of Oxford grip glue and that seemed to do the trick. I haven't tested it on a long ride yet though.

All in all definitely a worth while upgrade. I have heated grips on my other two bikes but these are definitely the warmest.

[Raven]

Ordered the Oxfords over the holiday.  Hoping Alpo can check his messages as I have a follow up question on the install. 

Thanks

[smdl]

Thanks for the advice!  I'll report back once I get a chance to tackle this.

Cheers,
Shaun

Quoting my own post as I realized that I neglected to report back. 

The reamer worked as advertised, and I was finally able to open up the ID sufficiently on the throttle side to get the grip on, while still maintaining a nice, tight fit.  On the clutch side, the fit was relatively loose, and I was a little concerned that the glue wouldn't hold, but it seems to be doing fine.

Again, thanks to Alpo for the great tutorial!

Cheers,
Shaun

[Matteo]

Excellent feedback, thanks!  I tried sanding the throttle side, a bit, but it was still too tight, and I actually damaged the Oxford grip by pushing too hard on it.  I hadn't thought of using a reamer on the grip, but I like that idea a lot more.   Better to take chances with an inexpensive grip than to risk the throttle tube assembly itself.  I have a replacement Oxford grip, now, so I'll pick up the adjustable reamer and give it a go.

Cheers,
Shaun

I installed oxfords also and heated them up with a heat gun and used hairspray to slide them on. Nice snug fit!

[dave1068]

Two time 2020 V85tt travel owner, the 1st one, I found the grips were warm but could have been much better

On my current 2020, they seem warmer, not sure how this can be as its the same model bike x 2.

perhaps when dealers set them up there is some luigi trick we dont know about to make the stock grips warmer....

[Billy_B]

I know this is an older thread but hoping someone may know: I'm doing the Oxford install on a 2023 V85. The wires on the bike are confusing me. I removed the triangular cover where the grip connectors are and see the connectors in the pic below. Looking at the pics of the install above, the blue/brown leads (red arrows pointing to them) are the connectors for the grips. If that's correct, what are the other 2-lead connectors (green arrows, black/brown wires)? One of them is plugged into the heated grip lead as shown in the pic and I'm pretty sure it came this way new. The black/brown wires are a bigger gauge than the blue/brown by the way. Thanks

[inditx]

Ny 2023 V85 OEM grips work well fwiw
inditx