| Author | Message | ||
     Rarebird |
OK, I tried posting in the KV, I really did! I had only one response... Is there any reason I should NOT drill a hole in the center of the fairing support (just below the instruments) to install a heated grip switch? If so, any other suggestions for switch location? Thanks! -Mike | ||
| Rarebird |
C'mon, now, someone has to have done it! | ||
| Gibriguy |
You know, i am interested in mounting options for that switch. I bought the kit from Al, and it looks like it will work great. I don't like that big switch that comes with it. It looks like there might be room under that housing next to the bright switch...if I could find an automotive 12v switch that will fit. I just can't seem to find a good spot to hide it. I'm way for any suggestings! | ||
| T9r |
I bought Polly Heaters for my XB. I drilled thru the fairing stay. The hole was 1/2" that I drilled. I just had to make sure everything would fit underneith the fairing stay because of how it is designed. I just recently went to a boating store and bought another kind of switch to show me that the heaters are still on. Several times I'd get off the bike and forget to turn them off. We'll see how the light at the end of the switch works. | ||
| Gibriguy |
That's about the best thing I have been able to find...a small automotive switch that lights up. It doesn't have a high/low/off...but i figured high and off would be good enough for me. Al also sells the relay to tie it into the ignition so you don't leave it on (at least that's what i think i bought). One of my buddies was saying that the smaller switch might not be big enough to handle the power draw that heater elements might draw. Any truth to this? Do i need a bigger switch? | ||
| T9r |
I went for the Polly cartridge heaters, found here: http://www.pollyheaters.com/ph400.htm This is the new switch I bought, Lighted - SPDT, On/Off/On, 5 Blade Toggle Switch from West Marine: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/1483 0/0/0/toggle%20switch/All_2/mode+matchallpartial/0/0 West Marine also sells a water seal boot to go around the base of the switch, got that too. I OFTEN need the hi/low setting for these, they really cook. A rheostat switch might be an even better option. | ||
| Buffalobolt |
Rarebird, I have a 9R that I have mounted the heated grip switch on the fairing mounts. It is mounted about halfway between the speedo and the fairing. I was originally worried about it weakening the mount too much. But, it has been on there for about a year and a half now, and no problems (however, I bet it would snap there first if it ever gets dropped). I will try to get a picture of it when I get home toninght (sorry, meant to do it last night but forgot). I had ordered one of the relays also. But, I ended up wiring it in direct. It was pretty easy actually. I was looking at the bikes wiring diagram and noticed that there is an extra headlight wire that isn't used (European headlight wire or something?). It was already fused and is off when the ignition is off. I don't know if it is the best way to do it, but I haven't had any issues with it this far. Anyone who gets any kind of cool weather should take a look at these things! For around $50 (new set of grips and heating element) you can't go wrong! This is easily the best, most used mod on my bike! I plan on installing one this weekend on the S2. How many times have you been out on a ride and it started raining/snowing and your hands got cold? No more! One other note. When I put the left grip on I used the glue sparingly (so I had enough, and didn't make a mess). On the right grip I used up the glue, so it got a pretty good coating. Now, the right grip is ALWAYS hotter! I'm not sure if the glue transfers the heat better, or if the element just gets hotter on that side. Two weeks ago while heading to Summit Point, WV for the races it was in the low 40's and pouring down rain, so I turned them on high. Instant relief! Like I said, "never another bike without them"! | ||
| Rarebird |
Shhwwweeeet! This is the info I was looking for! I ride in NEOhio, mostly commuting on 2nd shift- so the ride home is frequently COLD! Going from a Lightning to a 'Bolt was a big difference, then a touring 'screen helped a bunch. I figure the grips will make it downright tropical on the bike! Do you happen to remember the color/ location of the "spare" wire? Thanks! -Mike | ||
| Rarebird |
Oh yeah, thanks in advance for the picture! That would be great -Mike | ||
| Ulendo |
the euro light is the euro running / marker light, and also comes on with the key in the counter clockwise ( past locked) position. its the orange wire w/ white stripe ( at least on my '06 cityx) for those interested in multiple accessories, you can also try adding a switchbox to center area of the triple clamps ( easier on an S, than an R, but maybe you can drill& tap the triple clamp its self for something similar?) more info on this under the 'aux lighting' thread in BB&D  | ||
| Perry |
I put the heated grips from Al on my Scg. I have pictures on my web site. The top part of the page is about making a heated jacket, but toward the bottom you see a picture of where I put the switch on my S. It works great! Heated stuff is the way to go! www.perrypoint.com/heatedgear | ||
| Sparky |
I zip-tied an Aerostich thermostat onto the front of a Heli-bar triple clamp. The left hole in the Heli is perfect for zip-tie placement. Normally I'd use the thermostat for regulating an electric vest, but I also have wrap-around grip heaters that I can "wye" into the 'stat & vest cord for when it gets really cold in SoCal, like below 60.  | ||
| Rarebird |
"...when it gets really cold in SoCal, like below 60." You've gotta' be kidding  !!! I'm talking about nights in the high 30's to low 40's!!! Man, it must be SOOOO nice in your part of the world! -Mike | ||
| Buffalobolt |
Rarebird, I guess I will have to work on getting you that picture. My files/pictures are too large. Anyone got any advice on how to make these pictures fit. I don't have any experience on reducing their size to fit here???? | ||
| Joesbuell |
try this http://www.freeimagehosting.net upload whatever size pic you like | ||
| Cycleaddict |
Wow, those "polly-heater" cartridge things are the sh*t !!!(such a easy instaall!) i own a bmw with heated grips and the throttle side "do" get warmer than the other side. it must be because the plastic throttle tube insulates the heat from the metal handlebar. so.... i'm thinking the "polly heaters" will "act" the opposite ! | ||
| Gibriguy |
hey rarebird, Where ya at? I ride in NEOhio (akron)...and work third shift....and trust me that ride home in the morning ain't no joke sometimes! The other day the fog was so thick you couldn't see more than 30 ft in front of you. Then it was too cold with the visor up and too fogged with it down. Definitely some intesting riding up this way! | ||
| Rarebird |
Gibriguy, I'm in Painesville Twp, commuting to Willoughby, up along the Lake- and yeah, it DOES get cold at night/ early morning around here! The worst part is going to work at 4pm in 65-70 degree weather and sunshine, and having to be prepared for 40's and whatever by 1 or 2am! Well familiar with the visor issue, and it's tough to dress for both ends of the spectrum! -Mike | ||
| Buffalobolt |
OK! I think I may be figuring this technology thing out!  I tried to keep the switch mounted back up on the support so that it was in the meatier part of the support. You kind of have to do a little checking before you drill to make sure that the body of the switch will fit where you want it, due to the webbing/molded in bracing under the mount.   Hope that helps! Good Luck! | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
PM ChadHargis. He has a really nice looking switch. When I install the Polly heaters, I'm gonna get a switch like his. Yeah, I know. I'm a lemming! | ||
| Buffalobolt |
That's the switch that came with the kit. The new one that just came in today still has the three way switch, but it is made of some kind of plastic. It is probably OK for the application. But, like you, I like that metal switch. We'll see how it holds up. | ||
| T9r |
If you ride in any type of rain you might want to get a rubber boot switch cover from a Marine store. It just screws on top of it and protects it from the elements | ||
| Coldwthrrider |
Could any of you who have installed the polly heater cartridges on an R please post pics or describe how the install goes? With the clip-ons the bar isn't very long, wondering how that works to get the wires out of the bar. I have a throttlemeister on my 9R with traction grips and heated gloves. I'd like to add the core grip heaters for when I don't want to wear the bulky gloves but wondering if I can fit it with what I already have in there. Thanks! | ||
| Rarebird |
Well, the job is done, my grips are warm and it all came out beautifully! I drilled the fairing stay dead center of the flat beneath instrument cluster and used a marine boot on the metal toggle. It's so subtle you have to look twice before it registers that something is different! I'll see if I can locate a digital camera and post a pic. Man it's nerve wracking to commit to drilling that gorgeous piece of magnesium! Thanks to Buffalobolt for posting, and for emailing me more detail on wiring suggestions, Really appreciate it, Mike! -Mike |
