Handle bar warmers

[Brenner]

This might be a good time of year to ask about a specific add on that I have been considering for my project. I do not have a lot of experience on a fixed fairing bike so I do not know if when cold weather riding if ones hand might get cold. I plan on using my Harley during summer months but any distance and off season riding will be with my venture. What does the consensus say about adding polly hi/low heaters to the handle bars? I prefer them over heated grips and have a set on my plow atv and they work well. I just don't know how well they will work with the venture line grips being so heavily made. Any one who has experience care to share? I know they draw on the charging system but not a large load and they do not seem to draw down my quad and they do get hot.

[eagleeye]

I looked them up and it seems as if they are heated grips. Can you tell me the difference?

I always have cold hands.

[Atoolnut]

i have that type on my 08 for 4 years..no problems ..got the hi-low rocker style switch....symtec heat demon .draws3 amp....use existing grips so not bulky like oxfords

[Brenner]

The type I am referring to are the handle bar inserts, 3 amp draw. The heated grips from what I understand wear and do not last as long. Factory grips are used and you do not see them aside from the power switch. These are the ones I have ready to install

Polly Heaters Inc. - PH200

[Atoolnut]

the problem is our bars have end weights ..how you going to insert these?

[eagleeye]

I looked at the link and they have one for a motorcycle, (PH400) which they say runs not quite as hot. I also read the installation instructions and you have to drill a 3/8" hole on each side of the handlebars near the the triple tree/forks, (as I read it) for the wires to come through. I'm not sure that I want to do that to my bars.

As far as the end weights, it says to push the warmer an inch into the bars, so i would guess that the end weights would still work out ok.

[Brenner]

I've been there and done that on the install as I mentioned earlier on my atv plow. I used a different model that has one heat setting for snowmobiles and man do they get hot. I have two sets of handle bars so i am not afraid of drilling and installing and the cover plate on our handle bar risers will hide the wiring. As far as inserting I believe there is enough room as they are not that large once in hand. I am not sure but I believe the weights in the bars are drilled. I will find out soon when I choose to install my add ons, ( headlight flasher, brake flasher, warmers, etc...). My original set of two heat warmers were for my Harley but since I will not ride it in colder weather I am installing them in the venture.

[eagleeye]

Be sure and let us know how that works out for you. I am interested in doing something to keep my hands warm.

[wrenchrob]

I put on the show Chrome heated grips. They are a little larger in diameter than the oem. They look good but u must remove the end weights to use them. They definitely get warm but I expected more. As far as the end weights go like atoolnut says there are threaded into the end of the bars with an 8mm thread I believe so I cannot see how you could install the internal heaters.

[Brenner]

I have not come across the issue with the 8 mm thread or having to remove any screws to remove the grips. I have had my grips off and see no problem with the install. My bike was loaded with accessories when I got it and I have the optional venture line grips, maybe this is different? I have a spare set of handle bars and they are the same. Maybe I will grab some pics and post them to show they will fit. Thinking about it now maybe those who have not removed the grips completely previously are thinking you have to unscrew the ends to remove them. This is not so as once the grips are completely off you are staring into a hollow bar with a removable internal weight. I will double check to confirm I am not mistaken.

[Brenner]

Okay you guys got the best of me and I really had to double check as I do not want to mislead or misinform anyone so I went out to the shop and snapped a few pics in no particular order. A pic of my project in current condition still being worked on, a pic of what the handle bar looks like with the grip fully removed which is easy to do, a pic of the handle bar is hollow, a pic of the bar weight which I will need to shorten and cut a groove into so the wires can pass through the weight as they are not hollow, a pic of the heaters themselves, a pic of the heater packages as I have two sets as I am an ebay junkie and $10 shipped each was a good deal for me with all hardware from two different sellers. Two different packages but same heaters and same part numbers. I see no screws having to do with the bar or weights but previously only with the grip ends themselves and I do not see a problem installing these and will have a relay running off the ignition so they will be shut off with ignition as well as there own power switch. Please remember my project is a budget build so bear with me as I slowly move along. As seen in the pics I have tried to do all my upgrades prior to my initial ride on this machine. R1 brake calipers, MKII rotors, 2nd gen transmission, v-max final drive, progressive springs, handle bar warmers, throatier pipes, upgraded stator, MKII forks, fork brace and gaiters, etc..., paint and body work to come

 

 

[eagleeye]

the wires go down into the handlebar and out the bottom. How will that work?

[Brenner]

My choice is to drill the steel tube where the bar bends ends at the mount to the alloy risers and to run the wires within the rest of the leads from the handle bar controls. I believe I can hide it where the bars are adjustable. Not invisible but I do not believe they will be that noticeable to one who is not looking for them. Ever look at the wiring coming from the controls? I think it will blend in fine and will post pics once I have done it. We have alot on our bikes that will hide wires and accessories and I would like the bike to look like it is stock or a dealer option. The only thing I have not figured out yet is where to mount the switch so it does not stick out like a sore thumb. Any suggestions? I am trying not to drill or cut into the original plastics and have one idea but will have to source a proper sized switch to make it look right.

[Atoolnut]

1 st gens dont have screw in bar end weights like 2 nd gen?..

[wrenchrob]

I was thinking you had a second gen. You should have no problem installing those onto your first gen. After there installed and working please post your thoughts. Good luck!

[Brenner]

Will do. I can say in advance that if they work as well as the set of single heat setting heaters I put in my ATV with a plow I will be very happy. I use my ATV to push snow in cold (roughly -25 celcius) and the warmers get so hot that my grips steam and I feel it through my gloves. Now this is on a yamaha atv that has a thumb throttle and it takes a little time while in use to get that hot. The manufacturer claimed they were hotter for snowmobile use but I will be running the Hi/Low models on the bike but obviously in warmer weather. I am curious on what the throttle side on a bike will heat like. One downfall is that these heaters have no thermostatic control but that down bother me as I can turn them on and off as needed. I will post a follow up once up and running.