Heated Grip (O.E.M.) Failure

[jmcgilroy]

I purchased my 2012 ST slightly used with 2000 miles on it and the seller had a set of OEM heated grips that were never installed and still in the factory packaging. I installed them per the instruction sheet and they worked great for about 6 months then failed during a multi-day ride. There is power to the main plug so it's not a fuse issue and further diagnostics, well just aren't worth my time. After reading some other posts, it looks like Oxford Adventure grips are widely the favorite, so I'll most likely trade the OEM's out for those.

I guess the reason for my post is to inquire if others had problems with OEM's and, if so to share that with others because at $358 retail price, I would expect better.

 

[Frenchfries]

I bought the OEM heated grip, and they lasted about a year. The failure was the electric cable routing on the right side that worn out with twisting the gas grip. I went to OXFORD for less than a third of the price. The design is different, and way more reliable. The only plus of the OEM is a better integration with specific electric connectors. But not a real problem with OXFORD. Make sure you use some grip glue, because it tends to turn when the heat is on.

 

[WJBertrand]

Can you wire the Oxfords into the OEM control system?

 

[Frenchfries]

The OEM control system is a big, imprecise knob. The OXFORD is a push-button with 5 pre-sets, more accurate and easier to use by night. It automatically shuts off with the bike, and resets at zero when start over. There is no need to try to keep the OEM control system with the OXFORD, furthermore it would certainly make the whole thing more fragile.

My post is about the OEM after market grip system that I have on a 2013 model. I don't know if the following year models have a better integrated system, in which case your question would make more sense.

 

[jmcgilroy]

Sound like we're talking about the same product which is an add-on, made or marketed by Yamaha in their packaging. The control knob mounts externally under the left side mirror bracket and all the wiring is external until it goes below the fork clamps and into the right side fairing and mates to factory connectors. Anyway, it sounds like your 2013 and my 2012 are the same...maybe the newer models have their controls integrated better. I also see where yours went bad with the wires inside of the throttle area. I'm sold on the Oxfords as a replacement.

Jim

 

[WJBertrand]

The OEM control system is a big, imprecise knob. The OXFORD is a push-button with 5 pre-sets, more accurate and easier to use by night. It automatically shuts off with the bike, and resets at zero when start over. There is no need to try to keep the OEM control system with the OXFORD, furthermore it would certainly make the whole thing more fragile.

My post is about the OEM after market grip system that I have on a 2013 model. I don't know if the following year models have a better integrated system, in which case your question would make more sense.

I guess my question should have been clarified. I was thinking about the gen2 heated grip controller which is built into the digital gauges.


-Jeff

 

[yoyo]

I've been wondering the same, could I just put the Yamaha connectors on Oxford grips and have them work with my Gen 2

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

 

[Bryce]

I guess my question should have been clarified. I was thinking about the gen2 heated grip controller which is built into the digital gauges.


-Jeff

You're going to need grips with similar resistance ratings. from what I understand, the OEM grips are way lower resistance than what you'd find in most aftermarket grips.

According to my service manual this is the specs on the factory heated grips:
Left : 1.21-1.48 ohms
Right: 1.17-1.43 ohms
This is when checked at the plugs, so I guess the slightly longer cable on the left grip gives a bit more resistance.

 

[yoyo]

Cheers Bryce, I've used Oxford grips on a few bikes with no issues, I don't mind adding the controller but I like the idea of the integrated system on the Gen 2, I'm just not keen on the cost of the OEM ones, if I'm honest for 2 grips with plugs the price is ridiculous

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

 

[scott123007]

What Bryce speculates is correct. It is possible (by just modifying the electrical connectors to accept each other) to integrate someone else's heated grips to the Gen 2 set-up and have it controlled by the menu button. The problem is, from 3 different grips that I've tried (Oxford Included) they have too much resistance, so even though the dash recognizes them and you can sort through all the heat levels, they never get hot.

 

[WJBertrand]

What Bryce speculates is correct. It is possible (by just modifying the electrical connectors to accept each other) to integrate someone else's heated grips to the Gen 2 set-up and have it controlled by the menu button. The problem is, from 3 different grips that I've tried (Oxford Included) they have too much resistance, so even though the dash recognizes them and you can sort through all the heat levels, they never get hot.

OK, that's the information I was looking for. My ES has the factory heated grips and I wanted to understand if aftermarket ones were an option should I ever suffer a failure.

 

[Bryce]

The OEM heated grip kit us outrageous at $400, but if you must have them, the parts can be ordered individually for around $200 online. I got mine thrown in when I bought the bike, but still had to install them.

 

[jmcgilroy]

Oxfords came this morning and are installed on the bike in working order. The adventure model fits with no issues or trimming required. Obviously, I won't need them for several months but at least they're ready to go. Thanks to everyone for the comments.

Jim

 

[Scouse]

The OEM heated grips failed on my Gen2 S10 (bought new Jan '14) when it was about 3 months old. They were replaced by the dealer under warranty. If they fail once warranty expires I shall replace with Oxford grips. I have these fitted to my Triumph 900 Trophy for a few years and they work very well.