Heated Grips for 96 R1100R?

[joelh]

I would like to add heated grips for my bike and don't want to break the bank. Are there any inexpensive aftermarkets that will work?

[Railbender]

I have Hot Grips, http://www.hotgrips.com/ on two of my bikes. I find that they are warmer than BMW factory grips due to the isolation ribs in the grip that reduce heat loss through the bars. They have several styles and are available with open ends if desired. Plus they are made in the USA!

[joelh]

Just ordered a pair. Is there an easy way to hook up to a switched power source, rather than wiring directly to the battery?

[captaincable]

I looked at those grips yesterday and they say the grips won't work properly with aluminum handle bars. Would like a set myself just wondering if some has used some that work ( 1997 R850R ) without the aluminum sinking the heat from the grips.
Thanks. Mike

[Railbender]

I looked at those grips yesterday and they say the grips won't work properly with aluminum handle bars. Would like a set myself just wondering if some has used some that work ( 1997 R850R ) without the aluminum sinking the heat from the grips.
Thanks. Mike

My initial experience with Hot Grips was on my Ural (steel bars). They worked so well that I replaced the factory heated grips on my R1100R with them. The round portion of the R1100R bars is steel and I have no problem. They aren't quite as warm as the Ural however they are better than the factory heated grips. I used the factory wiring and switch on the R1100R. The BMW wiring is smaller than what I used on the Ural plus the Ural puts out a constant 14.2V compared to 13.7/13.8 for the R1100R so that may account for the different heat output.

[Railbender]

Just ordered a pair. Is there an easy way to hook up to a switched power source, rather than wiring directly to the battery?

As I mentioned in my post above I used the existing BMW switch and wiring on my 2000 R1100R. The connection is under the gas tank. I don't know if the '96 wiring harness is the same. I got the small crimp on connectors through the local BMW car dealer (BMW makes cars!) since they are also used on cars and there is no local BMW MC dealer.

[captaincable]

Thanks Railbender,
I bet my handle bars are the same.
Mike

[joelh]

Where did you read about the aluminum handlebar issue? I had not read that and am hoping it won't be an issue.

[Railbender]

Where did you read about the aluminum handlebar issue? I had not read that and am hoping it won't be an issue.

The round portion of the R1100R bars that the grips go on is steel, no problem.

[captaincable]

Joelh,
I saw it on Hot grips online store under motorcycles second line on page. But as Railbender says if the round part is steel then it won't make a diff. I did notice not to install if you have ThottleMiester throttle lock which I have. Mike

[joelh]

I installed the grips today and they work great. Heat up very quickly. I will have to look into wiring into the existing heated grip plug or running a relay back to the switch, they don't turn off when I shut off the bike and I know that I will eventually forget and leave them on.