The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
General Category => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: Bob_Roller on March 27, 2007, 08:34:01 PM
-
There is a partial OEM heated hand grip kit on eBay. Has anyone installed one? The seller says the handlebar mounted switch is missing. Would this be a big deal to make up yourself? I've checked the usual parts catalogs on-line, and the kit isn't broken down into a part number for this switch.
-
I have installed the BMW heated grips on my R65 back in 83 and then moved them to my R90/6 in 85. I had to installed a new switch since the BMW kit was for the R65. I use a switch for Radio Shack that would also light up when it was on. You can go to any auto parts house and get switches that will work.
Don
-
I remember looking up the switch for my RT and decided "one speed" was fine as a new one was about $30, but there was a part number for it.
-
Yes, switches are available, but you have to be a real nut-zoid (like me...) to pay the price. The nice thing about the BMW switch is it fits nice and flush into one of the holes in the dash.
Get a double-throw switch. You can wire them so they are in series in one position (low heat) or in parallel for the other position (high heat), with a middle position for "off".
It is best to wire a separate circuit, running through a relay, with the relay triggered off of a switched circuit from the ignition key. I have left mine on about 3 times, and you can not push start a R65 with a completely dead battery!
-
The switch I was referring to , mounts on the left handlebar and has a small lever coming out of it. I don't know if it's a slide type switch or if it has detents for low, medium and high. The rocker type switch is still in the kit.
-
In that case, I have never seen that switch. My 20+ y.o. kit only came with the on/off rocker switch, with a momentary position in the other direction. I never understood what that was for.
-
BMW made a number of heated handgrip kits for R bikes. Many used the same actual grip pieces,
but had varying wires and switches to be a "plug and play" set up with the varying bkes.
The handlebar mounted switches were primarily /5 and /6 (and early G/S?) bits,
with the R65 and /7--> later bikes getting specific switches to fit in their dashboard openings.
And of course there were the early RS model kits, which used a switch
that mounted to the upper fairing frame behind the dashboard.
Most all of these parts are still available individually.
While the BMW bits may cost a bit more, they work very well, are long lasting
and don't give one's bike that "cobbled together" look that you see so often.
Plus, as noted, they eliminate the potential to forget to turn the grips off.
The BMW pieces are wired to turn off when the ignition key switch does.
One time of dealing with a completely dead battery after coming out of work late and
no one else is around to help can make the BMW parts prices seem like a good deal.
Eddie
-
I was just curious about it, as my experience with the heated grips on my oilhead, in less than 5 minutes on high, it is way too hot, so the over heating aspect is what I was concerned with on this second switch. Not having the ability to adjust to temperature conditions. Looks like the OEM kit is still available from Chicago BMW for about $156 plus shipping. If 'winter ' lasted longer than 6 weeks here in Phoenix, I might consider installing this kit, but I don't think it is worth the money and effort in my case.
-
I installed BMW heated hand grips. That begat me to riding farther into November and the beginning of December. Then I realized I wanted to ride all through December. That begat a heated vest which got me to the beginning of January. Then I realized I'd rather ride all winter. That begat a set a Gerbings (vest, gloves, and fairing mounted controller.) That and a set of PIAA driving lights begat an Omega 400 watt alternator... :o
-
I installed BMW heated hand grips. That begat me to riding farther into November and the beginning of December. Then I realized I wanted to ride all through December. That begat a heated vest which got me to the beginning of January. Then I realized I'd rather ride all winter. That begat a set a Gerbings (vest, gloves, and fairing mounted controller.) That and a set of PIAA driving lights begat an Omega 400 watt alternator... :o
And they claim the cheapest thing on an Airhead is the rider... NOT! You GO, SG!
I've been out to Gerbing a couple of times to try on sizes before buying, EXCELLENT customer service. I hear the Widder people are just a s nice, but Gerbing is local for me.
Sometime this fall I'm calling Rick Jones for one of those Omega thangs. If I want to add electric pants to the liner jacket and gloves, I need more watts. There's nothing like heading out for a long weekend ride on a crystal clear winter's day!
-
HI Joan,
You might also consider this version which looks a lot like the Alternator on my BSA. It is a brushless design and the power comes on sooner.
http://www.euromotoelectrics.com/enduralast.html
I can't use it because I have an Aftermarket Electronic ignition bolted on the front of my alternator. I really like being able to ride year round. I just wish I could get some studded tires for driving in the snow. I don't know how people do it. I would be on my ass in a heartbeat. :P
Bill