New Member with Questions
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Elgin, IL
New Member with Questions
Hi guys,
Just picked up my 2018 Road Glide Ultra on Saturday. Looking into the upgrades and going comfort first, then performance. Looking at new bars and figured I'd do heated grips at same time. 2 questions: 1) are heated grips worth it or just wear gloves? 2) If worth it, what other options exist outside of paying Harley 300 for heated grips?
Just picked up my 2018 Road Glide Ultra on Saturday. Looking into the upgrades and going comfort first, then performance. Looking at new bars and figured I'd do heated grips at same time. 2 questions: 1) are heated grips worth it or just wear gloves? 2) If worth it, what other options exist outside of paying Harley 300 for heated grips?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7,709
Likes: 7,850
From: New York
I find heated grips are a Catch-22. If you need to apply heat, it's probably because it's cold out. If you started out in the cold, you probably wore your thicker, insulated gloves. The thicker, insulated gloves diminish the effect of the heat. Also, whatever heat does get thru, goes to your palms; however, the tops of your hands [which is what gets the direct hit from the wind] still get cold. [A product called "Hippo Hands" addresses this problem.] A special purpose glove used by snowmobilers has a thinner palm and thicker insulation on the tops. I'm thinking of getting a pair and see if this improves my opinion and the utility of heated grips. https://www.castlesales.com/_product...w#.WvHoC-8vxhF
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 462
I find the heated grips worth the money. I live in an area that has very cold winters so my opinion of cool and cold may very from others.
If it's just a little cool, bare hands or fingerless gloves are great with heated grips.
If it's cold, I wear my thin leather gloves and crank up the heat. I get plenty of heat through the gloves. It keeps my fingers warmer than insulated gloves that also insulate my hands from the heat source.
I don't even own insulated riding gloves, I also don't have a problem using the thumb switches with thick gloves.
If it's just a little cool, bare hands or fingerless gloves are great with heated grips.
If it's cold, I wear my thin leather gloves and crank up the heat. I get plenty of heat through the gloves. It keeps my fingers warmer than insulated gloves that also insulate my hands from the heat source.
I don't even own insulated riding gloves, I also don't have a problem using the thumb switches with thick gloves.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I've found that heated grips are most useful during the summer, when an evening chill cools things towards the end of the day and they let me ride home in comfort, still wearing my summer gloves.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,171
From: SE Michigan
Hi guys,
Just picked up my 2018 Road Glide Ultra on Saturday. Looking into the upgrades and going comfort first, then performance. Looking at new bars and figured I'd do heated grips at same time. 2 questions: 1) are heated grips worth it or just wear gloves? 2) If worth it, what other options exist outside of paying Harley 300 for heated grips?
Just picked up my 2018 Road Glide Ultra on Saturday. Looking into the upgrades and going comfort first, then performance. Looking at new bars and figured I'd do heated grips at same time. 2 questions: 1) are heated grips worth it or just wear gloves? 2) If worth it, what other options exist outside of paying Harley 300 for heated grips?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,730
Likes: 199
From: Vancouver BC
I’ve spent lots of time riding in sub freezing temp and don’t use heated grips or giant gloves lol. Heated vest and gear that blocks the wind. Keep the core warm and the hands stay warm.
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 84
Likes: 24
From: Indianapolis
So here is what I did. I looked on eBay until I found a set of takeoffs from an Ultra in Florida. Saved a ton of money by offering him a fair price. Below is a walkthrough of how to install the heated grips on a touring bike (my 2018 RKS). Its not too bad a job, but it did take a bit of time.
I looked at heated gear for a while, but I do not like bulk, especially with my hands. I feel like I have less control with all that extra material between fingers and the controls. The heat is superb! I have a few different gloves for different weather conditions. When its below 40, I have a solid leather set, and the radiant heat flows through my palms and to my fingers. When its warmer, I have breathable gloves and still have the heat on. Absolutely worth it to not wear winter gloves trying to grab the clutch and such. Hope that helps!
I looked at heated gear for a while, but I do not like bulk, especially with my hands. I feel like I have less control with all that extra material between fingers and the controls. The heat is superb! I have a few different gloves for different weather conditions. When its below 40, I have a solid leather set, and the radiant heat flows through my palms and to my fingers. When its warmer, I have breathable gloves and still have the heat on. Absolutely worth it to not wear winter gloves trying to grab the clutch and such. Hope that helps!
