2009 Ultra Heated Grips Install Notes
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 680
Likes: 1
From: Seattle area
Outlaw --
Also being from the Seattle area, I can "feel your pain"! I've had the Gerbing jacket & gloves for a couple of years, and they go a long way toward making the longer rides more enjoyable. I'm not too proud to take advantage of the newer technologies -- no extra points awarded for freezing and one less thing to divert my attention.
I hadn't considered the heated grips until I got my 2010 FLHTK; man, those babies work like a champ! I haven't used the electrics since I got the new ride. With the warranty, I'm good for at least 2 years, and I'll reevaluate at that time.
These puppies put a smile on my face.
Also being from the Seattle area, I can "feel your pain"! I've had the Gerbing jacket & gloves for a couple of years, and they go a long way toward making the longer rides more enjoyable. I'm not too proud to take advantage of the newer technologies -- no extra points awarded for freezing and one less thing to divert my attention.
I hadn't considered the heated grips until I got my 2010 FLHTK; man, those babies work like a champ! I haven't used the electrics since I got the new ride. With the warranty, I'm good for at least 2 years, and I'll reevaluate at that time.
These puppies put a smile on my face.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 552
Likes: 50
From:
I like heated grips for somewhat chilly days (for me, that would be maybe 45° up), so I can wear fairly light gloves and still have comfortable hands. Below that, I use the Gerbing's heated gloves (and jacket liner, and if cold enough, pants liner and insoles.) I don't see why anyone would want to put up with numb or painful fingers, and eventually it may cause arthritis problems in your hands (know that from personal experience; didn't always have heated grips or gloves.)
If you're only going somewhere 15 minutes away, it probably doesn't matter what you do, but if you're going to ride for an hour or more, it becomes an exercise in endurance, and that's not fun for me. I recall winter days 25 years ago when my fingers were so numb I wasn't sure if I could operate the brake and clutch levers.
The advantage of heated gloves is that only minimal wiring needs to be done to the bike, but the beauty of the heated grips is that you're not connected to the bike while riding, and you can wear light gloves. Once you're below the temperature where the backs of your hands are cold despite the heated grips, then you really need the heated gloves.
If you're only going somewhere 15 minutes away, it probably doesn't matter what you do, but if you're going to ride for an hour or more, it becomes an exercise in endurance, and that's not fun for me. I recall winter days 25 years ago when my fingers were so numb I wasn't sure if I could operate the brake and clutch levers.
The advantage of heated gloves is that only minimal wiring needs to be done to the bike, but the beauty of the heated grips is that you're not connected to the bike while riding, and you can wear light gloves. Once you're below the temperature where the backs of your hands are cold despite the heated grips, then you really need the heated gloves.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 827
Likes: 5
From: Ohio
I have them now and will not have a bike without, after having them. I had them put on when the bike was new and got the 2 yr warranty and did have 4 repairs on them in 2 yrs. all under warranty.. but now on my own the warranty is up
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
I'd like to hear from other riders who ride in cold wet weather without them and also from people who have logged tons of miles with them...I'd like to compare experiences. Bottom Line...are heated grips necessary or just another gadget to spend hard earned money on? My Ultra Classic already has plenty of wires on it.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Mass.
I have these exact grips on my ride...used the heat once. It was really nice to have on top of the mountains when riding the BRP. They died after 3 weeks! The dealer won't warranty them because they didn't install them. Went through all the trouble shooting they insisted on and still won't give me a new pair. Called HD customer service and was told if the dealer diagnosed them and found faulty then they would replace...no they would not pay for the service. It will cost me more to do this than just replace myself...which I won't do. Word to the wise...don't get them wet! We took off the left one and there was rusty water in there. I'm sure this is the problem since I have power all the way up to that point. Good luck with yours I hope you don't get the same outcome as alot of us have.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: Kings Mountain, NC
In 07 my wife surprised me and had the dealer install a set on my bike while I had it in for a recall. Within three months the chrome became discolored and within 14 months they quit working. HD would not replace them for either defect. I really did like them (while the little bastards worked) but now I have a heated jacket liner with heated gloves. I won't be getting another set.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 680
Likes: 1
From: Seattle area
I've really enjoyed the freedom from all the electrical hook-ups. This wasn't a purchase criterion, but they feel great.
Since my FLHTK came with them factory installed, the ideal scenario would be for them to not fail until just prior to the end of my 2-year warranty -- then, I could hopefully get another 2 years with the replacements!
Since my FLHTK came with them factory installed, the ideal scenario would be for them to not fail until just prior to the end of my 2-year warranty -- then, I could hopefully get another 2 years with the replacements!