wiring in heated grips

[stealthmode666]

I got a set of oxford heated grips and am wondering if someone has done them with a relay so as not to kill the battery if the ignition is off.
Asking because would be easier to see than try to work it out.
Going on Triumph Sprint 900 sport 96'

[KiwiGeoff]

HI Stealthmode,

I have previously wired these (Oxford) into the Horn circuit which takes care of the ignition problem you were worried about. Seem to work OK - of the 4 seetings 2 is good, 3 is pretty hot and 4 I have never tried.

Good luck - Kiwigeoff

[stealthmode666]

Thanks for that, getting soft in my middle age.
Knew it was going to happen one day.

[IrlMike]

I used a relay. It's probably better to avoid the main current going thru' the ignition switch circuit imo.

[MarkShelley]

I have fitted them on my 96 Sprint direct to battery. The latest versions are supposed to have an automatic cut out when the battery power drops to a certain level.
I also had to remove the `spline` sticky uppy bits from the plastic twistgrip to get the throttle side on.

[phil the greek]

Originally Posted by IrlMike

I used a relay. It's probably better to avoid the main current going thru' the ignition switch circuit imo.

mike - I've got a set of oxford hotgrips going onto my 97 sprint sport, once I've decided which bars I want to settle with....

When you say you used a relay - I know it's an electrical component, but that's it.

What does a relay do?
where do you get the right one from?
what spec/rating etc is it?
do you just wire it into the circuit on one of the leads going to the battery?

Ideally I'd like the grips to switch off with the ignition, like they did on my Honda CB1300 - same oxford hotgrips.
thanks in advance - phil (mechanical & electrical numpty)

[IrlMike]

Originally Posted by phil the greek

mike - I've got a set of oxford hotgrips going onto my 97 sprint sport, once I've decided which bars I want to settle with....

When you say you used a relay - I know it's an electrical component, but that's it.

What does a relay do?
where do you get the right one from?
what spec/rating etc is it?
do you just wire it into the circuit on one of the leads going to the battery?

Ideally I'd like the grips to switch off with the ignition, like they did on my Honda CB1300 - same oxford hotgrips.
thanks in advance - phil (mechanical & electrical numpty)

A standard 4 pin lighting relay will do, typically 20A or 30A rating from any car accessory shop. They're are also available in 'mini' version with the same 'euro' spec terminal numbers. (It uses a smaller 4.8mm spade connector for a couple of the terminals.) Coil on 85 & 86 (either polarity), contacts on 30 & 87. One side of the coil to earth, the other to any wire that is switched on to the 12v + when the ignition is on. A wiring diagram will show you what the options are, go for one that's most convenient to connect to. (If you're not sure, I can fish a diagram out tomorrow & suggest somewhere.) One side of the contacts (conventionally, pin 87) goes to battery + via a fuse ('inline' type, 10A should do fine). Keep the wire from battery to fuse short & route carefully so there's no possibility of a short by chafing against earthed metal parts. Use 10A (min) rated wire. The other (30) is then connected to the + supply of the grips. The relay is thus energised only when the ignition is on. Switch the ignition off & power is then removed from the grips, if they were in use.

Hope that covers it?

[phil the greek]

Great answer Mike - I think I managed to follow it.

So pin 85 could (for example) be attached to the positive feed to the horn, as this doesn't work when the ignition is off. Or, perhaps the positive feed to the tail light as this wire will be more accessable from under the seat where (I guess) the relay will sit near the battery.

Pin 86 to earth

Pin 87 to battery + with inline 10amp fuse

Pin 30 to positive feed to the hotgrips

Fantastic - thanks very much for the info - I wouldn't have worked that out in a thousand years!

I have wiring diagrams thanks.

And just realised the flaw in the plan of wiring the relay via the tail lamp - if the tail lamp isn't switched on, no heated grips!!!

I'll stick with the horn. Erm - if you see what I mean.

[IrlMike]

Yep, sounds good Phil, should do it

[stealthmode666]

I got then fitted by the way and got a full 24 miles of pure heated hands before my poor engine exploded on the M11 motorway.

Next bike will certainly have these fitted