Triumphrat

ziaduck · 01-02-2008

It didn't seem like there was much information out there on installing Oxford grips on my 2005 Triumph tiger, so I decided to start a new thread with details.

I installed the Oxford grips yesterday, and I'm quite pleased with the results.

The factory heated grip plug is located under the speedometer. You will need to remove the fairing ro get to it. The plug has three wires coming into it; blue, purple, and black. It looks like this:

I did not want to modify the factory wiring harness, but I wanted to use the factory provision for heated grips. I couldn't find a mating plug for the Triumph harness, so I improvised with these:

They fit tightly in the sockets of the factory plug. Obviously, they are longer than needed, but you can easily trim to fit. I cut the ring terminals off the Oxford power and ground wires, then crimped and soldered the new terminals on:

ziaduck · 01-02-2008

then put heat shrink over them to prevent contact (and possible shorting) down the road.:

As you can see from the pictures, I tied the power wire (shown with fuse) into the BLUE wire, an the ground into the BLACK wire.

I then taped over everything and zip-tied it to a metal frame under the headlights to prevent seperation:

I then secured everything in such a way that the fuse is (somewhat) accessable even with the fairing on.:

I forgot to take pics of the grip preparation. The Oxford grips have a small expansion slot inside. I had to clean out these slots to allow the grips to slide over the bar. The clutch side went on pretty easily. I had to modify the throttle tube by cutting off all of the ridges and grip retainers to make it totally smooth. I used a razor knife and it took about 10 minutes. After doing so the Oxford grip slipped on easily.

After mocking everything up, I tested everything out. The grips worked perfectly after testing them fo about 15 minutes, so I finished the job. Oxford supplies glue with the kit to install the grips. Normally I wouldn't glue grips on the handlebars, but the insides of the Oxford grips are some sort of plastic, not rubber. While hairspray will work with rubber, I'm not convinced it would adhere plastic to metal, so I used the provided glue.

BE SURE TO POSITION THE GRIPS SO THEY DON'T INTERFERE WITH THE CLUTCH HANDLE! The wiring leads on the grips stick above the grips and will not allow the clutch handle to be pulled in if they aren't position properly. Be sure to mock up the grips before gluing them on.

Clutch side:

ziaduck · 01-02-2008

Throttle side. It's obviously important to leave a little extra wire play on the throttle side to allow for movement as you twist the throttle:

I mounted the controller where the factory heated grip switch would go. The controller is held on with double sided tape. I mounted it at an angle so that continued pushing of the buttons wouldn't cause the controller to come loose. The buttons on the controller are positioned over the flat spot where the factory heated grip switch would go. The rest of the dash is contoured and wouldn't have provided a solid mounting surface. The Oxford kit includes a handlebar mounting bracket, but does NOT have the clamp to go around the handlebar. The mounting location I chose is very easy to reach, even with my tank bag on. I can move it later if I choose:

I filled all of the connectors with dielectric grease then taped them up. All of the wiring tucked up so nicely under the headlight assembly that no picture could show how nicely it turned out. It's a very, very clean installation.

Overall, I'm extremely pleased! For about $70 total (Oxford heated grip kit, terminal, heat shrink, etc) I've got a great set of heated grips. I'll answer questions as best I can if you have any.

zadok_oz · 01-02-2008

Well done "Sock Puppet". Fortunately in our climate, the wind deflectors on the Tiger do the business for me. They are a great idea.

DobroDog · 01-03-2008

Slick Ziaduck very slick

The heated grips that came on my Tiger are showing their age. Might have to follow your lead and change them out

AttackPug · 01-03-2008

I have the Oxford Heatrz Grips on my 1050. The BEST mod anyone could do !

I like how you wiried yours up, I just ran mine to the battery I think I'll change it.

Catenaccio · 01-03-2008

Warm hands, what a concept!

Kiwi Tiger · 05-23-2008

Ziaduck, good post. I fitted my Oxford grips today after checking your instructions and photos. All over in 1.5 hrs. We have 2 days riding this weekend and I am looking forward to it in spite of it looking a little cold with rain. No more stops to put my gloves onto the exhaust to warm then up and de-numb my hands, ye ha bring it on.