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Heated grips or heated gloves

11K views 36 replies 25 participants last post by  worntorn 
#1 ·
Looking forward to the late fall and winter rides: I'm wondering whether to invest in heated grips for the ST or add on a pair of gloves to the heated jacket liner I'm planning to buy. The grips would (presumably) allow me to ride with the thin gloves that I prefer. However, I'm not loving my stock grips and would like to try something more along the lines of the barrel grip. Triumph's heated grips looks to be a similar circumference as the stock version. I'm worried that I'd end up with toasty but still uncomfortable grips.

Downside on the gloves - I'll probably loose them like every other removable piece of clothing I buy.
 
#2 ·
I'm having the same debate with myself. I contacted Triumph AfterSales to inquire about the future development of a barrel grip compatible with the heat function:

Dear ,

A member of our staff has responded to your request
Subject: (T120 Bonneville - Heated Barrel Grips).

Our response:
Unfortunately we have not gotten any indication that this will be supplied as a heated grip in the future. If any updates come from the factory its around October of every year with new accessory and bike launches.

Thank you,
After-Sales Team
 
#3 · (Edited)
I've had both and like having both. Heated grips are fine when the mornings are a bit cool and then the temp warms up or when riding in the rain. Without wind protection, heated grips tend to warm your palms while your hand tops freeze unless wearing windproof gloves. Hand guards help, but having the heated grips with bar muffs lets you wear thinner gloves. Heated gloves, depending on brand can be a bit bulky, but if like my Gerbings, warm the whole hand. I can burn my knuckles with by gloves if I'm not careful with the heat setting. I also have the matching Gerbings jacket liner. Gloves involve wiring and cables and the like, so a bit cumbersome on a shorter ride. Battery powered gloves may be an option if your rides are not too long. Neither I feel is perfect for every situation. That's why I like both. I use Oxford branded heated grips.

It's also possible to use heated elements under the barrel grips, not sure how well the heat transfer would be though. Might need to experiment with that option.
 
#29 ·
The trouble with big which gloves and heated grips is that not much in the way of heat gets through the thick gloves.

Rukka have a good solution, if not a bit pricey, with the R-Star glove. There are 2 pockets inside the glove so for heated grips, you have both pockets on the top of your hand and the helps keep the top of the hand warm and the heated grips can work better with the thinner palm side. Hard to explain but simple enough when you see them.
 
#5 ·
Gloves most definitely. Grips heat your palms the rest of your hand, the top bits are in the wind (unless you get off road brush covers) and they get cold. They may look silly but many years ago in the UK before heated anything we used muffs, even the police. They were lined with wool or fake fur. Nothing worked as good. I use them to this day. Vanity be gone.
 
#8 ·
Bagster Box-R muffs

Three years ago, I bought Bagster Box-R muffs and have been very happy with them. I used them on my Piaggio MP3 scooter and now on the Street Triple. They are very easy to put on and off. I also have heated grips, and commuting in the winter with both is easy and comfortable, and allows me to use lighter gloves for better feel of the controls. I bought them through CIMA International though they were shipped from France. CIMA's website doesn't list Bagster, and I am not sure if it ever did; it seems that they are still in the 20th century, so perhaps the best way to find out is to give them a call. Their number is 630-701-1601.
 
#10 · (Edited)
Thanks for the link. This is very strange. I remember maybe last year or before reading how they were closing up shop. Maybe someone bought the rights and took over. I'm glad that they are still around, although they don't list my Ninja. I'll have to contact them. Excellent search.

Looks like the owner did retire in 2013 and closed down the shop, but it did open again in 2015. I guess he found a willing buyer. Hippo Hands and thinner gloves with heated grips in very cold weather is the way to go. You may need lever guards to keep the muffs from activating the brake lever in the wind on some bike models.
 
#11 ·
I suffer miserably with cold hands that prohibited me from riding when it got cool. In 2013 I purchased the Oxford Heaterz Premium Touring Motorcycle Heated Grips from Twisted Throttle.

For my 2010 Bonneville with mag wheels - clutch side mounted with no issues. Had to take a Dremel tool to grind off the wings on the throttle side. I suggest using glass cleaner when you dry fit. Mounting bracket did not fit on my bike so I ordered the Denali Clamp-On Switch Mount For 7/8 Inch Handlebars, worked perfectly.

Also mounted Barkbusters Storm S1 handguards with universal single-sided mount for 7/8" handlebars from Twisted Throttle.

I now enjoy toasty hands using regular gloves even when riding in below freezing weather. May not look the best but my hands would get so cold I had to stop riding several times because it became too dangerous, could not feel a thing. After riding through 3 winters with the grips/hand guards I have absolutely no complaints. Not as cheap as gloves but they are always there when you need them.
 
#26 ·
I got the heated grips for the Street Twin and have used them many mornings. I'm often riding to work when it is in the low 50s. The low settings is very hot. I think it is almost as hot as the high setting on my old BMW. I've not yet tried high. I mostly let them run for a few a while, and then turn them off after my hands absorb the heat. Based on experience, when it is colder, and I'm wearing heavier gloves, the more intense heat will be needed.

They were expensive, but I'm glad I got the grip heaters. I don't care for the position of the switch, but it is integrated well with the bike. The first time the button is pushed it shows the current setting, and pushing it again advances to the next setting, cycling through off, low, and high.
I have factory heated grips on the Guzzi Stelvio, Oxfords on the Husky, and factory heated grips on the T120.

My observation is the Guzzi grips don't get quite hot enough, the Triumph grips are too hot, and the Oxfords are just right especially with 5 heat levels.

I have hand guards on the Guzzi and Husky and they make a huge difference. What I don't like about the Triumph grips is only 2 levels of heat, they are hard to switch with gloves on (at least mine are), and the low level is too hot to use with thinner summer gloves which is kinda why you want heated grips to start with. I'm pretty sure they would rock if I was wearing thick winter gloves and it was below freezing out.

I'm happy to have them, but they could be better. It would be nice if there was a display on the dash which constantly indicated they were on and at what level like other bikes.....
 
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#13 ·
The plug in gloves are quite cumbersome with the wire connection, plus they are very bulky. A friend ordered a pair and sent them back after seeing how awkward they are. He then ordered battery operated heated gloves. These use rechargeable Li batteries and work extremely well. Not very expensive either. And they are less bulky ( but warmer) than my heavy riding gloves.

Glen
 
#14 ·
I'm with @Felony, especially if you plan to ride when the temp is in the 20's and 30's. The grips keep the palm side of your hand warm, gloves have the element on the outside. On a cold day with just grips, the palm of your hand is over 100 degrees and the outside will be at air temp. That temperature gradient will cause pain, DAMHIK.

Has anyone see the power budget for the T120? How much spare wattage is available for heated gear after the needs of the bike is satisfied?
 
#15 ·
I don't see any modern bike running out of electrical power for heated clothing. The draws for this are quite low.
I manage to run a heated vest on my 1947 Vincent with it's tiny dynamo. The vest is only 35 watts and it is very warm. It will run the vest, the main headlight and my high draw antiquated dual points, dual coil ignition( the hot setup in 1972!)
Any modern bike will be capable of electrifying an entire person or three , vests, pants, socks, gloves and electric underwear too if there is such a thing!

Glen
 
#17 ·
Glen,

I beg to differ. Your Vincent doesn’t have ABS, Traction Control, and a host of other electrical demands placed upon the alternator.

The alternator output of the modern Street Twin/Thruxton is 300W, according to Motorcycle Consumer News. 300W doesn’t go far and is one of the lowest I have seen on a modern bike, just glance through MCN reviews. I’m trying to understand what the bike needs and what is left over.

As a point of reference, I owned a 2013 BMW F800GT; the alternator was rated @ 400W. Someone did a bunch of measurements and published a table of consumption and determined there was 100W spare watts available. A heated jacket, heated gloves, and heated grips easily exceeded that budget. As a precaution, I installed a Clearwater voltage monitor and it frequently indicated low voltage with the jacket, gloves, and grips running. I would rarely use the grips and gloves at the same time. The alternator output was tested by the dealer and found to be within spec.

Don’t assume modern bikes have the capacity to drive all the gizmos. A little homework is necessary.
 
#18 · (Edited)
+1 for Gerbings. I have a jacket liner and gloves that have served me very well for the past few seasons. I disagree that the gloves are cumbersome. I have the old G3 leather gloves, and they are no thicker than other non heated premium leather gloves. They plug directly into the jacket liner and work well with a dual thermostat.

Also, I can use them with all three bikes I currently ride.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#19 ·
+1 for Gerbings. I have a jacket liner and gloves that has served me very well for the past few seasons. I disagree that the gloves are cumbersome. I have the old G3 leather gloves, and they are no thicker than other non heated premium leather gloves. They plug directly into the jacket liver and works well with a dual thermostat.

Also, I can use them with all three bikes I currently ride.
Gerbings used to make great stuff, but they apparently fired the guy who knew how to make motorcycle gear. The last pair of gloves I bought from them had nearly no gauntlet, so getting them over even my thinnest jacket required me cutting into them. And then the darn things have a 90° connector. What the hell Gerbing?
 
#21 ·
I got the heated grips for the Street Twin and have used them many mornings. I'm often riding to work when it is in the low 50s. The low settings is very hot. I think it is almost as hot as the high setting on my old BMW. I've not yet tried high. I mostly let them run for a few a while, and then turn them off after my hands absorb the heat. Based on experience, when it is colder, and I'm wearing heavier gloves, the more intense heat will be needed.

They were expensive, but I'm glad I got the grip heaters. I don't care for the position of the switch, but it is integrated well with the bike. The first time the button is pushed it shows the current setting, and pushing it again advances to the next setting, cycling through off, low, and high.
 
#23 ·
I was considering heated gloves but I have to catch a ferry home from work so I didn't want to waste time with extra wiring or batteries to deal with. The heated grips are going to be installed when they do my 500 mile service on my Thruxton. Heated grips may not be the best for long trips or super cold weather, but it rarely gets to freezing where I live and I only ride for >20 min intervals to and from work so I'll take my chances. Plus I'll never have to worry about not packing my heated gloves if it cools down and I leave home with lighter ones.
 
#24 ·
I had the Triumph heated grips on my 2010 Tiger 1050, and the alternator wasn't quite powerful enough even for those. it would slowly drain the battery over the winter. My 2013 Street Triple didn't have the same problem, and I've heard that Triumph have beefed up the Tiger alternators since.

I usually have heated grips on my bikes, but am going to try heated gloves this year. Heated grips are great up to a point, then the tops of my fingers freeze whilst my palms are still warm.
 
#27 ·
When the grips are on the lights for the power levels are easy to see in the daytime. These are older Oxfords, understand they now have 5 levels of heat. One thing about heated grips, you can't forget them. I was reading Av8trk's Ride and Trip report where he forgot his gloves, heated grips were the first thing I thought of.
 

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#28 ·
Heated grips came on my Multistrada and I use them when riding when it's cooler in the morning and warmer in the afternoons but when the weather is going to be below 55 degrees F or so the entire day I just wear my heated gloves. I think a combination of both is best obviously but if it could be one or the other, it'd be the gloves.
 
#32 ·
The more I use the heated grips on my T120, the more impressed I am. I figure they've lowered the temperatures at which I'm comfortable by 20 degrees or more.

There seems to be more to the grips than just heat. They are also well insulated from the bars. The grips seem to be thicker than most grips, and their design doesn't allow the circulation of cold air under them. My foam lined Winter gloves never seemed to do the trick before. Now, they do, whether grip heat is on or not.

My only beef with the grips is that there should be several different heat levels, rather than just two.
 
#36 ·
I agree, they are too hot. I've used them down into the 40s with thick winter gloves on low and they are still almost too hot. I just can't imagine needing the high setting.

I really wish there was at least 3 heat levels and they were adjusted down more where the current low setting = high. I also have to turn them on/off periodically to avoid roasting my hands and the switch is a PITA to use with gloves on, at least on my bike.

My Guzzi is the opposite, I wish they were hotter but at least there are 3 settings and the switch is a joy to use.

The best heated grips I've used are Oxfords, 5 settings with a perfect range.
 
#34 ·
On my VStrom, I fitted Tucano Urbano muffs. These keep my gloves out of the rain, as well as the wind. Bought a set of cheap heated over-grips to fit in addition to the muffs, but have found that down to about 4C, which is the coldest it's been since I've had the bike, I don't need them at the moment. Just about to pull the trigger on a new T100 and have been debating whether to pony up for the heated grips option.
 
#35 ·
Just about to pull the trigger on a new T100 and have been debating whether to pony up for the heated grips option.
I've never had heated grips before. The ones offered by Triumph for these bikes are great. They came standard on my T120. If they hadn't, I probably wouldn't have added them and wouldn't know what I'd been missing.
 
#37 ·
I recently purchased some Volt Titan lithium battery leather gloves. Right now the bikes are off the road but i think these gloves will completely solve the problem of cold hands. There are four settings and on the second setting my hands are toasty warm while out plowing snow on the Tractor for hours at a time in subzero temps.
The gloves will throw heat for about ten hours on the second setting, then recharge overnight and go again.
The gloves seemed a good answer for me as I have a number of bikes, some very old and not capable of running heated grips.
There are also 12 volt heated gloves that wire into the bikes charging system, but one look at the mess of wires that must be threaded thru the jacket each ride..... much too clumsy!!!

Glen
 
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