Heated Grips - Warm not Hot?

Post by **CordovaJohn** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 11:54 am

My '04 R1150R heated grips do not get and stay hot on high. Both sides work the same. While riding they may get hot enough to feel good for a few minutes through some unlined gloves, but then back to milder warmth. Sometimes I pull my glove off and grab it hard and it is just mildly warm (although have been riding for a good while on high, temps in the 40s). On a recent ride my buddy with an '04 Rockster had to keep turning his back to low, while I never have that problem.

I have the Clymer and Haynes service manuals, and the BMW "Service Manual" CD, but I cannot find any schematic that shows how the heated grips work. I have been told that each grip has a single winding - if so there must be a controller somewhere (maybe a bimetalic device to pulse current on/off in low position), but what and where is it?

Does anybody have a schematic that shows how the heated grips work? Any ideas on my problem? Thanks!

berliner · Post by **berliner** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 3:46 pm

Hi,

I've got a repaqir handbook, but lended it to a friend. As soon as he'll returns it (hopefully this week) I'll give it a look. I'll report back.

Post by **NoRRmad** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 4:55 pm

If it happens on both grips, I'd be looking at the switch.

Post by **Ed K** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 12:46 am

Have the same problem with my '04

In fact one 'em conked-out and I had it fixed by the dealer...now they both work, but are warm, not hot...

Others care to comment with similar experiences and solutions...

berliner · Post by **berliner** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 1:22 pm

I've comsulted my repair guide. Te only thing that seems useful is a circuit diagram. Not a word about those heated grips.
he diagram.
If you are interested I'll send you a picture of the diagram.

Arbreacames · Post by **Arbreacames** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 3:18 pm

If you can find where to unplug the heated grips, check the resistance of the circuit. Comparing to what an electric vest uses, I guesstimate that the grips will consume a total of about 100W on High and 40W on Low. The resistance will be roughly:
High: 13V^2/100W=1.7 Ohm
Low : 13V^2/40W =4 Ohm
These numbers should give you a reference point. If on High you measure a resistance that is significantly higher than 2 or 3 Ohms, you may have a bad contact in the switch or elsewhere.

geogridshorthair · Post by **geogridshorthair** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 10:58 am

I have the same problem with my 02 1150R. I thought the problem might be that cold air is contantly flowing over the grips and keeping the temp. down.

I was going to install hand guards to see if the temp stayed warmer, but haven't done that yet.

My grips on the RT stay very warm to hot, but the mirrors block the airflow to the grips.

I also suspect an electrical issue. When i get a chance i will drop the bike at the dealer.

cmack · Post by **cmack** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 1:20 pm

I can't remember what mine were like without the GS handguards installed, but my grips get very hot on the highest setting... almost to the point of being uncomfortable for extended periods of time! I normally switch them on high to warm them up and then flip the switch back a notch.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 5:19 pm

It could also be the gloves you wear.

Some Winter gloves have thicker/warmer palms and stop the warmth getting through.

DJ