Ultimate Guide to Adding Heated Handlebars to Your Sport Bike for Comfortable Riding in the UK”s Chilly Weather

Ultimate Guide to Adding Heated Handlebars to Your Sport Bike for Comfortable Riding in the UK’s Chilly Weather

As the winter months approach, many motorcycle enthusiasts in the UK face the daunting task of braving the cold weather to enjoy their passion for riding. One of the most effective ways to enhance your winter riding experience is by installing heated handlebars, specifically heated grips, on your motorcycle. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of this essential gear.

Why Heated Grips are a Must for Winter Riding

Riding a motorcycle in cold weather can be exhilarating, but it also comes with its challenges. Cold hands can quickly become a safety issue, as they can impair your ability to control the bike effectively. Heated grips address this problem by maintaining warmth in your hands, ensuring both comfort and safety.

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“Heated grips can prevent these issues by maintaining warmth, ensuring both comfort and safety,” notes an article from MotoGB[2].

Choosing the Right Heated Grips for Your Bike

When selecting heated grips, it’s crucial to consider several factors to ensure you get the best fit and performance for your motorcycle.

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Compatibility

Ensure the grips are compatible with your bike’s handlebar size. For instance, the Oxford Heated Premium Hot Grips are designed for motorcycles with 1″ handlebars and can be trimmed to fit if necessary[1].

Heat Settings

Look for grips with multiple heat settings to adjust to different weather conditions. The Oxford HotGrips, for example, come with 5 different heat settings, allowing you to customize the warmth according to your needs[3].

Ease of Installation

Opt for grips that are easy to install. Many riders praise Oxford heated grips for their ease of installation, despite the need for careful handling during the glue application process[4].

Additional Features

Consider grips with additional features such as battery-saving modes and rain-proof switches. These features enhance the overall usability and durability of the grips.

Here’s a detailed list of what to look for in heated grips:

• Compatibility: Ensure the grips fit your bike’s handlebar size.
• Heat Settings: Multiple settings for adjustable warmth.
• Ease of Installation: Look for grips with straightforward installation processes.
• Additional Features: Battery-saving modes, rain-proof switches, and discreet moulded wire arrangements.
• Build Quality: Soft, ultra-grippy rubber and 1-piece moulded construction for durability.
• Controller: A user-friendly controller with raised buttons for use with gloves.

Installation Guide

Installing heated grips is generally a DIY-friendly task, but it requires some care and attention to detail.

Preparation

Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary components, including the grips, controller, and any additional wiring or brackets.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Remove Old Grips: Take off the existing grips from your handlebars.
2. Clean the Handlebars: Ensure the handlebars are clean and free of any residue.
3. Apply Adhesive: Apply the adhesive provided with the heated grips carefully, as you typically have one chance to get it right.
4. Fit the Grips: Slide the heated grips onto the handlebars, ensuring they are properly aligned.
5. Route the Cables: Carefully route the cables to the controller and battery, securing them safely.
6. Mount the Controller: Attach the controller to a convenient location on your bike, such as the handlebar switch bracket.

Here’s what one satisfied customer had to say about the installation process:

“These oxford hot grips are brilliant for my hands on my Kawasaki ZX12R. They take a while to fit to the bike, in order to fit them and route the cables safely but once fitted they are great addition,” notes a review on SportsBikeShop[4].

Benefits of Heated Grips

Heated grips offer several benefits that make them an essential accessory for winter riding.

Enhanced Comfort

Heated grips keep your hands warm, even in the coldest conditions, allowing you to ride comfortably for longer periods.

Improved Safety

Warm hands ensure better grip and control over the motorcycle, reducing the risk of accidents caused by cold-induced numbness.

Versatility

Many heated grips, such as the Oxford HotGrips, come with multiple heat settings, making them suitable for a wide range of weather conditions.

Here’s a comparison table highlighting some key benefits and features of popular heated grip models:

Combining Heated Grips with Other Winter Gear

To maximize your comfort during winter riding, it’s important to combine heated grips with other essential gear.

Heated Gloves

While heated grips are excellent, they can be complemented by heated gloves for even greater warmth. However, many riders find that heated grips alone are sufficient, especially when paired with good quality base layers and a warm jacket.

Base Layers and Jackets

Invest in good quality base layers and a waterproof jacket, such as those made from Gore-Tex, to keep your body warm. This combination ensures that your hands, which are often the coldest part of your body while riding, stay warm and comfortable.

Additional Tips

• Layering: Use multiple layers to trap warmth. This includes thermal base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer layer.
• Gloves: If you prefer to use heated gloves, ensure they are compatible with your heated grips and provide adequate insulation.
• Regular Maintenance: Regularly check and maintain your heated grips to ensure they continue to function optimally.

Here’s some practical advice from a seasoned rider:

“From chilly morning commutes to long rides in unpredictable weather, these grips have been a game-changer. Installation was a breeze, and the level of warmth they provide is remarkable. Even on the coldest days, my hands stay cozy and comfortable, allowing me to maintain a secure grip on the handlebars,” says a reviewer of the Oxford Heated Premium Hot Grips[4].

Adding heated grips to your sport bike is a simple yet effective way to enhance your winter riding experience. With the right choice of grips, careful installation, and the combination of other winter gear, you can ride comfortably and safely even in the coldest weather conditions.

As John Milbank, a motorcycle enthusiast, puts it: “I have these on a number of bikes as they are the best, easy to fit and easy to use. As good as if not better than some of the big manufacturers own brand grips.”

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the UK’s chilly winter weather with warm and comfortable hands, ensuring a more enjoyable and safe riding experience.