Heated grips, the endless debate

[Kakugo]

I currently have Oxford heated grips (2005 model according to the box) fitted to my XL600V. They will probably reside on the bike for the rest of their ntural life, though I cannot say I am happy with them. Fitting is really child's play and (when they work properly) they are as useful as they can be, but I had endless issues with the thermostat wiring which I will not relate since they will fill many pages by themselves. Suffice to say that unless the new model has been much improved I won't buy another pair of Oxford heated grips.
So this brings me to my next question. I don't know how long I will stick with my 600V. It needs quite a few works (as I related in a previous post) and since the bike is intended as a cheap commuter I don't know how much it's worth going through it.
I am currently looking around for another sensible commuter but, be it later TA, a Deauville, a Versys or whatever it'll be it will need to have heated grips fitted as soon as possible.
Which brings me to the question: excluding Oxford what's left on the market?
I would prefer something that requires as little wire splicing and cutting as possible (and the Oxfords required none of both) for reliability reasons. Price is not all important as long as it's not in the genuine BMW-Yamaha accessory zone.
Thanks everybody!

[Wee Jack]

In my opinion , the best heated grips ever were the Honda OEM ones fitted to my Transalp (55 plate) - they were without doubt the best I have used. They were expensive (about £160 fitted) , but in my opinion well worth the money compared to the function/performance of cheaper kit. Ask Bandit , hopefully they are still keeping his pinkies all toasty.

I have KTM branded ones just now and although much cheaper (£55), they are not even in the same league as the Honda ones.

But not all expensive ones - the BMW factory fit jobs (£190) , are as good as the price would imply.

Just my two groates worth.

[LUNLUNZAI]

Heated grips:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ADJUSTABLE-BIK...2em118Q2el1247
looks tidy!

I would give the deauville a try!

[Dee Duble Yuh]

The Daytona grips have always been highly rated. They work well enough on mine but the "low" setting is a bit too low for me; on long rides in cold weather I have to turn them to "start" every now and again. Furthermore the control switch is fiddly to use if you don't mount it prominently. Find one with a bigger switch!

[bandit]

In my opinion , the best heated grips ever were the Honda OEM ones fitted to my Transalp (55 plate) - they were without doubt the best I have used. They were expensive (about £160 fitted) , but in my opinion well worth the money compared to the function/performance of cheaper kit. Ask Bandit , hopefully they are still keeping his pinkies all toasty.

I have KTM branded ones just now and although much cheaper (£55), they are not even in the same league as the Honda ones.

But not all expensive ones - the BMW factory fit jobs (£190) , are as good as the price would imply.

Just my two groates worth.

Wee Jack is right the Honda heated grips on his old Transalp are great, realy warm eaven through winter gloves.

[Gregger]

Must say the Ixord 2007 model I have on the Vara are Ace
Easy to fit
Red hot
Built in gizzmo so as not to drain the battery. No probs for me

[Lutin]

Didn't one of our Scandinavian friends claim to be using heated grips meant for a snow-mobile? Don't know how much the postage from Sweden would be, but might be worth chasing up. But, then again, you may need to speak Swedish, or Norwegian or even Finnish......

[twotter]

The oem Honda grips on my Varadero are much better than the oem BMW grips on my old R1150GS. They are quicker to get up to temperature, hotter and offer 5 levels of heat compared to 2 on the BMW.

Pricey but worth it so far

[Kakugo]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, i had Honda OE heated grips on my VFR. Worked really fine but later discovered they were just rebranded Oxfords... probably made by the same factory somewhere around Guangzhou!
Still don't know what will become of my TA. If I'll replace it with a Honda I'll surely check out the genuine grips, otherwise I'll consider the Daytona or Sato ones (not affiliated with Sato Racing... ).
Thanks again.