Heated Grips by Whites
Well thought out and nicely made heated grips with integrated controller.
We reckon the grip intergrated controller is easier to use and much better looking than the ugly Oxford item.
Here's what they reckon
Whites Heated Grips are available in different spec versions to suit a range of motorcycle applications including sport, touring, cruiser, adventure, and ATV.
Please contact us for HD, ATV applications
Their best feature? The integrated heat control switch with 5 levels of heat adjustment, allowing on-the-fly temperature selection without the rider removing their hand from the handlebars and controls.
Features:
Multicolour LED to indicate the current selected heat setting.
5 levels of heating to suit all climate conditions.
Integrated heat control switch retains OEM look with no extra control panel to install anywhere on the motorcycle.
Plug and Play wiring connection with in-line fuse for electrical circuit protection.
Low battery voltage protection feature which will shut off heated grips to avoid battery drain.
Whites Motorcycle parts 12-month conditional replacement warranty.
Note from Andy - Installing with connection to ignition 'ON' circuit is best as the cut off point is 11.5 volts, many modern bikes want slightly higher voltage to spring into life.
Here's William's thoughts
Product IS recommended
The controls on the left grip are easy to use, although the 5 set lighting – blue through to red – is not easily seen in the morning light. Best to count the steps through to the selected temperature.
Top step (5-red) is very warm and not required unless the temperature to below say 6 or 7, or wet weather. For air temperatures around 9/10 there yellow (3) or orange (4) is sufficient.
The kit is easy to install with the wiring segmented into three wiring looms – grips to circuit controller; circuit controller to battery cables; and battery cables. All the connectors are good quality, robust and waterproof. The controller fitted easily under the tank and there are sufficient cable-ties to make secure.
The battery loom is designed to connect directly to the battery, and easily disconnected if necessary, however if you can find the grip circuit on your bike (assuming there is one) then this would be superior, but not important.
When the grips are connected directly to the battery, there is a possibility that the battery could drain. I haven’t yet timed when a voltage drop will turn the grips off, but assume its there! (Yes there is, Andy)
Having the controller on the left grip means there is no other device to mount on the bars, and the wires simply accumulate with all other bar wiring.
The grips come with 3 alternative end pieces, so the length of an individual grips can vary. On the Ducati Desert sled, the #2 was perfect for the left; and the #1 for the right throttle, with the longer 33 surplus to requirements.
There is adequate extra shims to make sure the grips fit tightly plus super-glue to attach. Be warned – the super glue dries very quickly so make sure you are ready for a v. fast install Or don’t use much glue initially. Given that the end grip length is separate, its possible install a grip, then to add the super-glue after the grip is installed, and then glue the footer into place.
James reckons
Packaging
Packaging was good. Everything arrived in good condition.
Instructions
Recommend watching these instead:
Also recommend using 3M Scotch Extreme fastener (https://www.bunnings.com.au/3m-scotch-2-5cm-x-1-2m-black-extreme-fasteners-roll_p3950427) to secure the electronic control unit to the bike.
Fitting
Reasonably straightforward (after I watched the videos). Took about 2 hours with most of that time spent removing and putting back on panels etc on the bike. If I had a naked bike, it would have taken a 20 minutes max.
I’d recommend not using the superglue or, at least, making sure that you’re really happy with the positioning of the grips before you glue them in place. It is impossible to move the grips once they are superglued in place.
Set Up
Excellent. I bought these because they have the integrated controller – I didn’t want the very ugly separate controller that comes with many aftermarket grip heaters.
Only 2 minor niggles: Indicator light isn’t very visible in bright sunlight (not unexpected).
Performance
Great. Easy to use with gloved thumb
Excellent. Have taken them for a few runs. They heat up in a few minutes and provide good warmth through thick winter gloves
Too soon to say
Absolutely. Kept my hands warm
Value for money - low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 high
Other comments –
Well worth the money (even if I had paid full price). As soon as I can find the right wiring connectors, I’m going to connect them up to a switched circuit – while they will automatically shut off if you leave them on and the battery drops below 11.5v, I’d rather have the piece of mind of knowing that they turn off whenever I turn the key off.
