Troubleshooting Heated Hand Grips

[gfx]

My 88 K75S (non-ABS) came with stock factory heated grips. The switch and the right-hand grip works fine, but the left-hand grip doesn't work at all.

What are the best troubleshooting steps to finding the issue? What are the most common issues when 1 grip stops working? What parts am I likely to have to replace, if any?

Thanks as always.

[Scott_]

It's possible that the wire could be unplugged where it comes out of the handlebar near the inst pod, but I'd bet that the wires are broken at the grip.
Kind of unusual given that the left one doesn't rotate like the right one, but it's possible.
It could also be that the heating element is pad.
I think there is a posting in the stickies about Symtec aftermarket grips as a good replacement.

[HCorn]

I had the exact same issue.  Unfortunately, I can't say the cure will be the same.  But when I had my tank off, I checked the wiring grip wiring because my left grip wasn't working and the right doesn't get real warm.  There is a plug for the heated grips under the tank - four wires in and out.  One of the wires had pulled out of the plug.  In addition, the plug itself was fairly corroded. 

Both grips work now (although they seem like they should get hotter).  It sucks since most of the wiring is under the tank, but that could be where your troubleshooting is going to take you if you don't see an issue at the bars or switch.

[RobP]

I just installed a new BMW OEM heated grip retrofit kit on my K100RS and am getting no heat on the left grip.   I disconnected the 4-pin connector going to the grips.  I attached an ohmmeter across the throttle grip leads at this junction and am getting continuity and a reading on the meter - but nothing at all with a similar test on the left grip leads. I do not recall any stresses when I originally routed the left wires that might have caused an issue, and pulled them out to double-check, but did not see any damage.

Prior to disconnecting the leads, I must say I was underwhelmed with the amount of heat that the throttle grip offered. Not sure what my next steps are going to be on this. This is a bit of a downer, considering the OEM grips cost 2-3 times what an aftermarket set would have cost.

Can anyone offer any additional troubleshooting tips or experiences with the OEM grips?  Also, can the rubber grip be removed from the heating element for inspection or repair?

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I recently had to repair the heating element on the left side on my K75S.

First, you need to remove the grip.  I got mine off by peeling it back as far as possible and putting a few drops of liquid soap, and working the soap back under the grip twisting it back and forth until the soap worked back far enough to slide the grip off.

Once the grip is off you can troubleshoot the continuity and look for breaks where the wiring attaches to the heater.  You can test continuity of the heater windings by carefully scraping off the insulation to allow your test probe to contact the wire.  A good magnifier comes in really handy to inspect the wire.  I have one of those magnifier headsets from Harbor Freight. 

When you're done, a bit of clear nail polish will insulate the wires where you scraped the insulation off.   

Do a search on YouTube for "Chris Harris Heated Grip" for his video on doing a repair.