Variable Heated Grips - Version 2.1 - "Hyper" Heated Grips (Symtec)

[frankenduck]

Versions 1 and 2.0 were implemented with OEM heated grips.  This week's project will be variable Symtec heated grips.  So, why is Version 2.1 "Hyper?"  Unlike the OEM grips which use a resistive wire for the low setting, the Symtec grips have two separate heating elements on each side for the high and low settings - the high setting runs the hotter grip element via the red and white wires, the low setting runs the cooler heating element via the red and blue wires.

I read some conflicting posts on various forums about whether or not this is really how the Symtecs work so I emailed the tech guys at Symtec to get a definitive answer.

My email:

Subject: Tech question about 210019 Motorcycle Grip Heaters

I've been told that these have two heating elements - one is a red-white circuit for the high element and the other is a red-blue circuit for the low element.

Here's my question, If I hook them up to a variable input like a Heat-Troller, would wiring the white and blue wires together activate both elements to generate more heat?

Symtec's response:

Yes, you are correct.

So my plan for variable "Hyper" heaated grips is to hook up both the blue and white wires to the output from the pulse width modulator.

DISCLAIMER: It's very possible that with both elements getting full voltage that it will get hot enough to melt the grip rubber or throttle tube so my plan is to be very sparing and not to run these on higher power very often or for very long.  It'll be an interesting experiment though.....


I'll post up results later this week.

[motodude]

You Rock!

Both of my K-bikes have the factory heated grips and, for the reasons you've stated, I've never used the low setting.  So, I'm not going to the time and expense of changing them anytime soon.

But, I will use the information you've posted about the PWM controller to make up a controller for my electric vest.  Currently I just have an on-off switch in-line to the vest.  It works, but it's soooo 20th century.

Thanks for the info,
Tom

P.S. Definately interested in how the "hyper" grips turn out.

[frodef]

So what happened? Did your hyper-wired heaters burn your fingers off? Or more importantly, did it melt your throttle side plastic tube?  :eek2:

[frankenduck]

I haven't gotten to the hyper-grips project yet.  I have another two bikes I want to get ready for sale first so mods to that bike are on hold for a while.