Author Topic: Heated Grips and Throttle Service  (Read 7471 times)

Offline The Mighty Gryphon

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Heated Grips and Throttle Service
« on: April 09, 2015, 11:03:47 AM »
I want to service the throttle and front brake master cylinder on my bikes.  Both have heated grips.

I can't find any useful information about how to get at these parts when the bike has heated grips.  Is there anyplace where I can find information on getting past the heated grips with a few photos so I know what to expect?  What do I have to disconnect?  What do I have to worry about breaking?

Going on a trip in a few weeks with the RT and the throttle is hanging at about 1/4.  On my RS I need to rebuild the master cylinder.  Service manuals make no mention of dealing with heated grips. 
  • In my garage in Marilla, NY
  • '91K100RS White/Blue
Current:
'91 K100RS16V "Moby Brick Too"

Past:
'94 K75RT "Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS"
'92 K100RS16V "Moby Brick" (RIP, deceased in a vehicular assault)
'94 K75S Special Edition Dakar Yellow "Cheetos"
'89 K100RS Special Edition "Special Ed"

Offline Scott_

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Re: Heated Grips and Throttle Service
« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2015, 07:12:43 PM »
Well, from what I have read in the bmw books, you are supposed to unplug the wire harness connector that's under the fuel tank, remove the wires from the connector, pull the wires out of the handlebar with a string tied to it(so you can pull it back in when done).
Getting the grips off is another issue without damaging the heating element, but with the wires out of the bar, it should be easier.
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1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
1997 K1100LT 0302488 (R.I.P.)
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Offline The Mighty Gryphon

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Re: Heated Grips and Throttle Service
« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2015, 07:35:53 PM »
That's what I was afraid of.  I have read those procedures as well and am hoping that there might be an easier way to get stuff off of the handlebars. 

I guess there isn't enough slack in the wire that runs in the bar to be able to get the throttle grip off the end without having to disconnect the wiring. 

I'll be taking off for a trip in a few weeks.  Will probably just live with the gummy throttle until I get back.   
  • In my garage in Marilla, NY
  • '91K100RS White/Blue
Current:
'91 K100RS16V "Moby Brick Too"

Past:
'94 K75RT "Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS"
'92 K100RS16V "Moby Brick" (RIP, deceased in a vehicular assault)
'94 K75S Special Edition Dakar Yellow "Cheetos"
'89 K100RS Special Edition "Special Ed"

Offline Novafrk

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Re: Heated Grips and Throttle Service
« Reply #3 on: April 09, 2015, 08:14:58 PM »
My suggestion is do it by the book. I gently pulled my right throttle tube out enough to clean and lube it, 3/4 in tops. That was enough to cause something to go to ground and blow the fuse on high and smoke wires on low. I shorted something in that bar out. So far in my limited bmw experience, if the manual says do it one way, that's the only way to do it. I'm sure there are exceptions. Just my 0.02
88 K75S - My red headed mistress. Shhhh.

Offline The Mighty Gryphon

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Re: Heated Grips and Throttle Service
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2015, 10:03:16 PM »
I saw your thread.  That's why I started this one, didn't want to hijack yours.

Looks like I'll let things go until I get back, or maybe until next winter.  Man, some of the design on these bikes is totally bullchit.
  • In my garage in Marilla, NY
  • '91K100RS White/Blue
Current:
'91 K100RS16V "Moby Brick Too"

Past:
'94 K75RT "Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS"
'92 K100RS16V "Moby Brick" (RIP, deceased in a vehicular assault)
'94 K75S Special Edition Dakar Yellow "Cheetos"
'89 K100RS Special Edition "Special Ed"

Offline Novafrk

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Re: Heated Grips and Throttle Service
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2015, 10:10:38 PM »
Glad my screw up has helped someone save some $.  :bmwsmile
88 K75S - My red headed mistress. Shhhh.

Offline rbm

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Re: Heated Grips and Throttle Service
« Reply #6 on: April 10, 2015, 09:23:39 AM »
It should not be necessary to remove the right hand grip from the throttle tube to perform the service.  A sticky throttle could be attributed to either debris between the bar and throttle tube or a sticky bowden cable.

The 92 K100 appears to have the 20mm master according to RealOEM.  To remove the right hand grip, disconnect the heated grip connection under the tank on the left side.  This allows enough slack to pull through the handlebar.  Disconnect the bowden cable from the MC.  On the MC, you'll notice a plate with two Philips screws secures the throttle tube to the MC.  Remove the two screws.  It will be necessary to pull back on the grip rubber because it partially conceals the screw and prevents removal.  Once the two screws are remove the grip and throttle come off the handlebar; gently pull the grip off the bar, feeding the heater wire to prevent binding.  Once the tube is clear of the end of the bar, you can service it by cleaning the inside of the tube and outside of the exposed bar.  Assembly is reverse of disassembly.  Before reattaching the bowden cable test the throttle for free movement and correct any remaining stickiness.  While the bowden cable is disconnected from the MC, test it for free movement.

If you still have stickiness after reassembly, routing of the bowden cable could be the cause.

The K75 looks to have the old 13mm MC.  Stickiness could be old grease in the gear mechanism, debris between the handle bar and throttle tube or a sticky bowden cable. 

Open the cover over the gear mechanism in the MC and make sure the gearing is clean and well adjusted.  This is described in the service manual.  Lightly grease.

The throttle tube doesn't easily come away from the MC, so best remedy to clean the bar is to remove the MC as a unit.  This requires the heater cable to be disconnected as above.  The MC gets loosened from the handlebar and the easiest is to remove the handle bar from the triple tree.  That provides slack in the brake lines.  It should be possible to pull the MC off the bar but it's going to require fiddling with the bar, feeding heater cable and wiggling off the MC, while trying to find slack in the brake line.  Once free, clean the handle bar and use a test tube brush to clean the throttle tube.  The wire will be in the way so work carefully around it and avoid using harsh cleaners.



Same advice goes for the bowden cable routing if stickiness remains after reassembly.
  • Regards, Robert
Toronto, Ontario

1987 K75 - Build Blog @http://k75retro.blogspot.ca/

Offline The Mighty Gryphon

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Re: Heated Grips and Throttle Service
« Reply #7 on: April 10, 2015, 11:11:23 AM »
Robert, thank you for the great write up.  Much better than what is in my Clymer and Haynes manuals.

I think the problem with the throttle is crap in the tube.  The Bowden cable seems to move pretty freely.  I cleaned and greased the mechanism but no joy.

As far as the 92 K100RS master cylinder, I think I will disconnect the brake line since I have to open the system when I pull the piston to install new seals.  Not a big rush for this job since it won't be getting registered and inspected until some time in May.

BTW, I have to get to Hogtown this summer sometime to see your Cream Machine.   Been drooling over the photos, would love to see in the flesh.
  • In my garage in Marilla, NY
  • '91K100RS White/Blue
Current:
'91 K100RS16V "Moby Brick Too"

Past:
'94 K75RT "Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS"
'92 K100RS16V "Moby Brick" (RIP, deceased in a vehicular assault)
'94 K75S Special Edition Dakar Yellow "Cheetos"
'89 K100RS Special Edition "Special Ed"

Offline bocutter Ed

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Re: Heated Grips and Throttle Service
« Reply #8 on: April 10, 2015, 02:37:16 PM »
BTW, I have to get to Hogtown this summer sometime to see your Cream Machine.
There be a bunch of brickers in Hogtown & area.  :bmwsmile
  • Toronto, Canada
  • '61 Puch DS60 - '66 Puch 250 SGS - '87 BMW K75s

Offline The Mighty Gryphon

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Re: Heated Grips and Throttle Service
« Reply #9 on: April 10, 2015, 04:31:24 PM »
I've kinda noticed.  You guys ever do any meetups? 
  • In my garage in Marilla, NY
  • '91K100RS White/Blue
Current:
'91 K100RS16V "Moby Brick Too"

Past:
'94 K75RT "Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS"
'92 K100RS16V "Moby Brick" (RIP, deceased in a vehicular assault)
'94 K75S Special Edition Dakar Yellow "Cheetos"
'89 K100RS Special Edition "Special Ed"

Offline bocutter Ed

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Re: Heated Grips and Throttle Service
« Reply #10 on: April 10, 2015, 08:57:45 PM »
Yup. Started a list, I think it was late last summer, and some of us got together for fish & chips, and then a pizza night. IIRC, there's 6 K75 and 1-2 K100.
  • Toronto, Canada
  • '61 Puch DS60 - '66 Puch 250 SGS - '87 BMW K75s

Offline The Mighty Gryphon

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Re: Heated Grips and Throttle Service
« Reply #11 on: April 11, 2015, 12:11:40 AM »
Sounds like a good time.  If I have time I'd like to tag along.
  • In my garage in Marilla, NY
  • '91K100RS White/Blue
Current:
'91 K100RS16V "Moby Brick Too"

Past:
'94 K75RT "Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS"
'92 K100RS16V "Moby Brick" (RIP, deceased in a vehicular assault)
'94 K75S Special Edition Dakar Yellow "Cheetos"
'89 K100RS Special Edition "Special Ed"

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