Oxford Heaterz Premium Touring Heated Grips

After doing research on a variety of heated grip manufacturers, I decided to order the "Oxford Heaterz Premium Touring Heated Grips." My decision was largely influenced by the "intelligent heat controller" that shuts off power to the grips - which are wired directly to the battery - to prevent discharging the battery completely. I also was concerned about the added costs and increased complexity of pairing an less expensive heated grip with a product like the Fuzeblock of Denali PowerHub. Based upon the reviews on Revzilla and a number of other sites, the choice was relatively straightforward for me.

After measuring the OEM grips on my 2012 Honda NC700X, I realized that length of the "Touring" version of the Oxford grips were only about 1mm different from the length of the stock grips. Since both the "Adventure" and "Sport" models were longer, the "Touring" version would be the only type that I would not have to cut down to fit... that would save me both time and concerns related to finish if I were to do a sloppy job cutting the ends of the new grips.

The most difficult part of the installation had nothing to do with the Oxford product; removing the stock Honda grips took roughly half of the 2.5 hour process. Rather than cut off the existing OEM grips, I decided to use an air compressor and slim screwdriver to break the adhesive and remove the grips without damaging them - just in case they needed to be reinstalled. It took over an hour to remove both sides, but it was worth it to me for peace of mind in case there was a problem.

Using a utility knife and file, I also had to remove raised ridges on the throttle sleeve - as well as a ring at the bar end weight side of the sleeve. The adhesive residue on the clutch side peeled off easily with a razor blade and rubbing. The combined process for both sides took 20 to 30 minutes and helped me dry-fit the new Oxford grips with ease. I carefully remove the grips knowing that I could slide them onto the bars at this point.

Per the instructions (and several helpful online videos) I coated the bars with the adhesive provided, smearing the glue around the bar evenly with a bamboo skewer. The grips slid back on without much effort, where I left them for about a day and a half to properly set.

I can also confirm that the "Touring" Oxford grips do not interfere with my existing Barkbuster Storm hand guards in any way. Another 30 minutes or so was spent reinstalling my Barkbusters hand guards.

Another 30 minutes was spent routing the power cables, adding heat shrink wrap over the connectors, and wrapping them more thoroughly in electrical tape. Luckily for NC700X owners, the battery is located behind the radiator and accessible from inside the storage "frunk." It was easy to route the cable towards the ignition switch along the right-hand side channel inside the battery panel; the same location where my existing Battery Tender SAE trickle charge cable still lives.

Had I simply cut off the existing grips - and didn't have to install hand guards - I imagine I could have finished the entire installation in about an hour.

The grips heat up relatively quickly and have definitely helped prevent fatigue on my trips so far. Combined with my hand guards, I no longer have cold hands on my morning commute. The first morning I used them (after letting the adhesive set for over 24 hours) the outside temperature was 31 degrees F. By the end of my hour-long commute out of the southern Adirondacks, the temperature was a balmy 38 degrees F. My hands were quite comfortable with the controller set at the 50% heat setting, but it is great to know that the two higher settings of 75% and 100% were available if I needed them.

Overall, I am very satisfied with the Oxford Heaterz Premium Touring Heated Grips and would recommend them to any NC700X rider as an alternative to Honda's expensive OEM heated grips.

Everything that "they" say about the Premier Heated Grips from Oxford is accurate. They are an excellent product.

Oxford offers several varieties of their heated grips. Make sure that you measure your existing grips and purchase the right size for your bike. The "trim zone" is only about 10mm, so the better the fit to your bike right out of the box, the easier your installation will be. For my 2009 FZ1, the "Touring" length fit perfectly (without any trimming).

Installation is straightforward (although it requires routing some wires, which entailed removing my tank an a few other bits), and the grips perform excellently. Five heat levels is fantastic, and at the highest level the grips put out plenty of heat to ride in even the coldest weather. I chose grip heaters rather than heated gloves because they are always on the bike and I don't have to worry about carrying a second set of gloves should the temperature drop. I chose the Oxfords after having used a set of element-only heaters that installed under my stock grips and they are definitely a step up.

The biggest negative that I found was the appearance of the controller mount. Obviously, quick access to the controller is important, but mounting it sticking up from the handlebars didn't look very good. I ended up fabricating a low-profile mount that keeps the controller handy, but it doesn't rise well above the bars.

The most difficult part of the installation is probably removing the stock grips. YouTube can be very helpful in this regard - I used a straight wire connected to an electric drill and worked it around the inside of the grips, which preserved both the bar surface and the integrity of the stock grips (should I ever want to put them back on). Aside from fabricating my mount (see pictures), the installation only took a couple of hours from start to finish and could have been completed by anyone capable of removing fairings and wielding a screwdriver.

Overall, a solid product that provides a bit more comfort when riding in colder temperatures or wet weather.

Grips:
The touring grips are really... um... grippy! Quality, secure feel. I recommend measuring your current grips to determine which model to go with if you don't want to trim them down (Adventures are the longest - I think). I went with the touring model because they were the same length as my factory grips. One thing about the grips: they are rigid from pommel to guard so you might need to trim the retention ring off of your throttle sleeve in order to slide the throttle grip on all the way - like I had to. Which brings me to install...
Install:
Fairly easy to install with a few tools and a little know-how, these are a great season extender if you like or need to ride when the temps drop but if you're not into working on your bike I'd recommend having someone you trust do the install. I'm kind of meticulous when it comes to modding my bike so it took me 4 hours to finish the job but it could easily be done in 2 if you know your way around your bike and use the provided mounting bracket (note: the mini zip ties in my kit were garbage but I had some good zips - just fyi). I don't like the recommended location of the control unit (on the clutch lever clamp) so I secured it to the lower right hand quarter of my tach which keeps it out of the direct path of the elements - plus it's not something you'll need to adjust very often so you don't necessarily need it to be close to your thumb; once you figure out your heat comfort zone, it's set-it-and-forget-it.
Heat:
The 100% setting is pretty hot once they heat up (actually they're too hot if it's not cold out) and it only takes a few miles to ramp up to full temps. You feel the initial heat right away and it stays as long as you leave your hands on the grips, as expected. I've only used the 50, 75 and 100% settings to get over mountain passes and evening/night temps in Eastern WA but I'm guessing the 30 and 40% settings will be great for mild summer nights.
Control Unit:
At first I wanted grips that run off of my accessory lead (so they'd be off if the bike was off) so I wasn't sure about the built-in auto-off functionality but I'm really happy with it. I forgot to turn 'em off a couple times during the many stops "along the way" and sure enough they switched off by themselves - nice. Also the buttons (up/more-hot or down/less-hot) are easy to use as long as your gloves fit your hands. Pressing the down/less-hot button from the lowest setting turns them off completely and you can even toggle off the auto-off setting if you want/need to.
Verdict:
I can't speak to durability quite yet since they've only been on my bike for a few weeks but so far... I love these things! I love riding and for me these are a 'game changer'; they truly mitigate the danger of riding with frozen fingers which melts away any cold-hands-related anxiety which, in turn allows me to better maximize my focus where it should be... on the road.

I purchased this product as my heated gloves were doing okay but not good enough for the weather changes in my area. Just rode in temps as ranging from 17-40 with these grips no problem with the cold! With the combo of the grips and heated gloves your hands stay toasty!!!

Suzuki VSTROM 650

I am very happy with these after using them most of the winter. They have served me well and allowed me to ride using lighter, fall type gloves with better feel on the controls. What a difference they make. The adjuster is great, easy to change at a stoplight, and has a simple and clear display. I have yet to need 100%, other than when I first start riding. Usually I start high and then drop back on power when my hands get toasty. I made a how to video on the install, which I will link here.

the instructions provided were simple and easy to follow and resulted in a problem free installation.I would definitely recommend a dry fitting first because the adhesive provided drys super fast .
Everything was provided for installation in the package.

Tip: spray some wd-40 on a screw driver when prying off old grips

So let me start with a big HECK yeah. Talk about one of those creature features that I will never be without again. Has completely changed my perspective of things needed on my bike. I had looked at and purchased heated gloves ( too bulky) returned heated gloves and decided to give these Oxford heated grips a try. Let me just say they are impressive, rose to the mountains the other day with some buddies, was pretty cold as there is still snow on the ground, turn these puppies on and it makes a world of difference.. I feared that the back of my hands would be cold as these heat the palms but I rode comfortably with just summer light gloves... I will put these on every bike I own and winter riding is possible. I have not had to use the highest setting as 70% is the hottest I want, 50% seems to be perfect .My only gripe is that the grips are bigger than stock grips but the heat far outweighs this one little concern. After one ride in used to the size now.
(Comment to manufacturer) maybe come up with a way to integrate the control into the grip so that it appears more factory like.

I live in Wisconsin and try to ride and commute for as long as possible. Install was relatively easy using the instructions and Revzilla's video. I gave the finish an "average" because they are too short for the handlebars. They're about an inch too short. I cut off an inch of the original grips and glued them on as filler. As for performance, I had 'em set at 50% for the hour commute in the lower 40's on the freeway with my heavy gloves and my hands were toasty.

Overall I'm pleased with my purchase and would recommend this brand.

I put this on my '14 DL 1000. Ease of install was fairly easy. Shaving off the plastic on the throttle tube took a couple of minutes but most of my time was spent trying to get the excess wiring tucked away somewhat neatly (lots of extra wiring). The metal bracket for the controller does not fit to the handlebar reservoir and the adhesive did not work so well. Instead, I drilled holes into dash and hardmounted next to my tach. Now that it's done, I much prefer this to the adhesive or having it attached to my handlebar.

As for how it works? Fantastic so far. I live in Florida so it's not like I'm battling snow monsters in January or February, but it can get chilly. These keep my hands warm in 40 degree weather wearing alpine star gpx gloves (lightweight leather gloves). I also have barkbuster handguards which help with the wind. Overall, this is one of my mostest favorite upgrades and I doubt I'll ever have a bike without heated grips again.

I had a set of these grips on my '03 V-Strom and loved them! Riding here in Colorado, they definitely got a workout and never once let me down.

Fast forward to today and I purchased a pair for my '11 Suzuki 650ABS. They've made them even better with the most recent version (5 heat levels instead of 4, plus auto power saver mode), and once again I love them!

The installation is a bit of a bear because you have to grind down the plastic on the handlebars, but routing the wires is easy enough and it's all plug and play.

Just did 1300+ miles across Colorado earlier this month
over multiple 12,000 foot passes and these grips kept me warm even while wearing summer weight gloves. Highly recommended!