Heated Grips

In this motorcycle heated grips review, I have looked at three totally different design concepts. Specifically the product types are the heated element encapsulated in the grip, the heater element inside the handlebar and the wrap around heater element under the grip.

What follows is a complete heated grips review of the top 7 products available on the market today. Where relevant I have included some of my personal tips for you as well as share the advantages and disadvantages of each brand so that you can choose which heated handlebar grip type and brand will suit your needs best.

Product Summary

Heater Element Encapsulated in Grip

This is the best heated grip of the three product types in that this must warms up the hands better due to the heat source being directly in the hand. It would appear that the Trackside and Show Chrome products are actually the same product. The purchased kit includes a rheostatic heat control with adjustable heat knob. Both these products are well made but priced differently so shop around and check with your local motorcycle supplier. They work as well as the Hot Grips, heat up quickly and cost less. The variable heat controller also works well and comes with everything you will need to connect to your bike’s electrical system.

Click here to visit the Trackside product page

Click here to visit the Show Chrome product page

Hot Grips supplies a range of products which are all well made. Their motorcycle heated grips product does not include a rheostatic controller but it is an optional extra. Of all the manufacturers they are the only one to attempt to solve the problem with losing heat to the bars.

Click here to visit the Hot Grips product page

Oxford Heaterz product is very well made and the kit comes complete with everything you need to fit it. The components are well thought out, of high quality, and sturdy, all of which suggests longevity and a good return on the investment. The unit monitors battery condition and will not switch on if battery is under 11 volts and automatically shuts down if left on preventing draining the battery.

Click here to visit the Oxford product page

Heater Element inside Handlebar

The product type reviewed where the heating element is passed through the handlebar is a Symtec heated grips known as Heat Demons. This is probably the third best of the three heated grips product types discussed here, partly due to the time taken to heat the hands coupled with the price. They do perform reasonably well especially if used together with handlebar muffs. Another advantage is that unlike the encapsulated model, should you have an accident no damage will be caused to the heated grip.

Click here to visit the Symtec product page

Wrap Around Heater Element Under Grip

This is the second best of the three product types partly due to having to buy essential parts separately such as the glue insulation tubing, and not being able to adjust the heat other than a hi-lo switch. The element is glued to the bar and then the grip is glued to the wrap round element. The products reviewed in this category are the Dual Star heated grip and Symtec wrap round heaters. They are simple, inexpensive and the installation is straightforward, however if you have no knowledge of wiring or feel you cannot fit this product, or any for that matter, always seek professional help. They will also fit most grip sizes with their slip on style.

Conclusion and My Recommendation

The majority of people will find the encapsulated design to be the option they go for. It may then be a case of choosing based on price and availability. However, summarizing the review of each model, the Show Chrome and Trackside models are well made and come with a rheostat controller as standard. Hot Grips also has a more expensive model which insulates the grip from the handlebar. The Oxford model is pricey by comparison but it is a top quality product. Two other points to mention, if you are on a tight budget consider the Dual Star wrap round heaters or if you think you will tend to slide off a lot then go for the Symtec Heat Demons in bar type.

Click here to read more about the Trackside model

Click here to read more about the Show Chrome model

Whichever design choice you decide to purchase, also consider using handlebar muffs or guards to keep the wind off your hands and maximize the effectiveness of your heated grips purchase.

Stay Warm & Happy Cycling!