Heated Grips

Trackside Deluxe Complete Heated Grips Kit

Although there are two common and popular types of heated grips for motorcycles – Slip On and Complete Heated Grip Kits, there are significant differences in their design and functionality, as well as their price.

If you are on a tight budget but want to extend your personal riding season you may be drawn to the less expensive of the two. Before you decide, consider how each type performs, how they are installed and consult suppliers who are familiar with both.

Regardless of which option you choose, heated grips are a good investment, convenient, once fitted you have nothing else to remember, apart from switching them on, and they allow you to wear more practical thinner gloves.

The complete heated grip kit uses a single filament and control allowing the rider to regulate the temperature according to weather conditions. The slip on uses a switched dual filament, providing two choices, either high or low.

The major benefit to most riders of the slip on is the choices available and the varied sizes of the grips. Some riders may feel the complete heated grip size to be on the large side with no variation at all whereas the slip on tends to be slimmer and you will find a size to match your handlebars.

Symtec Heat Demons Slip On Heated Grips

You will find the thinking behind the design of the slip on and the complete heated grip kit quite different. The grip kits are complete molded units, effective in that they are isolated from the heat reducing affects of cold handlebars.

A slip on is simply a flexible printed circuit board with adhesive backing and heats the bar or throttle sleeve.

As with most things there are advantages and disadvantages of both these heated grips options.

Both work well and either is a worthwhile investment. However for those riders with smaller budgets, and smaller hands, the slip on heated grip offers a range of sizes to suit and at a lower cost. With only the two temperature choices of high and low, the slip on can’t be as precise as the complete heated grip kit with its regulated control.

Generally, for normal cold riding conditions, the lack of heat control on a slip on may not be an issue. That coupled with the price and its overall performance it represents excellent value for money. The complete heated grip kit was originally developed for much harsher and colder conditions where motorcycle riders need more than just a little comfort when riding.

For most riders, using motorcycle heated hand grips in normal cold weather conditions there may be little to differentiate the value these two different technologies, apart from your budget, handlebars and hands.

One other factor to consider given the significant price difference is the working life of each model and how well each product ages. Again, consult your motorcycle parts supplier who can provide you with all the detailed technical information you require as well as provide you with real customer feedback.