Heated grips not working

[T8COH]

Just bought a 57 plate VStrom 1000 GT and grips aren't working , any ideas on where to start.

Both don't work & Switch is clicking when I turn it from low.

Any ideas please?

[greywolf]

If they are Suzuki heated grips, they are wired in series so a bad connection will cut them both off. If the problem is not evident, I would replace them as they are some of the worst heated grips on the market. Go with another brand like Oxford.

[T8COH]

Yes they are Suzuki grips I believe there standard on the bike . When you say they are the worst do you mean reliability or just not warm enough ?
Cheers

[greywolf]

They are unreliable, develop hot and cold spots as some windings short out and generally fail much earlier than much less expensive aftermarket brands.

[tallpaul]

They are unreliable, develop hot and cold spots as some windings short out and generally fail much earlier than much less expensive aftermarket brands.

Mine have the issue where the right grip gets hotter than the left grip. Thinking of binning heated grips in favour of heated gloves as my thumbs still get cold! May be an option for the OP?

[Juvecu]

I can confirm what Greywolf is saying, I had the standard Suzuki heated grips on my bike when I bought it. They are pretty bad as far as heated grips go, I think Suzuki charge more then £200 for them The only thing they have going for them is that the grip surface is good and lasts well.

I fitted R&G heated grips after that, they were decently warm enough while they lasted. The grip surface isn't very good, I wore them down in a fairly short period of time, although that's all relevant as I was doing high mileage back then. The heating element in the left grip shorted out eventually. The controller on these were good, one button that you pressed to cylce through 4, IIRC, heat settings and Off. They were cheap (~£40) and felt that way.

I'm fitting some Daytona grips next, hoping it's going to be a case of 3rd time lucky. They are bit more expensive, but I've seen them on a few bikes and they look decent. I specifically chose this version because of the controller style. There is another version with a rotary switch too.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231131138860

[Mr Nick]

I've got the Daytonas with just the 2 setting rotary knob & they're bloody hot when on hot but barely noticable on the other. I'm toying with getting a 4 heat controller & wiring it in instead.

Grips are pretty good & I'm happy otherwise.

[Juvecu]

Good to know as I ordered them this weekend