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[JCZ]

I have over 100K miles on HD heated grips. 
1st bike- '07 (added accessory when new) - got HOT, Loved 'em.  Replaced once in 13K miles.
2nd bike '08 (added accessory when new) - got HOT, Loved 'em.  Replaced 3 times in 48K miles.  They were actually coming apart inside. 
3rd bike '10 (CVO, came stock) - only get warm, wish they got hotter.  Replaced 4 times in 48K miles.  Only the left grip has been replaced.  Service manager says the controller dies.

They would have been replaced more frequently, but I don't worry if they don't work in the summer 

So they were replaced eight times in four winters?    I'd give up after the second time.

Now the Gerbing gloves.......they've lasted me about six or seven years.....still working fine!

[2k]

There has got to be a way to install the Heat Demons and use the Harley control.....after all a reostat is a reostat or am I missing something?

[Midnight Rider]

There has got to be a way to install the Heat Demons and use the Harley control.....after all a reostat is a reostat or am I missing something?

If you pull the left grip off you'll understand why it would be difficult to make the original controller work, unless they've changed the design since I swapped mine out on the '06 for Heat Demons...after they failed the first time.  Plus, the rheostat is probably the thing that is actually failing on the grips.

I'm no electronics person, but I'm not sure the Heat Demon switch is a true rheostat.  It's either a 4 or 5 position switch (can't remember off the top of my head)...obviously it impedes voltage to the grip heaters inside the bars, but it's not a linear rheostat in the usual sense of the word.

[mrmagloo]

Plus, the rheostat is probably the thing that is actually failing on the grips.

That is what I understand to be true. The weak link is the stock rheostat.  That's why I was hoping to secure a discarded left grip to see if there is a way to repair/improve it?

[Midnight Rider]

That is what I understand to be true. The weak link is the stock rheostat.  That's why I was hoping to secure a discarded left grip to see if there is a way to repair/improve it?

Go to your local dealer...I'm sure they have a set that went bad.      If memory serves me (which is a big IF), the left grip's rheostat is imbedded in a plastic/silicone looking insert that sticks up inside the handlebar on the left side...when you pull the grips, that part comes out too.  It looks like...well, it looks like a small version of those battery operated things wimmens use sometimes. 

[Twolanerider]

Go to your local dealer...I'm sure they have a set that went bad.      If memory serves me (which is a big IF), the left grip's rheostat is imbedded in a plastic/silicone looking insert that sticks up inside the handlebar on the left side...when you pull the grips, that part comes out too.  It looks like...well, it looks like a small version of those battery operated things wimmens use sometimes. 

Looks like a cordless mixer ?

[hotroadking]

Looks like a cordless mixer ?

No no he means a cordless vacuum cleaner

[RedDevil]

Looks like a cordless mixer ?

No silly, he means a remote control.   

[Twolanerider]

No silly, he means a remote control.   

Ohhhhhh, I get it now .

That actually reminds of a.... um.... never mind.  Wrong story for this site. 

[spada84]

Never seen one disassembled - is the control only a rheostat (variable resistor) are are there electronics/controller/thermostat involved?  I expect that the heat demons have an electronic controller, most likely a PWM type of control.  That's what the Widder controller I have is.  Any type of variable resistor is going to generate heat at that component if all of the current passes thru it.

[Midnight Rider]

Never seen one disassembled - is the control only a rheostat (variable resistor) are are there electronics/controller/thermostat involved?  I expect that the heat demons have an electronic controller, most likely a PWM type of control.  That's what the Widder controller I have is.  Any type of variable resistor is going to generate heat at that component if all of the current passes thru it.

The HD grips do have a thermostatic controller, although it is likely a very simple one, much like the heated seat.  A set range for any given rheostat setting.  I have not taken one apart though, so this is an educated guess, at best.  Whether it is in the insert on the left grip, or if it is as simple as a fixed on/off sensor in the element, I don't know.    My experience with electronics is limited to PLC's and Digital Systems controlling building HVAC, Energy Management measuring, and not at the board repair level.

My first set of grips that failed went straight into the trash can.

[North Georgia Hawg]

I bought a set of the Heat Demons but haven't installed them yet. Hopefully I can do it without taking the bars off... but the Heat Demons instructions talk about CVO bars, and some aftermarket bars like the Wild 1 Chubbys 575s I have, needing to be reamed out to an inside diameter of .875" in order for the right heater to fit in over the FBW throttle control and inside the bars. Apparently these bars come with an ID of only .835", which is too small for the Heat Demons to fit on the throttle side.

Has anyone installed the Heat Demons on a FBW throttle bike with the Wild 1 Chubbys 575 bars? If so, did you have to have the bar reamed out on the throttle side to .875"?

I think I'll call Wild 1 and ask them about the ID of the Chubbys, too. I would really like to NOT have the bars reamed if at all possible! Really don't want to have to take off the bars and take all the wires out on the right side again!

[tennisman]

Has anyone had only the right grip fail?  I have.  A new right grip for my 08 CVO Ultra was $115, materials only.  Not sure how the left would work and the right didn't - I thought the grips were in series electrically...?  Anyway, ESP paid for it, minus my $50 contribution.
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