As outdoor enthusiasts, you are often faced with the challenge of riding your Honda Africa Twin in cold weather conditions. One of the best ways to combat this is by installing heated grips. This type of modification is becoming increasingly popular among motorcycle riders who are not deterred by the wintry conditions. Heated grips will provide you with much-needed warmth and comfort during those chilly rides. However, it’s not as simple as walking into a store and picking one up. You need to know how to install them correctly to achieve optimal results. This article will guide you on the correct procedure to install heated grips on your Honda Africa Twin.
Choosing the Right Heated Grips
Before we delve into the installation process, it is vital to choose the right heated grips. Many reputed brands like Yamaha, Suzuki, and Triumph manufacture high-quality heated grips that are compatible with a Honda Africa Twin. Keep in mind, heated grips are not one-size-fits-all, meaning what might work for a Yamaha might not work for your Honda.
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In the recent times, numerous forums have seen a surge in queries and replies concerning heated grips. Take advantage of these forums and engage with the members, who have had firsthand experience with various heated grip brands. You can extract information about their performance, durability, and compatibility with your motorcycle.
Among all the brands, Oxford heated grips have received rave reviews from forum members. They offer a variety of grips that are compatible with different motorcycles and have been praised for their heat output and easy installation.
Preparing for the Installation
Before you start the installation process, ensure you have all the necessary tools on hand. The tools you will need include a flat head screwdriver, Allen wrench, wiring harness, electrical tape and possibly some heat shrink tubing. Ensure your bike’s battery is fully charged, as the installation process requires a decent amount of power.
Remove the stock grips from your Honda Africa Twin. It can be a bit of a challenge, but with some patience and persistence, you will have them off in no time. If you’re struggling with the removal, don’t hesitate to seek help from a forum. Members are always willing to share their expertise and tips.
Installing the Heated Grips
Now that you have gotten your hands on the perfect heated grips and have all the necessary tools ready, it’s time to get down to the installation.
Start by sliding the heated grips onto your handlebars. Ensure they fit snugly and don’t move around when pressure is applied. If the fit isn’t perfect, you may need to make slight adjustments. Make sure the wires are facing downwards to prevent any water from getting into the connections.
Next, connect the wires from the heated grips to the wiring harness. Each grip usually comes with two wires – a positive and a negative. Connect the positive wire (usually red) to the positive terminal on the harness and the negative wire (usually black) to the negative terminal.
Wiring and Finishing Touches
After connecting the grips to the harness, you need to connect the harness to your bike’s battery. The positive wire from the harness will go to the positive terminal of the battery, and the negative wire to the negative terminal.
Once you have everything wired up, fire up your bike and test the grips to see if they are working properly. They should start heating up within a few minutes. If they don’t, check your connections and make sure everything is wired correctly.
Remember, installing heated grips on your Honda Africa Twin is not just about staying warm. It’s also about enhancing your riding experience and safety. When your hands are cold, your grip can weaken, and you can lose control of your bike. By installing heated grips, you are not only increasing your comfort but also improving your safety.
Taking Care of Your Heated Grips
Once your heated grips are installed, make sure to take good care of them. Regular checks and maintenance will keep them working optimally for a long time.
Avoid using harsh cleaning agents on the grips as they can cause damage over time. Instead, opt for mild soap and warm water. Also, if you’re planning on not using your bike for an extended period, it’s a good idea to disconnect the grips from the battery to prevent any power drainage.
Overall, the process of installing heated grips on your Honda Africa Twin is fairly straightforward. However, if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional. And remember, the key to a successful installation is patience and precision.
Remember, the power of community can be a great asset when dealing with new installations or modifications on your bike. Utilizing the knowledge and experience of forum members can save you time and effort. Whether it’s a novice rider seeking advice in December or a seasoned rider sharing tips in November, the forums are a hub of invaluable information. So, embrace the spirit of community and embark on your heated grips installation journey with confidence.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting of Heated Grips
If at any point of your ride, you notice that your heated grips are not functioning as they should, do not worry. There are several troubleshooting steps you can take before deciding to replace them.
Always begin troubleshooting by checking the most common reason for failure, which is a loose or disconnected wire. Verify that all the wires from the grip to the wiring harness and from the wiring harness to the battery are secure. If they are, proceed to check the fuse. Sometimes, a blown fuse could be the culprit.
If all the wiring and fuse appear to be fine, the problem could be with the heated grips themselves. For instance, the heating element inside the grip might have burnt out. Some brands of heated grips like Oxford heated and Triumph Tiger offer replacement heating elements which you can easily swap out with the burnt ones.
If these steps do not solve the problem, it’s best to consult with forum members. The forums Honda Africa Twin riders frequent are filled with knowledgeable individuals who can offer additional troubleshooting tips and advice. Remember, when it comes to heated grips, there is no such thing as too many questions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, installing heated grips on your Honda Africa Twin is not only a practical modification for cold weather riding but also a safety enhancement. They not only keep your hands warm but also ensure a firm grip, which is vital for safe riding in cold and harsh weather conditions.
By following the detailed instructions given in this article, you will be able to install the heated grips yourself. Nevertheless, if you encounter any difficulties, do not hesitate to ask for help from Kawasaki Versys, Yamaha Tenere, Suzuki Strom, or other forum communities. These forums often contain threads about installing OEM heated grips, with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips from experienced riders.
Remember, the key to a successful installation of heated grips—or any modification—is patience, precision, and a community of fellow riders to turn to for advice and support. Stay warm, ride safe, and make the most of your Honda Africa Twin’s capabilities. Happy riding!