View Full Version : Oxford heated grips vs. Keis Heated grips?
MichaelM
09-11-13, 10:42 PM
I've been looking at getting some heated grips for the winter and have come across the oxford grips for are £40 and the Keis grips for £25. Just wondering whether the oxfords are really worth the extra money or is it a case of buying the brand name?
Cheers lads.
New oxfords have a 5 stage controller, the Keis only have two. The oxfords also have a 'safety' built into the new controllers which is meant to cut off the grips if you leave them on and the battery voltage drop's below a certain level. Depends on how much you want to spend IMO
MichaelM
10-11-13, 12:00 AM
Ahhh I see that's a pretty handy feature to have - i'll snoop around on ebay, see if I can pick up some second hand ones
Make sure they have the new controller if you do. The older controllers had a few problems. Not sure when they changed it though.
sputnik
10-11-13, 12:24 AM
You may think the safety cut out/won't knack your battery feature sounds great but my experience is that whilst it may switch the grips off before your battery dies completely, it generally only does so after the point when your battery no longer has enough juice to start the engine!
Attaching to a live feed provides infinitely more reassurance.
I've got those cheap keis ones fitted, they're alright and get pretty toasty on the top setting, not used the low one yet
yorkie_chris
10-11-13, 02:01 PM
Ahhh I see that's a pretty handy feature to have - i'll snoop around on ebay, see if I can pick up some second hand ones
No it's sh*te!
Cuts the grips out randomly and doesn't actually protect the battery.
Just wire the grips into a switched live instead, best way would be via a relay if you have any other accessories too.
kaivalagi
10-11-13, 02:03 PM
You may think the safety cut out/won't knack your battery feature sounds great but my experience is that whilst it may switch the grips off before your battery dies completely, it generally only does so after the point when your battery no longer has enough juice to start the engine!
Attaching to a live feed provides infinitely more reassurance.
I was just gonna post the same. I've currently got my oxford grips wired direct to the battery thinking the cut-off would make that A okay....I got caught out this week when I was in a hurry for work and forgot to turn the grips off after locking it up for the day....I had to call home recovery to bring some jump leads!
I will be re-wiring at some point so I have a power relay in between the battery and a fuse box so I have something good to tap into for everything...if only I could find a 14V switching relay then I wouldn't need a live feed wire to trigger it as the alternator voltage into the battery would do the same....
Bluepete
10-11-13, 04:08 PM
I wouldn't buy oxfords ever again. I've had three sets and each controller has failed, even the old rotary dial. I have £20 units on from J&S which have been excellent since last year.
Pete ;)
My Oxford 5 stage heated grips are excellent!
kaivalagi
10-11-13, 05:25 PM
Have you tried leaving them on overnight to see if your bike can start in the morning?
Also, can you provide a link, I have some with 4 heat levels and an on-off switch...can't say I've seen the "5 stage" variety or is "off" stage 1?
Mine have 5 red lights, I assumed it was one light for each heat level setting.
kaivalagi
10-11-13, 05:34 PM
Just looked for images and found what you have I think...maybe the battery protection with these is better than mine?
Would be intersted to know if the battery protection works on these and if the controller and loom fit my set as they are less than £30 to buy on their own (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190761257533)
You're talking about these right?:
http://images.esellerpro.com/2189/I/688/57/OFV8-Oxford-Hot-Grip-V8-Switch-0.jpg
I have these (the cheap ass option previous version :)):
http://www.whitedogbikes.com/ccp51/media/images/product_xlarge/oxford-hot-grips-x.jpg
Apologies, I've misinformed you guys. Mine are by R&G, they have 5 heat settings and work very well.
They can be found here ....
http://www.squaredeals-ltd.co.uk/rg-racing-heated-grips-for-22mm-bars-all-year-round-comfort-14768-p.asp
Fallout
10-11-13, 07:55 PM
I have the Oxford grips with the v8 controller. I read all the horror stories so I checked out loads of reviews etc. before I got them. Oxford held their hands up and said their previous versions had been whack so redesigned it from scratch. Ive had them on the Tiger since feb, so just getting their second season of use now.
The auto cut off has worked every time and I always forget to turn them off. They don't switch off based on low battery voltage. Apparently they detect if the engine is running by checking for voltage spikes. When the spikes disappear they power off after a few seconds. Seems to work fine.
Really happy with them, just make sure you get the v8 controller.
kaivalagi
10-11-13, 07:59 PM
I really need to find out if the v8 controller fits my v7 grips! The connectors look the same...but do the grips have the same load etc
Thanks for the info...this might just save me setting up a relay circuit....
email sent to Oxford:
Hi,
I have the original hot grips installed (with v7 4 stage controller near the bars and module near the battery) on my bike and am a little disappointed with the well known non-functional low voltage detection, it has caught me out twice now when I forgot to turn the grips off leaving me in need of a jump start several hours later.
I have heard that the v8 controller has a working cut out system so a battery doesn't get drained if left on, is this the case?
If so will this v8 controller work with my already installed original hot grip grips? The connectors look the same? Do the grips produce an equivalent load to the v8 full system ones?
If it will work, can you provide me with the controller and leads for fitment to my grips? I will then have a working as described solution for my bike!
Regards,
Mark
I thought I'd leave the notion of payment off just in case, fat chance I know but....
I went through a series of Oxford hotgrips all replaced under warranty due to issues with either the controller box or the connector between the controller and the battery. The last set I had before these ones were okay, so when the v8 design was released I thought I'd give them a go as my grips had nearly worn through. I got the sports version, which have thinner grips so they don't feel much bigger than unheated grips.
They're many, many times better than the previous versions. The connectors are chunky, so no more bent pins, and the 5 heat settings are pretty good. It's unfortunate, though, that they decided on 30%, 40%, 50%, 75% and 100% as settings - I often find myself flicking between 50% and 75% when they're fully up to temperature.
The battery saving feature works fairly well from what I can tell, but I've got them wired in through a relay. When I had charging issues recently they gave me warning that the battery wasn't running at the right voltage, and if I've ever stopped the bike and left the ignition on, they've cut out after about 2 minutes, so I'd not worry about them if not wired in through a relay.
Only real downside is that buying a complete set runs to about £60, and you can buy others much cheaper.
LewSpeight
10-11-13, 08:41 PM
I fitted my grips to bibio's gadget gizmo. Meaning they cut out when I turn the key off. Oxford ones btw, they're decent
Sent from my Xperia Z via Tapatalk
kaivalagi
10-11-13, 08:49 PM
Only real downside is that buying a complete set runs to about £60, and you can buy others much cheaper.
£30 for the controller and leads (no grips)....do you think they will fit the connectors from previous versions or will I likely be spending £60 instead...
I am getting one in hopefully on Monday as a replacement from Oxford, so Ill take a pic and send it to you.
£30 for the controller and leads (no grips)....do you think they will fit the connectors from previous versions or will I likely be spending £60 instead...
As long as the controller+leads set you're looking at contains everything but the grips, you'll be fine. The V7 and V8 grip connectors are interchangeable. I'd advise on making sure that whoever you buy it from has a returns policy, though - they changed something about the length of the connectors with the grips which made them shorter than the v7s - I just can't remember if it was the cable from the grips being shorter or the cables on the loom being shorter.
kaivalagi
10-11-13, 10:45 PM
I am getting one in hopefully on Monday as a replacement from Oxford, so Ill take a pic and send it to you.
Thanks Tomor
As long as the controller+leads set you're looking at contains everything but the grips, you'll be fine. The V7 and V8 grip connectors are interchangeable. I'd advise on making sure that whoever you buy it from has a returns policy, though - they changed something about the length of the connectors with the grips which made them shorter than the v7s - I just can't remember if it was the cable from the grips being shorter or the cables on the loom being shorter.
Thanks for that, worst case I can always get new connectors and do some soldering :-)
Hopefully Oxford make it all clear soon enough anyway
kaivalagi
11-11-13, 02:17 PM
Got a reply, the new better controller worked with the older grips I have...
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your email.
The V8 controller is available to purchase through your local oxford dealer.
OFV8-SWITCH & LOOM £24.99
It would be compatible with your current grips, you simply need to remove the switch & loom & replace with all that comes with the V8.
Kind Regards,
Helen Gessey
Customer Service
Tel: 01993 862 300
Fancy replying to her and tell her I'm still awaiting my controller?!!! :D
kaivalagi
11-11-13, 07:14 PM
Fancy replying to her and tell her I'm still awaiting my controller?!!! :D
I should aye, they don't work as described and flatten my battery every time...trade description act and all that!
edit: I have no receipt so this will likely go nowhere but you have to right :)
Thanks for your reply and confirmation that the v8 controller does indeed fit my older classic hot grips.
However on the basis that the classic hot grips I have drain my battery everytime without fail when left on, and that in the instructions it states they have a battery protection circuit, I feel I have been missold the original product I bought. On this basis I would expect something else other than a suggestion to purchase another one of your products, I was hoping for a more positive reply. Why after spending so much on a product that is defective would I want to spend more? Surely if you take pride in customer service you would offer me a replacement controller that actually does the job it is described to do?
edit: I have no receipt so this will likely go nowhere but you have to right :)
I used a very similar line on them when I had to send back my first v7 controller under warranty - I had no receipt and the bike shop I bought it from went bust. Did they ask for the receipt when you sent it back to them? If not, kick up a fuss about that - I said that if they'd told me that I'd not have sent it back and wasted my own money and time all around. I said I was disappointed with the way their product functioned and the lack of support when it went wrong. Within 2 hours I had a reply stating a replacement controller was on the way to me.
For the record, the fault with my v7 was the minus button not working, meaning that to turn the grips down I had to turn them off and on again. I reckon it was a weak-point in the main loom connector, as the one they sent back was massively improved.
Let us know how you get on :)
kaivalagi
12-11-13, 06:21 PM
I got a reply and I am in more or less the same boat as you as I have no receipt and the shop I could take it to has gone bust (HG Norwich)
But I am asking for a v8 controller to replace my v7, a little different..which I have just made a little clearer
Here's what she said:
Dear Sir,
If you are within the warranty then please return to place of purchase who can inspect and if found to be at fault will of course help you with a replacement.
Without inspection we cannot be sure of the issue and cannot simply replace.
I've just replied with the below, but again I doubt I'll get anywhere...if this goes nowhere I could threaten with trades description but for the sake of <£30 for a v8 controller why bother with all that nonsense...I've had a go ;)
I appreciate you taking your time to respond and I understand what you are saying however my position is not the usual one where a replacement would be sought.
The product was bought in Hein Gericke Preston where I used to work, however I live in Norwich where the Hein Gericke shop is no longer present (bankruptcy closure), so I have no place of purchase to take the controller unless I travel a great distance which I will obviously not do.
Also, to make things clearer, I don't wont a replacement v7 controller as this is defective by design, it will drain my battery regardless of being replaced or not. In my opinion and many other bike owners this controller has been mis-sold due to it, by design, not stopping to drain my battery when the bike is switched off. I want a v8 controller to replace my v7 one as this newer controller has been proven by fellow bike owners to not drain the battery when the engine isn't running.
I am sorry to go on about this but I only do so as I feel that I have been mis-sold the product I have and after draining my battery too many times by mistake I really do want Oxford to take responsibility for this matter and supply me with a working v8 controller.
What are the next steps here?
madcockney
12-11-13, 11:08 PM
I think, depending on how long you have had it and if it is definitely defective and not up to the job then you should be covered by "Sale of Goods". Your local Trading Standards/Consumer protection Office will tell you. The law was changed several years ago so that both supplier and manufacturer are responsible for the goods. Therefore in this instance old HG has nothing to do with it. If I am right they cannot even insist that you pay the postage. The only thing you need is proof of purchase which can be the receipt, bank/credit card statement, etc.
kaivalagi
12-11-13, 11:37 PM
It's outside of warranty and I am not sure I have any proof of purchase at all...I'll see what they say and if it goes nowhere that will be that...
BanannaMan
13-11-13, 03:23 AM
Forget about the grips.
Buy a Gerbing (or similar) heated jacket liner or vest and never be cold while riding again.
http://www.heated-motorcycle-clothing.com/
I have the vest and as long as the temperature is above freezing, I can turn it up hot enough to make my feet sweat in my boots.
I ride year round and wear the same gloves.
Cold is no longer an issue.
No grips will keep you that warm.
ThePone
13-11-13, 07:18 AM
Forget buying a heated jacket. Make your own for a few quid! I did!
http://www.hastie.org.uk/heatedjacket.html
SUPERSTARDJ01
15-11-13, 04:57 PM
Oxford ones are good but ultimatley a faulse economy, heated gloves are much, much better, even better get both.
mase_tw
20-11-13, 10:59 AM
Does anyone have these Keis Heated Grips?
Looking to buy a pair next week and wanna know how hard they are to fit on the SV....
MichaelM
20-11-13, 02:26 PM
Does anyone have these Keis Heated Grips?
Looking to buy a pair next week and wanna know how hard they are to fit on the SV....
I eventually went with the keis grips. They're relatively easy to fit. You might have to cut off the plastic rim around the right hand grip because it might not go straight over. However both my friend and me have bought these grips and they both seem to get hotter on the right hand than the left. Not sure if this is common or not but it confused us!
yorkie_chris
20-11-13, 02:39 PM
Very common, nice insulating plastic and an air gap on the throttle tube versus going onto a nice metal heatsink!
MichaelM
20-11-13, 09:35 PM
Ahhh that would make sense! any solutions to this problem?
sputnik
20-11-13, 09:43 PM
A few strips of insulating tape will help a bit. The more the better really but too much though and you may struggle to get the grip on... and too much is not much at all - aargh! Never tried it but I believe a bar sized bit of heat shrink is the posh, effective solution!
yorkie_chris
20-11-13, 10:37 PM
Don't quite know how that would work with the interference fit on the grip? Can't see it working with any of them that I've ever fitted though it would be nice.
Didn't someone on here put a 1 layer thick bit of foil tape on the bar?
sputnik
20-11-13, 11:06 PM
i think almost anything that reduces the heat sink effect would help. The problem as I say, and YC further comments, is that there isn't much free space to play with on a snug fitting grip.
I managed a few lines of insulating tape, but certainly wasn't able to cover the full circumference of the bar. I have only seen the heatshrink idea mentioned on google.
That said, I went for a super glue based approach anyway so I guess I could perhaps have removed a little more surface from the inside of the grip in order to give myself more space for adding insulation as the glue would have ensured a 'retro snug' fit... but I didn't!
I used hairspray about 3 weeks ago, it still hasn't set. I considered super glue but want to be able to get them off again
evostick contact adhesive. paint it on bar then let it dry and 'pop' grip on. when you want to take it off again then thin long screwdriver between bar and grip and wd40 squirted up side of screwdriver then twist screwdriver round the bar and the grip will just slide off.
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