OEM Grip warmers or aftermarket

[jsaul53]

I have a chance to get a set of OEM heated grips at a decent price I have seen some much cheaper after market grips but would like to know the pros and cons of each other than price. I like the idea of the OEM being plug and play so to speak. Is that true or are there alterations to wiring etc that will be needed for the OEM. I know there will be some wiring needed for after market and possible drilling.

Any input or experiences would be welcomed.

[HotRodZilla]

If the price is good, I'd go with OEM.

[ionbeam]

If you have a Gen II, definitely go with the OEM grip kit. It's a plug 'n play kit, all you have to do if find the 4 connectors on the FJR's wiring harness and install the heat controller bracket.

If you have a Gen I, think strongly about an Oxford grip kit. The <$100 Oxford kit can be installed in a Gen II but you have to do all the wiring yourself. I've had several heated grip kits on my Gen I and I like the Oxford's performance over all the others including the Yamaha Gen I grip kit.

All aftermarket grips and the Yamaha Gen I grip kit have hard grips that are ~1/2 inch shorter than the non-heated grips.

You don't say where you are located, but if you are north of central USA and east of the Rockies you may also want to look into V-Strom grip guards to shield the wind. E-Z on and off for seasonal use if you choose, but they do make nifty rain blockers too.

[raYzerman]

I'm in a mild love/hate relationship with the OEM's.........
Likes - plug and play, nice integrated controller, simple install, wires integrated into the right throttle perch.

Dislikes - diameter too small for larger hands (solved with Grip Buddies that conduct the heat, not foam Grip Puppies that insulate the heat, added advantage is you're not wearing out your grips), take to long to warm up in the real cold where you need them (due to ECM pulsated ground, solvable with solid ground which I have procrastinated way too long and will get it done THIS year).

If my bike hadn't come with them, or heaven forbid they should ever fail, I would have put the real Hot Grips on (not the cheapies smaller diameter similar to Oxfords), larger diameter, lifetime guarantee, ribs inside diameter so you're not heating the bars instead of your hands, a whole lot cheaper even with a W&S integrated controller which I'm sure I could make look nice in the OEM location........... Oxfords a good solution if the smaller diameter is OK by you.

That said, you probably won't regret putting the OEM's on if you can get them at a decent price, and if you don't ride much at 40 deg. temps or less, all the better.