Heated hand grips

[Titto]

Fluff, read this thread too - http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1030950&page=14 - read from page 9 onwards for 2015 owners input, which is very positive.
Lots of people referring to software updates for the grips. I have been explicitly told in the past that there was a software update for the GS grips, this was last year and my bike went in for that to be done. It made zero difference.

My dealer is aware of the issue, and as stated, there seem to be plenty of GS's going in to have the grips swapped. Show your dealer this thread and the global one above, then tell them to stop lying to you! or do some research!
Hope you get it sorted.

 

[Godzilla]

I got the same reply from Chester Motorrad, also told "I can't believe everything I read on the Internet", so I think I will contact Williams in Manchester and have a word with them. Chester did book it in, but I ended up in hospital with a kidney infection and missed the appointment, but they were adamant there was no update for the grips and again told me "I can't believe everything I read on the internet and this forum". I mentioned I was comparing like for like on my GSA where on the hot setting they could be to hot with summer gloves, they said bring it in and they will have a look, but I'm not overly inspired.

Will be interested in what Williams say. mine has been in their and they did a software update, as I was complaining about the grips and asked if they would, unfortunately with no effect.

 

[JimVonBaden]

Interesting post from ADVRider:

Originally Posted by cessnadog View Post
2014 GSA. Build date of early 2014 (I think).

Ambient temp was about 25f

One minute in:

Two minutes:

Three minutes:

After an additional minute @ 2500 rpm:

Jim

 

[Barnesyboy]

Will be interested in what Williams say. mine has been in their and they did a software update, as I was complaining about the grips and asked if they would, unfortunately with no effect.

Mine must be one of the first built with a date in January 2013. I asked for mine to be investigated by Balderstones in Peterborough. The answer after talking to BMW technical was similar to others here, there is a software update that removes the condition of no heating of the grips whilst stationary but otherwise there is no fix and no option to use the later hotter grips on this particular version of the GS. Bike is in tomorrow for this update. I can't see it making a jot of difference but it might allow Balderstones to actually see for themselves how crap they are; not that this will help in anyway.

 

[DJ GSA]

I was out last weekend and found them too hot on the highest setting. And while wearing my summer gloves

 

[Fluffmeister]

Mine are still pretty pathetic, but that's not scientific enough, so I've borrowed an IR Thermometer and will test them at the weekend and post the results. Mine was built in Feb 2014 using the VIN decoder provided by Nutty. Will post up and also let my dealer know what readings I get (Probably just to be patronised again)

 

[r1happy]

Mine was an early Mar 13 delivery and is at the dealer having a new engine fitted due to corrosion. I have complained since I got the bike about the poor heat from the grips and had a software update that helped for a while.

I mentioned this thread to them and although they could see the part nos changed they have not had any update from BMW. They tested my grips which were only 30C but said they now had to conduct several different tests as advised by the BMW technical guru before they could do anything more.

They said they cannot fit the later grips, if that is the answer, until finishing the tests and then getting the approval of the guru otherwise they won't be able to claim for the work. So it's work in progress.

 

[malcopopolo]

Mine was an early Mar 13 delivery and is at the dealer having a new engine fitted due to corrosion. I have complained since I got the bike about the poor heat from the grips and had a software update that helped for a while.

I mentioned this thread to them and although they could see the part nos changed they have not had any update from BMW. They tested my grips which were only 30C but said they now had to conduct several different tests as advised by the BMW technical guru before they could do anything more.

They said they cannot fit the later grips, if that is the answer, until finishing the tests and then getting the approval of the guru otherwise they won't be able to claim for the work. So it's work in progress.

Interesting, mine was registered sept 2013. Dealer had received lots of calls and has agreed to order later grips without seeing bike which are not in stock. Will receive phone call in due course.

will update

will upd

 

[JimVonBaden]

Mine was an early Mar 13 delivery and is at the dealer having a new engine fitted due to corrosion. I have complained since I got the bike about the poor heat from the grips and had a software update that helped for a while.

I mentioned this thread to them and although they could see the part nos changed they have not had any update from BMW. They tested my grips which were only 30C but said they now had to conduct several different tests as advised by the BMW technical guru before they could do anything more.

They said they cannot fit the later grips, if that is the answer, until finishing the tests and then getting the approval of the guru otherwise they won't be able to claim for the work. So it's work in progress.

I'm working on swapping my right grip with a 2013 bike to see if the problem moves with the grip. We will see if: A) it can be done, and B) if it makes a difference.

Jim

 

[snaponphil]

Mine are also pretty pathetic, I think BMW should retro fit all the WC bikes as an automatic upgrade on request/complaint from owner..
After all most will get traded back into dealers only for new owner to moan their ass off & so it all starts again..

 

[r1happy]

I have been told the later grips won't fit K50/51 models. Apparently the wiring/software on 2015 models is different due to things like Hill Hold and Gear Shift Assist. Mine has had another software update but haven't tried it yet to see if it is any better.

 

[Titto]

I have been told the later grips won't fit K50/51 models. Apparently the wiring/software on 2015 models is different due to things like Hill Hold and Gear Shift Assist. Mine has had another software update but haven't tried it yet to see if it is any better.

Thanks for the update, re the software update, is this a recent one specifically for the grip issue?, or have they just reinstalled the latest software again?

 

[Barnesyboy]

I have been told the later grips won't fit K50/51 models. Apparently the wiring/software on 2015 models is different due to things like Hill Hold and Gear Shift Assist. Mine has had another software update but haven't tried it yet to see if it is any better.

This is the same as I have been told. I had an update today to remove the shutdown of the grips whilst stationary. Rode back and temps were still hovering about 0. Grips no different. I will report back to them but unless this grips are not retro-fittable is not entirely accurate then it seems like a dead end.

 

[sven]

I don't understand why a slightly different wiring loom affects the grips - after all it's only the resistance in the heating elements which affects the temperature.

They could either put a bit more power through the existing grips using a software update or use thinner wires in the new grips heating elements to raise the temperature with the current power levels

 

[r1happy]

I think mine is the same update. They have realised the problems with the early LC compared to the TC which initialy was caused by thicker metal in the bars absorbing the heat. They have noted the issues and sorted it in the 15 model. It's just disappointing that it's not retro fittable ( if that's a word!).

 

[snaponphil]

Any more info guys.?

 

[Titto]

Confirmed from my dealer too today the new grips (08/14) wiring arent compatible with the pre 08/14 bikes.
My only option is a forced software update specifically for my model grips, so it's going in for that.
So, no real update. I think others on here have had this specific update to no avail. I'll have it and test again with the IR heatgun to see if it is any different!

 

[Fluffmeister]

I wonder what's different about the wiring? Just the connector, the wiring gauge to support any additional load. I've still got to get mine back to the dealer, my ZX12R has a set of R&G grips, £29.99, 5 heat settings and they blow the grips on the gin palace away. It really can't be "that" hard for BMW to sort it out, or is their solution to chop a 14 bike in for a new 15 bike and keep lining their coffers

 

[Godzilla]

I wonder what's different about the wiring? Just the connector, the wiring gauge to support any additional load. I've still got to get mine back to the dealer, my ZX12R has a set of R&G grips, £29.99, 5 heat settings and they blow the grips on the gin palace away. It really can't be "that" hard for BMW to sort it out, or is their solution to chop a 14 bike in for a new 15 bike and keep lining their coffers

Nail hit and head are 3 words that spring to mind.

 

[DC]

anybody had anything sorted here ? any body had 2015 grips fitted for a bike before that ? is been an interesting thread so far