Motorcycle Heated Grips: What Dealers Need to Know

Heated grips are one of those motorcycle accessories that customers often don't realise they need until they've ridden with them. For commuters, tourers and year-round riders, warm hands can make a significant difference to comfort during colder rides.

For motorcycle dealers and workshops, they're also a relatively straightforward accessory to recommend and install. Here's what you should consider when helping a customer choose the right set.

Why Recommend Heated Grips?

Even in Australia's relatively mild climate, early morning rides and winter touring can mean surprisingly cold hands. Wind chill makes the temperature at the handlebars feel considerably colder, while cold fingers can reduce comfort and dexterity.

Heated grips provide warmth directly through the rider's hands and allow the temperature to be adjusted as conditions change.

Check the Handlebar and Throttle Size

Not every heated grip fits every motorcycle.

Before ordering, check the motorcycle's handlebar diameter, throttle arrangement and required grip length. Some applications use conventional 22 mm (7/8") handlebars with a larger throttle-side grip, while cruisers and specialist applications can require different sizes.

Grip length is also important. A replacement that's too long can interfere with bar-end weights or controls, while one that's too short may leave an undesirable gap.

Consider the Controls

Traditional heated grips often require a separate controller mounted somewhere around the handlebars.

More integrated systems can produce a much cleaner installation. KOSO Apollo heated grips, for example, incorporate the temperature control into the grip itself, providing five heat settings without requiring a separate control box on the handlebars.

For customers who care about keeping their cockpit tidy, this can be an important selling point.

Don't Forget the Electrical System

Heated grips place an additional load on the motorcycle's charging system, so installation should always take the bike's electrical capacity into consideration.

Correct wiring is equally important. Features such as low-voltage battery protection available on selected KOSO grips provide additional reassurance, while professional installation can ensure the grips don't accidentally remain powered when the motorcycle is parked.

A Useful Workshop Add-On

Heated grips are particularly easy to recommend when a customer is already having handlebars, controls or other accessories installed. They're also a natural suggestion for touring, adventure and commuter motorcycles.

KOSO offers heated grip solutions for a wide variety of applications, from universal road motorcycle grips through to Harley-Davidson, ATV and off-road options.

As the Australian distributor for KOSO, Boisterous Equipment can supply motorcycle retailers and workshops with KOSO heated grips and accessories, backed by local Australian support.

For dealers looking for a practical accessory that provides customers with a noticeable improvement every time the temperature drops, heated grips are well worth adding to the conversation.