HOT GRIPS 575-879 - Manual (Page 3)

external wires coming from each grip, no positive nor negative. IMPORTANT: Hot Grips® for THIS model are
wired in "Parallel", meaning each grip gets 12 volts. Your ground connection is important, so scrape the paint
off directly under the contact point you make. Ground shouldn't be to the handlebars as some are rubber
mounted and perhaps electrically isolated from your system. Steering head bearing grease can create electrical
resistance, another reason to ground back at the main frame. The wires should be secured to the handlebars,
however it is important to form a gentle 180 degree loop from the throttle side grip to the handlebar to minimize
strain on the wires during throttle operation. The bigger the radius of the loop the longer the wire will last. 3"
radius would be good. Determine the spacing you need on the throttle tube so that there is no interference or
friction with the throttle housing. Make a mark on the throttle sleeve for when you later use epoxy.
These two Hot Grips® must be wired in "parallel". Connect one of the two conductors from each grip to positive
12 volts coming off the switch as illustrated, and each remaining wire to ground. Pilot light (not supplied with kit)
could be a Radio Shack Part #272-345 , #272-334A or #272-331C , and can be installed if you want it. Wire it
for 12 v. in parallel as indicated and ground one of the leads of the pilot lamp. 12 volt LEDs are available at
Radio Shack or much better deal on eBay.
Hi-Off-Lo SWITCH: Locate a suitable site for your switch accessible for your left
hand and drill a 1/2" or 13 mm hole in a safe convenient location that does not
interfere with anything on the motorcycle. Consider where you can easily get to the
underside of the switch. The wiring diagram IS CORRECT, though the switch hookup
may appear backwards. When you move toggle to “Hi” it connects the center brass
terminal to the diagonally opposite brass terminal.
RESISTOR: Mount the resistor securely in an area where it can give off some heat. It only functions on “Low”
heat, and warms up about 8 watts during "low" heat operation. Ideally mount it on a "pad" of silicone sealant on
a metal area and mount it in open air. Secure it with common nylon wire
ties as nylon can take the heat. The resistor may be located any distance
away from the switch or grips, however do not leave the resistor dangling
by it's lead wires, or they will eventually fail. You can use any extra lead
wire from the grips to wire the resistor. Solder all connections as a
precaution against copper oxidation in the future.
POWER SOURCE: Most motorcycles come with an accessory electrical terminal, Ask your motorcycle dealer's
service department if in doubt. Often your owner's manual will include a wiring diagram, and may have
information on where to obtain power for accessories. You should use a 4, 5, or 6 amp fuse (not included).
(The grips draw 3 amps on high). If the power circuit you are using shares power with another device then that
fuse will need to be adjusted higher accordingly. Wire into an accessory terminal if available
or into a power lead that will not be left "hot" or energized when the ignition is shut off.
Otherwise leaving the heated grips on while the engine is off will drain the battery as
quickly as if you left your headlight on. Solder all connections to prevent copper
oxidation in the future. Do NOT use the crimp-on terminals or 3M Scotch-Lok tap-in type
if you want your connections to remain reliable. They tend to oxidize and corrode over
time and create later problems. Cover all exposed connections with electrical tape.
HEAT CONTROL: The Hot Grips® do not automatically regulate their heat output, and
rely on the rider to adjust the heat by moving to "lo" or center-off switch position if the grips get too hot. The
grips should not be left on when unattended as they may get too hot. In an unregulated electrical system the
heat output may be greater than 9 watts on low and 18 watts on high per grip. These wattage figures assume
a voltage regulator is in use. Be sure to check and correct for any interference with vehicle controls and prop-
er throttle operation and throttle return before starting or operating motorcycle. Pulse-Width-Modulator totally