Heated Grips + Cruise Control ?

Wockman · 11-16-2007, 8:31 PM

Hi all, recently I installed some Oxford Heated Grips on my '03. I had been using a universal Vista Cruise throttle lock with my stock grips. I was unable to figure out how fit the Vista Cruise back on because of the cord going to the grip is in the way.

Anyway, my question is... Does anyone recommend a throttle lock that will work with heated grips? I've looked at the Throttlemeister and the Kaoko. Neither are inexpensive so I want to get it right the first time.

http://www.throttlemeister.com/FTAHR2.html
KAOKO USA -

BTW heated grips are AWESOME !

TigreST · 11-16-2007, 9:10 PM

I also have the Oxford heated grips on my XX. The cruise control I installed is the Vista Cruise throttle lock unit,..which never was a perfect "bolt-on" mod. I had to trim the tab off the locator stop, and then drilled a small 4-40 hole inthe the throttle switch block, threaded this hole, and used a 4-40 allen head bolt of short reach as a replacement locator/stop for the Vista-Cruise.

Placement of the Oxford power feed cable is toward the front of the bars at about the 04:00 position as I remember (have to check that). and there is no trouble with the Oxford Grips feed cable making contact with the Vista unit. Note: the Vista engage/dis-engage thumb lever rides above my thumb given it's 11:00 postion on the bar. This is not the prime location but it work fine and it keeps the lever away from the tank during full right lock bar movements.

The Vista install also moves the Oxford (or perhaps any grip) outboard by approx 3/16ths' to a 1/4 inch, depending on how tight you wish it to push up against the Vista unit. This outboard install leaves the grip hanging off the end of the throttle sleeve by the same amount and upsets the clean install of the factory bar end weight. I made a round alum. spacer that was notched to fit both the notched bar-end and the step in the bar-end weight. This moved the bar end weight outboard a like distance as the Oxford grip, and allowed for a factory clean install of the bar-end weight giving up a stock clearance between the Oxford Grip and the bar-end weight. I was not about to attempt to trim the Oxford Grips factory finished edge to clear the bar-end weight. The stock bar-end weight screw is long enough to allow the spacer install. Note: Heli bars in use here (should have said that up front perhaps). Also: I removed the ridge that is cast into the throttle sleeve to allow the Vista to snug up closer to the throttle switch block assemble.

I'm charging the digi-cam battery here or I would have posted pictures for you to see the actual install. They may be posted before the end of the night so stand-by.

I can only agree with you, (re: heated grips) they are a very nice addition to the XX (or any bike for that matter) where a bit of warmth might help stretch your riding season. Fellow riding buddy on a BMW 1200C relates that his heated vest is a wonderful thing also,..his Beemer came stock with hot grips.

The link below shows how I mounted the temp control unit to the XX. The first bracket I made now holds a CATEYE digital speedo to help take the guess work out of the speedo error that these bikes have. The CATEYE unit will read to 300kph/185mph,..and was only $20.00. Here's the link.

Hot Grip: Controller mount.

My Grip/Control install also included a relay switch to ensure that the Grips can only come on when the bike key is on.

HTH

Tony

OMG · 11-16-2007, 10:56 PM

The Cats pajamas

Audiovox CCS 100 Universal Vacuum Cruise Control System

at the touch of a button your in cruise, just like in your car, with all the same features.

I have the throttlemeister on mr RS and it's ok, but it does have serious drawbacks. Notibly uphills and down, create wildly different speeds.

The Vox on the Bird keps steady speed and is disengaged by brake or clutch, another thing I don't like about the meister.

More $$ than the throttle locks but less than the meister $100 or less, check big chain auto part stores.

TigreST · 11-17-2007, 1:24 PM

The Audiovox unit looks like a good idea. I installed something similar to my 84 Z-28 which did not have the factory cruise. Forget the name brand but it worked very well. I'll keep this one on file for later perhaps.

Anyway,..here's some pictures of the Vista-Oxford install as mentioned above.
From left to right they show:
1) Basic look and clearance between the Vista and Oxford parts.

2) Bar-end weight/Oxford clearance due to bar-end spacer I installed.

3) Bar-end weight and alum spacer with factory attachment screw.

4)Oxford grip and throttle sleeve hollow.

5) Vista mod: location tab delette and 4-40 allen head install to tapped hole in throttle switchhousing.

6) Oxford power lead location.

7) Aux. Speedo install on old Temp controller mount. (Don't throw anything away cause ya just never know.....) TREK computer shown,..but it does not have a large enough speed indication envelope for the XX,..it only goes to 129kph.

8) Vista versus Tank Clearance: This is at full right lock on the bars. ( You can adjust clearance by a slight rotation of the bar forward on the fork tubes, if you don't mind the slight change in the rider/grip positions.)

I'll admit up front that the thumb reach to lock the cruise down takes a bit of getting use to but the "release" action is extremely easy,...a mere flick of the back of your thumb.

Tony

Wockman · 11-17-2007, 9:42 PM

Thanks for the pictures. I have a different model of Vista Cruise than yours. Mine is the universal one. I never was all that happy with it, I would slip even if I tightened the heck out of it... But maybe I can give that one a try.

I like the Audiovox cruise control. I found a really good write up on it here. Does anyone know if that control panel is water resistant? But I'm not sure if I want to give up that much room under the seat.

Thanks for the input guys.

TigreST · 11-18-2007, 12:01 AM

The electric Audiovox cruise would be the cats ass if room is available for the install to my bike. Currently my under seat area contains the wiring for the Oxford Grip system (relay etc), along the left side, followed by a Scott Oiler, also along the left side of the bike lock tray area. I've seen the auto cruise link you posted before, and having looked at it again now see that the unit is rather large (but obviously fits) as was my old Camaro unit of old. It may take a revisit to the electric side of life and a better look into the carb connection area before i choose to go that way,..but it would be a nice to have. Plans for the winter/spring are to install the Ti Force pipe and Factory Pro jet kit along with a new fuel tank (to go with the rest of the new body work,...hoping to keep the paint fade at the same level for all parts). I'll get a better look at the carb/cruise install details at that point. No idea on the weather proof side of the equation regarding the Audiovox control unit. If it is an issue (not having read the full install story you linked to, yet) I don't know what would help in the protection area for weather proofing the controller.

Tony

Wockman · 11-18-2007, 1:21 AM

I remember reading about a guy that installed the Audiovox on a ST1300 inside the fairing. The XX might be a bit of a tight squeeze. I like it, but it just seems like a lot, just to be able to take my hand off the right grip to give it a rest for a bit... If I can't figure out how to fit the Vistcruise, I'm leaning toward the Throttlemeister...

TigreST · 11-18-2007, 2:49 AM

I can only agree with your "...seems like a lot" comment relatedt to the Vox unit. My Vista install for sure is doing the job of wrist relief. The Vox install would be more of a "I did it because I could"..kinda thing for me. Fellow Beemer pilot I ride with relates "The next bike will have electronic cruise no matter what!". He's talking about his next BMW. His 1200C uses a little twisted metal lever of extremely simple design that wedges the throttle in a locked position. This due to his heated factory grips which do not allow for a Vista type install, be it like mine or the Universal unit. On a $18,000 bike it seems ironic that he must use a $2.95 piece of twisted metal to lock the throttle,..but of course it works. That said, it surely flys in the face of everything BMWesk. I also looked into the Vista Universal kit,...did not seem to be enough real estate to get it to fit the XX so did not look to long at it.

Tony

Frosty · 12-23-2007, 7:05 AM

I have Oxfords fitted and the throttlemeisted ... both work fine.

Steve

Captain · 12-23-2007, 8:11 AM

TigreST, I really like the way you have located and secured the VC, mine was fitted by me as per the normal instructions, so that the activating level is at around 5 o'clock ..... not ideal, although I'm told it's not really an issue.

hey_allen · 12-25-2007, 3:59 AM

From what I've seen on the 'bird when I've had the tank off, there is more than enough space under the tank to put in the Audiovox actuator. (at least with no emissions canister...)

I saw someone put it back in the tail, but I like using that as storage for an extra set of gloves and a small cargo net, so I won't be playing that way.

Now I just have to allow the bike to stay off the roads long enough to install the farkles that I've picked up for it! Audiovox and Pro-Oiler currently and hopefully HID at some point!

Oh, as far as whether the audiovox's controls are waterproof, I don't believe so, based on looking at it, and what someone over on the COG was saying about it during install.
That being said, all you really need is the "set" button, as you will release any time you tap the brake or clutch. Hide it under the horn button in that grip assembly?