2007 Apex - Heated Grips Not Hot Enough

[sir-switch]

Jst got back from a very cold week of riding in the UP and noticed that my 2007 Apex had very low temp for the heate grips. Even with the temp control wicked up to the max it wasn't enough. Other than checking wiring for continuity/damage is there anything else that can be done to improve the situation. My hope is that maybe a better heating element or resistor of some sort could be added. any tricks / help would be helpful.

 

[fredster]

When my son started riding a 2008 Vector the lack of warmth in the grips was immediately noticeable. We tried filling the handlebars with foam and added hand guards but not a lot of improvement. What we finally did was get some BRP/Skidoo items that included new grips and a foam wrap for the handlebars. We removed the old grips, carefully removed the heating elements, then installed the foam on the bars, the heating elements 'outside' the foam, and then the new grips. This made a huge difference and the total cost was something like $30.

The problem with these grips is the heating elements are glued right to the bars, which acts as a heat sink and pulls the warmth right out of the grips....adding the foam inside stops the heat sink effect.

The yamaheater system also works great as it channels a full 12V to the grips but it will cost you a lot more than $30.

 

[snoduke88]

Just put a set of heaters on my yamaha. Complete kit was $50.95 Part #Hot Grips-85-bk.

 

[sir-switch]

fredster....
I've already tried the foam spray trick inside the bars....are right not much help. Thanks for the additional tips I'll give it try.

 

[haulngas]

use mechanics gloves and gauntlets. I used them on both my 08 and 11 apex's. works great unless you're one of them who likes to use hand signals. I prefer to keep both hands on handle bars

 

[blkhwkbob]

Isn't there some trick about changing the bars to the 06 model? You can find all the info at totallyamaha.com in the 4-stroke side.

 

[BoondocknREV]

Make sure the heaters are not shorting out on the handlebars. Take the grips off and make sure the thin little plastic/sticky layer is not worn off. if it is the little metal heat strips will short out causing less heat. also if you buy rsi heaters they are awesome. i had a 07 apex rtx with the same problem. i put rsi mountain bars and heaters on mine. if you put new heaters on wrap the handlebars where the heaters go with black tape then stick the new heaters on it will prevent the heaters from shorting out again. trust me it works mine use to almost burn my hands on high. good luck

 

[saber1]

common problem with almost all Yamaha sleds Look up Yamaheater on the web small business that used to advertise here its a little pricey but they work and its a plug and play install that they can talk you thru on the phone no removing grips its a simple module that increases the current going to the grips put them on my 09 apex and 07 attack problem solved

 

[fredster]

Yes on the DBII chassis the heaters work by pulsing 12V on and off to the grips, it's not a steady current. The Yamaheater has a bypass circuit that sends a full 12V through continously, along with other circuitry to interface with the OEM controals and to keep the onboard computer happy, if you just cut the wires and wire a switch to the battery you'll have a light on the dash. I checked on their site and prices range from $135 for a kit you hardwire to plug and play kits for 150 to $195.

I also recall that on the newer yamaha's the grips do not heat at idle, you have to be over 5K RPM's or so. With the Yamaheater the grips will heat up when your sled is sitting still which would be a great improvement.