Hi all just getting to grips [no pun intended] with my new purchase and found left hand heated grip not working RH OK. When I replaced old hand grips the left one has corrosion and wires broken. Can this be repaired? If so can someone explain howto many thanks Coopz.

It will all depend on where the wires are broken. If it is the loom side then yes it will be possible, If your refering to wires that are on the grip itself then it is probably unlikely.

Posting some pictures would help us to asses what your dealing with at the moment..

coopz wrote:Hi all just getting to grips [no pun intended] with my new purchase and found left hand heated grip not working RH OK. When I replaced old hand grips the left one has corrosion and wires broken. Can this be repaired? If so can someone explain howto many thanks Coopz.

You say you've replaced the old grips...with original heated grips? It sounds to me as though you've bought non-heated grip replacements...

If you're talking about OEM heated grips, sometimes a new outer rubber grip can be slid over the heating elements after carefully cutting away the old, worn rubber grip. If the elements or wires leading to them are damaged in any way then you're stuffed. New, heated grips will have to be used.

Purchasing two right hand side, non-heated grips as in the image allows a large enough opening for you to gently slide them into place over the undamaged heating element of the original grips, retaining your original elements with new rubbers.

This part number, 32 72 1 458 396, Non-heated Rubber Grip RH side, is my favourite for being the perfect size and shape that's comfortable under my hands, absorbs its fair share of the tingly vibes, and slips relatively easily over the original heated grip elements after you've sliced of the old, decrepit heated (or non-heated too) rubber grip. It's also one of the least expensive and readily available grips in the BMW catalogue. Buy two right hand sides, because they're intended to go over a sleeve, and you'll be laughing.

This is what it looks like with its full circumference 'ribs', is fullsize for a man's hand, and tapers out to the thicker end. It also has an open end to accept the end weight. Number 3 in the image:

Many thanks for reply, I think the element is stuffed there are broken wires. Can you buy just the handlebar element, if so is the replacement easy to fit and rewire? Coopz

You have two choices -- (1) try to repair the existing heated grip or (2) install after market heating elements under the grips. I would suggest trying to repair the existing elements first since you have nothing to loose by trying.

The rubber grip can be peeled back over the plastic tube to reveal the heating element. It is a difficult operation but once started, the grip peels back relatively easily. Once you have uncovered the heating element, you will notice that it is a fine wire terminating in a couple of soldered joints. The entire assembly has been covered in a protective laquer. Locate the two broken ends of the wire and carefully begin to peel them away from the protective laquer. I suggest only removing the absolute minimum amount of wire that will reveal enough to which you can solder new leads. No more than this as you risk breaking the heating element and ruining the entire grip. Once you've stripped any insulation away from the short, exposed leads, carefully solder on new leads. Also, plan to equip the leads with heat shrink tubing which will insulate the repaired connections when complete. Try to secure the new lead to the assembly using hot melt glue or epoxy because that will create a strain relief. Then test the grip to be sure it is working. When tested and working, reinstall the rubber grip.

Alternatively, remove the grips and follow my instructions for installing after market heated elements.

Thanks to Robert for useful info not sure at this stage what will be my next course of action. Aftermarket grips might be the way I think the soldering may be to much to expect as the damage is significant to the wires. Coopz thanks for link.

Here is a grainy pic of how I cut off and turn inside out (like peeling the skin off a rabbit) the old perished heated grip, then swap a new non-heated BMW grip onto the existing heated grip element. Voila! Heated grips renewed, and it cost me less than twenty US Greenbacks to do it, both sides...

Two Wheels Better wrote:This part number, 32 72 1 458 396, Non-heated Rubber Grip RH side, is my favourite for being the perfect size and shape that's comfortable under my hands, absorbs its fair share of the tingly vibes, and slips relatively easily over the original heated grip elements after you've sliced of the old, decrepit heated (or non-heated too) rubber grip. It's also one of the least expensive and readily available grips in the BMW catalogue. Buy two right hand sides, because they're intended to go over a sleeve, and you'll be laughing.

This is what it looks like with its full circumference 'ribs', is fullsize for a man's hand, and tapers out to the thicker end. It also has an open end to accept the end weight. Number 3 in the image:

So I have a faulty heated grip and intend to have a look, are you saying that I can order 2 or these R/H grips as replacements to go over the heated elements on both sides?

Yes, in detail.