Left Saddlebag removal problem

[HooWing]

I have a 2008 with everything but airbag (level 3?) and the heat is not working on grips or seats. Been following the diagnostics prescribed and the next step is to remove the left saddlebag to get at the heater control unit. I have a clymer manual with the supplemental CD which describes removing the saddlebag. I got everything undone up to the point where you pull the saddlebag off but can't get past that point. Seems that a lip on the top of the bag is catching on the bottom of the passenger armrest (the plastic bit with the storage compartment and rear seat heat control). I didn't want to force anything so I gave up. Anyone remove one of these recently? I'm hopeful the issue with the heat has something to do with poor connections in the control unit.

[HooWing]

So, I finally located the connectors for the grips. Continuity on the left but none the right. Ordered a new right grip. So, no need to pull the saddlebag. Hopefully it is just the right grip.

[newday777]

So, I finally located the connectors for the grips. Continuity on the left but none the right. Ordered a new right grip. So, no need to pull the saddlebag. Hopefully it is just the right grip.

The right grip? Really? As you sit on the bike?(side reference always as you sit on bikes)
Usually it is the left grip that breaks from people not putting the bike on the centerstand properly and putting too much twist force on the left grip.

[HooWing]

Yes. Of course, as you sit on the bike. The RH (throttle side) had no continuity. Unless someone switched the connectors. I used a wiring diagram and identified left/right by the wire colors. I suppose I could use an external power source and validate that the grips heat or not. One of the wires from the RH grip, just before the connector, had exposed wire where the shielding had broken down. I don't think this was necessarily causing a problem but it wasn't good. I cut the wire upstream a bit and tested continuity but didn't get any there either so I'm thinking it is maybe at the grip. I just ordered a replacement rather than trying to diagnose the break. Found one online for $156 which seemed reasonable.

So, people damage the heated left grip because they are trying to pull the bike up onto the centerstand? That sounds difficult.

[newday777]

$156 for 1 grip???? Yikes did they see you coming.....

They break the grip from wrong forcing to get the bike on the centerstand...probably on one foot of the stand and lifting with the grip.

[HooWing]

Have you shopped for these grips lately? Part # 53165-MCA-305. (replaces 53165-MCA-A71). There are some used ones on eBay in Canada for around $50. Otherwise, this was the best price I could find. The LH grip is even more I believe. I agree they should be much less but that's the way with OEM I guess. I'm not aware of a direct replacement alternative but would be happy to know. I wasn't interested in the Show Chrome option.

[HooWing]

I canceled that order and will install the Show Chrome replacement heated grips. I would have gone with the Inferno style but it didn't seem that they would work with the stock heat system.

[newday777]

I canceled that order and will install the Show Chrome replacement heated grips. I would have gone with the Inferno style but it didn't seem that they would work with the stock heat system.

You can actually use any heated grips, just have to cut into the wires and solder/heat shrink the stock connectors to the grip wires.

[HooWing]

Thanks. I was thinking that. Good to know. Got whacked with a pretty good restocking fee on the OEM parts. Should've read the fine print.

[Asphaltmaniac]

I canceled that order and will install the Show Chrome replacement heated grips. I would have gone with the Inferno style but it didn't seem that they would work with the stock heat system.

Hmmmm cant go wrong with the stockers. Hope it all works out for you...

[HooWing]

So, I got the Show Chrome heated grips. Right hand grip was pretty easy but it was a little fiddly getting the cables off and back on. Removing the stock left grip was a job. Connecting wires to the stock wire was hard too because the outer casing is very flexible and it's hard to tell when it ends and the internal wires start. Regarding the Show Chrome, I'm kind of meh. It fixed the heating problem for sure. They just aren't all that hot though. But they did take the edge off a 44 degree morning today. For me, I found the rubber protrusions uncomfortable after a long time gripping them. Probably should have stuck with the OEM. Maybe the Show Chrome Inferno grips. Anyways, problem solved for now.