Introduction
AVON heated grips offer a practical solution for motorcycle riders seeking improved comfort in cold weather conditions. When paired with pre-wired handlebars—such as those found on 2014–2021 Touring Models—installation can be streamlined. This article provides a step-by-step guide based on official installation instructions and technical insights from verified sources, focusing on proper wiring techniques, alignment, and final assembly. The process involves identifying wiring, preparing heat shrink connections, routing wires through the handlebar, and securing the grips in place. Each step is designed to ensure reliability, safety, and optimal performance.
Step-by-Step Installation Overview
The installation of AVON heated grips on pre-wired handlebars involves several critical stages. These include identifying the correct wiring harnesses, marking and preparing the wires, running them through the handlebar, and securing the grips. The process emphasizes careful handling to prevent damage to sensitive components, particularly when routing wires through the handlebar. Lubrication and controlled pushing—rather than pulling—are recommended to ease the installation.
Identifying the Heated Grip Wiring
The first step in the installation process is to locate the appropriate wiring harnesses. On pre-wired handlebars such as those used on 2014–2021 Touring Models, riders will typically encounter the following color-coded wires:
- Red and black wires
- White and black wires
These wires are pre-installed to accommodate heated grip extensions. It is essential to identify the correct pair for connection to the AVON heated grips. According to installation guides, the throttle side of the handlebar is pre-wired for a heated grip, and the wiring is typically white and black in color.
Marking the Heated Grip Wires
Once the correct wiring is identified, the next step is to mark the wires for clarity. This is done using heat shrink tubing included in the installation kit. The process involves the following steps:
- Pull out the left-side wiring first, leaving the right-side wiring in place.
- Slide a small piece of white heat shrink tubing over one of the wires.
- Use a heat gun to shrink the tubing, marking the wire for identification.
- Repeat the process for the right-side wire.
This marking system ensures that wires can be easily distinguished during the subsequent connection and routing steps.
Preparing the Connections
After marking the wires, the next step is to prepare the connections for secure and safe operation. This involves the following actions:
- Slide a larger piece of heat shrink tubing over both wires.
- Use smaller heat shrink tubing for the individual red and black wires.
- Align the red and black wires correctly with the existing harness.
- Use the heat gun to shrink the tubing down, ensuring a secure connection.
Proper alignment is crucial to prevent short circuits or improper functioning. The heat shrink tubing serves as both insulation and a mechanical seal, protecting the connections from moisture and vibration.
Cooling and Securing the Wiring
Once the connections are made, it is important to allow the heat-shrunk tubing to cool and become rigid. This can be done in two ways:
- Using compressed air to speed up the cooling process.
- Allowing natural cooling if compressed air is not available.
Cooling is important because it ensures the tubing becomes rigid, making the subsequent routing of wires through the handlebar easier. If the tubing remains soft, it may stretch or deform during installation, compromising the integrity of the connection.
Running the Wiring Through the Handlebars
With the wiring cooled and secured, the next step is to route the wires through the handlebars. The process involves:
- Feeding the wires one at a time to avoid tangling and ensure smooth passage.
- Applying lubricant to the wires to ease their movement through the handlebar.
- Pushing the wires gently rather than pulling them to avoid damage to the wiring or insulation.
The wires should feed through relatively easily if handled with care. This step is critical for ensuring the wires remain intact and functional, as any kinks or breaks could compromise the operation of the heated grips.
Installing the Heated Grips
Once the wiring is routed through the handlebars, the heated grips can be installed. The process involves:
- Sliding the heated grip onto the handlebar.
- Gently tapping it into place to secure it.
- Double-checking that everything is seated properly.
It is important to verify that the grip is aligned correctly and that the wiring is not pinched or damaged during installation. A secure fit ensures that the heated grips operate reliably and without interference from external elements such as vibration or moisture.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
During installation, it is important to be aware of potential issues that may arise. One common concern is improper alignment of the wiring with the existing harness. According to one user report, there may be a mismatch between the AVON wiring diagram and the Harley-Davidson wiring diagram. To address this, it is essential to:
- Cross-reference the wiring colors and connections with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Ensure that black and red extension wires are connected to the corresponding black and red wires from the throttle sensor.
- Use heat shrink tubing to reinforce and secure any connections that appear loose or unstable.
If the wiring does not feed through the handlebar smoothly, applying lubricant and pushing gently can help resolve the issue. In cases where the tubing remains soft or deforms, allowing additional time for cooling may be necessary.
Compatibility Considerations
The installation process described above is specifically tailored for pre-wired handlebars found on 2014–2021 Touring Models. However, the general principles—such as marking wires, preparing connections, and routing through the handlebar—can be adapted for other models. It is recommended that riders consult the manufacturer’s documentation for their specific motorcycle model to confirm compatibility and wiring requirements.
Conclusion
The installation of AVON heated grips on pre-wired handlebars is a straightforward process when followed carefully. By identifying the correct wiring, marking the connections, and routing the wires through the handlebar, riders can ensure a secure and reliable installation. Proper attention to detail—such as using heat shrink tubing and allowing sufficient cooling time—is essential to prevent damage and ensure optimal performance. Whether for winter riding or long-distance touring, AVON heated grips offer a valuable enhancement for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking comfort in cold conditions.