For riders seeking to extend their seasons in colder climates, heated motorcycle gear offers a practical solution. The Heat Demon Motorcycle Adventure Kit, as described in the provided documentation, includes grip heaters, a seat warmer, and a 4-zone controller, designed to provide warmth for both hands and core body temperature. This article serves as a technical reference for users seeking to install and operate the Heat Demon system, focusing on the hardware components, installation procedures, and troubleshooting guidance based on the available documentation.
Understanding the Heat Demon Kit
The Heat Demon Motorcycle Adventure Kit is specifically designed for dual-sport and adventure riders who wish to maintain riding comfort in low temperatures. According to the provided documentation, the kit includes grip heaters that are installed beneath standard grips, allowing users to retain flexibility in grip selection. Additionally, the system supports a seat heater and offers two auxiliary ports for connecting other heated items such as jackets or vests.
The core component of the system is the 4-zone controller, which allows independent temperature control for each heated element. Users can adjust the heat output to one of five levels for each component separately. This level of customization ensures that riders can tailor the warmth to their specific needs and riding conditions. The controller is designed to be mounted in multiple configurations, including handlebar mounting, flush mounting, or via an L-bracket.
Installation Process
The installation of the Heat Demon Motorcycle Adventure Kit is described as straightforward and methodical, involving three primary steps: installation of the heating elements, mounting of the controller, and wiring. The following details are derived from the provided documentation and are presented in a structured format to guide users through the process.
1. Installing the Heating Elements
The first step in the installation process involves fitting the heating elements onto the handlebars or throttle tube. The grip heaters are designed to be installed beneath standard or aftermarket grips, which allows for a high degree of flexibility in grip selection. The seat heater requires the rider to remove the cover in order to install the heating element, a task that may be performed by an upholsterer if necessary.
It is important to note that for aluminum handlebars or aftermarket throttle tubes, the manufacturer recommends the use of heat shrink on the clutch-side handlebar prior to installation. This step is necessary to prevent any potential heat transfer issues and ensure the heater functions correctly.
2. Mounting the 4-Zone Controller
The 4-zone controller is a key component of the system and must be mounted securely. The documentation outlines several mounting options, including handlebar mounting, flush mounting, and L-bracket mounting. The user in the provided documentation chose the handlebar mounting option, which allowed for convenient placement adjacent to the turn signal switch on the left side of the motorcycle.
The controller features two auxiliary ports that can be used to connect additional heated gear such as a jacket or vest, making the system highly expandable. This design allows riders to add more heating elements as needed without requiring significant modifications to the existing setup.
3. Connecting the Wiring
The wiring process is facilitated by the use of color-coded wires and easy-to-connect plugs. The provided wire harness simplifies the process of connecting the grip heaters and the seat heater. Additionally, the controller includes dedicated connectors for each heating element, allowing for independent control.
The documentation highlights the importance of ensuring that all connections are secure and correctly aligned. Miswiring may result in malfunction or failure of the system, as noted in the troubleshooting section. Users are advised to follow the installation instructions carefully and verify all connections before powering the system on.
Technical Specifications and Operational Features
The Heat Demon system is designed to provide reliable and efficient heating for motorcycle riders. The following technical details are derived from the provided documentation and offer insight into the system’s performance and functionality.
Heat Output and Temperature Control
The system offers five heat levels for each component, allowing users to adjust the temperature based on their comfort and riding conditions. The grip heaters and seat heater operate independently, meaning that users can set different heat levels for each. This feature is particularly useful in situations where the hands require more warmth than the seat or vice versa.
The controller is described as having easy-to-use buttons that are large enough to be operated while wearing gloves. The LED indicators are visible in daylight and can be dimmed for night use, ensuring that the user can monitor the system without causing glare or distraction.
Expandability and Compatibility
One of the notable features of the Heat Demon system is its expandability. The controller includes two auxiliary ports that can be used to connect additional heated items such as a jacket or vest. This allows users to customize the system based on their needs and riding conditions.
The documentation does not specify the maximum number of heating elements that can be connected to the controller, but it does indicate that the system is designed to support multiple heated items simultaneously. This suggests that the controller is capable of handling a significant power load without compromising performance.
Power Management and Safety
The system is designed with power management in mind, ensuring that it operates efficiently and safely. The documentation does not provide specific details regarding the power consumption of the system, but it does mention that the controller has a built-in voltage regulation system that ensures stable power delivery to the heating elements.
Safety is an important consideration, particularly in the context of motorcycle riding. The system includes features such as overheat protection and short-circuit protection, which are designed to prevent damage to the system and ensure rider safety. Additionally, the use of heat shrink on aluminum handlebars is recommended to prevent any potential heat transfer issues.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
The provided documentation includes a series of troubleshooting tips and maintenance recommendations to help users identify and resolve common issues. These tips are based on real-world user experiences and are intended to assist in the diagnosis and repair of system malfunctions.
Common Issues and Solutions
Heaters Not Turning On
- If both heaters are not heating up, the issue is most likely related to the switch. Users are advised to use a multimeter to check the connectivity between the middle and top pins on low and between the middle and bottom pins on high. If there is no connectivity, the switch needs to be replaced.
Controller Not Working
- If the controller is not functioning, users should disconnect it from the heaters and connect it directly to the vehicle’s battery. The white wire should be connected to the positive battery lead, and the black wire to the negative battery lead. A multimeter can be used to check the voltage output of the controller. The controller’s voltage should increase from 5VDC on level 1 to 12VDC on level 4.
Heaters Turning On When Controller Is Off
- If the heaters are heating up when the controller is turned off, the issue may be caused by the heaters grounding to the handlebar, which completes the circuit and allows power to flow. To resolve this, users should check the grounding connections and ensure that the system is properly insulated.
Installation Instructions Confusion
- Some users reported confusion regarding the installation instructions, particularly with respect to the pin connections on the switches. The documentation clarifies that the top pin is connected for the low setting and the bottom pin for the high setting. This information is important to ensure that the system functions correctly.
Missing Components
- A user reported that their ATV heated grip kit came with two left-side grips, which is not a standard configuration. However, the documentation clarifies that there is no specific left or right side grip in the ATV heated grip kits. Both grips are identical and can be installed on either side of the handlebar with the wire exit facing toward the front of the ATV.
Mounting Hardware Issues
- A user reported that their ATV heated grip kit was missing the handlebar mounting bracket. The documentation explains that the mounting hardware has been updated to a metal L-bracket, which is now used to mount the system to the ATV using an existing 6mm bolt. A longer bolt and spacer are included in the kit if necessary.
Wire Identification
- Users are advised to identify the wires correctly to avoid miswiring. The red wire for each heated grip is ground, the blue wire is low, and the white wire is high. This information is important to ensure that the system operates correctly and safely.
User Experience and Performance
Based on the provided documentation, the Heat Demon Motorcycle Adventure Kit has been tested in real-world conditions, with users reporting positive experiences. The system was tested in temperatures as low as the mid-teens, and the user noted that the heating elements provided ample warmth. The grip heaters were effective in keeping the hands warm, even when wearing medium-weight gloves, while the seat heater was particularly effective in maintaining core body temperature.
The user also noted that the controller was easy to use, with large buttons that could be operated while wearing gloves. The LED indicators were visible in daylight and could be dimmed for night use, which was a helpful feature for reducing glare. The user was able to adjust the heat settings on the go, which added to the convenience of the system.
One area for improvement noted by the user was the inclusion of a small amount of grip adhesive in the kit. While the system is designed to be installed using standard grips, the user suggested that including a small amount of adhesive would improve the overall user experience. Additionally, the plastic mounting brackets had a heavy amount of flash, which made it more difficult to install the fasteners.
Conclusion
The Heat Demon Motorcycle Adventure Kit offers a reliable and efficient solution for riders seeking to extend their riding seasons in colder climates. The system includes grip heaters, a seat warmer, and a 4-zone controller, allowing for independent temperature control of each component. The installation process is straightforward, with multiple mounting options available to accommodate different motorcycle configurations.
The system is designed with user convenience in mind, featuring easy-to-use controls, expandable connectivity, and reliable performance in cold weather conditions. The documentation provides detailed troubleshooting guidance to help users identify and resolve common issues, ensuring that the system operates correctly and safely.
For riders who are considering investing in heated motorcycle gear, the Heat Demon system offers a practical and effective solution that can significantly improve comfort and extend the riding season.