Two episodes in a row? Grip heater content, folks.
After much deliberation!? I went ahead and ordered the Kijima GH10.
What was the deciding factor?
Writing things out as a list might make it easier to decide (ΦωΦ)
When you’re stuck, write it out. . .
I think other people’s reviews come later.
It’s not about good or bad—it’s about what you want.
- Grip diameter as slim as possible
- Grip design that looks nice
- Warmth all the way around
- Throttle grip as an integrated unit
- Flexibility in throttle return diameter and shape
- Simple operation
- Small parts availability
Because it checked all seven boxes, I chose the Kijima GH10 (120 mm) (*´з`)
Grip diameter as slim as possible
Previous grip heaters always had this clunky, heavy feel to them.
Recently they’ve gotten slimmer, so this thinness is a non-negotiable for me.
At 32 mm, it’s the same diameter as a regular grip.
That’s right—no awkwardness at all. Even in summer when you’re not using it, it doesn’t bother you.
Grip design that looks nice
Handlebar grip design is super important.
Maybe nobody’s looking at it anyway…
But I think simple, wear-resistant designs are what people prefer most.
Is there some design patent on grip patterns?
Warmth all the way around
This is obvious, but you should pick one that actually advertises this feature.
After installation, you don’t want to go “Huh? That’s not right.”
Throttle grip as an integrated unit
This is critical.
Once, someone had me install a grip heater and I broke the switch—had to pay for it.
That’s the “I wish I’d never done this job” kind of situation.
Wire positioning is also really important. Too loose and it spins, too tight and it won’t fit.
Better not to take on jobs with non-integrated types.
Usually later they’ll say “it’s spinning, can you fix it?” Fair warning.
Flexibility in throttle return diameter and shape
It has a gear-like shape so you can swap it out.
That’s pretty cool, right?
The return diameter varies slightly, so I thought “Oh, this one works too.”
You’d have fewer issues like the stopper not catching.
Since the return mechanism is separate, you could even modify it to be “variable” like the new Katana. It’s not just a grip heater! That’s the point.
Simple operation
There’s only so much complexity you can add, but you don’t want some old-school bolt-on knob, right?
You want to keep the handlebar area as clean as possible.
Small parts availability
This is really important.
I haven’t received it yet so I can’t be sure, but I found GH10 small parts on Webike, so I think they’re available for order.
Maybe I can get parts for that throttle return modification too?
If one grip wears out or you crash, being able to replace just that side is a huge help.
I’ll do a full review once I get some time, so why not think about it before winter arrives?
