Modern Vespa

Got my Oxford Heated Grips for xmas and trying to install on my 2007 lxv today. We saw the wiki here on how to install thru the horn but the directions for oxford warn against this. They recommend going thru the battery but I'm not too comfortable doing this I park outside during the day and anyone could turn it on, draining my battery. My thought is to go through the starter switch which has 4 posts coming off it -- only 2 are being used. Could I route through the remaining 2?

Best to have a fused cable direct from the battery, but then via a relay controlled by an 'ignition on' feed. That way you can't inadvertently leave them on.

Also beware of the new Oxford 'digital' controller. It turns itself off when the volts dip below a certain amount, and it seems many of them have that amount set too high. Oxford are very good at honouring warranty though. Best is to use one of the original fully variable controllers, or a third-party one:
http://www.lockitt.com/accessories_troller_grip.htm

+1 on wiring them directly to the battery.

When Doug installed mine, we opted to get rid of the variable controller and opted for a tiny little toggle switch which sits, hidden away on the underside of the handlebars. it's wired into a relay so that it's only on when the ignition is live. it's simple to switch on and off whilst riding. a much better solution than that big ugly controller

of course we voided the warranty when we did that, but my last set of oxford wraparounds were still going strong three years on, so i'm not all that worried about having them fail before the warranty is up. (warm) fingers crossed.

I have the hi/low on/off switch for my heated grips inside my glovebox,
That way no one can fiddle with it and the switch won't get broken in there.

Dave

I'll add my vote as well: you need to do both, as Jim says. Wire direct to the battery, but with a relay that controls the flow of power so that they can't accidentally be left on when you turn off the key.

been there done that. it sucks,

Thanks for your advice guys. Wired in a relay to the ignition switch. Works like a charm. Happy New Year!