As part of its effort to overcome the challenges of the UK’s dismal motorcycle market, Suzuki GB has announced that, for a limited time, it will be doing something that it should always be doing.
That something is: offering free heated grips on new bikes.
I’m not sure if this is a deal that applies to all Suzuki models or just the ones mentioned in the press release that I received. In it, the following models are identified:
- GSX-S950
- GSX-S1000
- GSX-S1000GT+
- GSX-S1000GX+
- GSX-8S
- GSX-8R
- GSX-8T
- GSX 8TT
- V-Strom 800RE
- V-Strom 800DE
- V-Strom 1050RE
- V-Strom 1050DE
- Hayabusa
- Katana
If you go a bit rock ‘n’ roll and purchase a Burgman 400, you get heated grips and a 47-liter top box and hand guards.
“Obviously everyone prefers riding in bright, warm sunshine on dry roads, however, riding through winter can be equally rewarding, or, for some, necessary,” Suzuki GB Head of Motorcycles Jonathan Martin is quoted as saying. “This offer makes it better and easier for those riders and allows them to keep their hands toasty in the colder weather.”
As far as I’m concerned, this is A Good Thing, and earns all kinds of positive harrumphing from me, but here’s my issue: Suzuki says the grips are available on “all qualifying models registered by 31 January 2026.”
What about after that, guys?
Almost all of the China-made motorcycles of 500cc or above that are currently available in the UK come with heated grips. For example, the QJMotor SRT600S that I am currently test riding (review on that one coming early in the new year, I’d guess) comes with heated grips, heated seat, and full luggage for just £4,699. None of the bikes on Suzuki’s list come even close to that price point.
Sure, on any given day, I’d be inclined to choose the stalwart reliability of a Suzuki over the possibly false economy of a China-made bike (Outside of CFMoto, most Chinese manufacturers are still too new to the market to make a great assessment about parts and aftersales support). But Suzuki and other manufacturers at least need to be trying to compete.
Offering up lagniappe farkles has to be one of the easiest ways to do that. I mean, how much would that really cut into the bottom line? Especially since the OEM heated grips are basically the same as Oxford’s Hot Grips Pro line.
“Suzuki’s genuine heated grips provide 360-degree heat with three available heat settings to choose from,” says the press release.
I got a chance to experience them on the GSX-S1000GT, and I rate them highly. Although, turning them on/switching between settings is a bit of a pain.
There is a tiny button that is difficult to operate with the kind of gloves you’d be wearing on a cold day. You have to press and hold that button, then look to see how many times a little light on the grip flashes: Once for setting 1, twice for setting 2, thrice for setting three. Doing all this on the move is a little tricky and takes your eyes off the road.
Meanwhile, I’ll admit that the heated grips on the QJMotor SRT600S are kind of disappointing. So, maybe I’ve talked myself out of my argument, but I still think that heated grips should be free forever on every bike of 450cc or above, from every manufacturer. Make it a law.
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