From my observations, the moment you stop the bike, or take it out of 'ride mode' ie press stop button OR set off tipover trigger, OR click the kickstand down, the heaters de-energize. It won't turn them on unless the bike is actually in a mode for you to turn the throttle and GO. I would not worry too much about running down the battery if it was accidentally left on and you are not there.
ON the heated grips. I went for a ride the other day. it was 40 degrees out. (40F for you non yanks). Decided, oh I don't need my gloves, I got heated grips, lets try them out. Lemme tell you, even with the heated grips, doing 60 mph or better. yah the bottom of your hands may feel cozy but you are freezing the tops of your hands off !! So how 'useful' are they really?
Maybe if I wear gloves?
But ok then, can you feel them thru your gloves, and are they really 'useful' as in a REAL benefit thru some good gloves then? Wont the gloves keep your hands warm w/o the heater. Besides protection from injury, ARE gloves a tool for warmth? What I am getting at I guess is.
is this something that is really great, or just another bragging right. Oh hey LOOK ! I got heated pads, I got cruise control neener neener thing?
Aaron