Heated Riding Gear

[MasterGuns]

Just curious if any member uses electrically heated riding gear on A lst Edition? I have had a full set of Warm Gear sold by Cozy Winters for some time but have never used it. I am planning on a Big Bend Texas ride next month and I expect the weather will get pretty darn cool, low to mid thirties and would like to use at least part of the gear. I was thinking bout using only the jacket (100 watts) and the socks (40 watts) and am not sure that would over tax the charging system of a lst Gen. Since most riding will be during day light hours, no other electrical accessories will be used (driving lights). Any advise?

Edited October 6, 2009 by MasterGuns

[MasterGuns]

Bump

[Sylvester]

You will use the jacket the most I would think and if it is on a thermostat, it will not be pulling 100 watts all the time. I don't know anything about a 1st gen. but the key is to not run the heat continuous. I have my gloves on a switch and turn it off until my hands require more heat. My jacket is on the thermostat which at low is plenty warm.

 

[Chinto]

I use heated gloves (Gebring) that are on thermostat control. The thermostat lets you dial in the perfect temperature as the weather conditions change. I have found that my hands are the weak spot for getting cold so the heated gloves solves the problem completely. So far I have not needed anything else for cold weather riding. When it is cold I use insulated winter boots (400 gr. thinsulate - Columbia brand) which keeps my feet warm, insulated shirt with thinsulated jeans and full face modular helmet and neck dickie. With the lower cowling the engine heat keeps my feet and legs very warm. As my hands need heat usually depending on how fast I am running just dial in the right amount.

 

One other problem you have with cold temperatures is visor fogging especially when to are stopped. I have used a photochromic insert on my visor and it completely stops fogging. I have included a link reviewing this product. I like it.

 

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/visors/fog-city-progrip.htm

[Condor]

I don't run heated gear, but let me tell you. Earlier this month while at Cody and doing the BearTooth, my ears hurt like hel! over the top. Thought they were going to fall off... The rest of me was fine, even in Levis, a non-mesh riding jacket, and cold weather gloves. Maybe I need electrical ear muffs???

[loehring]

I have the Warm Gear gloves and liner with a dual control. Rode an '89 for years in all weather with no issues at all. Never had a charging problem. (I do ride 365 so I had the gear plugged in for most of 4 months daily.)

[aharbi]

  MasterGuns said:

... I am planning on a Big Bend Texas ride next month and I expect the weather will get pretty darn cool, low to mid thirties and would like to use at least part of the gear. ... Any advise?

 

I've toured Big Bend in November the past several years. Although you have exception to each case, I have found the morning at dawn to be 38-42° and the afternoons to be in the 90's. Of course it cools off just as quick when the sun goes down. I do not have 'lectric gear, thought of it may times but just can't justify it for the few times each winter. I have ridden several times in 24° with no problems with layering clothes I bought at either Academy or Cabela's. The only problem is keeping my finger tips warm but even then I can switch hands (with the cruise on) using the engine as a hand warmer. My winter riding attire (tested to 24°) is:

Full face helmet with chin curtain and breath guard

Sliks Satin-Lined Helmet Liner (all year long)

Schampa Double Layer Neckgaiter

Olympia Snowmobile gloves

TourMaster Epic 3/4 Jacket

TourMaster Flex Pant

Cabela's Full-Grain GORE-TEX® Insulated Wellingtons

Cabela's MTP Polartec® crew top & pant (long underwear)

Wolverine wool socks

Silk socks

Silk glove liners

Cotton slacks or jeans

Casual Shirt

 

However, for Big Bend I will not bring the long underwear, wool socks, neckgaiter, breath guard, insulated Wellingtons (boots).

 

The TourMaster jacket and pants, boots, gloves are breathable & water proof. (I'm always wearing my rain gear)

Hope this helps and gives you a better idea on what to bring for your 'lectric gear.