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Heated Gear

Well the leaves have begun to change, the temps are getting colder, and I am in need of some heated gear. I have never rode with heated gear before. Some of my questions are:

1: How hard is it to hook up to the bike?
2: Does it really drain the battery?
3: What brand of heated gear would you recommend?

Thank you ahead of time for you input on this. I hope to buy some shortly, because the winter is on the way.

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Permalink Reply by Motoboy on October 18, 2009 at 4:53pm: First I will tell you that you will love heated gear. To answer your questions: 1. it's fairly simple to hook up, there are several ways to do this, by a 2 prong SAE plug, coax, or European 'BMW' style and wire to the battery(with fuse). An SAE plug will also hook to a Battery Tender so it can do double duty. 2. it's not much of a drain, most vests or liners are about 40-50 watts and pants liners are about the same so even if you have them both it's around 100 watts. Most bikes will easily pull this. You can check your owners manual to see what your alternator will pull. 3. I have the basic Aerostich vest, they also carry full liners and Gerbing's carry vests, jackets, pants, and just about anything else you will need. The good thing about Gerbing's is all there gear hooks together so you only have one plug. You can buy the jacket now and if you decide to buy the pants and gloves later they will hook together. Here are a few websites to get you started. I hope this helps.
http://www.gerbing.com/index.php
http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-suits/kanetsu-electrics/electric...
http://www.powerletproducts.com/products; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Larry Walther on October 20, 2009 at 5:46pm: Wow! Thanks for the info Motoboy! And thanks for the great question as well, Brendan. Good stuff and links to help the search. I use unwired snowmobile pants and a sweater and vest under my leather coat, and that's all. It does do the job for me, so I guess the need for electrical clothing depends on how long is the ride to be, and what is the temperature you are riding in?

For my part, I can get along fine witout electricity when it is 30 degrees out, and when it gets much colder than that, we usually have snow or ice on the roads ... and that makes me want to be indoors where I can't fall on my butt so easily. LOL! I really like the idea, though, and may add heated gear to my wish-list. Thanks again!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Keith Birkhofer on January 17, 2010 at 1:46pm: I recommend Gerbing brand. It is super easy to hook up. It depends on the type of bike you ride as to how much power it puts out. I ride a Gold Wing 2002 and have no problem with battery drain. Typically it is no problem when the motor is running, just when one stops and does not turn off the flow of power to the coat, etc.; ▶ Reply to This