Well after a few decades of riding and after recently watching a YouTube clip of the Missenden Flyer where he was trying out some heated clothing, specifically a Gerbing heated fleece I thought, that looks like it's worth a try.
So, today I did approximately 80 miles, out to Stamford Bridge on the other side of York and then to Squires Cafe on the outskirts of Leeds via some lovely back country roads road testing my new Gerbing jacket which I have hard wired to the battery. From reading reviews I suspected I didn't need it on a high power setting, so I used the second lowest out of the five heat options. In reality I probably could have got away with the lowest power setting but I'd set off and couldn't be bothered stopping and turning it down.
Overall, considering I only had a long sleeve base layer underneath it (as recommended) I was lovely and toasty and I am mightily impressed with my purchase.
Does anyone else use the same or similar heated clothing, if so, what brand, do you like it, do you consider it to have been a good investment, etc.
Let me know below. :biker3:
Myself and the Mrs use exo2 heated waistcoats which are brilliant. Hard wired to the bike on a switch which comes with the clothing. I also wear base layer under it as the heat warms the core. I sometimes get called a wuss, but at least I'm a warm wuss :grin:
Interesting posting, I started a thread regarding heated clothing, back in November over on the Versys 1000 forum, and the views of the good folk on there were quite mixed.
I too have, for years, used good quality walking Base Layers (sometimes a couple together) beneath my jacket (Rev-It) and it has worked ok, BUT as I get older it seems like a sensible idea to consider a heated jacket or waistcoat of some description, I have had some Gerbing Heated Gloves which attach via a cable and control switch to the bikes battery, however I found the cables to be a bit of a faff especially down the jacket sleeves, the gloves will accept a battery pack for power, but last time I looked the batteries were costly, so the gloves, good that they are, are now in my save for a rainy/cold day box with other winter items that don't get used :wacko:
I recently came across this heated jacket which seems quite good and will function on battery power (I think)
https://www.blazewear.com/shop-by-activity/moto
Wearing heated clothing is obviously a good idea, especially as our old bones become more susceptible to the current cold weather and the heated clothing option also extends the riding season, I just don't like extra cables around me when I'm riding :no:
Unfortunately, I do feel the cold. I started off with Keis Heated Insoles, https://www.keisapparel.co.uk/product/keis-s102-heated-insoles/ The next investment was a Heated Vest, https://www.keisapparel.co.uk/product/keis-v106-heated-vest/ To reduce the bulk of my jacket, the lining was removed, haven't found it necessary with the heated vest. I did upgrade to a Bodywarmer, similar to the Ladies, https://www.keisapparel.co.uk/product/new-keis-premium-heated-ladies-bodywarmer/ in that it has a heated collar. The collar fills the gap around the neck left by having removed the jacket lining.
To control the heat settings, using a Splitter Lead, I have two controllers https://www.keisapparel.co.uk/product/keis-heavy-duty-controller/ mounted on the tank of the bike. This allows independent control of the Insoles or Vest/Bodywarmer on the move.
Unlike a fleece, the vest/bodywarmer doesn't have sleeves. Occasionally, my arms have felt cold. Perhaps a fleece would be better but I was concerned about the bulk of the fleece under the arms of my jacket.
I usually wear a couple of EDZ Base Layers, https://www.edzlayering.com/collections/mens-base-layers-1 If necessary, have worn a Windshell https://www.edzlayering.com/collections/windshells on top of the heated vest/bodywarmer to keep the heat in and the wind out.
Not forgetting, on the RT, there are heated grips, plus a heated seat.
This is the one I went for.
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/467098?gclid=CjwKCAiA-P7xBRAvEiwAow-VaUA8YKfiJEaLEH4D6PCsHm4o84wiKbOhHF3ZQyj5Rj5Nh4fAtNqhWhoCWzQQAvD_BwE (https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/467098?gclid=CjwKCAiA-P7xBRAvEiwAow-VaUA8YKfiJEaLEH4D6PCsHm4o84wiKbOhHF3ZQyj5Rj5Nh4fAtNqhWhoCWzQQAvD_BwE)
Micro thin wires in the front, rear, collar and arms. The power lead comes out of a left hand pocket. The leads for gloves should you wish to use heated gloves are secreted away in zipped compartments near the cuffs, so no messy cabling.
As I said, I've only used it once but it gets a 10/10 from me.
Adding to the above, I was sceptical as to whether I would be warm enough on yesterday's ride considering how bitterly cold it was and I only had a long sleeve base layer under the fleece, but no problems whatsoever. I even forgot to turn on the heated grips and seat I was so comfortable.
Good job, Gerbing products do have a strong reputation
That all sounds very good .... perhaps I should make a purchase in time for the Scottish meet in May !!!! :whistling:
Quote from: Rusty on February 10, 2020, 10:49:31 PM
That all sounds very good .... perhaps I should make a purchase in time for the Scottish meet in May !!!! :whistling:
Hopefully by May I won't need anything which is heated! :mfr_lol:
This thread has rekindled my interest in a heated jacket. As mentioned earlier, I was previously concerned about the bulk of a heated jacket with sleeves under my riding jacket. The new Keis J501 which has replaced the old X25/J103 claims to be made of a more lightweight material. Based on this and having tried a similar product under my riding jacket, I've gone ahead and ordered a new Keis J501.
If it's of any interest to anyone, I've ordered it from MSG Bike Gear, https://www.msgbikegear.co.uk/products/keis-j501-heated-premium-jacket-msg10012019 they have a 10% sale on everything this weekend, but also do a "Price Match". MSG agreed to match the Sportsbikeshop & Infinity Motorcycles price of £174.99 inc. free P&P.
Although limited sizes, Keis have some products in their "Clearance" section, they might be of interest to someone, https://www.keisapparel.co.uk/product-category/clearance/
Good result. :banana:
David ... please let us know what you think of your new purchase .... would be very interested to hear of comparisons between this and Steve,s offering. :yes:
Quote from: Rusty on February 13, 2020, 10:47:16 PM
David ... please let us know what you think of your new purchase .... would be very interested to hear of comparisons between this and Steve,s offering. :yes:
The Keis jacket doesn't seem to heat up your back, whereas the Gerbing one does. All the other heating positions are identical.
Quote from: Lonewolf on February 14, 2020, 12:47:59 AMThe Keis jacket doesn't seem to heat up your back, whereas the Gerbing one does. All the other heating positions are identical.
Keis J501 Premium Heated Jacket, https://www.keisapparel.co.uk/product/j501/
"The very latest Micro Carbon Fibre heat pads for advanced heat radiation, providing an even layer of heat across the targeted chest, back, arms and collar areas.""Strategically positioned heat panels on chest, down the back, arms and collar provide extreme warmth."
Quote from: David on February 14, 2020, 10:10:26 AM
Keis J501 Premium Heated Jacket, https://www.keisapparel.co.uk/product/j501/
"The very latest Micro Carbon Fibre heat pads for advanced heat radiation, providing an even layer of heat across the targeted chest, back, arms and collar areas."
"Strategically positioned heat panels on chest, down the back, arms and collar provide extreme warmth."
I was just seeing if you were paying attention. Congratulations, you passed. :mfr_lol:
The jacket was ordered locally from MSG yesterday, it was sourced from their Amazon stock.
MSG used "Prime" next day delivery at no extra cost, it arrived today.
Slight problem, I ordered a size 48, the box has 48 on it, unfortunately, the jacket is a 46 and therefore too small.
MSG are sending a return post paid slip and sourcing the correct size.
Standby for further updates!
You're lucky there was anything in the box at all. It's not unheard of for certain courier drivers to 'dip sample' deliveries and see if there's anything in the box they fancy......allegedly. :popcorn:
Size 46 jacket now in the post back to MSG.
They should have a replacement size 48 in stock locally on Monday.
Might be with me on Tuesday.
Dave, It's good to hear that MSG are living up to their reputation. Great supplier.
I've just been tinkering on in the garage this morning and wired up the two leads for our heated jackets, also fitted the autocom back into the GTR. We prefer it, much better quality than the bluetooth set we just tested.
Fired the bike up, no crackling or feedback and the jackets were toasty. Bring on Tyndrum !