Heated Gear and Cruisers

[dr_bar]

Gerbing's located in Tumwater, not far to go if you're lookin' for some good gear...

Vests, gloves, pants, jackets, and I believe even socks, all heated...

[noobie]

Hey dr_bar,
Awesome... I didn't know that. It's not too far from me. Maybe I'll make a day of it!
Thanks,
Noobie

[JC Viper]

I believe I saw a product called Heat Demons as an aftermarket grip warmer for any bike. I had it bookmarked but it's since been lost.

[noobie]

Thanx JC Viper,
Ya, I've looked at that too. My favorite shop quoted me like $150 for parts and install - out the door (not bad). I like the idea of not having to plug-in to keep my hands warm. Although, if I went with the battery tender idea - I'd be able to plug-in a vest - TOASTY

Cheers,
Noobie

[totalmotorcycle]

Personally, I'd love to have heated items for cold weather riding... even a heated seat to keep the buns warm!

[JC Viper]

Thanx JC Viper,
Ya, I've looked at that too. My favorite shop quoted me like $150 for parts and install - out the door (not bad). I like the idea of not having to plug-in to keep my hands warm. Although, if I went with the battery tender idea - I'd be able to plug-in a vest - TOASTY

Cheers,
Noobie

Roadbike magazine had it in an issue before and they installed it on a cruiser like yours so it probably drains less power than an accessory plug and I thought about it before the Vulcan was totaled. That sounds like a great price actually and frozen hands are the worse. Maybe you can also fabricate hand guards to block out the wind? It's also important that you seal out the neck area as the cold air can make its way in. Tour Master makes great winter gloves as do Olympia as non-electric options.

I stay warm without any electrics and I'm out in the middle of winter. I wear tight under armour shirts and leggins that are designed for the cold and my jacket is well insulated but in between is a Joe Rocket rain liner that I removed from the mesh jacket to wear while riding in the cold as it keeps the heat in very well as do specialized motorcycle pants. My buns are toasty due to the heat from the engine making its way to the seat (nice in winter, strangely therapeutic in the summer) and the heat spreads to my legs.

[totalmotorcycle]

I stay warm without any electrics and I'm out in the middle of winter. I wear tight under armour shirts and leggins that are designed for the cold and my jacket is well insulated but in between is a Joe Rocket rain liner that I removed from the mesh jacket to wear while riding in the cold as it keeps the heat in very well as do specialized motorcycle pants. My buns are toasty due to the heat from the engine making its way to the seat (nice in winter, strangely therapeutic in the summer) and the heat spreads to my legs.

Clothing layers is definately a secret of keeping (and staying) warm. Windchill when out winter riding is a real killer. Even if it's +0°C out riding at 30-50mph and it's

I also find putting my hands on the engine at a stop to warm up the gloves help too.

Mike

[JC Viper]

I stay warm without any electrics and I'm out in the middle of winter. I wear tight under armour shirts and leggins that are designed for the cold and my jacket is well insulated but in between is a Joe Rocket rain liner that I removed from the mesh jacket to wear while riding in the cold as it keeps the heat in very well as do specialized motorcycle pants. My buns are toasty due to the heat from the engine making its way to the seat (nice in winter, strangely therapeutic in the summer) and the heat spreads to my legs.

Clothing layers is definately a secret of keeping (and staying) warm. Windchill when out winter riding is a real killer. Even if it's +0°C out riding at 30-50mph and it's

I also find putting my hands on the engine at a stop to warm up the gloves help too.

Mike

Gotta admit, reading Noobie's post made me chuckle... I consider anything above 32F pretty warm for riding (if no snow or sleet is in the forecast).

Bought a pair of Alpine Stars with gore-tex and insulation and I haven't felt the need to put my hands on the engine like I used to.

For wind chill I ended up buying a UA mock to cover the neck as it became a nice point of entry and then a balaclava because HJC is too cheap to include a chin curtain. Boots with Thinsulate or Gore-tex keep the feet warm and my MotoGP pants allow me to tuck socks in to bar another point of heat loss (I wear jeans on top of these pants).

Hopefully these suggestions can help you get out there and ride without too much taxation on the electrical system.

[sunshine229]

Gotta admit, reading Noobie's post made me chuckle... I consider anything above 32F pretty warm for riding (if no snow or sleet is in the forecast).

Bought a pair of Alpine Stars with gore-tex and insulation and I haven't felt the need to put my hands on the engine like I used to.

For wind chill I ended up buying a UA mock to cover the neck as it became a nice point of entry and then a balaclava because HJC is too cheap to include a chin curtain. Boots with Thinsulate or Gore-tex keep the feet warm and my MotoGP pants allow me to tuck socks in to bar another point of heat loss (I wear jeans on top of these pants).

Hopefully these suggestions can help you get out there and ride without too much taxation on the electrical system.

Great suggestions!