[deez]

Need advice on heated gear recommendations. I'm going to need some grip warmers and some sort of vest to keep me warm down to 25-30 degrees in the rain for commuting purposes. Anyone have experience?

[ConqSoft]

Heated Grips: Heated Grips

[dB]

Yeah, check out Joel's post about heated grips in the thread Conq linked.

I use this vest and it works great with the electronic controller. Get the coiled lead, though. It will let you move a little more on the bike without pulling the connector apart. It was 30F this morning but I was comfortable.

edit: One more tip on the vest...buy one that fits closely. They don't work well when they're too loose.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by booth23

25-30 degrees in the rain for commuting purposes.

Why would you want to ride in that kind of weather? Not being critical, it's an honest question.

[deez]

Originally Posted by Pete

Why would you want to ride in that kind of weather? Not being critical, it's an honest question.

Deciding on 2 different jobs, neither of which do I really want. One of them has offices in TX so I could transfer down the road. That company is 33 miles from my place. In Seattle Traffic, that would be 1.5 hour commute in the cage, 1/2 that on the bike.

[ConqSoft]

In that case, get the Aerostich Darien suit with the built-in heated vest.

[ConqSoft]

(But you do know that "25-30 degrees in the rain" is a bad idea, since water freezes at 32. )

[Pete]

Originally Posted by booth23

Deciding on 2 different jobs, neither of which do I really want. One of them has offices in TX so I could transfer down the road. That company is 33 miles from my place. In Seattle Traffic, that would be 1.5 hour commute in the cage, 1/2 that on the bike.

Gotcha. Besides the mysery, wet roads and freezing temps would turn me into a nervous basket case.

[TGZ13]

Which of the 2 rockets are you going to be using for your daily ride??

[TGZ13]

Originally Posted by Pete

Gotcha. Besides the mysery, wet roads and freezing temps would turn me into a nervous basket case.

I second that

[G-Force Junkie]

I like the Widder gear, they are local to me so its easy to get. I have the System 2 electric vest and it is very nice.

[deez]

Originally Posted by TGZ13

Which of the 2 rockets are you going to be using for your daily ride??

The CBR until spring when I'll sell it.

[ccwilli3]

I like all of Aerostich's stuff... I'd probably get their heated gear too if you already have a roadcrafter. (and I seem to remember that you do. maybe? can't remember.)

[EatnAsphalt]

Gerbing makes a good product. A couple years ago when I bought mine there was an article in one of the bike mags comparing it to the Widder. Gerbing's put out more heat they said.

You might consider getting a full jacket liner instead of a vest. Gives you the option to run heated gloves (they plug into the end of the sleeve) if you ever decided to do that.

Gerbing will custom make their products to your size for no extra charge too. You'll want to have it fit snug but not tight. They have a slick outside so leathers and other gear slide over them easily.

I use their jacket liner, gloves, and for long trips in sub-temps, pant liner. The 3 all plug into each other so 1 thermostat runs them all.

[RPinOZ]

Originally Posted by EatnAsphalt

You might consider getting a full jacket liner instead of a vest. Gives you the option to run heated gloves (they plug into the end of the sleeve) if you ever decided to do that.

I have the full jacket liner. It is very toasty. But like others I tend not to ride when it is wet and below freezing.

[CBRVFR]

Man, I hate to think of you riding in that ****. I'd get a load of books on tape and cage it.

[Joel]

I rather enjoy riding in cold weather, as well as rain. It's different than nice weather, but still better than being cooped up in a cage.

I use heated grips and an E-Vest for cold weather. I'm good down to the mid 20s. Below that I need to put on my winter gloves, and maybe a rain suit to keep the cold air out better.

The rain is an interesting challenge in terms of traction management and visibility. The smells and sounds in the rain are completely different than the dry. I think it can help your riding skills to ride in the rain.

[G-Force Junkie]

Update: Like I said, I have a Widder vest and very happy with it, but today I got to check out Gerbings stuff, and I would buy it if I didnt already have the Widder vest. The Gerbing has a heated jacket liner that is very similar to a light windbreaker, nylon construction, knit cuffs, etc. And you can not even feel the wires in it. While keeping your torso is the most important, thus the popularity of vests, the Gerbing jacket folds the same size as my Widder vest so why not have heated arms. Also makes attaching electric gloves easier instead of runing wires down your arms. Also, I like their gloves better than the Widders, they are leather and less bulky.

[Latebraking]

Originally Posted by EatnAsphalt

Gerbing makes a good product. A couple years ago when I bought mine there was an article in one of the bike mags comparing it to the Widder. Gerbing's put out more heat they said.

You might consider getting a full jacket liner instead of a vest. Gives you the option to run heated gloves (they plug into the end of the sleeve) if you ever decided to do that.

Gerbing will custom make their products to your size for no extra charge too. You'll want to have it fit snug but not tight. They have a slick outside so leathers and other gear slide over them easily.

I use their jacket liner, gloves, and for long trips in sub-temps, pant liner. The 3 all plug into each other so 1 thermostat runs them all.

Gerbing's stuff rocks. I've had Widder, and it works well also, but the Gerbing stuff is a step up. I have their jacket liner and gloves. I have used it in weather dipping into the teens and the stuff made the trips comfortable, definitely worth the investment.

[samsblade]

Also consider what you are wearing on top - if you are sticking to tight fitting leathers you may have to consider a waistcoat only as the sleeves may not fit under your leather sleeves.

[evl_twn]

Any recent thoughts on heated gear? I've been thinking about a vest, looking at options.

[phobiaphobe]

My dad swears by his vest... he does a lot of cold miles on his ST. He also has the Honda accessory heated grips and they can actually burn your hands turned all the way up for too long!

[NinerPilot]

Love my Widder Vest and gloves. Ill be using them this weekend going to Knoxville and back...
Chris

[G-Force Junkie]

Like I posted before, I like my Widder Syste 2 vest, it has the heated collar do you dont have to mess with scarfs or neck gators and such. I dont do much really cold riding so the vest and heated grips are the most comfortable to me. I dont like the bulk of a full heated jacket like the Gerbings. I do like Gerbings heated gloves better than Widders, much less bulky. But still too bulkey for my tastes, and not necessary for me with the heated grips. With my Aerostitch roadcrafter, jeans, tshirt, and widder vest with arm chaps I ride indefintaly at 40 deg and not get cold or shiver.

[NinerPilot]

One thing that the Widders get me on is the bulkiness of their gloves. Mine are about worn out right now and Im thinking of getting grip warmers instead of gloves this time if I decide to keep the bike through the winter.
Chris

[Baketech]

Originally Posted by evl_twn

Any recent thoughts on heated gear? I've been thinking about a vest, looking at options.

<--- Widder fan...

Buy on the net if you can...save a few bucks.