Late X-mas Present to Myself

[Netnorske]

Well....after months of looking and drooling, I finally bent over and spent some coin on a Gerbing heated jacket liner! All I can say is ...WOW! Like the salesman said..."nobody ever comes back and expresses regret over buying one."... !

http://www.gerbing.com/Products/Line...ketLiner.html#

I rode down to the bike shop with multiple layers on...(think Michelin Man). I rode back on the freeway with a polo shirt, jacket liner, leather jacket and neck/face gaiter. I was so toasty I could have rode for a week! Really marvelous....just outstanding performance! It's like riding with a heating pad wrapped around you with your outer leather jacket holding in all that heat!

I had to buy four things, the liner itself, a controller, a small case w/belt clip for the controller and a cord to plug into my handlebar mounted Powerlet Outlet. All told it was a tad over $300 w/tax. Spendy I know, and the reason I have hesitated so long, but living where I do...it is a major comfort accessory that will allow me to truly enjoy riding year around... ;)!

I opted for the jacket liner over the vest for two reasons. One, the added heat on your arms...and two....should you decide to add the heated gloves later....there is already a connector plug at the end of each sleeve.

[glwilson]

That will be worth every penny spent... ;)

[Idaho]

I'm happy for ya Kris. Sounds like a nice setup. I'd get something like too if I could get my bike out of the driveway. Unfortunately I live above the snow line and my street pretty much stays snow covered all winter long. I'm done riding now until March and by then I won't need a heated jacket.

At least you don't have to deal with bugs at this time of year.

Be safe, Bud

[ringadingh]

That sounds like a worthwhile investment, I think its something I'll look into oneday as I ride longer into the season here than anyone I know.The biggest complaint I have about cold weather riding is that my hands get cold easily.

[psychocycle]

I have a buddy with one of these, and he swears by it. I know for a fact he is never whining about being cold when I want to stop and warm up. As you probably already know, he says you don't wear anything big and bulky underneath it. Enjoy your new-found comfort.

[Netnorske]

Originally Posted by psychocycle

I have a buddy with one of these, and he swears by it. I know for a fact he is never whining about being cold when I want to stop and warm up. As you probably already know, he says you don't wear anything big and bulky underneath it. Enjoy your new-found comfort.

I think I could wear nothing but a t-shirt under that thing and damn near barbecue myself.... !

[bobhamlin]

Originally Posted by Netnorske

I think I could wear nothing but a t-shirt under that thing and damn near barbecue myself.... !

I bought a Gerbing set-up before the cold weather set in, and I'm very pleased. I also got the jacket liner (why NOT keep the arms warm, too?)

I purchased glove liners, which I use under my existing mitten shells.

The only drawback is getting a standard procedure for putting it all on. (e.g., make sure the glove attachment wires are sticking out from under your jacket sleeves before you zipper up, make sure you strap the helmet before putting on the glove liners, make sure your heating controls are accessible and which knob controls the glove liners and which controls the jacket.)

I'm very impressed with Gerbing.

[billz410]

I noticed the Cruiser Customizing website had a short video on different heated clothing options. I believe they talked about Gerbing, Tourmaster, and one other brand.

[Netnorske]

Originally Posted by billz410

I noticed the Cruiser Customizing website had a short video on different heated clothing options. I believe they talked about Gerbing, Tourmaster, and one other brand.

Bill,
Being from Arizona...I don't see you ever being in the market for any of that stuff....but I did about 150 miles today with another member here (Duffy) with temps in the low 40's and let me tell you....that thing is the total sh*t... !! I just wore a long sleeve t-shirt under it and my leather jacket over it. Two thumbs up as I stayed very toasty the entire ride! It is some impressive gear and if you have ever thought about getting some, just go for it, you'll be glad you did... !

[billz410]

Ha! Ya, I reckon you're right on that, sir!!!

I just remember on the trip I took this summer... when I was headed back to Arizona it was about 40 degrees going over Raton Pass in New Mexico, and stayed pretty darn chilly for awhile. I remember thinking even then that some wind deflectors for the hands or a heated liner would feel pretty good!

I ended up putting my rain suit on to try to block as much wind as I possibly could.

But you're right- it'd be a one or two day out of the year thing for me.

[landman]

ok kris,now you are ready to make the hyder.alaska run.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Congrats on your Christmas present, sounds like a great investment.

[davidjones1]

I was looking at this very thing last night, it is a little on the hi dollar side but I have a couple of friends that have the outfits and swear by them, total cost for gloves,pants,jacket and controls around $700 +/- so I may have to start with the gloves and work the rest in to a piece a year type of thing. congrats on being able to enjoy a longer and much more comfortable riding season
ride safe.

[Netnorske]

Originally Posted by davidjones1

I was looking at this very thing last night, it is a little on the hi dollar side but I have a couple of friends that have the outfits and swear by them, total cost for gloves,pants,jacket and controls around $700 +/- so I may have to start with the gloves and work the rest in to a piece a year type of thing. congrats on being able to enjoy a longer and much more comfortable riding season
ride safe.

I find that with the jacket liner keeping your core organs nice and warm, you are pumping warm blood to your extremities, so my fingers stay warm (with winter gloves) and so do my legs (with polypropylene long johns, jeans and leather chaps). I don't plan on buying any of the other stuff!