I am looking into investing in some heated clothing to extend my riding season. Has anyone owned or used or has any knowledge of the best systems and if there are issues with battery drainage? I have heard of Gerbings and First Gear.

Thanks.

 

As for battery drainage, you don't want to run your heated gear on just the battery ... it draws some serious juice.

I've used Tourmaster stuff in the past. I have mixed emotions about it, but their customer service was great. I think Gerbing's is better, but don't have personal experience with it.

 

I ride to work 12 months a year and wear layered clothing and Gerbing heated gloves. I've never had the thermostat turned all the way up on my gloves as my hands would sweat too much. 15 years old, ratty and still working!

 

Since it is battery charged what are you referring to as an addition to the battery for power?

 

Unheated leather jacket, chaps, neck wrap/scarf with some LLBEAN deer skin mittens down to 20F. I don't get cold at all. Just blue jeans and a shirt under.

 

I use Gerbing, jacket liner, pant liner, gloves and socks. I live in Arizona and like to ride in the mountains during the winter. The gear works great. As stated even in 20 degree weather I do not have the thermostat up to high. If you get Gerbing get the dual thermostat.

The only mistake I made was the pant liner. Shedding layers when I get back towards Phoenix is difficult with the pant liner. I am looking at the overpant.

 

I have heated grips on my bike and that is an excellent choice. You can never leave them at home. My wife has some Tourmaster heated gear and it wokr very well.

 

What I mean is, have the bike running and the battery charging when using heated gear. Otherwise it's too much of a drain.

 

the best way to check if your charging system is up for it is to add the amp drain of the gear you want with the available output you have. Those numbers are in the owners manual and online with the gear you're looking at. As long as your not running full gear (pants/socks/liner and gloves) for 2 you should be OK on most bikes. I've recommend a liner first than add from there as needed. Got a HD liner(made by Gerbing) on sale last year and found that was enough for my needs.

 

Gerbing's liner here. Get the dual thermostat, even if you only have one heated item...never know when a second heater (pants, gloves, etc) will come into play.

I keep mine on the bike all the time. Oregon coast weather can change quickly.