I have been riding with a heated vest for the last two winters, but this year will go to a jacket liner for exactly the reasons stated above. The vest actually works well, but having heated sleeves with glove connections will just be that much better. There are times, when it is really cold out, that the arms are uncomfortable even though I am pretty warm overall. I am sick of that and want to be comfortable.

 

I never go on a trip without it...

 

Ditto on the heated jacket, you will appreciate having the heated collar and sleeves. You can thank me later too... lol

 

Save yourself some money and just run a dryer vent hose from your exhaust up under your jacket, don't wear a full face helmet though......
Just kidding, the full sleeve jacket is the ticket.

 

I had a vest for years. I thought it worked fine, until I got a full liner. Much better. I gave the vest to my kid.

 

Bought the Gerbins Coat this past winter for a big trip this summer...the beginning of season was great we got out for long rides before most!!looking forward to adding a few weeks at the end of season also...as for vest vs coat......when you're cold the coat is great it keeps your core warm and the blood that runs out to rest body is warm so I found coat is fine I do have gloves but don't use them as the coat keeps me toasty, but i'm sure this fall I will be putting them on....as for thermostat....dual controller even if you don't do gloves now you will add them and you need dual controler for them.....I went with the one you can install in the bike and it works AWESOME friends chose the dual one that goes in your pocket and few of them decided to upgrade to the dash mounted setup so you can dial in your temp....

 

Here in FL we need Air Conditioned vests! Come on Harley!

 

Here is a neat little gadget panel that we make for the controller..

 

I think it depends on the individual vs the weather conditions. I have the Gerbings jacket liner and G3 gloves. They work great for temps below 50. But, even 55 or 60 feels chilly if it's damp out (gettin old I guess) and I would love to have the simplicity of one of those battery powered vests. Packs small and keeps your core warm. Not cheap I'm sure, but I'll look into it.

 

can someone supply a link to the heated jacket liner that everyone is suggesting?

Also, are these portable battery operated, or only plug into the bike power option?