I'm thinking about buying a Gerbing Heated Jacket, but the controller looks like a PITA with a bunch of wires running all over the place.

Am I right?

The Hotwired jacket liner I have now works ok, but I would rather have a full jacket and not just a liner.

 

They have an inside pocket in the liner on the left side, so I've tucked all the wires and controller into that pocket. It does add bulk, so I don't put anything in the left pocket of the jacket. That gives me only one wire coming down from that pocket to plug into the bike. I do adjust my temp with the wireless controller, which synced with the wired one.

 

Where is your wireless controller located?

 

Usually in the left glove box, so I can only adjust temp when stopped; but I've seen people attach it to the front master cylinder with velcro or zip ties or fancier gizmos attached to the bars.

 

OK, thanks for the info.

 

I’ve had various electric setups, and they all had wires and the controller. I don’t know any way to get away from it.

i tend to leave my wired in controller on the seat between my legs, or stuffed into my pocket, so I can fairly easily change the heat level as I ride.

Understand that a heated liner has the heated wires closer to your body than a heated jacket will. Especially if you’re wearing layers of clothing.

 

I have a Gerbing heated liner for about 10 years now and still works great, although the newer ones have a better heating element. The wireless controller is a two-part. The receiver is still wired to your jacket, and battery, like normal. Then a remote controller can be attached to wherever on your bike. Get the dual controller as you can control your heated gloves and jacket separately. You don't have to go Gerbing. Others make them as the connections are pretty universal.

I have the Warm 'n Safe unit here and Gerbing sells their own here. The remote units are paired to the receiver and have replaceable batteries. Gerbing does make a handlebar mount for the remote, but you can probably use it for other brands.

 

Old style Gerbing jacket for me...just controller wired (plugged-in) to jacket (no remote)...hooked onto belt, left side while under way...can still adjust while riding...excess wires get stuffed in left side dungaree pocket...

Power lead gets plugged-in to spring-hinged connector, panel mounted to left-side, mid-thigh heat shield...

For her, gets plugged into same connector, panel mounted to left side, rear speaker pod...

For storage when not riding, wires/ controller go into left, outer Gerbing pocket...This setup still works good enough so I don't feel the need to upgrade!

 

I had the Older style Gerbing setup for years before moving to the simple one Button thing (no external remote) HotWired uses.
I have the full jacket liner and that puppy will burn you on Medium. Love it.

 

I have wired dual controller. My “winter” jacket is often my Tour Master that has a belt. My dual controller is in that little leather case that clips to my belt. Only one wire runs to the bike and the connector is on a pad at the left rear of the tank. Even if I forget, it pulls out straight.

When I wear my heavy leather jacket, I have a separate black belt that I put around the jacket. Therefore, same location, same ease of adjustment, same easy plug back in if I get off and forget to unplug first.

I have found that I prefer this setup. It works for me on any bike with a battery tender wire. I have the short converter round to 2 prong, so it’s no issue to be warm on the sporty, or any other 12 volt bike. On older bikes, I just keep the revs up slightly at stops. But that’s not necessary for either the sporty or the Bonny or the king.

I really like just reaching down with my left hand and adjusting by the **** the temp on my gloves or my jacket liner. Keeps me perfectly comfortable down to 22F. I don’t know about colder than that, I woose out at 20F.