Going electric...clothing comments sought

[markfly]

Next (dumb) question: It looks like Gerbing makes the connector that will work with the BMW accessory plug (which my bike has)...do you simply plug into the accessory plug??? I was adding up the wattage draw on the clothing and wondered how much the plug could provide.

Again, thanks for your input

[pjbmw]

Gerbing gloves: 22 watts
Gerbing jacket: 77 watts
Gerbing pants : 44 watts

http://www.gerbing.com/divsnombl/produc ... sprod.html

I have never had a issue with the draw at full power on the controller.

[markfly]

My question is how much wattage can the BMW acc. plug sustain...I'll try looking in the owner's manual as a s start.

[pjbmw]

R1150R Specs

Alternator 700W
Battery 12V/19Ah

here is a site to help with the calculation of excess wattage

http://www.powerletproducts.com/documen ... acity.html

[gelbe Kulter]

It looks like Gerbing makes the connector that will work with the BMW accessory plug (which my bike has)...do you simply plug into the accessory plug???

Yep.

I have the Gerbings heated glove liners. They work well and fit into any loose-fitting gloves. I happened to have a rain glove with a removable insulating liner, so that worked out great.

Get the temp controller, otherwise you'll be turning the jacket on and off as you bake and freeze.

[ctRrider]

Skip the electrics. Just put on some winter weight. The extra all natural insulation will really help in the winter. Bears do it. Whales do it. A couple of inches of good old fat will really keep you warm. A draw back might be that you outgrow your sumer gear and need to purchase winter gear that fits. A good layer of fat, thermals and something to block the wind is all you need for cold weather riding. If you get cold, eat more. Never a better excuse for a good ride to eat trip! Fried chicken, Philly cheeese steaks, fries, ribs, mashed potatoes and gravy, Big Mac's, eat it all with no guilt since you have a purpose! Bulk up for the winter and enjoy it!

On the other hand my wife and doctor keep telling me to lose weight so my fat content is not quite up to desired winter riding weight. I had a Widder vest and liked it. The thermostat worked well.

Last spring I decided to try the new Aerostich Airvantage electric vest. It's great. For non electric temps you add air to the vest for insulation. Plug it in and it really keeps you warm. The vest has a wide range of use. I see that it now comes with removable sleeves. I usually carry this vest with me year round since it works so well for the cool mornings and evenings in the summer. In the fall and spring I just add air and when it is colder, plug it in. It really works well. For real cold weather I will put a windblock jacket over the top of the vest to keep my arms warm. Everything goes under my stich or Darien (the Darien has more room) I have the GS hand guards and they help the heated grips work better. Wear something around your neck to keep the drafts out. Fleece pants to keep your legs warm. I also have a pair of Held cold weather gloves that keep my hands warm.

Ride to eat and stay warm.

Tom

[JCsman]

I made the mistake of letting the wife wear the first set...everytime I got near them after that she'd pout and moan about the nature of my intentions towards her...and sometimes it's just easier to shoot the damn horse and walk on.

Wow, did you shoot your wife before or after you began referring to her as a horse?

[markfly]

It looks like based on my calc, the BMV accessory plug is good for about 60 watts...adding up the 4 Gerbing items (socks+gloves+jacket liner+pants liner) totals 165 watts.

I guess the answer is to wire directly to the battery.

What am I missing?

Thanks.