After weeks of reading forums ,tests, and everything else I could
find regarding heated clothing, I decided the only way was to have
both garmets in hand and try them head to head.
Monday morning I ordered from Widder, their heated collarless
vest.They needed to know my height ,weight,chest size, and waist
(gut) size. Im 5/11 210 normally wear size large shirts and jackets.
Widders decided that I needed a size 48. I explained to them that I
was very undecided and they assured me It was no problem If after
trying it out,I decided to send the vest back for a full refund, in
new condition of course.I also got the electronic heat
controller.They said I should receive it in 5days or less.
After hanging up I called Gerbing ,for their heated jacket liner
they asked for the same measurments ,size ,wt,chest, and arm
length.The lady on the phone decided I needed a 52 36 (36sleeves). I
also inquired about gloves since with the liner its so easy to
connect them, theirs a plug at the end of each sleeve. I got the
gloves to.I also got the gerbing electronic heat controller. I also
inquired about their return policy and was assured that if for any
reason I could return all items for a full refund.she said that it
would be 2 to 3 weeks on the order. I said I needed the vest and
gloves sooner than that, she offerd 2nd day air for $11 extra I said
ok.
I received Gerbings merchandise 2 days later and widders 4 days
latter. Both the widder vest and the gerbing liner fit perfect. five
stars to both customer sevices, with the edge going to gerbing for
frienlyness.
I first connected the gerbing unit to my KLR battery, very easy,
plugged in the liner, plugged in the gloves,light weight leather
jacket,long sleve cotton shirt under the liner,jeans, full face
helmet. temperature 40degrees, very windy, at 9pm. At 50mph I could
feel the cold however within in minutes, the heat from the liner and
gloves was taking over, and i was quickly very comfortable, except
for my neck was cold. But wait I didnt have the liners coller fully
zipped, so I pulled over and zipped it tight, tucked it up to the
helmet and took off again. WHOOOO this is impresive, its 40 degrees
very windy and I could litterly drive all night,In complete comfort.
the only thing I need yet is long under ware for the slight chill on
the legs.
Widder vest ,just as easy to connect, like their plug and wire set
up a little better, plugged vest in, same shirt ,jacket etc same
40degrees and windy. Im off again ,50mph its cold I can feel the
vest heating up, after afew minutes my torso is very warm, but my
arms are not, their cold, my neck is also cold, and on the collarless
widder theirs nothing their. other people have stated that if you
keep your upper torso warm everything else stays warm, well you may
keep your core body heat but you are still chilled in the arm,neck,
and shoulder area. Bottom line is I could have ridden all night in
the widder as well but I still would have been cold on my
arms ,shoulders and neck.
The gerbing liner probably benifited from using their gloves as
well, these things are awsome, the two together gloves and liner make
for complet comfort.
The widder is slightly more compactable, it is obviously very well
made, the plugs and wireing is more tidy. I would consider the
additional arm chaps if i was getting the widder , and I would also
get the full collar version.
I will keep the gerbing liner and gloves. Its just to easy to use ,
throw it on ,zip it all the way up, plug your gloves in, crank up the
heat, the comfort level was greater than I had expected . If you have
considerd electrics dont wait buy it now, its a whole new experience
riding in those temperaturs and enjoying it. IMHO
jr
02klr
02gl1800
01shaddow
nklr international motorcycle tommorrow
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- Posts: 451
- Joined: Thu Dec 06, 2001 6:27 am
nklr international motorcycle tommorrow
I went to the Dallas M/C today.
My comments:
- well worth the money if you like bikes
- the HD V-Rod looks a whole lot better in person that in the mags
- I absolutely *love* the new BMW GS!!!!!!!!! (they also had the GS-
Dakar on display)
- and the highlight was watching the 15 or so minute Gas-Gas demo on
trials riding. Wow!
Pat
--- In DSN_klr650@y..., wrote: > Hey all, > Im going to the International Motorcycle Show in Dallas tommorrow. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! BIKES BIKES BIKES! EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK! So is anyone else on the list going to that show tommorrow? Any special bikes I should look at? > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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