heated clothing

[campari]

i am considering buying a heated vest or jacket for use this winter. i have a 1974 r90/6 with stock electrical/charging systems. is the stock charging system man enough for the job or will i run into problems? if so, what options do i have?

[RebeccaV]

I've used a Gerbing liner (mine draws 77 watts) on my '75 /6 (a 280 watt alternator) with no problems at all, but I was running no other accessories on the bike. In the words of my esteemed airhead mechanic (Glen at Thoroughbred Cycles) "Keep the RPMs up!" Make sure that your battery is in good shape, too.

[donkey doctor]

Hello; I just got back from a 2 hour ride in 4C temperature. I had my electric vest on for the first 15 minutes, then I pulled the plug and carride on without it for the rest of the trip. I wear it under a JOe Rocket Ballistic 4 coat. Unless it gets below 4 degrees C I don't think you need it. We have lots of days colder then that, our average temp for this area in winter is 2 degrees C. My electric vest works best at that temperature.

My motorcycle is a 77 R100/7, there has been no electrical problem running the vest with it.

[MarkF]

Originally posted by campari
i am considering buying a heated vest or jacket for use this winter. i have a 1974 r90/6 with stock electrical/charging systems. is the stock charging system man enough for the job or will i run into problems? if so, what options do i have?

If you get a Widder or BMW vest it definitely won't overload it. And it's low power enough to not require a thermostat.

[HERRBAYEMVAY]

I plan on adding an accessory outlet on my '84 R65 (which has a BMW sealed battery) and was wondering if there is much difference in the BMW brand, Widder or Gerbings. My local dealer has the Gerbings line in stock. I'm looking at a vest most likely. Any thoughts?