Fifteen years or so ago, while riding over the tundra of Labrador, I swear that Gerbing gear saved my life. Along with their newer products, I still use that very same Gerbing heated vest. Well worth the price, great service too.
8 degrees is balmy weather here in Scotland. Was out between Christmas and new year when 4 degrees with just my bike gear and liners and was comfortable. You need to test the kit up here to give it a real stress test :)
People need to toughen the fuk up down south. I'm from Scotland as well people don't know what cold is until you've lived up there 🏴🏴🏴
casey bramley Try riding in Arizona during the summer and ride in the winter-heated gear makes it tolerable during the winter rides. We are considered an extreme state,
As the Magpie Flies made a good video recently for more BUDGET oriented folks trying to stay warm on the bike in the winter. Not everyone can afford heated gear. GOOD Layers are where it's at.
My snowboard-esque goretex gloves cut the wind but feel like marshmallows. Time for some of that fancy stuff you have. Carbon levers would go a long way to keeping my fingertips warm as well. Thanks for making content year round!
Interesting stuff Andy, you didn't mention that, with the battery pack, the jacket is also great for staying warm when you have to stand in the cold to watch the grandkids or your own kids football or rugby etc in order to do your duty!! Personally I didn't like to get too warm on the bike as then you had the constant reminder of potential slippery surfaces!!
Yes fair point - and that fact hasn't been lost on me, hence why I'm thinking about getting the batteries! This jacket would be very useful off the bike as well as on as you say....
Hi TMF - You and Stuart Fillingham have cost me a fortune over recent years and now more is on its way. Thanks a lot Andy!! Joking aside, my garage is bulging at the seams but I’m pretty certain this’ll be money well spent. Very clear vid and presentation as always. Yours aye, Alan
I had to watch this - my 300km ride yesterday was in 45 Celsius 70kph blustery winds on my s1000r (which gets toasty). Much prefer cold! Nice vid as always
Andy, cracking video as ever, well presented and informative, I was out on the bike on Wednesday 12th Feb, did a 75 mile round trip from Mansfield up to a truck stop / bike stop cafe,called the yondermann cafe in Wardlow near Buxton,(well worth a visit if your ever passing through )think it was around 5 degrees but certainly felt minus with the wind chill, I had several layers on on and was still freezing cold, one of these jackets would have been ideal, something I will look into. Another great vid, cheers Andy.
Heated kit is great TMF, makes year round riding a joy. The only thing that annoys me about it is not using it years ago...all that misery I went through!! Cheers, Steve
Thanks for the awesome reviews. Love watching your channel from across the pond. I have the 12v jacket liner and the 12v gloves (that have the knuckle armor) and have to agree with you. In fact it's almost too much to have a heavy winter jacket in combination, because the Gerbing work so well. Can get away with a leather riding jacket under the liner in 32 degree f (0 degree for those of you using that other weird system 🤣) no issue. Could probably ride sub zero with winter gear but I'm not sure about my tires. Keep up the good work mate!
Thanks for the review. I bought Hot-Wired (Sedici) gear two seasons ago and have been very happy with it. I think it's significantly cheaper than Gerbing here in the States. But I didn't really shop it around much since I was buying for a specific long-distance (1500 mile) trip with my wife on short notice. We rode through snow showers and severe rain storms much of the way and could not have done it without the wired heat. Since then I have ridden all year long with it down to 15*F and have been totally comfortable. It blows my mind that people put away their bikes for the winter. What a waste!
In 1999 I purchased a BMW branded heated vest, have used it in the winters ever since. Keeping your core warm makes all the difference in the cold. The cord comes out the left front, so I always set up my charge plug on the right side of the bike so that the switch/control ends up in my lap so I can find it even in the dark ❄️😜.
Awesome video as usual.. Having purchased the R1250gs 3 months ago I anticipate a few rides in winter. It gets down to below zero often here in Canberra Australia winter. However I have held off as I wanted to see if the new battery jackets are up to the task to avoid the cabling...
I use the hybrid gloves, 70 mph on a motorway in minus temperature absolutely no problems with gerbing gloves, and that was on half temperature! Best all weather biking equipment I own, when they wear out without question I would buy gerbing products again
The only thing you ned to add now Andy is the Gerbing wireless controller....means you can adjust the heat on the fly on up to 3 garments i.e jacket gloves and socks and it means your not faafing with that long wiring ....believe it or not there that good you can get too hot!! I ride in minus temps without a thought!!
Hi TMF, I have the Keis gloves on batteries, but handy to know about the optimate charger connection, in my former life as a Londoner had to commute all weather's by bike, not so now in East Anglia lol. Also just bought a Kawasaki z1000sx that has heated grips makes me wonder how ever managed without, and totally get your point on other reviews about being standard on British specification bikes, Cheers Andy.
I have a set of Keiss heated boot insoles and run them off a rechargeable batteries which also doubles as a power bank to charge my phone. They are excellent and can also plug into the optimate battery lead on my Tiger. The battery lasts a 3-4 hours on a full charge depending on the setting.
I bought a Gerbing jacket years ago, pretty much the same really and I found that once you have the right setting for when you are travelling, you then get in traffic, then you are too hot !. So I mounted the controller on the tank within easy reach to adjust as and when needed. Brilliant bit of kit.
Having seen your video I went out and bought the this jacket and the Gerbing heated gloves. The outside temp was 9 degrees Celsius. I put the jacket on over a tee-shirt and under my summer Harley leather summer jacket, which offers no insulation this time of the year. But it has the armour etc to prevent road rash. I left the digital controller in the left pocket and set it to no 3. 5 is the highest setting. After being on the road for ten minutes, I realised I wasn't cold like I normally would be and I wasn't feeling any extra heat. The jacket was just maintaining my body temperature, so I felt comfortable. When I changed the setting to no 4, I felt the heat almost immediately all down my back, arms and front. It was wonderful. The annoying thing with using this kit is when I wanted to change the temperature I had to stop the bile, take off a glove, unzip my outer jacket and open the pocket to access the controller, which is a no no. To over come this problem, I've ordered the wireless controller for £50 that I can attach to the bike, and all I will need to do is turn the knob to turn up the heat, which you need to do at the higher speeds. I thinking about buying the trouser liners next. Thanks for this great video.
Gerbings fan here as well. I’ve been wearing my Gerbing jacket for several years and may need to look at a new me as I’ve slimmed down. I use a wireless temp controller by First Gear. I also use a coax to SAE plug for power to my gear.
Hi TMF my misses bought me a heated waistcoat for under my bike jacket in Maplin a few years ago. Same concept with heated coils , battery compartments.NO cables so plenty movement on and off bike. Heats up in a few mins creates a warm barrier , especially around chest area €40 …. works great .
With the Tech available these days for helmets, I'm surprised nobody has come up with a helmet that incorporates small heating vents for Winter riding? I'm sure it could be done, and it's always my face/neck that suffers in the colder Months, as we all often have to lift the visor at stop signs and traffic lights, and that air is damn cold ;)
That cold air when you crack open the visor is lively! I never feel more alive than when I’m riding my bike in winter (heated gloves+ heated liner+ heated grips)
Good call, I would like to see more videos of motorcycle gear from you with the quality and touch you have got us used to! Lookjing forward for the gloves, but would like to see more on pants and boots if you could do that! :) This might be something for the Mrs. as she is ALWAYS cold - even in the summer hehehehe :) :)
Hey TMF, great review. I recently did a review for WebBikeWorld.com of the Gerbing Torrid Vest. It is a 7-volt battery-operated vest. Like you, I came away impressed with the overall quality. Because the vest doesn't plug into the bike it is very versatile. Again, great review!
Mr. Flyer- Although some of the commentors do not like the heated clothing idea, yet this stuff can ADD heat instead of just slowing the loss of body heat. I have found it to be better than all the other clothing combinations suggested (I've tried them) and I'll have a heated jacket along on all long trips. It may be best to use the direct connection to the battery as you have done even on bikes with accessory plugs, as the new CANBUS motorcycle wiring contraptions may not allow adequate current flow to go to the heating elements. Also, be sure that your bike puts out enough juice so that the battery can still charge up with the clothing plugged in.
You’re right, I did a 2000 miles trip in winter with a mesh jacket, it had the waterproof liner fitted though, I added a heated liner and heated gloves (+heated grips), I felt toasty all around.
Mrs has a Keis heated jacket because she likes to be 5C warmer than me at all times. Only downside I've seen a friend flatten their battery by running too much heated gear at one time, guess it all depends on the output of the charging system of each bike. Notice you are getting close to 150K subs 👍👍👍 quite an achievement.
Tmf. I have a keis jacket and that’s also on the left side with my gsa battery on the right. But what have done is route the wiring from the battery to come through the left front side of the seat. So when I sit down I just have a small wire to connect. None of this loads of wiring to deal with.
Great Video, very helpful... watching this video made me to buy the jacket. I was wondering if you can tell me where did you get that little adapter which helped you to connect the jacket to your bike, I have the same battery charger lead fixed on my bike as well.
Received the Premium jacket, dual temperature controller and wireless control unit yesterday. Tested this morning and wow, it works really well, heating up very fast. The wireless unit didn’t need pairing at all, and I’m connected to the battery charger SAE lead, but would benefit from a graduated scale on the knob or lights. The dual temp controller fits into the jacket pocket and could be smaller but that’s nick picking. I’ve been converted...
Really enjoy your videos thank you. I've got a Gerbing heated Jacket it's great but I'm after a pair of textile gloves, would the keis g701 plug into the Gerbing jacketcontroller
been doing that for over 20 years, it is really the only real winter solution. Started with wired 12v to the bike. Now that battery technologies have gotten so much better. And winter is not as super code. I have move to powerbank heat vest. Battery power Five HG1 heated gloves, and battery power heated socks. Except fo the gloves, the vest and and sock are not very expensive. I only keep wired setup as backup for days lower then -20c. PS you can go with gerbing 7.4v system if you dont want to deal with wires. Your bmw does not have the bmw power port on the right side. If it does just change the connector on the gerbing lead and plug into the service port on the left side.
Luckily I don’t have to ride in very cold temperatures but an excellent vid and it looks like a great bit of kit for a reasonable price. Almost always get my stuff from the Sportsbike Shop. Love to go over there when I’m UK and they are great at sending stuff to my house in France. When you’re in France, check out Decathlon for very good and reasonably priced base layers for winter and summer! Cheers Andy....ride safe in them winters conditions!
Hi, thanks for a great video , as always. I use a £50 down jacket under my textile jacket. It fits well in the available space and avoids the wiring issues. Along with heated grips I had no problems even as low as 3 degrees.
Well, used to ride 300km trips from home to customer in the middle of Finnish winter. Coldest was - 25C but Kawi ZX12R kept going and socks, pants, jacket, gloves and visor were all 12VDC heated so no frozen rider.
Haven't gone to heated gear yet ... my MSF course was on a sub freezing weekend. The high was 27 on Sunday afternoon. I've been commuting for two winters now and the coldest ride was low to mid 20s with only 'regular' gear. The gloves get a little chilly when braking and holding the clutch at stops but otherwise it's been smooth. Once I start touring more the heated gear would become more important, since I'll be out in the cold more than 30 or so minutes.
I bought the battery powered Gerbing heated jacket 3 years ago. I thought it would be a good option for use on different bikes. The battery version works quite well heating my torso and neck but does not offer heating for the arms. Four heat settings are available but, as you'd expect, the higher the setting the quicker the battery drains. On the middle settings, which I find I use most, the battery still seems to last for several hours. Downsides are (1) remembering to keep the battery charged before your next ride as opposed to simply plugging in on the bike. (2) I don't believe the portable battery offers the same wattage as available from the motorcycle battery so possibly not quite as warm. That said, it works for me. I have to agree that keeping warm adds a level of riding safety as well as making colder weather trips more enjoyable.
Great video, have you reviewed the Macna heated gear. The app on this heater gear seems to be superior to both Gerbing and Zeis. Love to see a review of these.
Hi thanks for the review, you said there’s X amount if wire wound through the jacket but when you read the details out it said ‘heat pads’? Wire or pads? Thanks 👍
Of course , if you are taking a long trip in cold weather, take all the clothes you would need if you didn't have heated gear, just in case your gear fails. Heated gear is very dependable, but, you should always be prepared. My last heated jacket lasted ten years.
Note, it is important to carry extra power cables as the don't last as long as the jackets. The wires will bend at the connectors and that fatigues and breaks the conductors and insulation, ask me how I know.
Really would like this jacket seeing as I ride a naked all year round. Regarding hand warmth, I find good old fashioned bar muffs with heated grips work a treat.
Bought the Pro and using the Optimate adapter too. Not sure how much spare power capacity I have on the bike and at motorway speeds in 3-4C I found that on setting 2 (40%) it was too cool at the front due to wind blast and a bit too hot at the back. So I now wear a down jacket between the Gerbing and my jacket which evens out the temperature and keeps the heat in. I can then run on setting 1.
Great review. I’ve just purchased a Gerbing heated jacket to match the gloves I have. Just out of interest where did you get the adaptor from which connects the SAE71 conn to jackplug in your jacket?
Even when I get kitted up and stay relatively warm on a ride, I always seem to suffer from cold knees, and they stay cold long after I have got off the bike. Does anyone make heated knee warmers.
Storm Ciara at the moment and around my area has been hit brutally by high winds, hail, rain and ice. I am wearing thermals under normal jeans, winter moto gloves and most importantly my Jacket (ANDES V2 DRYSTAR) which is everything proof and I couldn't recommend it enough! I also have a Fox V3 helmet and Face shield underneath. I am about as cold as I can be whilst still having moderate protection still on and I would say my jacket keeps me warm enough to be happy riding around at 11pm+. major weakness to all my gear is WIND.
I live in Chicago, so I'm tempted by heated gear. Have you ever added up the power draw of everything, including the bike's electronics, ignition, lights, heated grips, heated seat, heated jacket, etc., and compared the total to the bike's alternator output at idle? I have read, I believe in a technical article by Kevin O'Shaughnessy of the U.S. publication Motorcycle Consumer News, that ideally the total should not exceed 50% of the alternator output.
Hi just one question, i have an R1250rt, there is a power input the bike , is there a lead that I can get to fit in there without having to connect the device to the battery pls 😊
I have the "pro" jacket, with wiring inside the sleeves to connect gloves, and use it in combination with the new Gerbing XR gloves. I also love the jacket, but the gloves suck. Each glove now has a separate temperature control button on the cuff, so it's very difficult to change the temperature while driving. I recommend the older model, which comes with a simple remote control for both gloves simultaneously.
Hi TMF, in terms of the adapter to connect to the trickle charge cable (on the bike) - where did you buy this from and what was the adapter/ cable called - a link to that would be handy. Ta.
Another good watch 😎☝️🏍🇬🇧 I’m 8 winters in now 7 with gerbins , there is one thing you neglected to say 😎☝️ and it sets gerbin apart from the rest apart from quality it has a lifetime guarantee on the wiring and that in its self makes there brand the Best Buy 😎☝️for me I have heated socks heated trousers jacket and gloves for the really cold days , by the time spring comes something has broke , just send it back if it can’t be fixed it is replaced every time , enjoy your warmth 😎☝️🏍🇬🇧
Ian Wilson from gerbing uk pure gent indeed , you would of seen him and his wife on the gerbins stand and nec bike show no doubt, all the repairs also go back to them now , so the service is quick and amazing , Be warned now you have succumb to the joys of heated gear you will now feel the cold 🥶 more in daily life , and your friends will complain your house is to hot lol I’d still like to see a review on air bag products from your good self ,
I like the look of this, is the plug on the end a Powerlet type? if so I can plug it into the Triumph accessory socket I have on the Speed Twin, thanks, Dave
Err I think you'd need to make a lead up...or Gerbing may already make one..either way the Triumph socket I'm sure would be able to handle it fine.....
I wondered....what made you decide to go for the Gerbing jacket rather than the Keis jacket given that you already had the Keis gloves. Were there some features that persuaded you towards the Gerbing or were there some features that persuaded you away from the Keis? Are you still as happy now with the jacket. Any teething problems? Cheers, Phil.
What adapters and wires did you use. Is there any way you can put the link. If you put Amazon associate links I'll order off you to give you the commission, but Id really like to know the exact adapters so I get the same setup as you without confusion!!
Been thinking about heated gear so this was just what I wanted. Thanks. Wonder if you could do a review of cheap bluetooth comms, say £70ish? Seem to have good reviews on Amazon. I sometimes ride with friends at it would be great to be able to talk. All the reviews I see are of £300 Senna's which is too much for the odd ride. Interested to hear your opinion.
faff (Britain, slang) An overcomplicated task, especially one perceived as a waste of time. || Nice review - have been waiting for it and you came through as promised!
Hi TMF, Great review 👍 very interesting. Here in Australia we don’t have a huge need for heat apparel but on occasion it does get cold so a liner style heated jacket would be nice. Just a question on cleaning...How do you either wash or clean the jacket? Is there any manufacturer requirements? Thanks👍. Cheers.
I am trying to track down the adaptor you mention at 4.32 but cannot find one on Gerbring’s site or elsewhere. If you happen to know a source a link would be fab…..
Nice. I have a keis jacket. Works very similar. I have a battery, lasts about 45 mins but enough to get to work. Too cold here for biking in the winter, then suddenly too hot in the summer.
TheMissendenFlyer I am, I’m from Yorkshire b’har tat been here 4 years. Minus 40 to plus 40, it’s crazy. Most of my efforts have been to try and find cooling clothing.
I have just bought the BKS laminated jacket but was told I may be to hot with the keis heat system. How was the temperature regulation? I also intend to ride in December
Thanks for the review.. great as always. I get battery anxiety with things like this. Did the gs run okay with the heated jacket and the heated grips on all the time? Just wondered if you’d end up stopping after a few hours and find the battery on it’s knees and you’d be stuck.
Great video bar one point. Would the cabling come off if you fell off the bike? I do not like the idea of cabling myself into the bike without a quick-release mechanism if an unscheduled dismount occurs. So, does it have one or is the battery option the only other option?
Yes the connectors are designed to quick release if you tug on em (or forget to disconnect and walk away from the bike) - I should have mentioned that....
Interesting. For some reason I've always dismissed heatied clothing too despite previously riding all year round. Not sure why, maybe price or perceived faff. This vid definitely provides some food for thought though.
Looks a decent bit of kit. How tight a fit is the connection to the bike adapter. My concern over using a battery pack would be my constant forgetting I'm plugged in and walk away from the bike.
Hi TMF, I was just wondering if you have made a video in the past about your vlogging set up, such as how you've mounted you camera to the helmet and audio set up. If so I'll continue to search through your vids, if not, maybe you could?!
I have indeed - I think the title was something like "How to set up your helmet for you tube vlogging".....here it is >> ua-cam.com/video/Ld34m5CR9sQ/v-deo.html
As ever corking review sir. But can I ask why the mixture of brands? I was under impression these brands allowed their gear to interlink saving on wiring etc Very interested in the battery gloves & a review 🤓👍🏼
Hi Missendenflyer ! Thanks from france for your videos ! Because of you. I bought an 1200 GS LC 4 years ago. One question: have you a heated seat ? Thanks. Have a good day
I have the same jacket from SBS, been out in (with wind chill) -18 celsius, and with it on max didn't even have cold hands as it warmed my forearms so much just winter gloves sufficed. I tuck the excess cable into the braces of my trousers, I do find the forearms very tight.
I'm surprised it's taken you this long to buy one. I've had a Keis X25 heated jacket, very similar design to the Gerbing. Love the heated collar feature. I understand, if you'd bought the Keis jacket, you could have plugged your gloves into the sleeves. Having a 1 1/4 hr each way commute, as well as riding for work, so far, this 'Winter' has been rather mild, as a result my Keis jacket tends to only comes out when it's subzero.
Any TMF recommended solution for cold feet? I tried heated socks and/or insoles but found them all uncomfortable & ineffective. Best thing I’ve found yet is thin silk socks as a base layer (Ebay about £5 per pair) under thermal socks. My body core is kept warm by both my Triumph & KTM having heated seats - a luxury I scoffed at & vigorously derided until I tried them myself! Warning about batteries for jackets: A mate had a slow speed off & his only injury was from landing on the battery!
Thanks for the warning! ...and yes, heated seats are under rated! I don't suffer from cold feet I'm glad to say so no recommendations there I'm afraid...
Not sure why I've just watched this review as I have no intention of taking my bike out in the cold.
👍 Good honest review as always
Fifteen years or so ago, while riding over the tundra of Labrador, I swear that Gerbing gear saved my life. Along with their newer products, I still use that very same Gerbing heated vest. Well worth the price, great service too.
I’ve been wearing heated vests for 25 years and I still on occasion get off the bike and “try” to walk away while I’m plugged in, oh well.
Luckily if you do that with the Gerbing one it just unplugs itself....I've done it a few times!
Almost as bad is forgetting to plug in and not remembering until you are on the highway in rush hour traffic !!
Nice one, you're more in control when you're warm and not having to stop often for a jimmy riddle because your bladder and nadgers are freezing.
Very true....
8 degrees is balmy weather here in Scotland. Was out between Christmas and new year when 4 degrees with just my bike gear and liners and was comfortable. You need to test the kit up here to give it a real stress test :)
People need to toughen the fuk up down south. I'm from Scotland as well people don't know what cold is until you've lived up there 🏴🏴🏴
I'm from Sweden but moved to Cambridge last year, and anything above 0 degrees is luxury for me :P
casey bramley Try riding in Arizona during the summer and ride in the winter-heated gear makes it tolerable during the winter rides. We are considered an extreme state,
@@fluffinator3701 Where in Cambridge?
I bought Keis heated gear two years ago - what a revelation! Instantly warm from head to toe, never needed to go above the low setting either. 🔥
Welcome to the club. About time!!!
I prefer Gerbing gloves as they heat the fingers as well rather than just the back of the hands.
Fantastic. Makes those dark cold journeys more enjoyable. Hard to find the right gear sometimes. Thankyou!
Yes it really does open up your riding and if you get cold to the core like I used to, this is a winner....
@Ian Pritchard Heh. Ah thats what thats for ;)
As the Magpie Flies made a good video recently for more BUDGET oriented folks trying to stay warm on the bike in the winter. Not everyone can afford heated gear. GOOD Layers are where it's at.
Yes agreed layering certainly helps - but in my opinion it can't compete with heated clothing for those that really need to ride in the cold....
Another good video TMF. Been out on my bike the last 2 Sundays and it was a little cold here in Wales.
Exactly!
My snowboard-esque goretex gloves cut the wind but feel like marshmallows. Time for some of that fancy stuff you have. Carbon levers would go a long way to keeping my fingertips warm as well. Thanks for making content year round!
Thanks for watching Charles!
Interesting stuff Andy, you didn't mention that, with the battery pack, the jacket is also great for staying warm when you have to stand in the cold to watch the grandkids or your own kids football or rugby etc in order to do your duty!! Personally I didn't like to get too warm on the bike as then you had the constant reminder of potential slippery surfaces!!
Yes fair point - and that fact hasn't been lost on me, hence why I'm thinking about getting the batteries! This jacket would be very useful off the bike as well as on as you say....
Hi TMF - You and Stuart Fillingham have cost me a fortune over recent years and now more is on its way. Thanks a lot Andy!! Joking aside, my garage is bulging at the seams but I’m pretty certain this’ll be money well spent. Very clear vid and presentation as always. Yours aye, Alan
Cheers Alan!
I had to watch this - my 300km ride yesterday was in 45 Celsius 70kph blustery winds on my s1000r (which gets toasty). Much prefer cold! Nice vid as always
Andy, cracking video as ever, well presented and informative, I was out on the bike on Wednesday 12th Feb, did a 75 mile round trip from Mansfield up to a truck stop / bike stop cafe,called the yondermann cafe in Wardlow near Buxton,(well worth a visit if your ever passing through )think it was around 5 degrees but certainly felt minus with the wind chill, I had several layers on on and was still freezing cold, one of these jackets would have been ideal, something I will look into. Another great vid, cheers Andy.
Thanks for watching and for stopping by!
A hardy winter rider from my warm sofa . Interesting review and good to see the GS out 👍😀
Heated kit is great TMF, makes year round riding a joy. The only thing that annoys me about it is not using it years ago...all that misery I went through!! Cheers, Steve
Me too!
Thanks for the awesome reviews. Love watching your channel from across the pond. I have the 12v jacket liner and the 12v gloves (that have the knuckle armor) and have to agree with you. In fact it's almost too much to have a heavy winter jacket in combination, because the Gerbing work so well. Can get away with a leather riding jacket under the liner in 32 degree f (0 degree for those of you using that other weird system 🤣) no issue. Could probably ride sub zero with winter gear but I'm not sure about my tires.
Keep up the good work mate!
Thanks for another great practical video and feature for us all year round commuters/bikers Tmf 🔥👍
Thanks for the review. I bought Hot-Wired (Sedici) gear two seasons ago and have been very happy with it. I think it's significantly cheaper than Gerbing here in the States. But I didn't really shop it around much since I was buying for a specific long-distance (1500 mile) trip with my wife on short notice. We rode through snow showers and severe rain storms much of the way and could not have done it without the wired heat. Since then I have ridden all year long with it down to 15*F and have been totally comfortable. It blows my mind that people put away their bikes for the winter. What a waste!
Agreed!
A waste, indeed!
Excellent review and practical information given too. Keep up the good work.
Much appreciated - will do!
Thanks Andy very informative cleared up a few points for me.
Great video again Tmf ,very informative as always, normal high Wycombe morning traffic then lol cheers
In 1999 I purchased a BMW branded heated vest, have used it in the winters ever since. Keeping your core warm makes all the difference in the cold. The cord comes out the left front, so I always set up my charge plug on the right side of the bike so that the switch/control ends up in my lap so I can find it even in the dark ❄️😜.
Awesome video as usual..
Having purchased the R1250gs 3 months ago I anticipate a few rides in winter. It gets down to below zero often here in Canberra Australia winter.
However I have held off as I wanted to see if the new battery jackets are up to the task to avoid the cabling...
I use the hybrid gloves, 70 mph on a motorway in minus temperature absolutely no problems with gerbing gloves, and that was on half temperature! Best all weather biking equipment I own, when they wear out without question I would buy gerbing products again
The only thing you ned to add now Andy is the Gerbing wireless controller....means you can adjust the heat on the fly on up to 3 garments i.e jacket gloves and socks and it means your not faafing with that long wiring ....believe it or not there that good you can get too hot!! I ride in minus temps without a thought!!
Hi TMF, I have the Keis gloves on batteries, but handy to know about the optimate charger connection, in my former life as a Londoner had to commute all weather's by bike, not so now in East Anglia lol.
Also just bought a Kawasaki z1000sx that has heated grips makes me wonder how ever managed without, and totally get your point on other reviews about being standard on British specification bikes, Cheers Andy.
I have a set of Keiss heated boot insoles and run them off a rechargeable batteries which also doubles as a power bank to charge my phone. They are excellent and can also plug into the optimate battery lead on my Tiger. The battery lasts a 3-4 hours on a full charge depending on the setting.
I bought a Gerbing jacket years ago, pretty much the same really and I found that once you have the right setting for when you are travelling, you then get in traffic, then you are too hot !. So I mounted the controller on the tank within easy reach to adjust as and when needed. Brilliant bit of kit.
I agree!
Having seen your video I went out and bought the this jacket and the Gerbing heated gloves. The outside temp was 9 degrees Celsius. I put the jacket on over a tee-shirt and under my summer Harley leather summer jacket, which offers no insulation this time of the year. But it has the armour etc to prevent road rash. I left the digital controller in the left pocket and set it to no 3. 5 is the highest setting. After being on the road for ten minutes, I realised I wasn't cold like I normally would be and I wasn't feeling any extra heat. The jacket was just maintaining my body temperature, so I felt comfortable. When I changed the setting to no 4, I felt the heat almost immediately all down my back, arms and front. It was wonderful.
The annoying thing with using this kit is when I wanted to change the temperature I had to stop the bile, take off a glove, unzip my outer jacket and open the pocket to access the controller, which is a no no. To over come this problem, I've ordered the wireless controller for £50 that I can attach to the bike, and all I will need to do is turn the knob to turn up the heat, which you need to do at the higher speeds. I thinking about buying the trouser liners next.
Thanks for this great video.
Told you they were good Graham! Used mine yesterday - toastie!
Gerbings fan here as well. I’ve been wearing my Gerbing jacket for several years and may need to look at a new me as I’ve slimmed down. I use a wireless temp controller by First Gear. I also use a coax to SAE plug for power to my gear.
I've invested in the Gerbing jacket and gloves this winter. All I can say is. Pure bliss. So so so nice.
Glad we concur!
Definitely 😊
Hi TMF my misses bought me a heated waistcoat for under my bike jacket in Maplin a few years ago. Same concept with heated coils , battery compartments.NO cables so plenty movement on and off bike. Heats up in a few mins creates a warm barrier , especially around chest area €40 …. works great .
Enjoyable review. I have heard nothing but good things about Gerbing kit and their customer service.
Another great review on a great piece of kit. Switch your battery lead to the left. Sorted. Thanks.
Bought a keis jacket, seems like it has shorter leads for connection & controller. Plus leads to connecting gloves,trousers. Warm hug on the bike
I normally just put on an extra string vest....string vest? You were lucky!! RIP Terry Jones
With the Tech available these days for helmets, I'm surprised nobody has come up with a helmet that incorporates small heating vents for Winter riding? I'm sure it could be done, and it's always my face/neck that suffers in the colder Months, as we all often have to lift the visor at stop signs and traffic lights, and that air is damn cold ;)
That cold air when you crack open the visor is lively! I never feel more alive than when I’m riding my bike in winter (heated gloves+ heated liner+ heated grips)
Good call, I would like to see more videos of motorcycle gear from you with the quality and touch you have got us used to! Lookjing forward for the gloves, but would like to see more on pants and boots if you could do that! :)
This might be something for the Mrs. as she is ALWAYS cold - even in the summer hehehehe :) :)
....will see what I can do!
Warm and safe brand is wonderful too.
Hey TMF, great review. I recently did a review for WebBikeWorld.com of the Gerbing Torrid Vest. It is a 7-volt battery-operated vest. Like you, I came away impressed with the overall quality. Because the vest doesn't plug into the bike it is very versatile.
Again, great review!
Mr. Flyer- Although some of the commentors do not like the heated clothing idea, yet this stuff can ADD heat instead of just slowing the loss of body heat. I have found it to be better than all the other clothing combinations suggested (I've tried them) and I'll have a heated jacket along on all long trips. It may be best to use the direct connection to the battery as you have done even on bikes with accessory plugs, as the new CANBUS motorcycle wiring contraptions may not allow adequate current flow to go to the heating elements. Also, be sure that your bike puts out enough juice so that the battery can still charge up with the clothing plugged in.
Agreed all round...
You’re right, I did a 2000 miles trip in winter with a mesh jacket, it had the waterproof liner fitted though, I added a heated liner and heated gloves (+heated grips), I felt toasty all around.
Another excellent video,thank you. Been using heated clothing for about the last 10 years, all good. Only downside is it can make you feel sleepy. :)
Mrs has a Keis heated jacket because she likes to be 5C warmer than me at all times. Only downside I've seen a friend flatten their battery by running too much heated gear at one time, guess it all depends on the output of the charging system of each bike. Notice you are getting close to 150K subs 👍👍👍 quite an achievement.
Yes that has concerned me too but so far so good on the battery front....and cheers for noticing! ....long term game this one!!
I’ve been using Gerbing gear for the last few years. It’s brilliant.
I agree, this is the only piece I have but I have to say I have been surprised in a good way, comfy. lightweight and it works!
Tmf. I have a keis jacket and that’s also on the left side with my gsa battery on the right. But what have done is route the wiring from the battery to come through the left front side of the seat. So when I sit down I just have a small wire to connect. None of this loads of wiring to deal with.
Nice one!
Great Video, very helpful... watching this video made me to buy the jacket. I was wondering if you can tell me where did you get that little adapter which helped you to connect the jacket to your bike, I have the same battery charger lead fixed on my bike as well.
Received the Premium jacket, dual temperature controller and wireless control unit yesterday. Tested this morning and wow, it works really well, heating up very fast. The wireless unit didn’t need pairing at all, and I’m connected to the battery charger SAE lead, but would benefit from a graduated scale on the knob or lights. The dual temp controller fits into the jacket pocket and could be smaller but that’s nick picking. I’ve been converted...
Told you they were good!
I have the premium and highly recommend. -3 the other day and toasty on setting #3
Yes makes all the difference doesn't it Richard...turns unrideable days into rideable ones....
Really enjoy your videos thank you. I've got a Gerbing heated Jacket it's great but I'm after a pair of textile gloves, would the keis g701 plug into the Gerbing jacketcontroller
Sadly mine don’t!
been doing that for over 20 years, it is really the only real winter solution. Started with wired 12v to the bike. Now that battery technologies have gotten so much better. And winter is not as super code. I have move to powerbank heat vest. Battery power Five HG1 heated gloves, and battery power heated socks. Except fo the gloves, the vest and and sock are not very expensive. I only keep wired setup as backup for days lower then -20c.
PS you can go with gerbing 7.4v system if you dont want to deal with wires. Your bmw does not have the bmw power port on the right side. If it does just change the connector on the gerbing lead and plug into the service port on the left side.
Luckily I don’t have to ride in very cold temperatures but an excellent vid and it looks like a great bit of kit for a reasonable price. Almost always get my stuff from the Sportsbike Shop. Love to go over there when I’m UK and they are great at sending stuff to my house in France. When you’re in France, check out Decathlon for very good and reasonably priced base layers for winter and summer! Cheers Andy....ride safe in them winters conditions!
Cheers Steve...
Hi, thanks for a great video , as always. I use a £50 down jacket under my textile jacket. It fits well in the available space and avoids the wiring issues. Along with heated grips I had no problems even as low as 3 degrees.
Well, used to ride 300km trips from home to customer in the middle of Finnish winter. Coldest was - 25C but Kawi ZX12R kept going and socks, pants, jacket, gloves and visor were all 12VDC heated so no frozen rider.
Haven't gone to heated gear yet ... my MSF course was on a sub freezing weekend. The high was 27 on Sunday afternoon. I've been commuting for two winters now and the coldest ride was low to mid 20s with only 'regular' gear. The gloves get a little chilly when braking and holding the clutch at stops but otherwise it's been smooth. Once I start touring more the heated gear would become more important, since I'll be out in the cold more than 30 or so minutes.
Yes it’s the longer rides where this really comes into its own...
I bought the battery powered Gerbing heated jacket 3 years ago. I thought it would be a good option for use on different bikes. The battery version works quite well heating my torso and neck but does not offer heating for the arms. Four heat settings are available but, as you'd expect, the higher the setting the quicker the battery drains. On the middle settings, which I find I use most, the battery still seems to last for several hours. Downsides are (1) remembering to keep the battery charged before your next ride as opposed to simply plugging in on the bike. (2) I don't believe the portable battery offers the same wattage as available from the motorcycle battery so possibly not quite as warm. That said, it works for me. I have to agree that keeping warm adds a level of riding safety as well as making colder weather trips more enjoyable.
I realise that. Just wondered if you'd researched it. Or had used them previously.
Great video, have you reviewed the Macna heated gear. The app on this heater gear seems to be superior to both Gerbing and Zeis. Love to see a review of these.
Not yet!
Hi thanks for the review, you said there’s X amount if wire wound through the jacket but when you read the details out it said ‘heat pads’? Wire or pads? Thanks 👍
Wire....
Of course , if you are taking a long trip in cold weather, take all the clothes you would need if you didn't have heated gear, just in case your gear fails. Heated gear is very dependable, but, you should always be prepared. My last heated jacket lasted ten years.
Note, it is important to carry extra power cables as the don't last as long as the jackets. The wires will bend at the connectors and that fatigues and breaks the conductors and insulation, ask me how I know.
Good point!
Really would like this jacket seeing as I ride a naked all year round. Regarding hand warmth, I find good old fashioned bar muffs with heated grips work a treat.
Bought the Pro and using the Optimate adapter too. Not sure how much spare power capacity I have on the bike and at motorway speeds in 3-4C I found that on setting 2 (40%) it was too cool at the front due to wind blast and a bit too hot at the back. So I now wear a down jacket between the Gerbing and my jacket which evens out the temperature and keeps the heat in. I can then run on setting 1.
Good work!
There's an excellent Bluetooth controller that allow you to control the heat on the fly without the faff
Great review. I’ve just purchased a Gerbing heated jacket to match the gloves I have. Just out of interest where did you get the adaptor from which connects the SAE71 conn to jackplug in your jacket?
I don’t recall!
Even when I get kitted up and stay relatively warm on a ride, I always seem to suffer from cold knees, and they stay cold long after I have got off the bike. Does anyone make heated knee warmers.
me too I wear under Armour pants under pants
You can get heated trousers.
I find wearing knee protectors is sufficient to keep my knees warm.
Gerbing do heated pants, socks, jacket and gloves. with a twin socket , and splitters you can have all 4 at once
Storm Ciara at the moment and around my area has been hit brutally by high winds, hail, rain and ice.
I am wearing thermals under normal jeans, winter moto gloves and most importantly my Jacket (ANDES V2 DRYSTAR) which is everything proof and I couldn't recommend it enough!
I also have a Fox V3 helmet and Face shield underneath. I am about as cold as I can be whilst still having moderate protection still on and I would say my jacket keeps me warm enough to be happy riding around at 11pm+. major weakness to all my gear is WIND.
I live in Chicago, so I'm tempted by heated gear. Have you ever added up the power draw of everything, including the bike's electronics, ignition, lights, heated grips, heated seat, heated jacket, etc., and compared the total to the bike's alternator output at idle? I have read, I believe in a technical article by Kevin O'Shaughnessy of the U.S. publication Motorcycle Consumer News, that ideally the total should not exceed 50% of the alternator output.
To be honest Michael, no I haven’t. It is something that has concerned me though, but so far no issues - all the best, TMF
Hi just one question, i have an R1250rt, there is a power input the bike , is there a lead that I can get to fit in there without having to connect the device to the battery pls 😊
Sure thing....
@@TheMissendenFlyer Thanks
I have the "pro" jacket, with wiring inside the sleeves to connect gloves, and use it in combination with the new Gerbing XR gloves. I also love the jacket, but the gloves suck. Each glove now has a separate temperature control button on the cuff, so it's very difficult to change the temperature while driving. I recommend the older model, which comes with a simple remote control for both gloves simultaneously.
Looking to kit up ahead of the 100 mile winter commute 😅. Would this still be your recommendation, or how has it panned out? Thanks!
Yes - if you have to ride in wi yet then I 100% recommend these. A bit of a faff but so much better to be warm when you ride….
Hi TMF, in terms of the adapter to connect to the trickle charge cable (on the bike) - where did you buy this from and what was the adapter/ cable called - a link to that would be handy. Ta.
It's a Gerbing official part....
Handy you can plug it into the optimate charger.
Wonder how long it'll last on a battery.
Dunno...hope to find out!
Another good watch 😎☝️🏍🇬🇧 I’m 8 winters in now 7 with gerbins , there is one thing you neglected to say 😎☝️ and it sets gerbin apart from the rest apart from quality it has a lifetime guarantee on the wiring and that in its self makes there brand the Best Buy 😎☝️for me I have heated socks heated trousers jacket and gloves for the really cold days , by the time spring comes something has broke , just send it back if it can’t be fixed it is replaced every time , enjoy your warmth 😎☝️🏍🇬🇧
Yes I should have mentioned that - excellent service from Gerbing....
Ian Wilson from gerbing uk pure gent indeed , you would of seen him and his wife on the gerbins stand and nec bike show no doubt, all the repairs also go back to them now , so the service is quick and amazing ,
Be warned now you have succumb to the joys of heated gear you will now feel the cold 🥶 more in daily life , and your friends will complain your house is to hot lol I’d still like to see a review on air bag products from your good self ,
Best protection against cold, rain, snow etc is called a car....😝
But good review and the jacket would have come in handy on several occasions.
I like the look of this, is the plug on the end a Powerlet type? if so I can plug it into the Triumph accessory socket I have on the Speed Twin, thanks, Dave
Err I think you'd need to make a lead up...or Gerbing may already make one..either way the Triumph socket I'm sure would be able to handle it fine.....
@@TheMissendenFlyer thanks mate
ill give you 2 words that changed my winter life. RST windblock. Warmest thinnest base layer you can get and its £50 for the set into the bargin
Yes RST stuff is great value I agree....
for those residing down under - would welcome a vid on best jacket to keep cool in the heat
I'll be making that video in our summer (hint it's the one I'm wearing in the Slovenia vids and the Thailand ones to come...)
I wondered....what made you decide to go for the Gerbing jacket rather than the Keis jacket given that you already had the Keis gloves. Were there some features that persuaded you towards the Gerbing or were there some features that persuaded you away from the Keis? Are you still as happy now with the jacket. Any teething problems?
Cheers,
Phil.
What adapters and wires did you use. Is there any way you can put the link. If you put Amazon associate links I'll order off you to give you the commission, but Id really like to know the exact adapters so I get the same setup as you without confusion!!
I have Keis heated gear, biggest problem I have in Winter is all the crap on the roads, destroys the bike and seizes up the brakes.
Been thinking about heated gear so this was just what I wanted. Thanks. Wonder if you could do a review of cheap bluetooth comms, say £70ish? Seem to have good reviews on Amazon. I sometimes ride with friends at it would be great to be able to talk. All the reviews I see are of £300 Senna's which is too much for the odd ride. Interested to hear your opinion.
faff (Britain, slang) An overcomplicated task, especially one perceived as a waste of time. ||
Nice review - have been waiting for it and you came through as promised!
Thank you for posting. Certainly looks like a high quality product and Gerbing is a good brand name.
Thank you for watching as ever!
Hi TMF,
Great review 👍 very interesting.
Here in Australia we don’t have a huge need for heat apparel but on occasion it does get cold so a liner style heated jacket would be nice.
Just a question on cleaning...How do you either wash or clean the jacket? Is there any manufacturer requirements?
Thanks👍.
Cheers.
I've not had to yet but apparently you can wash the kit as per normal....
If you get the battery pack you can take it skiing. Will really help on the ski lifts.
Yes good thought!
I am trying to track down the adaptor you mention at 4.32 but cannot find one on Gerbring’s site or elsewhere. If you happen to know a source a link would be fab…..
Sorry without searching I don't have one to hand....
Nice. I have a keis jacket. Works very similar. I have a battery, lasts about 45 mins but enough to get to work. Too cold here for biking in the winter, then suddenly too hot in the summer.
You’re starting to sound like a Brit with your attitude to weather!!! 😀
TheMissendenFlyer I am, I’m from Yorkshire b’har tat been here 4 years. Minus 40 to plus 40, it’s crazy. Most of my efforts have been to try and find cooling clothing.
I have just bought the BKS laminated jacket but was told I may be to hot with the keis heat system. How was the temperature regulation? I also intend to ride in December
I’ve found it fine!
Thanks for the review.. great as always. I get battery anxiety with things like this. Did the gs run okay with the heated jacket and the heated grips on all the time? Just wondered if you’d end up stopping after a few hours and find the battery on it’s knees and you’d be stuck.
Yes fine - and the heated seat!
Great video bar one point. Would the cabling come off if you fell off the bike? I do not like the idea of cabling myself into the bike without a quick-release mechanism if an unscheduled dismount occurs.
So, does it have one or is the battery option the only other option?
Yes the connectors are designed to quick release if you tug on em (or forget to disconnect and walk away from the bike) - I should have mentioned that....
@@TheMissendenFlyer That's good to hear. No excuse to forget next time! Thanks for clarifying TMF.
Interesting. For some reason I've always dismissed heatied clothing too despite previously riding all year round. Not sure why, maybe price or perceived faff. This vid definitely provides some food for thought though.
Looks a decent bit of kit. How tight a fit is the connection to the bike adapter. My concern over using a battery pack would be my constant forgetting I'm plugged in and walk away from the bike.
It’s just tight enough, it will release if you walk away but stays connected when your on the bike....
@@TheMissendenFlyer That's good then. Definate advantages over the battery packs especially if doing proper miles on the bike.
Hi TMF, I was just wondering if you have made a video in the past about your vlogging set up, such as how you've mounted you camera to the helmet and audio set up.
If so I'll continue to search through your vids, if not, maybe you could?!
I have indeed - I think the title was something like "How to set up your helmet for you tube vlogging".....here it is >> ua-cam.com/video/Ld34m5CR9sQ/v-deo.html
As ever corking review sir. But can I ask why the mixture of brands? I was under impression these brands allowed their gear to interlink saving on wiring etc
Very interested in the battery gloves & a review 🤓👍🏼
Hi Missendenflyer ! Thanks from france for your videos ! Because of you. I bought an 1200 GS LC 4 years ago. One question: have you a heated seat ? Thanks. Have a good day
Yes I have - checkout my review! ua-cam.com/video/L_RFnEVkOS8/v-deo.html
I have the same jacket from SBS, been out in (with wind chill) -18 celsius, and with it on max didn't even have cold hands as it warmed my forearms so much just winter gloves sufficed. I tuck the excess cable into the braces of my trousers, I do find the forearms very tight.
Forearms are indeed unproportionally tight :\
Hi mate I’ve just bought these and the three and fuse blue after an hour what do you think the problem could be my bike is a BMWF 900 r brand-new
No idea - best contact Gerbing I guess???
I'm surprised it's taken you this long to buy one. I've had a Keis X25 heated jacket, very similar design to the Gerbing. Love the heated collar feature. I understand, if you'd bought the Keis jacket, you could have plugged your gloves into the sleeves. Having a 1 1/4 hr each way commute, as well as riding for work, so far, this 'Winter' has been rather mild, as a result my Keis jacket tends to only comes out when it's subzero.
Any TMF recommended solution for cold feet? I tried heated socks and/or insoles but found them all uncomfortable & ineffective. Best thing I’ve found yet is thin silk socks as a base layer (Ebay about £5 per pair) under thermal socks.
My body core is kept warm by both my Triumph & KTM having heated seats - a luxury I scoffed at & vigorously derided until I tried them myself! Warning about batteries for jackets: A mate had a slow speed off & his only injury was from landing on the battery!
Thanks for the warning! ...and yes, heated seats are under rated! I don't suffer from cold feet I'm glad to say so no recommendations there I'm afraid...
The gerbing socks are 11watts each so very effective.