Heated Gear Purchasing Tips
Plus Hear From the Pros at Gerbing’s!

Heated gear can mean the difference between taking the bike or the truck out on a chilly day. It’s a significant investment—covering yourself from head to toe in heated gear will cost you in the neighborhood of $300 to $800. Some top brands are Gerbing's. First Gear, and Tour Master, and they make everything from jackets to gloves to heated insoles. Heated gear is battery-operated and is typically powered by the central power source, usually the jacket or jacket liner.

A full heated motorcycle jacket will be made with abrasion-resistant nylon, reflective material, and a waterproof shell. These jackets usually have built-in armor and battery-operated heating elements throughout the entire garment, including the collar. The jacket will be the central power source for all other heated garments connected to it and should be dual-wired so that all connected garments can be set to a different temperature than the jacket itself. A jacket liner will work the same way, but instead of being a full jacket, a liner is thinner and meant to be worn underneath a regular riding jacket. The connectors for heated gloves are located at the sleeve cuffs on both jackets and liners.

Pants are also made with abrasion-resistant nylon, reflective material, built-in armor, and a waterproof shell. The heating elements throughout the garment are powered by the central source (a jacket or liner) or an external battery pack. When connected to a jacket, the pants will run on the same circuit as the gloves. Socks or lower leg insoles connect to the pants at the ankle cuffs. Pant liners work the same way but can be worn underneath regular riding pants.

Vests, usually nylon, are heated throughout and run off a direct power source in a jacket or an external battery pack. Vests can connect to pants or pant liners, but require separate wiring to connect to gloves.

Hands and feet get cold too! Heated gloves connect to the main power source, usually a jacket or jacket liner. They are typically made of leather or abrasion-resistant nylon and have a waterproof shell. Heated socks and boot insoles connect directly to a direct power source through heated pants or pant liners, which will be connected to a jacket or jacket liner. The only parts of the insoles that don’t contain heated elements are the areas that can be trimmed to fit your boots.

Heated Gear Tips:

• Heated motorcycle grips can often be a nice compliment to heated gloves, as many gloves don’t have heated elements built into the palm area.
• Keep the thermostat that controls the temperature for your heated gear dry—many are not waterproof.
• When using heated socks, consider foot powder to help keep your feet from sweating too much inside your boots.
• A balaclava can be a welcome addition to your cold weather riding outfit, especially if you don’t wear a full-faced helmet.
  
  

Come Visit the Pros from Gerbing’s!

In honor of Eagle Leather’s 18th Anniversary, Fred Karpman from Gerbing’s Heated Gear will be visiting Eagle Leather Lakewood on November 4th at 5:00 p.m. and Eagle Leather Auburn on November 5th at 5:00 p.m. Come in to check out his presentation and see the latest in heated clothing innovation—major advancements have been made! Come check it out either day and enjoy the anniversary festivities and savings!

See the entire celebration's schedule of events by clicking here or on the Eagle Leather Facebook Page!

Get Out There and Ride!

Serious riders don’t let the weather dictate their rides. It’s important to remember that riding in the cold comes with added risk, and the best investment you can make to ensure you’re ready to ride in every weather condition is continuous safety education. Make sure you’re ready to handle colder conditions before considering a rain or heated gear purchase!

If you ever have any questions about rain and heated gear, Eagle Leather is open seven days a week and ready to take your call.