| Author | Message | ||
     T9r  |
This morning was the trial run after installing Polly Heater elements in the handlebars on the XBR. The temperature is in the mid 30's and the lower setting was still cooking the palms of my hands. Easy enough to regulate it, just lift my hand off the handle bars. Granted it was a short 15 mile ride into work though. This seemed to be the best solution for me and by far the cheapest. Now my fingers will stay toasty while out riding in this cool weather. That combined with my Unobtainium vest and life is good and no parked motorcycle syndrome (PMS). I'll upload some photos of the install later this week and write more of a product review. | ||
| Chainsaw  |
By Unobtainium, I assume you're refering to the Aerostich vest. I'm gonna buy one directly, what do you think of it? | ||
| T9r |
The Aerostich vest was the best first piece of electric gear I bought. If I had to do it again I would definately! It has allowed me to ride further into the season. It works best when it's closer to the body, over and undershirt for those really cold days. During the spring and fall it can be worn further away. I normally layer up even with it, like this morning a sweater before getting into my Roadcrafter Aerostich suit. | ||
| Tatsu |
Burrrr... riding in the cold.. I can't even imagine. (shudders) I think I'll cruise by the beach today and check out some of the bikini action...  | ||
| Fullpower  |
t9r, greetings. i am thinking real hard about a roadcrafter for long road trips. how long have you been using yours, and what are your impressions? how water resistant? have you laundered it yet? do zippers leak or seep much? i am real close to ordering one, but they want $350 additional to put thinsulate insulation in, so that is a consideration. will run price up to 1100 or so. (better be damn good for that coin.) thanks for the report. regards, dean | ||
| T9r |
I've had my Roadcrafter 2-piece suit since the year 2000. It probably has 20,000+ miles on it. It is a great all year round suit. I've washed it once and about every year I retreat it with water repellant by 3M. In the summer I've gone on trips where I have just worn shorts under the lower suit. In the winter I just layer up. I would suggest not getting the Thinsulate Insul, but just buying another type jacket to layer under the suit for the winter. I have come to rely on my electric gear in spring, winter and fall. I've used it in some very HEAVY rains, though always on bikes that had at least 1/2 upper fairings (S2,S3, XB9R). It has been a great water resistant suit. Since I bought mine they have modified the flap in front of the zipper so that rain won't get in and make it look like the rider has wet themselve. That is the only point where it tended to leak water in. Most of that could be cured by the way I positioned myself on the bike (it would not leak). I would definately do it again, if I had to. The quality is top notch. I've even had a low speed spill with the jacket on and it hardly wore and provided great protection. I like how a person can custom order the suit to their size. I waited to get mine by continuing to look thru their discount section (this is where I got my suit pants from). A good thing would be to find someone who already has one and try theirs on to get an idea about how to order yours. I went with Airforce/Army green/grey. People always ask if it's a flight suit though. (Message edited by t9r on December 29, 2004) | ||
| Fullpower |
interesting, and thanks for the report. yes i definitely plan to "layer up" under my suit. the reason i consider adding $350 worth of insulation is that i have never yet in 6 years had occasion to remove the zip in liner from leather riding jacket, and always wear a sweater if i am riding more than 10 minutes. also wear electric vest around 90% of the time. a very warm day in homer alaska is mid 60's F. we see 70 degrees maybe a few every other year or so. but shortly after sunset it cools very rapidly, and most of the mileage i rack up is in the 35 to 50 degree realm. |
