Heated gear Need Education
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 499
From: Alberta
I think your system would be similar to mine; a relativly low output single phase alternator...the higher output three phase alternator didn't come until '03 I believe; needed to power the mass of electronics associated with fuel injection. On my '01 (carbed) I use the vest only, and also have an LED headlight to lessen the draw and get my battery back up after starting my 103; this year I'll be running a lithium battery, too...our systems also don't put out much at lower RPM...you might want to do some more homework ie talk to a well qualified tech or look up the specs on some aftermarket alternators...
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 632
Likes: 86
Powerlet asked warm n safe to manufacture their products for them. And powerlet is just using warm n safes new design which was warm n safe gen 4 products. First gear just has warm n safe relable their products for them also and used warm n safes gen 3 models. However now first gear will be using the gen 4 as well. I feel like Im talking about glocks lol. Bottom line in the end they are all good. Some people swear by gerbing, others swear by first gear/powerlet/warm n safe. If you want a wireless controller that is easier to operate you go with first gear/warm n safe. First gear will warranty stuff out more often because they are owned by tucker rocky and its easier for a dealer to work with a bigger company like tucker than deal direct with warm n safe even though warm n safe gives bigger margins if you go dealer direct. The pants liners and jacket liners are thinner and more comfortable on first gear than gerbing. The gerbin pant liners are bulky whereas the first gear liners are like a pair of long thermals and thin. First gear socks have a nice comfortable velcro piece that wraps around the calf so the sock doesnt ride down the way a gerbing sock does. And first gear offers a more protective glove and if you want a glove liner you cant even feel the wires in that liner
Anyway, I am supremely satisfied with mine. I will, in the not too distant future, be making an epic trip close to the Arctic Circle and the Powerlet will be in my pack !
Their glove liners are hands down superior to gerbings (pun intended).
Last edited by leafman60; Feb 13, 2012 at 05:11 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,949
Likes: 150
From: South of Mordor
I really like this setup, however I notice that there isn't a setup that I can securely mount to my Street Bob. I know that you offer a version with earth magnets, but I would like something that is held via the screws on the dash.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
As a general rule I plug my bike into a battery tender when I get home. If I plug the bike in and the light goes green pretty quick, I know my system has been working and has not been discharging.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 508
Likes: 2
From: Idaho Panhandle
All good advice so far. I'd add that the Tourmaster stuff is cheap, but the vest itself is reliable, it is the controller that is a POS- I've had the vest for 5 years, Tourmaster has replaced the controller twice at no charge. Kicks out the heat better than the Old Lady's Gerbing liner, and Warm&Safe makes a controller adapter for it. And if yer worried about electrical capacity on your bike, the vest only draws 45 watts- yeah yer arms get cold, but keep the core warm and you can be smiling down into the 20's- provided you have something for yer hands ( stay away from the Tourmaster gloves, don't put out much heat).
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
I have a '96 and I was hoping some one would answer your question, as I wonder as well. Its my understanding our late model Evo Dyna's come with a 32 amp charging system. My system blew last year and I replaced it with a comparable 32 amp system, but I guess I should have upgraded to the 38, when I had the chance. I have checked my system with both my gloves and my wifes gloves plugged in. As long as my bike is above idle, it is charging, so I am perfectly confident that only two pieces will not overtax the system, unless you have some crazy accessories like the bagger guys. I am even able to run both gloves and two 55W (H3 bulb) driving lights "IF" I am well above idle.
As a general rule I plug my bike into a battery tender when I get home. If I plug the bike in and the light goes green pretty quick, I know my system has been working and has not been discharging.
As a general rule I plug my bike into a battery tender when I get home. If I plug the bike in and the light goes green pretty quick, I know my system has been working and has not been discharging.
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
On a modern one yes, but for example my 97 has a 360 watt generator and a 2005 dyna has a 540 watt genertor. The electronics on to power the carbed bikes alone require around 275 watts of that 360 and 540. Now since you don't typically want to use much more than 75%-80% of max capacity that leaves almost nothing to power heated gear. Some of the heated garments can easily use up 45 watts individually so 1-2 can easily over come the output of my stator. The 2005 could easily handle 3-4 no problem as it has nearly 200 watts more than my 97. The newer fi bikes have even better charging systems yet but I'm not going to get into that. The reason I asked is because I wanted to know if anyone had tried it before I spent a bunch of money on gear.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 508
Likes: 2
From: Idaho Panhandle
On a modern one yes, but for example my 97 has a 360 watt generator and a 2005 dyna has a 540 watt genertor. The electronics on to power the carbed bikes alone require around 275 watts of that 360 and 540. Now since you don't typically want to use much more than 75%-80% of max capacity that leaves almost nothing to power heated gear. Some of the heated garments can easily use up 45 watts individually so 1-2 can easily over come the output of my stator. The 2005 could easily handle 3-4 no problem as it has nearly 200 watts more than my 97. The newer fi bikes have even better charging systems yet but I'm not going to get into that. The reason I asked is because I wanted to know if anyone had tried it before I spent a bunch of money on gear.