Decided to hook up the new heated vest to see if it worked, & how warm it got...( ie tshirt or sweatshirt) 10-15 min later I went to fire up the beast .. & the battery was dead... Just how much juice will this fool thing draw? Obviously one can only hook it up immediately prior to leaving!

 

Actually you are not even supposed to turn it on until you are over 1500 RPM'S on the tach.
I never turn mine on until the engine in on and warmed up.
If you turn it on with the engine not running it will drain the battery FAST

WilieC

 

There should be a current draw chart or something in the paper work that came with it. Check your shop manual (or just ask) to see how much your electrical system can handle. As already mentioned you should be ready to get on the road before you turn it on. Thats quite a drain on a battery all by itself. ELectric gear is the only way to stay warm IMHO.

 

Heated vest is 55 watts. In terms of current draw I(current) = P(power) / E(volts). Thus, I = 55/12 = 4.58 Amps (of somewhere near there). This is WAY to much current draw without the bike running. i.e. why Gerbing recommends to not use without first starting the bike. Don't beleive you done any damage, recharge the battery (with a trickle charger) and now you know.

I got the gloves - installed a relay from the Acc switch, so I can turn on/off at will. Also, at least for me, I don't see any need for the thermostat that they sell. When I need the gloves, I need them full boat.


My 0.02 cents.

 

I didn't either till I had two accessories to run so I bought the Gerbing Dual controller. It's nice to turn them down a little when it isn't real cold. my .02 cents.

 

Katy,

You are the second person I know to do that. My wife was so in love with her Harley electric jacket liner that she just had to try it. Greatest thing since sliced bread.... unfortunately they will kill your battery if the engine isn't running. We fabricated a nifty little plug with a lighted push button off and on switch on her dash. Charge up your battery, shouldn't have done any damage, just like leaving your headlights on in your car. Enjoy the warmth!