BMW heated vest...anyone tried one?

[hovis]

Hi,
looking to invest in a heated vest or jacket for the winter commute....have been looking at Chilli,Gerbings etc and also see that BMW do their own heated vest....has anyone tried one and what are they like? Are they worth the extra dosh above the other brands?
Cheers!

 

[Droopy Dick]

Yes.

I rejected it in favour of Gerbing kit.

Mostly because I found the heated sleeves to be a great boon, as is the heated collar.

 

[Fanum]

Yes......had one, no, not worth it.....

and I wouldn't waste my money on another one.

The only bit of bad BWM kit I've had

 

[retroman]

Er, I disagree.

The BMW waistcoat works on the principal that if the central body mass is kept warm, then the rest of the body will be also.

I've found that the BMW kit keeps me toasty and seems less bulky than the other efforts ... I agree that its expensive, but I had mine as a gift so that wasn't an issue.

 

[BTBR]

Er, I disagree.

The BMW waistcoat works on the principal that if the central body mass is kept warm, then the rest of the body will be also.

I've found that the BMW kit keeps me toasty and seems less bulky than the other efforts ... I agree that its expensive, but I had mine as a gift so that wasn't an issue.

Yep, have to agree, I love mine as well.

BTBR

PS
It is a good idea to "adapt" the otherwise crappy plug arrangement though.

 

[shugie]

plenty warm enough on low setting, guess the high setting must be for the arctic.

 

[Fenlander Strasse]

What I like about it is the heating elements are carbon filiments, not heating wires so you get more uniform heat and comfort.

 

[newman7096]

Ebay Kit

Just fitted a heater kit to an old quilted inner jacket.

BMW power socket comes as standard and you thread the heater element wire through the lining using the needle provided ( blanket/running stich ). Connect the wiring to the socket and whala....one heated jacket using BMW socket. Took me about an hour!

I was quite suprised that I could fit it so easily and that it actually does work!

Think it was about £23.

If you want to be warm come winter give it a go! What have you got to loose?

 

[JohnnySilvers]

Paul, what kit? and where did you get it?

 

[newman7096]

Here you go...


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Heated-Jacket...ryZ25623QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[bustupbiker]

How long is the element wire please? i have another idea for it

Lyn.

 

[Mr K]

Bought a "new & unused" Chili vest off ebaY for £35.
It's brilliant - Too good in fact - have to keep switching it off.
Ordered a regulator for it.

 

[GrinningGSer]

Just fitted a heater kit to an old quilted inner jacket.

BMW power socket comes as standard and you thread the heater element wire through the lining using the needle provided ( blanket/running stich ). Connect the wiring to the socket and whala....one heated jacket using BMW socket. Took me about an hour!

I was quite suprised that I could fit it so easily and that it actually does work!

Think it was about £23.

If you want to be warm come winter give it a go! What have you got to loose?

Does this kit have any temperature control ?

 

[Steptoe]

Just fitted a heater kit to an old quilted inner jacket.

BMW power socket comes as standard and you thread the heater element wire through the lining using the needle provided ( blanket/running stich ). Connect the wiring to the socket and whala....one heated jacket using BMW socket. Took me about an hour!

I was quite suprised that I could fit it so easily and that it actually does work!

Think it was about £23.

If you want to be warm come winter give it a go! What have you got to loose?

I'm getting a couple of these kits, going to do a jacket and trousers. And run them through my chili heated vest thermostat .

 

[Activmoto]

I'm getting a couple of these kits, going to do a jacket and trousers. And run them through my chili heated vest thermostat

Steptoe,
The chilli control won't handle more than about 4.5 amps. It has a themal cut out so it should be protected, but it it can be damaged if you over load it. If it cuts out you need to let it cool down and turn it off and then on to start it up again.
Also the start up amps of cold heated gear is usally higher, so a waistcoat rated at 3.5 amps will draw slighly more when first pluged in approx 3.8 amps.
also the manufacturer quote draw at different volts, most use 12 volts but as you know your bike can be running at around 14 volts.

Steve

 

[Steptoe]

Steptoe,
The chilli control won't handle more than about 4.5 amps. It has a themal cut out so it should be protected, but it it can be damaged if you over load it. If it cuts out you need to let it cool down and turn it off and then on to start it up again.
Also the start up amps of cold heated gear is usally higher, so a waistcoat rated at 3.5 amps will draw slighly more when first pluged in approx 3.8 amps.
also the manufacturer quote draw at different volts, most use 12 volts but as you know your bike can be running at around 14 volts.

Steve

Thanks for that Steve. Looks like i'll be turning the trousers on and off till i get something sorted out

 

[Activmoto]

If anyone whats to make a cheap heated waistcoat use an element from a car heated seat, old volvo 340s are worth a look.
Unfortunatly routing around in old fashion scrap yards are a thing of the past.

 

[newman7096]

How long is the element wire please? i have another idea for it

Lyn.

The element I would guess is about 4 to 5mtrs long, it certainly covers the whole of your inner linning, back, front, both arms and neck.

There is no temp control however the length of wire determins how hot it gets and the kit advises not to reduce the length!

I found it not really hot but certainly warm however the element is tucked inside the linning again the kit advises no wire should have direct contact with skin!

Worth a go, if you can wire a plug you can fit this kit!

 

[Taff]

... has anyone tried one and what are they like?

Never tried one myself, but my boy was lent one by Durnsey during a ride-out last year. It must have been good, as he turned it off after a while - complaining that it was "too hot". I think it was adjustable, but wouldn't swear to it.

 

[Activmoto]

If you have made your own or have heated equipement I have some heat controllers, they are of the varible modulation type. If you want one they will cost you £12 including postage. Work up to 4 amps.

Only available to site sponcers.

You can use paypal if you want, PM me.

Steve