Heated clothing

[Davey Bee]

So I'm thinking of using a full set of heated clothing, to use on the first part of my trip. Mainly because although the Rallye suit is great in warm weather, it's crap in the cold. I've even had to layer up today, that's 3 layers plus the 2 of the jacket. What I need to know is, can the electrical system on the xchallenge cope? I'm talking about jacket, gloves, trousers and socks, if I can get them.

If it can't deal with all of that, what should I look at changing to enable it. I've already got a lithium battery to fit.

 

[Xchallenge]

First question, what layers have you got under the riding suit? I'd recommend a full thick merino Base Layer as a start or yak wool if your feeling posh! Cotton or synthetic is not in the same league of warmth

Secondly no I doubt the X challenge can cope with all that heated gear, it only has a 280w stator. You should work out what draw your expecting from all that. It will also depend on what else you have running on bike. I.e lights, heated grips etc. There is ways to save about 40w from the bike if needed

Also the X challenge can be upgraded to 400w output with some effort if you really wanted

Consider handle bar muffs for an easy way to keep hands warm with no power draw.

My theory has also been to keep the core body warm, thus allowing warm blood to flow to the extremities, that and a full belly of food works for me!

 

[Davey Bee]

If you ever meet me you will know that your final comment is a given.

When I was out last week, I had a EDZ merino top as a base layer. This works well will my other suit. However I was very cold, temp was about 14c with a easterly wind.

This weekend I used a synthetic base with merino over the top with a Rukka soft shell jacket, just about comfortable, temp as low as 7.5c.

Return I used a down jacket instead of the soft shell, which was better, but the temp wasn't really lower than 9c.

My concerns are that I'll be traveling through at least one European mountain range in January, where -7c is more likely.

I've been trying to find a alternative to heated clothing both the reasons given (power source) and the bulk of dragging it through Africa where I hope it won't be needed.


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[IJGser]

Let see, with a standard battery I have Sat nav, chain oiler, phone charger, heated grips, heated vest, R1200GS headlamp and two aux lights.

So it can run more than you might think

 

[Xchallenge]

You can always take the extra gear for Europe then post it back from Alicante before you get the ferry over to Africa

If you haven't already then get some merino long Johns as well

Last thing you want on the X is a flat battery, they are almost impossible to bump!

 

[Davey Bee]

You can always take the extra gear for Europe then post it back from Alicante before you get the ferry over to Africa

If you haven't already then get some merino long Johns as well

Last thing you want on the X is a flat battery, they are almost impossible to bump!

I did consider the option of posting heated gear home. Makes a lot of sense really.

I've got a resolution to flat battery problem, having tried to bump start one. Jump starter 8k. A lot of money, but a lot of peace of mind.
Still I don't want to cause unnecessary problems.


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[Davey Bee]

Merino long johns would also help I'm sure. I'll pick some up from EDZ at the NEC.


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[Dr46on4rm]

Used a Keis heated vest, fantastic for cold weather stuff, and you can bung it in the washer!

 

[Xchallenge]

I personally wouldn't bother with a jump starter, it's just another thing to carry. If you run out of electricity chances are someone will be about who can help!

 

[GFJ]

As above, I'd take the approach of sorting suitable clothing layers being supplemented by a heated layer, as opposed to using the heated layer as being your main solution.

Water proof top layer does a good job of trapping your heat within the various layers underneath. Extremities (hands and feet) are likely to be an issue. Muffs will sort the hands, extra layers on the feet.

long days at -7 will be cold, particularly if in damp air. Don't allow youself to get too sweaty though wicking base layers will help.

I would be tempted to fit a temp screen to keep the wind off your chest when doing the colder climes.

 

[oddshapedballs]

You'll be surprised how much warmer you are by adding a thick waterproof over-jacket (doesn't have to be expensive), I have a cheap and lined Spada waterproof jacket I bung on for really really cold early mornings/evenings, that and decent base layers, and all is toasty.

 

[Davey Bee]

The bike has a TT front fairing, so that is sorted. I've got bar muffs that can be fitted.
The problem is the Rallye suit on the European part of the trip, which I find very cold at anything below 15c.
Once I'm in Africa, it should be perfect. As I intend to avoid night travel, I shouldn't see anything near that. I already have heated gloves and jacket, which are great and work very well on my GSA. But that churns out more power.
As for the jump starter, the model I got will also charge my phone, lap top etc and it's very light. So a no brainer really. If I had a problem in the Sahara, then it would be worth its weight in gold.


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[Xchallenge]

Have you got a rough map of route planned down to the west of africa, it would be interesting to see, I presume your driving back as well?

 

[Davey Bee]

I'll be staying close to the coast as far as Senegal, that's to say Morocco, Western Sahara and Mauritania. Once I reach Dakar, I'll go where the wind blows. But the plan is to reach Ghana on or before the 6th of March to celebrate their 60th independence. I should have my web site up in a couple of days.


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[Davey Bee]

At the moment the plan is to ship the bike back, but the prices I've been quoted, is so high, I may as well ride back. All be it at a quicker pace.


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[oyster]

yes i use the wifes heated vest over a compression top,merino long sleeved top and this year Keis heated gloves, great for complimenting heated grips, if i'm still cold a silk balaclava sorts most days/nights