Heated liner bargain success

[Bigtwin]

Following a tip-off from a learned forum viewer (for which many thanks again), see the thread below "heated liners - anyone got one" I got one of these:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8011060165&sspagename=ADME:L:RTQ:UK:1

The seller provides a fast delivery and fast answers to questions, and is a BMW rider.

I don’t have any fitting pics I’m afraid, but the ebay link shows you what’s what. Fitting is a doddle – did it all in about an hour. The included instructions are clear and simple, and all connectors etc are also included.

Essentially, you get a fused battery connector which you don’t need for a GS, as it comes with a compatible marine plug as standard (but it does mean you can use the jacket on your “other” bike as well), a roll of heating element wire, and a needle.

You use the needle to thread the wire element through your under -jacket (in my case the quilted removable Rukka inner) – just a running stitch in and out of the quilting, being careful not to put the wire right through the quilting to the inside; easy job. There’s enough to do front, back, neck and both arms comfortable, with good coverage.

You can follow the suggested wire route, or customise – I went heavier on the chest/front and front of the upper arm/shoulder, for obvious motorcycling use reasons. Then connect the element wires to the thicker jacket-to-plug cable, fix the lot to the bottom of you liner (zip ties – sorted) and Robert is your Mum’s brother – done.

Road tested this evening; warm as toast, and a good £100+ saved over the off the shelf version into the bargain.

Drawbacks? No thermostat, but not a problem for me as I’ll just switch it on and off as needed. :helmet

 

[Humbug]

Yes - I've got one of these kits. Excellent value!

With regard to the lack of a thermostat I've thought about wiring it to a heat controller from a pair of heated grips. Any reason why this shouldn't work?

 

[Bigtwin]

Yes - I've got one of these kits. Excellent value!

With regard to the lack of a thermostat I've thought about wiring it to a heat controller from a pair of heated grips. Any reason why this shouldn't work?

Good idea - I have a spare doing nothing in the garage - didn't think of that. No fundametal reason I can see, save that the current draw regulation may not be suitable, depending on the type of grip controller you have. Mind is a off/low/med/high type and I guess it may be that the low settings don't let enough juice to the elements (or too much for a med vest warmth setting).
But it can't do any harm to try - it can't let any more through than currently ('cuse the pun) so as to harm the vest.

 

[Humbug]

Let me know how you get on. I believe the current draw of the heating element is 4.5 amps (55 watts).

Andy

 

[Swesty]

cheapskate requires information

I've gone the even cheaper route by buying just the wire (£15), obviously without any instructions. Any advice before I tie myself in knots, swear lots and throw the whole thing in the bin. Where to start and finish, distance between stiches, how much per arm etc etc.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Cheesy Mike]

Another thought about this kit.

I want to get my seat recovered/reshaped. Is there any reason why I shouldn't buy one of these kits and get the upholsterer to embed the heating wires under the top layer of foam? The power wires, if they came out of the bottom of the seat would be very neatly located just above the fuse box. Nice.

I am an all-weather rider rather than a bike-tucked-up-for-the-winter wuss. Am I crazy to want a warm bum? Are there better ways to do it than this?

Mike

 

[Bigtwin]

Another thought about this kit.

I want to get my seat recovered/reshaped. Is there any reason why I shouldn't buy one of these kits and get the upholsterer to embed the heating wires under the top layer of foam? The power wires, if they came out of the bottom of the seat would be very neatly located just above the fuse box. Nice.

I am an all-weather rider rather than a bike-tucked-up-for-the-winter wuss. Am I crazy to want a warm bum? Are there better ways to do it than this?

Mike

Hmmm. It gets pretty hot, and I'm not sure the foam would like it, an mebbe not the seat covering. I'd lay it on top of a layer of foil or similar to insulate the foam, and to stop it heating the foam downwards, and not your harris upwards. It test it on the covering first - you could always put the wires in some sort of pad between cover and foam, or perhaps better, make a cushion to sit on, which might solve the problem altogether.

All that said, the chap who sells them is very helpful, and rides a BMW himself - he may have a more experienced view on such a project - give him a mail.

Let us know where you get to!

 

[enabb]

Another thought about this kit.


I am an all-weather rider rather than a bike-tucked-up-for-the-winter wuss. Am I crazy to want a warm bum? Are there better ways to do it than this?

Mike

Eat more Chillies or currys.

HTH.

 

[Kevmulcock]

I have spent this evening sowing this into my Spada jacket lining.

Seems to good to be true, (very easy etc.) however difficult to get the two ends to meet perfectly!

My only concern is its reliability in relation to water or wire breakage etc. I have got dreadful visions of me "very warm" whilst on fire on the M4!!

Does the power socket of the BMW have a safety fuse?

 

[Cheesy Mike]

Does the power socket of the BMW have a safety fuse?

It does if you put one there! On my 1150 I wired a socket directly from the battery (including a fuse) into the cockpit just in front of the fuel tank but behind the instruments i.e. above where the forks are. It is the ideal place to plug in a heated jacket - much more convenient than the one by your left foot. Cost was bugger all as I got the socket from a John Deere tractor dealer and the fuse from Halfords. Time to fit 30 minutes.

Mike

 

[Bigtwin]

I have spent this evening sowing this into my Spada jacket lining.

Seems to good to be true, (very easy etc.) however difficult to get the two ends to meet perfectly!

My only concern is its reliability in relation to water or wire breakage etc. I have got dreadful visions of me "very warm" whilst on fire on the M4!!

Does the power socket of the BMW have a safety fuse?

Have been using and abusing for about 3 months now - seems bombproof.

 

[Yoda]

Just placed an order from www.heat4jackets.com for one of these. Assuming that, eventually, the UK will emerge from its current ice age, I'd like to put in a heat controller (or troller as they are sometimes known).

The ones at www.warmnsafe.com look good, but would mean importing the items from the States to the UK. Not a big issue, but sometimes you can get stung for Import Duty and VAT.

Does anyone know of any UK/Europe items?

 

[Bigtwin]

If it's a hassle, I wouldn't bother, coz you don't really need it - on/off is fine I've found. You could easily put a switch in the lead, or if you have an Adv, do what I do and use the top socket and do it all at the plug.

I was going to use a heated grip modulator I have in the garage, but haven't bothered as on/off does the job just fine.