Rider Safety

Body core temperature plays an important role in keeping us alert on the bike and only a few degrees either way can spell disaster. Being too cold on a motorcycle causes longer reaction times, loss of vision, poor judgment and poor balance - all of which could end up with nasty fall on a bike. When a body is overly cold, reflexes are slowed and physical responses are jerky. It’s hard to use the controls properly if your hands and feet are numb. If you are going to be riding in cold temperatures you really need to take a look at heated clothing and accessories.

Heated apparel for motorcycling isn't a new concept. In 1971, Norton of England offered electrically heated clothing in the form of electric vests as an incentive with their new models. Nowadays, heated clothing can turn a cold ride into a perfectly comfortable one, make a long trip far more enjoyable, allow you to ride much longer in colder conditions or extend your riding season.

The basics

Jacket Liners are a favorite heated clothing item because heating your torso changes your entire body temperature. When your core organs are cozy, your body allows a greater amount of warming blood to reach the extremities. Your hands and feet suffer most when you're riding in the cold, but not simply because they're so exposed to the wind. Your body's set up to starve them of heat in order to maintain the necessary temperature for vital organs to function. Another advantage of heated clothing such as a heated jacket liner is that it's less bulky than layers of clothing and requires less luggage space when not being worn.

Dangers of Hypothermia

Putting aside that a heated jacket liner makes a cold ride more enjoyable, it also keeps you safer. Hypothermia is the number one killer of outdoor enthusiasts during winter, and you are rarely aware of it when it's happening. Your energy reserves become exhausted and your core body temperature drops below normal. When the chill reaches vital organs such as the brain (following aggregated shivering) your judgment becomes flawed. You may first be aware something is wrong when you lose control of your hands. When your core temperature reaches 90 degrees you lose consciousness.

To get the most out of heated clothing, it should be worn as close to the skin as possible without contacting it. A long-sleeve cotton shirt is the best choice under a heated jacket liner. A thicker additional insulating layer worn over the heated clothing and under your jacket will assist in retaining the heat. Ideally, it should be a sweater or a soft zip-up jacket that will be gathered enough at the wrists, neck and hips to slow heat from dissipating and cold air from leaking in. On the outside you need your normal weather- and asphalt-resistant riding jacket for protection. If you're still chilled, a wind resistant rain suit over the top will further trap the heat.

Don’t Forget your Hands

Maintaining dexterity for your hands is critical to operate your bike’s controls so you’ll also want to consider heated glove liners. These liners are very thin so that you can line your regular gloves with these to add a heating touch. The glove liners heat will remain trapped between your skin and the outer glove.

Battery Powered Portable vs. Hard-wired to the battery

Our ActiVHeat® MOTO12 Powersport 12V Heated range is wired directly into the bike’s power supply. Although for long rides or in extreme cold temperatures this may be one solution, a portable self contained battery solution such as the ActiVHeat® heated clothing range can be a better option. You may like not having to be plugged into the bike, free yourself from the worries of loading the bikes' electrical systems, and having the ability to walk away from the bike and leave the vest or jacket on. You also don’t have to worry about being an amateur electrician, with wires and mounting issues on your bike of the cables. The downside is much less heat than you can expect from our 12V MOTO 12 range. These cordless or portable heated clothing systems can be more versatile, for example, you can eat lunch outside and keep the portable battery heated clothing set to low during lunch, as it may be windy and cool at that time or use it on your boat, or around the house or at the game. Portable heated jackets, heated vests, heated gloves and heated glove liners are all becoming popular.

Your bike’s alternator output limits

For riders who are thinking of buying heated clothing such as a heated jacket liner that connects to your bike’s battery, you also need to consider the power of your bike’s alternator output. Although the larger touring bikes have plenty of battery power, some smaller or older models can be a problem. Imagine what can happen if you run your battery down by having both your heated grips and heated vest switched on or forgetting to turn off the heat several minutes before shutting off the bike. You won’t enjoy having to bump start your bike out on the road.

      Heated Jackets                                     Heated Vests      

---

                                            
  
      Heated Gloves                                        Heated Socks      

---