I'm in the market for a new touring bike and I'm wondering how much of a difference a heated seat and grips make when riding on chilly or cold days. Are they essential, or are they just a trendy thing? Also regarding the sound systems, will I be able to hear music even with my helmet on? I saw one BMW rider who had either headphones or something in the helmet controlled by a handle bar control. Basically, what is the best way to enjoy music on a Harley?
2006-10-21 06:10:41 · 4 answers · asked by ? 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
The heated seat and grips are great if you plan to ride on just chilly days, but for truly cold weather or long trips on chilly days you need more than that. The key to staying warm out in the wind is layering. The space between layers of clothing trap your body heat and are much warmer than just one thick heavy layer. Don't be bashful about putting on two long sleeves or turtlenecks or sweatshirts before your outerwear. And don't laugh, a good raincoat is sometimes warmer than leather because it blocks the wind. In cool weather I carry some packets that can be torn open to make heat. Most stores like Kmart and sporting goods have them this time of year. Those have gotten me out of trouble when I strayed too far and too long on a cool day and it was COLD AND DARK heading home.
If it does't get horribly cold where you live you could get by with the grips and seat and they are hard wired into the bike so you just hop off and walk away without having to unplug any wires. If that doesn't give enough to keep you SAFELY warm, you can buy heated armchaps, leggings, gloves, vests at www.widder.com and at www.gerber.com and the local Harley dealer may have some in stock or at least in their catalog. I bought the insulated, electric Harley pants and they kept me warm in 34 degree weather. But, I also had the Widder arm chaps and vest and gloves as well. If you have the lower fairings in place you might not need heat on the legs for short trips, but on a long trip the cold will get your legs and you won't feel it until you try to get off the bike. BAD. once your legs are cold it takes a lot out of your body temp and a lot to get warm again. That is dangerous because you can get disoriented and just run off the road.
For music several of my friends in the HOG club use an MP3 player plugged into ear buds. They fit under most any helmet and still allow enough outside noise in to let you be aware of surroundings.
If you are feeling wealthy Harley has a handlebar mount radio/CD player with large waterproof speakers that can really belt out the tunes.
Hope that gives you enough info to make a wise choice.
Ride SAFE............ride LONGER..............
2006-10-21 12:20:17 · answer #1 · answered by mindbender - seeker of truth 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Corbin sells the heated seats, grips. They work very well.
2006-10-21 09:32:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A hardman karbon radio and vince and hintz pipes? Nice play on words.
2016-05-22 07:48:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
heated seats and gribs sound great...as for your sounds...that will kill you.you need to hear every thing going on and have loud pipes to listen to and be heard that your there
2006-10-21 06:21:21 · answer #4 · answered by ace 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋