LAB-392-Heated Motorcycle Riding Gear | Gerbing, First Gear, Etc.

In this podcast episode, we dive deep into motorcycle heated riding gear. Riding in cold weather can be uncomfortable without proper gear. Over the years, I've tested a range of heated gear—from budget to premium—and have real-world experience as a police motor officer and personal rider. In this guide, I'll walk you through heated gear options, share insights, and explain why Gerbing gear stands above the rest. 1. The Problem with Cheap Heated Gear White-Labeled & Generic Gear Many low-cost heated gear products, like Mobile Warming , are white-labeled items from platforms like Alibaba. These products appear across Amazon and eBay, rebranded and sold under different names. The Issue: Cheap materials lead to quick failure, poor battery performance, and safety concerns. Flimsy Batteries & Chargers Cheap heated gear often uses low-quality lithium-ion batteries. Problems include: Fire hazard concerns. Poor charge indication (no light or status). Chargers that break quickly. Batteries don't last and will have to be replaced often. Tip: Avoid relying on inexpensive gear for long-term riding needs. 2. Why Gerbing Sets the Standard Unmatched Quality & Reliability Gerbing heated gear is tested, durable, and built for serious riders. Their batteries, chargers, and construction far outperform budget brands. Gerbing 7V Soft Shell Vest Versatile & Stylish: Wearable on motorcycles, outdoor activities, or day-to-day tasks. Battery Performance: High: ~2 hours Medium: ~3-4 hours Design Note: Should fit snugly to maximize heat transfer. 3. My Favorite Heated Gear: Gerbing Heated Shirt The Gerbing heated shirt is my go-to for daily police motor duty and personal riding. Why I Love It: Thin material fits under any jacket. Versatile enough for any outdoor tasks. Battery Life: Up to 5 hours on low. Functionality: Easy controls with visible power indicators. SUPPORT US AND SHOP IN THE OFFICIAL LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE 4. Battery-Powered vs. Plug-In Gear Battery-Powered Gear Pros: Portable and versatile for short trips or off-bike use. Cons: Limited runtime; requires carrying extra batteries. Plug-In Gear ( Gerbing Heated Jacket Liner ) Why Plug-In? Unlimited runtime while riding. Always in my saddlebag, ready for unexpected cold weather. Setup: Plugs into your bike's power system, offering a reliable heat source for long rides. Pro Tip: Use both for maximum versatility! 5. Heated Gloves, Pants, and Socks: Do You Need Them? For riders or bikes without fairings or heated seats, heated gloves, pants, and socks are invaluable. My Setup: Heated jacket liner . Heated grips . Saddlemen Heated Seat . This combination is sufficient for even freezing temperatures. 6. First Gear vs. Gerbing: A Comparison Key Differences Feature Gerbing First Gear Construction Wind-resistant nylon; ripstop shell Standard nylon Redundancy Backup manual controls Limited to lowest heat if remote fails Wireless Control Redundant options available No manual fallback Verdict: Gerbing's durability and redundancy give it the edge for serious riders. CHECK OUT OUR HUNDREDS OF FREE HELPFUL VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND SUBSCRIBE! 7. Wireless Controllers for Convenience Manual in pocket controllers can be awkward on the road. Solution: Gerbing's wireless controller. I mount it with velcro on my bike's dash. Setup: The manual controller offers redundant and is needed to pair with the wireless remote 8. Wiring Your Bike for Heated Gear Option 1: Using OEM Accessory Plugs Newer Harleys (like my 2024 Street Glide) come with accessory plugs. Extension Needed: Use Gerbing's male-to-female extension to make connections accessible. Option 2: Direct Battery Connection Pigtail Setup: Attach Gerbing's pigtail connector to your battery terminals. Safety Tip: Choose the correct fuse size for your gear combination (see Gerbing's fuse chart/comes with your gear). 9. SAE Connections for Adventure Bikes Use an SAE-to-Gerbing adapter for bikes equipped with battery tender leads. This works seamlessly for adventure bikes like my KLR or any other bike for that matter. 10. Final Thoughts Heated gear transforms cold-weather riding, but quality matters. Gerbing delivers unmatched performance, durability, and comfort. Whether you prefer battery-powered or plug-in options, they have solutions for all riding styles. Benefits of Shopping Law Abiding Biker Store No sales tax (outside WA state). Free shipping on orders over $100. Expert customer support from riders who understand your needs. Explore Heated Gear Options Today Browse the Law Abiding Biker Store to find the best heated gear for your riding needs. Stay warm, ride longer, and keep enjoying the journey! [Shop Heated Gear Now] NEW FOR PURCHASE VIDEO RELEASED (TWO-PART DOCUMENTARY): Journey to the Hottest Place on Earth: Our Motorcycle Adventure to Death Valley-Part 1 of 2 California Dreams to Desert Extremes: Our Epic Motorcycle Journey-Part 2 of 2 Sponsor-Ciro 3D CLICK HERE! Innovative products for Harley-Davidson & Goldwing Affordable chrome, lighting, and comfort products Ciro 3D has a passion for design and innovation Sponsor-Butt Buffer CLICK HERE Want to ride longer? Tired of a sore and achy ass? Then fix it with a high-quality Butt Buffer seat cushion? New Patrons: Derrick Galan of Regina, Canada Scott Bendall of Garden City, Idaho Jeffrey Szarley of Kouts, Indiana If you appreciate the content we put out and want to make sure it keeps on coming your way then become a Patron too! There are benefits and there is no risk. Thanks to the following bikers for supporting us via a flat donation : Ryan Lambright of Shipshewana, Indiana Terry Graham of Culpeper, Virginia Quinn Smith of Albuquerque, New Mexico HELP SUPPORT US! 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