My first BMW with heated grips was a revelation, never again would I order a bike without them. They make life so much nicer, those cool summer evenings when you've got summer day kit on and there's a slight chill in the air are comforted by the pervading glow from the handlebars. Winter rides and flick the switch to stage 2 and those grips chuck out serious heat!
Then my K1200GT which had heated seats too, OK not as necessary as the grips but lovely to switch on when there's a chill.
Recently however, I treated myself to a BMW HeatUp Vest …... OH MY GOD!!!!
How have I survived my 40 plus riding years without one they're awesome!
I tested it this morning on my 25 miles commute from the mountains of north Wales to work at Ellesmere Port. For the purpose of the test I took out the liner of my textile jacket to give it a really hard test!
The bikes dash showed a temp of -1C as I left home near the Horseshoe Pass.
Because of not having the liner in my jacket there was a slight coolness on my upper arms where the air flowed from the screen of my F8GS but the rest of my upper body was sumptuously warm. There's a heating element in the neck that warms the exposed bit between jacket and helmet. Then there's elements front and rear. I found the important kidney area particularly warm and cosy.
To be honest for the first time ever on a winter ride I was more comfortable than if I'd been in the car, and with being on the bike, no traffic jam problems!
Trust me if you ride in the winter you NEED one of these, they're far more efficient that layering up and you don't end up all bulky from multiple layers.
If you don't ride in the winter, then you're missing out. A sunny winters day is great, less traffic than the summer, the cold, dense winter air makes the engine perform far better and with heated kit like this you're toasty!
I'd score the vest a 5/5 as a MUST HAVE piece of kit!!!
summed up by this guy too
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yL8y7bGN5w
Our parts manager here has said if anyone wants one he'll reduce the £170 RRP for forum members to £140.
