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Heated Motorcycle Clothing for Harley-Davidson Riders: What to Check Before You Plug In
Heated gloves can make a cold morning ride more comfortable. Add a heated jacket liner and you can keep your torso warm too. Before you buy either, check how much power the gear draws and what your bike can supply. A plug that fits the socket tells you the connectors match. You still need to check the circuit rating and the bike’s charging capacity.
Where do you feel the cold first?
If your hands are the problem, start with gloves. If you’re comfortable around town but get chilled across the chest on longer rides, a jacket liner may make the bigger difference. Try it under your usual riding jacket and check that you can still move freely and reach the controls. If you want to run both, look for a compatible system that lets you control the gloves and liner separately. You might want more heat at your fingertips than across your chest.
Add up the current draw before you buy
Use the manufacturer’s figures for the exact gear you plan to wear. One Gerbing example lists a jacket at 6.9 amps and a pair of gloves at 2.2 amps. Together they draw 9.1 amps. If you’re also running heated grips or auxiliary lights, include those when checking how much spare charging capacity your bike needs. Harley-Davidson warns that adding electrical accessories can overload the charging system.
- Can the bike supply the extra power? Check the guidance for your model and year, taking into account the electrical accessories already fitted.
- Can the connection carry the load? Check the ratings of the socket, harness and controller. Use the fuse specified by the heated clothing manufacturer for your setup. If you’re unsure what an existing lead was installed for, have it identified before you use it.
Can you use the lead already on your battery?
You may already have a battery-maintainer lead tucked under the seat. Before using it with heated clothing, confirm that the lead, fuse and connectors are rated for the combined draw and that the gear maker supports that connection. If the clothing calls for its own fused harness, use the specified harness. When checking where the lead will sit, make sure you can connect and disconnect it easily and that it stays clear of hot or moving parts.
What if your passenger wants heated gear too?
Work out the total for both riders before choosing a harness or splitter. A second outlet gives you another place to plug in, while the bike still has to supply the combined load. Check whether each rider can adjust their own heat and disconnect easily when getting off. If you regularly ride two-up, it’s worth doing this check before buying the first piece of kit.