Women’s Motorcycle Conference: November 6-7, 2020

What?

Women’s Motorcycle Conference - Connection (Online)

When?

November 6-7, 2020

How?

womensmotorcycletours.com/conference/

Tickets $40-$55 ea

In addition to dozens of other presenters, I’ll be sharing my recommendations and tips on winter riding including but not limited to:

Oxford Heated Grips #gamechanger

• How to get yourself geared up to stay warm, safe and comfortable while on two wheels:

  • How to layer up like a pro

  • The differences in various type of “Winter Riding Gear”

  • How the type of helmet, jackets, pants, gloves and boots you choose can improve or decrease comfort

  • Heated gear options for women

• Suggestions for adding accessories to your bike that will extend your riding season

And 10 minutes of QnA at the end for any questions you may have about riding gear, especially if you need personalized recommendations. Just bring your measurements (height, bust, real waist (beltline), hips, inseam) and I’m happy to give you some ideas.

Looking forward to “seeing” you soon!

Heated Women's Motorcycle Gear, Updated

UPDATED: OCTOBER 2019

A few years ago I wrote this post about heated motorcycle gear options for women.

New Women’s FirstGear Heated Jacket Liner for 2019/2020

When I wrote that post, there was only 1 option for 12V gear for us; WarmnSafe.

But now we have a 3 Options for 12 Volt Riding Gear. Quick Refresher:

12V(olt) heat offers the most heating to anyone who rides a 50-75mph on a motorcycle.

7V(olt) heat is great to go to a football game, or slower city speeds (10-20mph)

You can find a ton of 7V products on the market because there are far more women doing everyday activities like going to games, bicycling, walking to work, etc.

This post is all about 12V Gear because you can find plenty of 7V options on the market. 12V products are far less common and will be the focus of this post.

When you want something that will provide the most heat possible and keep you warm all day riding at highway speeds, you need 12V gear.

Keep in mind that this means you need a rock solid outer jacket to wear over all of these options.

Something along the lines of this Rev’it Horizon tarted there, then we need to talk offline.

One thing to note when it comes to ANY heated gear choices that have integrated controllers. Even though alll connections are the same with all these brands, you don’t want to mix and match integrated controller options with NON integrated controller options because you can’t control the heat of those options through the garments that don’t have integrated controllers.

Basically, you’ll never mix Gerbing and old FirstGear/WarmnSafe with new FirstGear or Olympia.

So here are all the options currently available for 12V Plug In Gear:

1/ FirstGear Heated Jacket, Pants and Gloves

Our newest option on the market is FirstGear. For Fall 2019/Winter 2020 (yikes, is it already the future), they’ve released 3 new items:

• Heated Jacket Liner

• Heated Pant Liner

• Heated Gloves

You can still purchase their previous generation liners and gloves (for both genders). But this release will probably replace the old product lines eventually.

Both liners and the gloves offer all new integrated controllers. This means that you won’t need to purchase any separate controllers. The jackets, pants and gloves all have these controller buttons, so that also means you won’t want to mix and match brands that require them.

What I especially love is the added protection that FirstGear is offering on the new gloves. Double palm sliders! This is difficult to find on regular gloves, let alone heated. I can’t wait to upgrade my heated jacket liner now.

They are also using new micro alloy heated elements in the garments, so that means less wires! The heat also covers all zones: neck, sleeves, chest, back, front of thighs to knees.

(Photo of Jacket LIner is not a women’s specific liner)

The fitment seems to be just like the first generation liners, so check out my review of my older WarmnSafe Liner (which were sold as FirstGear Liners previously). I think they’re right in between Olympia (only slightly slimmer than FirstGear) and Gerbing (boxy).

Also, bonus features: the jacket liner folds into itself (like some rain jackets). And the pants include a small pouch that you can stuff them into for traveling.

FirstGear Kits v. Non Kits

So when you are shopping for FirstGear Liners, you’re going to see these awesome kits just for the Jackets. They will be priced ~$75 more than the options without a kit. These include a fancy portable battery! Yep, that means exactly what you think it means. You will be able to plug in your jacket to a small portable battery. Keep in mind however, that it will only be useful for short rides, I’d say less than an hour at most. I’d recommend this option if you have a very short commute and don’t have enough available power for your bike.

I also know what you’re thinking. ‘That’s Great! I can just order a battery if I need to”. Unfortunately not, you can’t buy their battery separately. You’ll have to invest in the Antigravity option or similar below for Gerbing.

2/ North Bay Heated Jacket and Pants by Olympia.

When it comes to Women’s 12V Heated Gear, Olympia is the first company to offer an option with an integrated controller.

The reason I love my Warmnsafe Jacket is because it fit me so well. It’s stretchy and fitted, and was always comfortable under my gear. I always loved the fact that it also heated my collar, sleeves AND neck.

One of the issues with Olympia is the lack of heat in the sleeves, in my opinion. As a coldblooded rider, I need heat everywhere, not just my core. I know that keeping my core warm helps with extremities but I simply prefer as much heat as possible. Unless you’re a small person, you just don’t get how cold we are, even when we are layered with the best base/midlayers in the world!

Even with the best baselayers, and the warmest winter jackets to block as much as wind as well.

Just like FirstGear, the controllers are a single button on both garments! NO external controllers!

The button is raised so you can feel it through your main jacket. And it seems like an easy reach whether you’re right or left handed.

And I know what half (yes, that many of you) of you are thinking. Pink? Yep, even I can get past it because it’s such a great jacket.

I got my hands on one of the men’s ones today and if the woman’s jacket is the same material and stretch comfort, you are going to love it. Even with the hot pink, I do like the overall style of this jacket because you could easily wear it by itself with a battery like the Antigravity one below.

The fitment of this jacket is not as boxy as Olympia and not as forgiving as FirstGear.

I would recommend this option for the longest/slimmest fit of all 3 choices. It’s not a full European cut, but between all three I find that it’s narrower than the other two brands.

The other issue I have with Olympia is the lack of gloves. But it means that you will have to use the FirstGear Gloves above so that when you plug them into the sleeves, it will draw heat from the jacket to the gloves.

3/ GERBING

Even though Gerbing doesn’t offer a 12V women’s product line, they’re worth mentioning because of the fitment.

They’re a great option for the curviest of women out there, I would say ~45”-55” chests and/or waists, especially if you’re shorter waisted with very broad shoulders.

For example, you’re 5’8” and your bust is 45” and your waist is 42”. this will have plenty of room around your waist and just enough room over your hips. Not quite a full woman’s fitment for hips but since the waist has a little give around the hem and the roomy fit, it’s a great option for many women out there.

Like I said, they run VERY boxy. Even for the men, the Gerbing lines run big and almost everyone sizes down.

Another bonus that I discovered recently is this AMAZINGGGG PORTABLE BATTERY with a Coaxial Input! (e.g. you can plug your heated jacket liner into it!)

Antigravity Micro-Start XP-1

Aside from this bonus feature, it also acts a fully portable jump starter for your motorcycle, car or truck! We have the smaller one just for our bikes, the Sport Power Supply. It totally works and fits easily under most reasonable seats.

4/ WARMNSAFE / OLD FIRSTGEAR

If you read my first post about heated gear, you’ll read all about WarmnSafe Options.

I know this is confusing. But basically the older FirstGear Heated Liners that you see online (with wires hanging from them) are all branded by WarmnSafe because that’s who technically manufactured these liners. I believe that’s no longer the case with the new FirstGear Lines.

If I upgrade my heated gear, I’ll definitely be upgrading to new First Gear. I like the protection of the gloves and the integrated controllers. I’m done with external controllers.

So for all the hardcore women riders out there that need heated gear for your next trip to Alaska, NovaScotia or Canada I hope this is works out for you. Please, report back!

Women's Waterproof Jackets for Fall/Winter ish

Olympia's New Durham Jacket is waterproof and warm (to a point)

Living on the East Coast, winter has a completely different meaning. For those of us over here in 40F temps with windchill, we need more than just a waterproof jacket. But I think for the majority of riders who tend to stop riding before ice starts to take over the pavement, a jacket like this one fits just right.

Olympia has always been a brand to offer slightly higher than entry level priced gear but this season they've introduced a jacket ($199) and matching pant ($169) that offers new riders something to get started with. The Durham has a waterproof, integrated (non removable) shell and removable thermal liner. With reasonable "winter" temperatures (think winter in the Bay Area, Fall in Philadelphia) I think this jacket is perfect.

If you need a hardcore, winter worthy coat then I'd opt for the ladies Ranger instead. Match this with the toasty ProMax pants and you'll have a great outfit for this season. (A slightly less toasty pant would be the Expeditions since there isn't a thermal liner)

Revit's Monroe Jacket (in Olive Green, pretty!)

On the slightly higher priced scale ($299), the Monroe also offers an integrated waterproof (non removable) membrane with a removable thermal liner. You'll find the fitment to be a true European cut with a slightly slimmer body/chest and shoulders. And of course the standard Revit fit which offers a long sleeve and torso. And if you're a hardcore winter riding citizen, then I'd recommend something more robust like the Neptune which offers additional wind protection with the Gore-Tex membranes. 

A quick pic of the Monroe in person, live at the Revzilla Gear Boutique in Philly. 

I'm a perfect 36 in this and as a Rev'it fan I'd certainly buy this IF I needed another jacket to fill my closet (which fortunately, is impossible to squeeze in another at this point :P) I never thought I'd wear a green jacket but this one is so pretty in person I really love how it looks and fits. The matching toasty Factor pants ($199) are a nice match to this cold weather outfit. (for a less toasty pant I would recommend the Enterprise ($169) since they don't have a thermal liner) I wouldn't say that this jacket is for the snow but will certainly get you down to similar temperatures as the Olympia option above. 

So for less than $500 you can get yourself pretty toasty and cozy for the upcoming winter riding season. Of course, other colors are available in both jackets as well. But if you are truly riding in extreme temperatures, none of these will offer you the warmth that Heated Liners can bring when you start hitting lower digit windchill temperatures. 

Heated Women's Motorcycle Gear

After a chilly ride the other day, I thought about what I'm going to do to keep my fingers from freezing to death while out riding. Because at 50F + windchill it feels like 40F; it's COLD! 

So what is the best option for staying warm while riding your motorcycle? Two Words: Heated Gear.

In 2011, when I was first introduced to the world of Heated Jacket Liners. TOASTY!

You might be debating whether or not to go this route. If you've decided you're going to take the plunge, it's important to know what the best options are for us as women riders. Before I dive into some recommendations, let's review some basics.

How Should My Liners Be Worn?

When it comes to wearing heated gear, keep in mind that heated liners are meant to be worn Underneath. You need to block the wind so that you can actually feel the heat. These also do not offer any type of protection when it comes to abrasion resistance or impact protection. Also, it’s crucial that it fits CLOSE to your body, as fitted as your riding gear. How else are you going to feel all that delicious heat?

However, keep in mind that you must also wear a baselayer because the heating elements are hot so you need to wear a long sleeve shirt of some kind as a barrier between your skin and the gear. Not a heavy sweater or thick fleece jacket, but a breathable winter weight baselayer.  Otherwise you will get burns as you turn up the intensity!

So the order of layers is:

1. Thermal, winter weight baselayer
2. Heated Jacket Liner or Pants
3. Armored Riding Jacket or Pants

7Volt vs. 12Volt

As you start shopping, you will see these terms thrown around on various types of gear. It’s important to know the difference, especially when riding motorcycles. One will work very well for us, the other will not.

7Volt or 7V, refers to Battery Powered Heated Gear. That means there's a little battery in your pocket that allows you to adjust the heat while you're out and about. It lasts anywhere from 3-6 hours depending on how much heat you're using during any given time. I actually have a 7V vest that I bought just for working at the time (3 years ago) because the store I worked at was So cold inside. I tried using it just riding across San Francisco, but it didn't have enough heat no matter what jacket I wore over it. You cannot plug this into your motorcycle's battery to power the vest. And you only have heat squares that cover the upper chest and back. Another reason why this doesn't provide enough heat to your body while riding.

You will see a ton of 7V(olt) options on the market from many brands including Gyde (formerly Gerbing), VentureHeat and MobileWarming, but these 7V options do NOT provide enough heat to keep you warm at riding speeds. Maybe if you're riding a bicycle, but bump that speed up to 45-55-65-75mph and now that 7V vest can't keep up. And, you don't have heat down your sleeves, back, arms and neck like you do on a 12V jacket.

12Volt or 12V, refers to heated gear that you can plug directly into your bike's battery to provide continuous, intense heat. YES! Now you have more options to stay warm.

The reason I would recommend the women’s specific lines is because the fitment can be much better in the shoulders, sleeves, waist and bust. You also don’t have to size up to accommodate your chest/bust fit as you will with mens lines. 

Now, let's go over what the options are for 12V gear and the various combinations you can put together to stay warm. I'm going to list the options on WarmnSafe.com's website. Remember that all the women's heated gear offered through FirstGear is a WarmnSafe product. When you buy any of the women's specific heated accessories, you will find both logos on the garments.

12V Options:

1/ Generation 4 Women’s Heated Jacket Liner. $199.99-$239.99 This version uses a new heated material that sounds less bulky and softer overall. I’m very tempted to upgrade to this one because I’m hoping it heats better than the wires do. The wires are large and you can definitely feel them in the Gen 3 Liner. It also has a newer collar and reflective piping on the back, which I’m not sure how you would see since you should be wearing this Underneath your riding jacket. These liners are NOT meant to be worn alone.   The 90Watt generates more heat, and I believe it draws very similar power to the 65Watt. 

• 65watt; XS-XL $199.99 This version is probably being discontinued as Large is no longer available. You do save $40, however.
• 90watt; XS-2XL; TALL SIZES available! $239.99. This is such a great option for those of you who need longer sleeves and torsos.

 

2/  Generation 3 Women’s Heated Jacket Liner $199.99, XS-2XL I'm wearing this one in the picture above, and it's also the one that's sold through the brand FirstGear. No difference from the one sold on WarmnSafe's website, just comes with a FirstGear logo. If you're already considering spending $200 on a heated jacket, you may as well spend a few dollars more and get the Generation 4 model above. This one is still offered in 65W and 90W options, however Tall sizes are not available. Read my full review here.

3/ FirstGear Heated Pant Liners. There are two options for the pant liners as well!

• Gen4 Heated Pants Liner: XS-XL, $199.99; I’ve seen this one in person and it fits like a legging. Not as thin of course, but thin enough to wear under your riding pants. I was impressed by how well they fit. They seem true to fit.  “Heated zones cover thigh and knee and upper butt“

• Generation Windblock Heated Pant Liners: XS-XL; $239.99 Looks like the Windblock version has a couple key differences:
  • NEW WindBlock Pants Liner! Front Panel Made From Stretch Gelanots™ to Block the Wind.
  • NEW Run the Pants and Socks together or on Separate Heat-trollers
  • I can't tell any differences aesthetically, they look the same on the outside and the fit appears to be the same as well.

4/ Warmnsafe Women's Heated Gloves.  $129.99, S-L I’m pretty sure these gloves run loose. If you need XS, I would recommend the Heated Glove Liners instead. I personally prefer riding gloves that offer more protection such as palm sliders and hard knuckles, so for me, these don’t work. But if you’re searching for a toasty glove to ride in, you’ll probably love these.

5/ Firstgear Heated Glove Liners, Unisex XS-2XL; $79.95. These are the ones I want! These liners should be thin enough to wear under your gloves. If you have the jacket, then all you have to do is plug each glove into the cable on each wrist. Atomic Skin also offers liners, but you cannot plug them into another brand's heated jacket.  

So there you have it, all the heated stuff, all the time. Stay warm, everyone.

Time to go ride!