WIDDER ELECTRIC RIDING CLOTHES

submitted by Blueyedmedusa

For motorcyclists who park their bikes and wait for the winter to pass because they find the cold weather unbearable, electric clothing may be the necessary answer to their cold weather blues. After two years of bundling up for those frosty rides, I realized there was a better way. Not only did I find increased mobility with electrics, I also added another 35 degrees to my rideable temperature range. After researching, I chose to buy from Widder. Wearing every piece of thermal clothing I owned, my main problem had always been keeping my hands warm. The tips of my fingers would always threaten frostbite. My decision to buy Widder was based mainly on the fact that their gloves had heating elements that surrounded each finger and thumb and also ran across the back of each hand. The wiring is part of the glove and not an insert. This, along with the use of Thinsulate, gives better dexterity. The gloves are also water repellant, have a leather palm, reflective piping and a suede index finger for visor wiping. The fingers are pre-curved so you don't have to go through an awkward break-in period. There are Velcro straps above and below for a snug fit. Another selling point for me was the heated ultra-suede collar on the vest. Before buying this vest, I always found it necessary to wear some type of neck wrap which made turning my head difficult. The electric vest is also made with Thinsulate, making it very light. It has two pockets and a dual zipper. I find that I can wear the electric chaps over my pants and under my leather on days when the temperature is over 35. But I prefer to wear them under my pants on colder days as these garments work better closer and tighter to the body. Widder suggests they not be worn directly on the skin. The company says motorcycles 500cc or bigger can usually handle all three garments running together without overtaxing the charging system. I have found this to be true. All three consume roughly the same power as a 100-watt headlight and on those zero-degree days I have had the thermostat maxed out. I have the bi-metal temperature controller. In contrast to Widder's electronic controller, mine cycles on and off instead of maintaining a steady preset temperature. This seems to prevent sweating. This device is no bigger than a pack of cigarettes and attaches the vest _ to which the gloves and chaps are attached _ to the batter connector. Both the battery connector and the thermostat connector have soft surfaces to prevent paint or chrome scratches. This connection will not come apart due to inadvertent tugs, but will disconnect easily if you walk away from the bike before unplugging. When ordering, remember the vests run small and the gloves run large. I ended up returning my first pair of gloves because they were too large and I was experiencing frozen fingertips. The gloves absolutely must fit snug to the fingers. Widder was very accommodating and suggested I trace my hand and send it to them. I am now very happy with my new, smaller, gloves. Widder provides a wide variety of mix and match items. With the efficiency of the gloves and vest, I have found that the arm chaps are not necessary as I have ridden comfortably in 35 degrees with just a T-shirt under the vest covered by my leather jacket. Installation is easy. Just unscrew the battery terminals and attach the battery cord. I find Widder electric clothing to be comfortable and safer than wearing thick, restrictive heavy garments. With my leather vest pressing Widder's electric vest close to my body, I feel like I'm wrapped in my favorite electric blanket. The chaps remove the chill I used to feel through my leather chaps alone. My fingers have not gotten cold even during the long commutes to work in frigid weather. I highly recommend Widder products.

Thanks to Blueyedmedusa for submitting this personal review. Blueyedmedusa says "I'm a 43-years-young mother of three who commutes on most days that don't include rain to work on my 1992 Harley FLSTC. I also own and ride a 1993 XLH and a 1998 Enfield Bullet. They live in our basement next to my husband's 1995 FLHTC and 1972 Triumph Tiger 650. What a gang!"

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