THE HEAT IS ON
31 August 2004 - BMW Motorrad GB

Before we know it winter will have sneaked up on us and began its assault our riding vulnerabilities.

Freezing cold, depressing rain and chilling winds all combine to make motorcycling less pleasurable than it should be.

However, riding through a 21st century winter doesn’t need to be curtailed by climatic extremes. Many bikes have heated grips while others, like specific BMW’s, are equipped with electrically adjustable windscreens and heated seats. Even if a motorcycle doesn’t have these refinements the rider still has access to high-technology, cold weather clothing. This is an area where many all-year motorcyclists are able to solve their winter riding problems by turning to BMW Rider Equipment. For instance, there are three products that will help them defeat anything our unpredictable climate can throw at them.

The BMW Heated Vest has been designed to plug into a BMW power socket but it is also possible to connect it to the battery of any motorcycle. Designed without a collar, the black and grey vest can be worn with virtually any style of riding jacket. Its maximum heating performance requires 3.5 amps at 12 volts and this means it needs less power than most headlight bulbs. The carbon fibre fabric, responsible for heating performance, allows a more uniform and pleasant distribution of heat than most conventional heated garments. The vest is lined and has exceptional thermal insulation properties. This has been achieved by vapour-depositing aluminium onto the waistcoat’s outer material. Available at all BMW dealerships in sizes S to XXL, the Heated Vest retails at £185.

The ThermoKomfort heated insoles kit is (probably) the first viable system for keeping a rider’s feet warm in inclement weather. Consisting of a pair of (one-size) insoles, two (no memory) NiMh batteries and packs, and a charger, the system is simple to install and may be used for other types of boot such as skiing and hiking etc. Battery packs allow the insoles to be adjusted to four different levels of heat to suit variable conditions. The heating element is located in the area around the toes and the insoles are insulted underneath. The upper surface is soft and designed for comfort. After use, the boots can remain connected to the charger which switches automatically to “trickle charge” mode. Available through all BMW Motorrad dealerships the ThermoComfort heated insoles cost £110.

The AirVantage Waistcoat is an adjustable insulating garment which is designed to be practical in variable climates. It is therefore most suitable for touring trips that involve a number of days riding in differing weather conditions. The material used in the construction of the black waistcoat is GORE-TEX laminate for the insulation inlet and top grade stretch fabric in other areas. Riders can regulate the garment’s insulation value by inflating the waistcoat (blowing into an inlet valve) or evacuating air by deflating the garment. When fully inflated the AirVantage technology endows the waistcoat with the insulation properties of a good fleece. With zero inflation the garment has no insulation value whatsoever so that heat transference is possible. This obviously means that the inconvenience of having to zip in, or out, a thermal inner lining has been eliminated. The material used is a completely new development and is impermeable to air but still capable of “breathing”. When the insulation properties are reduced to a minimum, perspiration will escape the garment faster. The AirVantage Waistcoat is available at all BMW dealerships and retails at £175.

Customers can call BMW‘s information line: 0800 777 155

www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk

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