Riding in cold weather can be uncomfortable without proper gear. Over the years, I’ve tested a range of heated gear—from budget to premium—and have real-world experience as a police motor officer and personal rider. In this guide, I’ll walk you through heated gear options, share insights, and explain why Gerbing gear stands above the rest.

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1. The Problem with Cheap Heated Gear

White-Labeled & Generic Gear

• Many low-cost heated gear products, like Mobile Warming, are white-labeled items from platforms like Alibaba.
• These products appear across Amazon and eBay, rebranded and sold under different names.
• The Issue: Cheap materials lead to quick failure, poor battery performance, and safety concerns.

Flimsy Batteries & Chargers

• Cheap heated gear often uses low-quality lithium-ion batteries.
• Problems include:
  • Fire hazard concerns.
  • Poor charge indication (no light or status).
  • Chargers that break quickly.
  • Batteries don't last and will have to be replaced often.

Tip: Avoid relying on inexpensive gear for long-term riding needs.

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2. Why Gerbing Sets the Standard

Unmatched Quality & Reliability

Gerbing heated gear is tested, durable, and built for serious riders. Their batteries, chargers, and construction far outperform budget brands.

Gerbing 7V Soft Shell Vest

• Versatile & Stylish: Wearable on motorcycles, outdoor activities, or day-to-day tasks.
• Battery Performance:
  • High: ~2 hours
  • Medium: ~3-4 hours
• Design Note: Should fit snugly to maximize heat transfer.

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3. My Favorite Heated Gear: Gerbing Heated Shirt

The Gerbing heated shirt is my go-to for daily police motor duty and personal riding.

• Why I Love It:
  • Thin material fits under any jacket. 
  • Versatile enough for any outdoor tasks. 
• Battery Life: Up to 5 hours on low.
• Functionality: Easy controls with visible power indicators.

4. Battery-Powered vs. Plug-In Gear

Battery-Powered Gear

• Pros: Portable and versatile for short trips or off-bike use.
• Cons: Limited runtime; requires carrying extra batteries.

Plug-In Gear (Gerbing Heated Jacket Liner)

• Why Plug-In?
  • Unlimited runtime while riding.
  • Always in my saddlebag, ready for unexpected cold weather.
• Setup: Plugs into your bike’s power system, offering a reliable heat source for long rides.

Pro Tip: Use both for maximum versatility!

5. Heated Gloves, Pants, and Socks: Do You Need Them?

• For riders or bikes without fairings or heated seats, heated gloves, pants, and socks are invaluable.
• My Setup:
  • Heated jacket liner.
  • Heated grips.
  • Saddlemen Heated Seat.

This combination is sufficient for even freezing temperatures.

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6. First Gear vs. Gerbing: A Comparison

Key Differences

Feature	Gerbing	First Gear
Construction	Wind-resistant nylon; ripstop shell	Standard nylon
Redundancy	Backup manual controls	Limited to lowest heat if remote fails
Wireless Control	Redundant options available	No manual fallback

Verdict: Gerbing’s durability and redundancy give it the edge for serious riders.

7. Wireless Controllers for Convenience

• Manual in pocket controllers can be awkward on the road.
• Solution: Gerbing’s wireless controller. I mount it with velcro on my bike’s dash.
• Setup: The manual controller offers redundant and  is needed to pair with the wireless remote 

8. Wiring Your Bike for Heated Gear

Option 1: Using OEM Accessory Plugs

• Newer Harleys (like my 2024 Street Glide) come with accessory plugs.
• Extension Needed: Use Gerbing’s male-to-female extension to make connections accessible.

Option 2: Direct Battery Connection

• Pigtail Setup: Attach Gerbing’s pigtail connector to your battery terminals.
• Safety Tip: Choose the correct fuse size for your gear combination (see Gerbing’s fuse chart/comes with your gear).

9. SAE Connections for Adventure Bikes

• Use an SAE-to-Gerbing adapter for bikes equipped with battery tender leads.
• This works seamlessly for adventure bikes like my KLR or any other bike for that matter. 

10. Final Thoughts

Heated gear transforms cold-weather riding, but quality matters. Gerbing delivers unmatched performance, durability, and comfort. Whether you prefer battery-powered or plug-in options, they have solutions for all riding styles.

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Browse the Law Abiding Biker Store to find the best heated gear for your riding needs. Stay warm, ride longer, and keep enjoying the journey!

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