The Enemy!

For three and a half of the four seasons cold is the enemy. It might sneak in during August through June as temperatures dip from the 70’s through the 50’s, 40’s, and farther down when real winter sets in. Even in summer, motorcycle riders also know that there is no such thing as a warm rain. Ten miles from home that steady cooling rain draws body heat from fingers and toes, they start to tingle and then become numb. As this condition worsens permanent damage to skin can even lead to loss of those important extremities. Soon you become sleepy and lose your ability to effectively control the motorcycle.

Your brain is a self-centered mistress at best. As your body cools the brain reduces the flow of warm blood to the extremities in a gallant effort to protect itself and your vital organs. This causes fingers and toes to become even colder! Keeping the blood in your torso warm will help a little, that is why your mother always made you wear a warm coat in winter. Adding heat directly to your chest fools your brain into believing that it really is warm outside, so it then increases the flow of warm blood to those fingers and toes. Wrap an electric blanket around yourself and you are warm again. An electric vest becomes your mini electric blanket. Warm heart – warm toes!

Aerostich

Aerostich products have a reputation for being the serious products for the serious rider. They are the Snap-On tools and Hummer 4X4’s of motorcycle gear. Products that come out of that part of the country known for having only two seasons, winter and the fourth of July, have to perform. The Kanetsu electric vest is no exception.

It Is Green!

The Kanetsu vest is designed to wear under most reasonable riding gear, but still provide some measure of style for the wearer. An outer layer of medium green Windstopper fleece projects a confident image of the rugged outdoorsman while it increases your other gear’s ability to keep out drafts. So you do not have to walk around dragging the included cord like a tail, there is an interior pocket designed for ease of storage while not in use. Another pocket across the back allows the vest to be folded within itself and self storing. One feature I really like is the thinner than expected collar. That collar will easily slip under the lower edge of your helmet to provide welcome heat and freedom from drafts as you ride. Sizes are small, medium, and large. Again, you can have any color you want as long as it is green!

Technical Stuff

Like an electric blanket, you do have to plug it in. Aerostich offers you the choices of different cords, with lighted switches. These include a standard quick disconnect cord that attaches directly to the motorcycle battery, a cigarette lighter plug, an SAE standard plug, and one designed for the BMW accessory outlet. That way if your bike does not already have an accessory outlet, one is easily installed. It is pretty much plug and play! The Kanetsu vest draws around 45 watts at 3.3 amps so it should not tax most healthy motorcycle electrical systems. That is about it; put it on, plug it in, warm toes!


Special note for 2006 and newer BMW motorcycle riders


Newer (2006 onward) BMW motorcycles use CAN-bus technology to simplify their wiring. The accessory plugs on these motorcycles limit the electrical draw to 5 amps. The 3.3 amp draw is due to not having "heated" sleeves (there are sleeves available for about $40, which I also recommend). Other heated jacket liners, with heated sleeves, can draw 5 or more amps. When the 5 amp draw is exceeded, the circuit will shut down, leaving you cold and frustrated, so this is a very good choice for these riders.


In Use

I have found that it does fit easily under most all of my normal riding gear. Keeping the other gear snug increases the transfer of comforting heat. I do suggest making sure that you do order a size that will allow the snug fit. Not having a whole lot of extra body insulation (I am pretty slim), even an unplugged vest still aids body heat retention on slightly cooler rides. It only takes me a few minutes to feel my cold toes warming up after turning on the vest – immediate gratification! Riding behind the windshield and fairing on my BMW R1150RT, it has kept me warm and comfortable well into temperatures in the teens. As temperatures drop into the mid-teens I do find that turning on my heated hand grips helps on longer rides, they are no longer necessary for me until the lower teens register. I also have found that I can ride comfortably with much less restrictive bulky outer gear, thereby riding both warmer and safer. With the vest folded into its storage pocket, it makes for an easily protected and stored package when not in use. But the thing I liked best was the lighted switch. Fumbling around in the cold while wearing thick gloves makes it difficult to see if you have really turned an electric vest to the “on” position. You find yourself wondering why you are still cold and have to stop and double check. The Kanetsu switch lights up with a soft amber glow when energized so there is not any doubt.

The down side is that it does not come with a thermostat like some other do. That means that you can be forced to “cycle” the vest on and off during marginal use temperatures.

Guarantees

All Aerostich products are guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for two full years. Since no Aerostich product is indestructible, this guarantee does not cover: ordinary wear, soiling and aging, or damage due to contact with superheated components, misuse, or accidents. Repairs due to normal wear and tear, or the result of accidents, will be done at a reasonable charge. While I have been fortunate enough to not have had to take advantage of these services, I know many other riders who have had great results in their services. There is a 30 day, full refund policy at Aerostich, if the product is returned in an undamaged and unsoiled condition.

What You Really Wanted To Know

The Aerostich Kanetsu Windstopper electric vest is one of my must have items of motorcycle gear. For riders who do not want to garage their bikes from September through June it should be near the top of their list.


Recommended: Yes