If you live in a colder climate (like me) and are wondering (like me), “What can a company in California know about heated motorcycle transmissions?” you should know that “California Heat” is a misnomer. The family-owned and operated company is based in Maryland and is probably named after how you feel about driving in sunny California.
I don’t live in California, so as I prepare for a February trip from my home at 6,000 feet in Southern Utah to Las Vegas for the AIMExpo show, I was excited to try out the California 12V Liner Jacket Heat ($230), Underpants ($190) and Gauntlet Gloves ($175), all backed by a lifetime warranty. [Note: Make sure to check the info for each product to see what’s included and what you must purchase separately for operation.]
Windproof and waterproof gloves made of nylon and leather with tricot lining and Thinsulation insulation. They have heating elements on both sides of the hand from the wrist to the fingertips. There’s a rubber broom on the left thumb and index fingers that are touchscreen compatible, but given the thickness of the fingertips, it’s a bit clumsy.
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One great feature I haven’t seen on some other heating gloves is the 90-degree L-plug. California Heat could improve it by adding an L-joint or plug on the cord that comes out of the jacket lining, which will help to slide the glove over the cuff of your riding jacket after putting on the glove. become lighter. plug into the liner.
As for the windproof, waterproof ripstop nylon jacket lining, on the other hand, I have no complaints. It has zippered pockets for the cord when not in use and other regular pockets, including two outside and three inside (I especially appreciated the zipped one). The pants lining has the same composition as the jacket, there are also zippered pockets for laces, and speaking of zippers, the pants have a zipper in the middle of the sides to make shoe management easier.
When I left home for Las Vegas, it was in the low 40s. I was on the interstate with an 80 mph speed limit, so I had the extra wind chill factor, but I also had a windshield and it was sunny, which helped a lot. Anyway, I run a little warmer and got pretty used to colder temperatures, so when I started I put both the jacket and pants dials on the Dual Dial Temperature Controller ($100, sold separately) ) just above the “off” level. The website says the controller has “20 stages of change up to 135 degrees.” There are gentle tactile “clicks” on the dial, and I counted over 30 clicks, so I just used a visual reference. I was very comfortable on the lowest setting, but even going back when the temperature was in my 30s, I didn’t need to increase the dial by more than a third.
With my job, I can’t afford to just ride in the warmer seasons in my area, and with the California Heat equipment, not only is my job easier, but now I’m looking forward to extending the riding season his horse. If only they could bring the warmth of California to all the snow on the road…
For more information, visit California Heat Site.
