Triumphrat

NinjaRAT · 01-22-2008

I'm seriously looking at picking up one of these for the colder months. After checking them out at the recent Motorcycle Show, they look to be a great product (WebBikeWorld has a favorable review, also). The booth vendor mentioned an accessory adapter for connecting to my Sprint's Powerlet socket, but I'm unable to find a part number on-line (motorcycleusa.com, or Tour Master).

I've emailed TM, and am hoping to get some sort of response. In the meantime, I thought I'd see what the masses might know about this get up, in relationship to our bikes.

Lastly, I seem to recall seeing a conversion formula for figuring out how much load a particular bike's electrical system will handle for accessories, but for the life of me, I cannot remember where. Anyone know what the Sprints system will handle, or point me to a formula to figure it out on my own?

All searching has done is find mentions of the Synergy gear, but no actual opinions or applications.

oldmanjob · 01-23-2008

If it is any help I wear a Widder heated vest, arm chaps, and heated gloves and my 06 Bonnie's electrical system handles it quite well. I originally only had a off on switch, but at times got too hot. Now, have opted for a thermostat switch and can set it in a comfort zone. Have ridden in 20 degree weather in comfort

NinjaRAT · 02-03-2008

Sorry for the ate response to my own thread. I must have missed the email notification of replies.

In any case, oldmanjob makes a good point...I should be looking at all the alternatives than just TM.

I did a bit of research, and it looks like Synergy offers the most complete package (i.e. you don't have to buy a regulator, or additional wiring. On the flip side, they don't yet have a connector for the Powerlet plug, though one is in the works. Also, their response time to email queries, is really slow. Almost too slow.

The other two have a more established reputation, and I believe, at least Widder has a lifetime warranty on all wiring. On the flip side, both are more expensive, requiring additional (necessary) items to be purchased separately.

As for the amount of wattage the accessory socket can handle, I believe I have that figured out. If watts=Volts x Amps, and the Sprint puts out about 35 amps, I should be good for 420 watts. I'm guessing that the Sprint should be able to handle at least a jacket and gloves.

Edit: forgot to upload the .PDF TM sent me on their line's wattage usage.

Garyhjd · 02-04-2008

Widders lifetime warrenty is only good as long as the company is around and they are closing at the end fo 2008.

Gary

NinjaRAT · 02-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garyhjd

Widders lifetime warrenty is only good as long as the company is around and they are closing at the end fo 2008.

Gary

Good point, and I thought I had heard rumor that Widder was going under. In anycase, I may have been mistaken about the lifetime warenty.

I was re-reading the WebBikeWorld review of the Gerbing heated jacket, and it mentioned Gerbing having a lifetime warrenty on wiring. Must have confused the two.

Just due to the convenience and lower price, I think I'll be looking to get the Synergy heated jacket liner next month. I'll post back with my thoughts.

Pauljo · 02-04-2008

I was able to ride my Bonnie twice last week. Temperatures were between 21° F and 26° F. I used my Gerbing jacket liner & gloves plugged into the Powerlet outlet. I was plenty warm. The Gerbing gear needed a coaxial to Powerlet converter cord, which can be ordered directly from Gerbing, or Powerlet, or several other sites I saw on the web. I bought my adapter from Gerbing.

ggRAT · 02-06-2008

I've owned both, a Widder System 2 and a Tourmaster Synergy.

I like the Tourmaster best for these reasons...
1. Built-in elastic makes for a better fit (some expansion is possible.)
2. It is thinner, less bulky.
3. It is less expensive. (Thermostat and battery cable are standard.)
4. Variable adjustment of temperature is possible instead of only on/off.

Regardless, I can recommend them both because they worked equally well and certainly extended the riding season.

NinjaRAT · 03-01-2008

Good points, and mainly what I based my opinions. Not to say that any system is less than the others, but the TM brand seems to be the best option for my budget and convenience-needs.

I'm hoping to pick up the jacket in the next month or so. I really need to get back on the bike for commutting. $3/gallon in the Jeep is not where it's at!