Would you buy a Heated Seat? Why or Why not?

[blakebird]

I had a heated Corbin on my R1150GS Adventure, but it had plenty of headroom in the alternator-output department...

On a bike where you have to watch your current load, it's a luxury I could do without. It was nice though.

 

[artistic rider]

The coldest I've seen was around 15 degrees. I had heated gloves and jacket and layered my pants. I don't have a heated seat and wasn't chilled at all. Invest in heated gear.

 

[Knifemaker]

Heated seats are great! The down side is the pull on the alternator.IMHO you need to have a Goldwing or BMW that has the juice capable of powering it then they are not worth the cost or the strain on the electrical system.Money is better spent on other warming items like powerlets,warming vests,body mods to divert wind or heated hand grips. Check out this site www.techniche-international.com.Battery powered warming gear!

Unless I am miss reading this, the Gen II bikes have an extra 100 watts.

I got a Corbin seat and passed on the heated seat option. Now after enjoying this feature in my MX5 , I kinda wish I went for it.

True, if you are really dressing up for a cold weather ride, you just will end up insulating yourself from the heat...but as mentioned, it really comes in handy on days when it is just a bit chilly and you are not wearing alot of gear.

There is no law that says you have to use it all the time it is cold, but I can see many scenerios where it would be real handy to have it available. (Kinda like carrying a gun, you may never ever have to use it, but that one time you need it , it's nice that it is there)

KM

KM

 

[user 6393]

I use a heated seat on my feej - I instaled one of aerostich's bun-warmers into my stock 06 saddle.
In conjunction with my darien heated liner and heated grips - I love it! But I'm riding all year round in BC where it can get rather chilly in the winter time.

If you're riding in the cold (near freezing temps) I'd say it's a really useful farkle.

...wimp

(j/k)

 

[2006FJR]

I bought my seat from BMS and I ordered the heated seat option. Earlier this year we went over a mountain pass at over 10k feet and it was COLD! I got the heated seat with the high and low setting. The high setting was so hot I had to stand until I could change it to the low setting. It was the best purchase and I would get it again.

 

[Brodie]

I use a heated seat on my feej - I instaled one of aerostich's bun-warmers into my stock 06 saddle.
In conjunction with my darien heated liner and heated grips - I love it! But I'm riding all year round in BC where it can get rather chilly in the winter time.

If you're riding in the cold (near freezing temps) I'd say it's a really useful farkle.

...wimp

(j/k)

Barb,

Bull and I aren't wimps, we just kinda warmed up to the idea of a heated seat. :derisive:

 

[Brodie]

lacofdfireman,

This is my set up...

When I was in Ojai for my ride in, the gentleman working with me advised me to go with the non switched option. I could add a controller at a later date when I was ready to work it in. The other option was for a high low off switch mounted somewhere on the bike. Some people have this switch mounted on the left or right side of the seat, however, with the way our seats overlap the side panel it can be difficult to position it in the right spot. Its a fairly large rectangular box.

The other problem with a high low switch is (just as 2006FJR posted) its either too hot or not warm enough. With a variable switch you can adjust it to your comfort level.

Pictured is my Heat Troller set up fitted way inside my tail piece and its wire threaded to the area under the pilot seat. I installed a GM WeatherPak connector to enable me to disconnect the seat and set aside.

The Heat Troller I chose for this application is for a heated grip. Mike over at Warm and Safe ( the manufacturer ) suggested I use it. This 'Troller has a wired remote, panel mounted controller knob and status led. I chose to mount it on the dash panel below my left hand grip.

As you can see I have two other knobs in that area to control the dual chanel 'Troller for my heated jacket liner and gloves. It never fails - you start working on something and the "I might as well" sickness kicks in. The custom seat begat the Heat Troller, which begat the heated jacket liner, which begat the Fuze Panel, which begat the StarCom, which begat... you get the picture.

When it comes right down to it, you need to make the judgement - is this item worth the cost?

Isn't this fun?

Brodie

 

[Brodie]

One more thing about the heated seat...

I use my bike for commuting year round (unfortunately that is a good portion of the miles on the beast, but I'm working on that). My commute is 37 miles and over 2 mountain passes, San Jose to Livermore. In the winter time it routinely gets at or near freezing at 5:30 in the morning, many days it gets into the mid twenties. :cold: I wear winter gloves and a RoadCrafter Stitch with a light jacket underneath. A 30 minute ride is tolerable at these temperatures with just a pair of jeans on. The heated seat and heated grips make it much nicer, and I don't spend any more time getting dressed than I have to.

Again... YMMV

Brodie

 

[Checkswrecks]

The seat is like the heated grips in that you don't have to turn them on, they sure aren't necessary, but they are a nice option & there if you want.

I have a heated jacket liner for my Stitch and heated gloves, so I seldom use the grip heaters. But they are there for Fall & Spring when I'm just wearing regular old leather gloves.

Bob

 

[DaveFJR]

Of course proper gear is a must: suit, gloves, neck/chin protection, boots, etc for cold riding. My FJR has a heated Corbin seat & grip warmers too. Helps in cold weather. But when it was a warm day, the ride stretches into evening and the gear you are wearing is a little too light after dark for comfort they are nice (always on the bike available for use.)

 

[Harald]

I've never had a heated seat and can't imagine paying extra for one. I ride year 'round in temps as low as 20 degrees and have never felt the need for a heated seat. I do wear a Aerostitch with heated jacket liner and use my Honda heated grips and Suzuki handguards. But I suppose if my bike had a heated seat, I'd use it in the winter.