Winter commuting questions - Page 5

jamminbmx · 12-01-2024, 07:43 AM

I did Gazza thanks! But I need a solution I can use on both bikes...

On the other hand it is back above freezing here so I might save the beer tokens and put this thread to bed for another year

dunf · 12-01-2024, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamminbmx

I'm heading towards heated gloves hardwired to battery. Sooo the next question...can I connect unlimited connections to the battery terminals?

Already have an Optimate connector there. Obviously won't be used same time as the gloves!

I initially used my optimate connector for heated gloves, but then found that there is a factory fitted auxiliary socket at the left hand side of the fuel tank on my Monster. I think it might be intended for heated grips as a factory accessory? Anyway, I bought the corresponding plug (very cheap - ebay) and crimped it to an old KEIS power cable. So now I have a dedicated lead permanently wired up for my heated kit to attach to. I ran it to the top of the passenger left peg hanger for easy access. But the optimate worked fine too. And prob better if switching bikes.

Honestly - if you can stomach the cost then I cannot recommend the KEIS kit highly enough. It's fantastic. (And if you have optimate leads on each bike then you can switch from bike to bike seamlessly).

Mr Gazza · 12-01-2024, 10:30 AM

I think Keis is about the only specialist motorcycle kit available from UK suppliers.
I believe it's all 12V ? I think you can also get an external controller for them.
My experiments with cheap chinese stuff is leading me to the conclusion that it's worth saving up for some proper Keis kit. (one day!)

The market place for this kit seems to change all the time, so it'll be interesting to see the developments for next Winter.

dunf · 12-01-2024, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Gazza

I think Keis is about the only specialist motorcycle kit available from UK suppliers.
I believe it's all 12V ? I think you can also get an external controller for them.
My experiments with cheap chinese stuff is leading me to the conclusion that it's worth saving up for some proper Keis kit. (one day!)

The market place for this kit seems to change all the time, so it'll be interesting to see the developments for next Winter.

yep, as i've said elsewhere we both have a lot of the Keis kit. Gloves, vests, insoles etc. I bought them for doing blood bikes all year round, and i can wear when on offshore turbines if needed! There is a knack to what controllers and cables you need depending on what combo you want and what bike, which I would be happy to enlighten anyone considering kitting out with Keis, just send me a DM.

Bitza · 12-01-2024, 06:01 PM

The first winter (1998) that I had my M900, I rode it through the winter. Not the most wonderful experience, icing up of the carbs in snowy condition, was the most inconvenient. However the worst issues were due to salt, the engine unit went All furry with the paint peeling off, I suspect it also accelerated paint peel on the wheels. On top of that brake calipers becoming sticky was also an issue.

jamminbmx · 13-01-2024, 01:19 PM

Bitza i have exactly the same experience. Coated the bike in S100 protective spray this time round which defo helps! Also generates clouds of white smoke when first run as it burns off the hot parts. Made me look like a mythical beast on my first dark morning ride to work this winter! Very cool.

Carb icing just needed a fistful of revs to solve. I am amazed at the little monster touch wood!!!!

12-01-2024, 10:30 AM	#63
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,978	I think Keis is about the only specialist motorcycle kit available from UK suppliers. I believe it's all 12V ? I think you can also get an external controller for them. My experiments with cheap chinese stuff is leading me to the conclusion that it's worth saving up for some proper Keis kit. (one day!) The market place for this kit seems to change all the time, so it'll be interesting to see the developments for next Winter. __________________

12-01-2024, 06:01 PM	#65
Bitza Silver Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Poole Bike: M900ie Posts: 513	The first winter (1998) that I had my M900, I rode it through the winter. Not the most wonderful experience, icing up of the carbs in snowy condition, was the most inconvenient. However the worst issues were due to salt, the engine unit went All furry with the paint peeling off, I suspect it also accelerated paint peel on the wheels. On top of that brake calipers becoming sticky was also an issue. __________________ Bitza

12-01-2024, 07:43 AM	#61
jamminbmx Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: oxford Bike: M600 Posts: 131	I did Gazza thanks! But I need a solution I can use on both bikes... On the other hand it is back above freezing here so I might save the beer tokens and put this thread to bed for another year

13-01-2024, 01:19 PM	#66
jamminbmx Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: oxford Bike: M600 Posts: 131	Bitza i have exactly the same experience. Coated the bike in S100 protective spray this time round which defo helps! Also generates clouds of white smoke when first run as it burns off the hot parts. Made me look like a mythical beast on my first dark morning ride to work this winter! Very cool. Carb icing just needed a fistful of revs to solve. I am amazed at the little monster touch wood!!!!