After doing a search here & across the net I'm no less undecided. Leaning towards something with its own battery as I recently had charging issues a few months ago on the '06 gsxr 600 I street ride (though that has been repaired and am having no issues now). In an older post Rubber Chicken (hi Tom) recommends the Gerbing liner and well, I trust Tom. I realize this is powered by the bikes battery. Any other thoughts ? I have an older pair of Nordica snowboard bibs and several jackets to choose from but after 40 minutes or more in the 30/40 degree range I'm not very comfortable.
Warm & Safe makes heated jacket liners, pant liners, socks, gloves & glove liners along with the heat trollers to control thermostat. They also have batteries,pouches & chargers. Keep in mind the battery will only heat the apparel for so long and the more apparel you have the shorter the battery will last (I think 2-3 hours if you have heated nonstop). www.warmnsafe.com
You can get battery packs for the Gerbing stuff too. That gives you two options with the same gear. I've been using the Gerbing stuff for about 10 years. Works great and they have a lifetime warranty on the heating elements.
I have used Gerbings for a long time. Love that stuff. Nothing like riding along with snow piled on both sides of the road at 20 degrees F or less, while being warm and comfy on the bike.
http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-electric-warmbib.html Very very compact and affordable heat. I just hook the standard plug into my battery tender pig tail with enough length that I can stand and ride my KTM640 adv over the bumpy stuff with no isssues
Gerbings are the right answer. I do have a Tourmaster vest however that is so warm, it'll burn your skin thru a t-shirt on high setting.
Just got a gerbing liner and gloves for my birthday and the thing is awesome for the sub 45deg mornings that turn into 60+deg commutes home
Geez I didn't realize those things were that expensive. The liners are more expensive than most jackets...
Gerbing is very good stuff and their customer service, in my one experience, was excellent. I had a pair of their heated gloves and one of the gloves (the electric part) failed. I emailed them and they told me to send BOTH gloves back. Three weeks later a brand new pair (still in the new packaging) arrived at my door.....no charge whatsoever.