Heater and riding in the rain - Printable Version

Heater and riding in the rain - Printable Version

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Pages: 1 2

Heater and riding in the rain - JustMike - 11-10-2019

Hello.

Would like to know how efficient the heater is in the Venice. I was originally looking to get a speedster next year, but now am thinking about a Blackjack. One of the options NA on the Blackjack is a heater. I live in Minnesota, so the fall and early spring are a bit chilly. Just wondering if anyone uses the heater and would miss it if it were gone. I currently ride motorcycles, so I am ok with the cold, but if the heater really helps might need to reconsider my choice.

Also, would like to know how "waterproof" the interior is. I do a couple cross country trips on bikes each year and always seem to catch a day or two of riding in the rain. My hope is to use the Venice for the cross country trips and retire the bikes to <3500 mile jaunts. getting old.... Smile

thanks,
mike

RE: Heater and riding in the rain - coolwhip - 11-10-2019

Mike

I'm in the Pacific NW and other than summer, most riding is cool to cold. I find the heated seat good, but have to turn it off and on - it gets too warm, even on the lowest setting. The heater is also a good item. I blow both vents onto me since I don't usually have a passenger. The drawback with the heater is that it blows at you, instead of at your legs and feet. the legs and feet don't get heat. They should have pointed them downward. I rigged a tube to divert one of the vents down towards my feet, for coldest riding.

I've only been caught in the rain briefly a few times. Water comes off the top of the windshield and pretty much goes over your head. The worst is the spray coming off the front tires (I have the optional rear fender), even just on wet roads. It can make a mess. I don't think there is much concern with the interior getting wet. When your moving not much comes inside. The problem is just cleaning up dirty spray.

RE: Heater and riding in the rain - JustMike - 11-10-2019

Thanks for the insight. I think the heated seat alone will more than likely steer me towards a speedster.

RE: Heater and riding in the rain - Falcon Wing - 11-10-2019

I have a Speedster (~2 weeks now) and drove it home ~750 miles through sub 20' weather going over 11k ft passes, and having the heated seats / heater were very nice to have.
Yesterday I drove in 40' sunny weather and still used both. As mentioned, the heater does not blow on your feet....sure would be nice if it did.

I'd also say that the speedster heater probably works better than the 2 seater just because the cowl would hold in some of the hot air.....

RE: Heater and riding in the rain - Trip - 11-14-2019

I'm also in MN. The heated seats are what ya need. The heater doesn't do much really. Going to do some mods this winter and reroute the vents to point at the legs.

RE: Heater and riding in the rain - IndyVandy - 11-29-2019

I would definitely take the heater. I'm in Indiana and below 50deg it adds comfort to the ride

RE: Heater and riding in the rain - Speedster12 - 12-12-2019

(11-10-2019, 12:05 AM)JustMike Wrote: Hello.

Would like to know how efficient the heater is in the Venice. I was originally looking to get a speedster next year, but now am thinking about a Blackjack. One of the options NA on the Blackjack is a heater. I live in Minnesota, so the fall and early spring are a bit chilly. Just wondering if anyone uses the heater and would miss it if it were gone. I currently ride motorcycles, so I am ok with the cold, but if the heater really helps might need to reconsider my choice.

Also, would like to know how "waterproof" the interior is. I do a couple cross country trips on bikes each year and always seem to catch a day or two of riding in the rain. My hope is to use the Venice for the cross country trips and retire the bikes to <3500 mile jaunts. getting old....

thanks,
mike

The blower heaters are ineffective if the outside temperature is very cool (maybe below 40) and if you are traveling at speed, because, of course, there is nothing to contain the heat. On the other hand, the heated seat is very effective. I've driven 80 miles in a t-shirt and sweatshirt in 35 degree weather and survived just fine thanks to the heated seat.

RE: Heater and riding in the rain - gudgeonpin - 12-29-2019

The heated seats and heater are fine for my riding (midwest). Like Coolwhip, I have to turn the seats on and off- they are quite warm.

When I bought mine and drove it home ~400 miles, I got caught in a traditional midwest frog-drowning rain. I couldn't drive above 45 mph without serious hydroplaning. As in 'lose all traction and move 3 feet laterally'. I was stuck on the highway for many miles, driving 40-45 with my hazards on and hoping no one would run over my dumb a$$. So- be very, very aware that these light vehicles with big wide tires can skip like a stone across a lake in a heavy rain.
But- I don't think it damaged the car. I have an ABS issue that may or may not have arisen from that, but the interior dried out nicely when I got home (and put a box fan in the car for two days).

RE: Heater and riding in the rain - Brummbar - 12-30-2019

I too am wanting/needing heat if I get a Blackjack (Venice). Having/getting heated seats is "Do-Able" - just have to find/pick a good and durable heater kit as its not like VH is going to offer them..... Anyway, adding a conventional heater is what really concerns me; and needs to be further researched and planned.

Brummbar

RE: Heater and riding in the rain - PaulAB - 12-30-2019

I got caught in a real heavy downpour once so far. I was riding in lighter showers ( no issues) and could not go around the heavier cell or two in getting to my destination.
I found temporary relief under a funeral home entrance archway for about 15 minutes; Buick’s were slipping around on the road.

Only lasting issue was the armrest on the speedster exposed side. The next day, it was showing some “bubbling” and raised tracks below the surface of the covering upholstery.
Cleaning and then conditioning with Griots Garage leather and interior products returned it to original condition.

And yes, wheel spray and hydroplaning are the issues most annoying in heavy standing rain driving conditions. Probably best to find rest area and wait out the heavy rain. Lighter showers are not a problem and can actually be fun to ride in if you don’t mind cleaning the vehicle afterwards. I have noted rust in the dealer’s Venice demo around the seat base and belt attachment areas and so I always hand dry those areas after being in rain or even washing the cart. Front axles rust up easily too and I find that mc chain oil and chain wax is a good way to treat that issue and slow the rusting patina.

Cheers.