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Aerostich Kanetsu Electric Vest Review and My Silverwing

By Thom | May 13, 2009

Spring and fall, heck even summers in Minnesota, can get quite cold and it’s not of any great fun to freeze your ‘iron’ buns off as you ride. Now you could add on more clothes, which also adds weight and can sometimes effect your abilities to control the bike OR you can go the easy route – Electrics! I had the pleasure of obtaining an Aerostich Kanetsu Wind Blocker TLtec Electric Vest right from the Duluth, MN store on a recent trip up to the northland.

Here’s a link so you can buy one yourself: AEROSTICH

I liked this model the best first, because it only consumes about 45 watts worth of electricity (without the arms) and second, because it does’t look horrid if I were to wear it by itself. Obviously the Honda Silverwing is known for having the largest stator output, therefore I don’t have to worry too much about draining the battery. The vest itself is made with a wind blocker fleece material which is very soft and seems to cut out any wind that can make it through my jacket.

Aerostich offers you several different connection options including an SAE plug, BMW standard plug, and a ‘quick connect.’ I chose the SAE plug because of its track record with working in extreme environments, however, I would now probably chose the quick connect if I purchased another one. The SAE plug isn’t bad at all, but the quick connect is much easier to work with one glove and it seems to have a proven track record.

Picture of the connector and lighted switch that are connected to the vest

I mounted it to the GL500 using the included kit from Aerostich – actually I mounted it in their Duluth parking lot – it was that easy! The kit has a 10 amp wired fuse included and excellent instructions for even electrically-timid. The Silverwing’s battery is located under the left panel, from there, I routed the connector under the frame and it exits by the carburetor. This location seemed to work best with what is provided in the kit. I also threw on some  split loom shielding to prevent the wires from getting too hot, and also from rubbing on the frame. This location works well for now.

Mounted on bike (I’ll spare you the battery connections pic)

Front view of the vest

Rear view (notice it’s a bit longer in the rear)

Pocket that the vest can fold into

I’ve had the vest only a few weeks, but it has paid for itself well over. I’m more than comfortable down to 33 degrees with only my jacket, liner, vest, tshirt, and a simple longsleeve. It can really put out the heat! Depending on how you sit, you can find some hotter spots in the vest, but a simple move and they are gone.

I highly recommend adding one to your riding gear if you live far from the equator. Anything I can do to get rid of bringing so much stuff with me when I travel is welcome.  As with any delicate riding equipment I think if you treat it right, you should have a decent, warm vest for years.

(I’ll update this review as time passes to see if my thoughts change)

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