Advice on 1stGear Kilamanjaro Jacket

[RatBoy]

Hey, the ole lady got me a FirstGear Kilamanjaro jacket for Xmas, and I'm wondering if anyone has, has had, one and could answer a question or two?

 

[STRIPES]

I haven't had one but know it is easier to get on if you unzip it first.

 

[billz]

deer slayer

Killed a deer in mine at 60 mph then slid down Hwy 34 for a stretch. Good jacket, still wear it though it is a little tattered.

 

[RocketDaryl]

Yes, the pockets are large enough to carry your pet hamster. Yes, the little bastard can still escape even if you velcro it shut.

 

[fastfreight]

I have one and use it all the time. What would you like to know?

 

[RatBoy]

- the jacket is extremely stiff, do they loosen up over time? Is there something that I can do to speed up the break in process? Besides hitting a deer going 60 and sliding down the road...

- Do you have the heated liner? How's it work? 90 Watt, or 60 watt?

 

[fastfreight]

I have had mine for a couple of years and washed it two or three times, and it's not stiff. As I recall, it was less flexible when I first got it. I can't comment on the heated liner, I only got the fleece liner with mine since I already had a Gerbings jacket liner. BTW, I have also taken a couple of falls wearing this jacket and the armor worked perfectly.

 

[RatBoy]

I have had mine for a couple of years and washed it two or three times, and it's not stiff. As I recall, it was less flexible when I first got it. I can't comment on the heated liner, I only got the fleece liner with mine since I already had a Gerbings jacket liner. BTW, I have also taken a couple of falls wearing this jacket and the armor worked perfectly.

Did you have any fitment problems with the Gerbings liner in your jacket? Connectivity problems? Are you using a gerbing controller?

 

[fastfreight]

No fitment problems. You want an electric liner to fit fairly closely to your body, so if you have bought the right size your jacket will go on over it no problem (you don't use the jacket liner, just the outer shell). The heat output is incredible. It's like snuggling up to a fat girl in a sleeping bag (oops, never mind...). I have the standard Triumph power outlet on the left side of the R3 which takes a BMW-style plug, so if you order the Gerbings liner with this plug, it's so simple a caveman could do it. I do use the Gerbing controller, with a large enough control to be easily adjusted with gloves on while you ride, but it is the old style, not what they sell now. However, the Gerbings people know what they are doing so I wouldn't worry. They are a great company with a great product. I saw ads before Christmas that they have come out with a new version with thinner heating wires that makes the liner lighter and more flexible but at the same time heats more evenly

 

[TriumPhil]

Try tumbling it in the dryer at medium heat setting, cuz!