Ok, NOW I'm ready...

[Katie]

...for the UK winter


Givi Touring screen -

OEM Heated seat -

Givi handguards -

Super-mega Givi muffs to go over the handguards -

OEM heated grips (actually effective with the muffs on) -

OEM downpipes and cat (for keeping toes toasty) -


Ok, it has all the aerodynamic properties of a breeze block but I really hate getting cold!

 

[V700Steve]

You may want a lap apron, with pipes coming out the side it may not keep much heat in.

 

[Raven]

Or, you could get a car.

 

[Katie]

You may want a lap apron, with pipes coming out the side it may not keep much heat in.

You jest but...

 

[Katie]

Or, you could get a car.

Wash your mouth out!

 

[draco_1967]

You should try heated gear! It makes a huge difference in comfort in the cold.

 

[Katie]

You should try heated gear! It makes a huge difference in comfort in the cold.

Have got a Keis vest and gloves which are brilliant, but I had stopped using the vest as the bike battery was so weak (it was taking 10 miles for the battery to recover from being started before the gear would come on!) but have since replaced the OEM with a Provacell lithium battery. That has made a massive difference and I can run everything without loss now.
Strangely the heated saddle gives the best overall heating effect and I haven't used the vest for a while. As my commute is around 2 hours each way, I'm sure every device will be switched on when the temp drops below -4C...

 

[Lannis]

Four hours a day on a motorcycle commuting in the winter-time is Master Class stuff.

I don't know your age (and it's none of my business) but I did my daily commuting on a motorcycle winter and summer (just 40 minutes each way) up until I was about 50 years old. After that, I started to rub my chin and say "Hmmmm......" when there was a cold rain in the morning.

I don't commute any more, but I still use a bike whenever I can, and take multiple-thousand-mile trips anywhere from March to October, and ride some every month.

But you keep it up as long as you can. Great mods to your bike!

Lannis

 

[Seasider]

Have got a Keis vest and gloves which are brilliant, but I had stopped using the vest as the bike battery was so weak (it was taking 10 miles for the battery to recover from being started before the gear would come on!) but have since replaced the OEM with a Provacell lithium battery. That has made a massive difference and I can run everything without loss now.
Strangely the heated saddle gives the best overall heating effect and I haven't used the vest for a while. As my commute is around 2 hours each way, I'm sure every device will be switched on when the temp drops below -4C...

I was disappointed by the power of the heated grips, compared to my BMW ones, so I put my old Barkbuster Blizzards on the Mandello for the winter months. They are a cross between handguards and muffs.

Interesting to read your thoughts on the heated seat. I'm pondering getting the higher one, but the price is a bit too rich for me. Not much chance of a Guzzi Black Friday discount.

 

[Katie]

I was disappointed by the power of the heated grips, compared to my BMW ones, so I put my old Barkbuster Blizzards on the Mandello for the winter months. They are a cross between handguards and muffs.

Interesting to read your thoughts on the heated seat. I'm pondering getting the higher one, but the price is a bit too rich for me. Not much chance of a Guzzi Black Friday discount.

The price did make me hesitate a lot but glad I took the plunge, it really is lush

 

[tobinh]

The price did make me hesitate a lot but glad I took the plunge, it really is lush

hmm maybe I can get one added to my old clunker... the mornings are getting a bit chilly here too

 

[GerryAZ]

I was disappointed by the power of the heated grips, compared to my BMW ones, so I put my old Barkbuster Blizzards on the Mandello for the winter months.

Interesting comparison between BMW and Mandello heated grips. The OEM (optional) heated grips on my V85TT are significantly warmer than the ones on either R1150RS.

 

[Raven]

Interesting comparison between BMW and Mandello heated grips. The OEM (optional) heated grips on my V85TT are significantly warmer than the ones on either R1150RS.

Also interesting is that the heated Mandello grips and the V85TT are identical. They are also a direct replacement for the left grip on my Norge GT 8V. I haven't needed to replace the right one yet. They don't wear as quickly because the throttle turns.

 

[Katie]

Talking of heated bits, I've just removed the foot-melter and replaced it with the Mivv headers. Have installed the Upmap with the 'GCorse and stock silencer' map and it sounds slightly deeper but not noticeably louder (which is good).
First long run tomorrow so hopefully will be able to spot if any obvious difference (other than weight and heat!). Good that the OEM shields can stay on too

 

[Katie]

Well, that was a pleasure

A lovely change in tone without getting too loud. Used my commute (93 miles each way) to test the changes in Tour and Sport.

Outward trip in Tour - always the easiest mode, there was a significant change in the 4-6k rev range. Acceleration was much more linear and power fed in smoother than previously. Other than that, the ride felt cleaner throughout although it was always pretty smooth.

Return trip in Sport - harder to spot any large difference here (was pretty responsive previously) but it feels like the throttle response is sharper across the range. Takes a bit more getting used to as can feel jerky until you adjust your riding wrist response!

Other than that, the significant weight difference and loss of boot-melting heat make this a good deal for me

 

[DeadEye]

I’ve noticed when I’m using the heated grips on the V7 , it seems to work better if I keep the rev’s a bit higher if I have them on 3 or 4 ( 0- 4 ).
I can only imagine that using heated grips, vest and seat will put quite a bit more load on the system than it might have been engineered for…
Maybe try keeping the rev’s a bit higher , drop down a gear, on your ride to work and see if you notice any difference ?

 

[Brock_NZ]

I’ve noticed when I’m using the heated grips on the V7 , it seems to work better if I keep the rev’s a bit higher if I have them on 3 or 4 ( 0- 4 ).
I can only imagine that using heated grips, vest and seat will put quite a bit more load on the system than it might have been engineered for…
Maybe try keeping the rev’s a bit higher , drop down a gear, on your ride to work and see if you notice any difference ?

Makes sense if it’s like the V100, whose manual says grip heaters are only active over 2,000 rpm.