K11 Owners Group

fnord · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 12:45 pm Post subject:

I got my Synergy jacket on Friday ($130), and I used it for the first time this morning, on low, at about 75mph for a solid half hour stretch in 38 degree winds.

Thing freaking rocks. Very even heat, and it tipped me over the top into being as comfy on the bike as I would be in a car. With the heated grips, I'm all set. An aeroflow is still on the list, but it's nowhere near as urgent now.

I've not heard good things about the Synergy gloves, though. Everyone who has tried them has said that they're nowhere near as warm as the jacket. If I didn't have the grips and was looking for gloves, I personally would look elsewhere.
_________________
1993 K1100RS
1999 Jeep Wrangler

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 12:50 pm Post subject:

I bought some heated insoles for my boots and wired them up to the jacket's pants connector with a connector I bought at Radio Shack. Now my feet will be warm too. Very Happy

Now if it would just get cold enough here to test my new setup. Rolling Eyes

_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

jpberens1994K1100RS · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 1:44 pm Post subject: synergy gloves

Yeah, I'm reading that too about the gloves, but the jacket liner is awesome!

May have to go with heated grips then.
_________________
1993 K1100RS that I'd rather be riding FAST!
2014 Moto Guzzi Norge

Jim · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 2:23 pm Post subject: heated grips

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=370107756265&ih=024&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=#ht_2745wt_0
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Flying Duck · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 3:08 pm Post subject:

I finally got to try mine out. It wasn't that cold along the coast so I didn't have it a lot of the time but when I dad use it it worked fine. I'm wearing a North Face base layer and a thin fleece pullover underneath it. I've found that even turned off it does a pretty good job of keeping me warm and retaining heat. I just used the low setting since it wasn't that cold.

I'm gald I sold my Aerostich vest and got this jacket. With my arms being warm my hands are getting warmer blood and I don't use the heated grips as much as I did with a vest.

I have my heated insoles hooked up to the pants connector. That's not working too great because I never got it out of the low setting so the insoles don't get full power. I'm going to have to wire those with a separate switch or something.

I suspect it will be colder when I ride home in January and I expect it will perform well then.

Two thumbs up. Very Happy

_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

mike toon · Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 4:22 pm Post subject:

I too ordered the Synergy jacket ($162) before I saw the $130 deal. Oh well.

How bulky is this jacket liner? I use both XXL Tourmaster's GX Sport and Jett jackets that come with zippered liners.

I'm hoping to remove the liner and use the Synergy. I already lost 25 lbs just to fit into these. Any bulkier and I'll have to lose more weight!
_________________
Current Bikes
1993 K1100LT
1976 GL1000 Naked
1981 GL1100 Naked
2000 DR650 Dual Sport

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 4:58 pm Post subject:

It's about as bulky as a typical zip-in liner.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:05 pm Post subject:

So, I used mine quite a bit on the way home from Cali. I was just wearing a North Face long sleeved base layer underneath and the liner zipper into my jacket. I ued all of the settings - high, medium and low. I really didn't need to use the high that much though. It's much nicer having warm sleeves than when I had a Stich vest.

BUT I was using the leg holder for the controller and at some point it ripped the grommet and some of the fabric. out of the jacket, It stiil worked the rest of the way home but I'll be emailing Tourmaster for a warranty replacement.

I think it's a rather flimsy design for holding the controller pad onto the jacket. So, BE WARNED, do not pull excessively on the controller cable. I'll be babying my next one - that's for sure.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

jpberens1994K1100RS · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 9:37 am Post subject: Synergy jacket

Mine did that too!

I think it's a faulty design coming straight out of the jacket. Get's pinched against the body and is bent at an extreme angle right from the get go.

Please let us know how you make out. If they deny you, I'm going to have to fix mine myself.
_________________
1993 K1100RS that I'd rather be riding FAST!
2014 Moto Guzzi Norge

Flying Duck · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:30 pm Post subject: Re: Synergy jacket

jpberens1994K1100RS · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:35 pm Post subject: Synergy liner

Much agreed, I used the leg strap & must have pulled on it too much.

I did not think they would cover it & say the same thing, pulled too hard on it.
I'll fix mine unless they offer you a better designed replacement. I'm sure I can institute a permanent repair on mine over th enext month or so.

I LOVE THIS LINER!!!!!!!

We had one dry morning in November and it was 17 degrees out. My hands ached, but my toro and ARMS were nice & toasty on high.
_________________
1993 K1100RS that I'd rather be riding FAST!
2014 Moto Guzzi Norge

mike toon · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 3:01 pm Post subject:

I just got my Synergy jacket and can see the problem. The material around the grommet isn't strong enough. The simple fix is to get out the needle and black thread and make several loops on the inside just above the grommet, and secure the cord to the fabric to help take some of the load.

Shouldn't have to do it, but being without for two weeks is a hassle..............and the replacement won't be any better.

Is my connector a new style? How could any other controller plug in?
_________________
Current Bikes
1993 K1100LT
1976 GL1000 Naked
1981 GL1100 Naked
2000 DR650 Dual Sport

Flying Duck · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 2:46 pm Post subject:

Summary:

Mine pulled out after 4 days of riding.

Sent it to MAW for warranty replacement in mid-January. (You need to call to get a return authorization number.)

Hear nothing from them so emailed them in mid-February. Never heard back.

Finally called them this morning and found a gal who is going to get it shipped out immediately.

Suggestion: If you tear it and send it in, call them a week later, and then a week after that.

Future plans: As a simple fix, I'm going to tie some paracord from the zipper pull on the left pocket to the controller connnector to reduce the stress on the rivet that holds the cord in. I'll also not be using the leg strap anymore and just let the controller hang free.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Flying Duck · Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2010 2:40 pm Post subject:

After maybe 12-15 days of use my Synergy jacket liner controller crapped out. I give up. I need something reliable. I ordered the Warm & Safe Tourmaster plug and a Powerlet controller from Eastern Beaver. I got the Powerlet controller because it has a lifetime warranty.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

mike toon · Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2010 3:36 pm Post subject:

Don't give up on the jacket. You can bypass the faulty controller with jumpers or buy a plug that will jump the controller.

It will be on high....or use a "conventional" controller.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=11862783#post11862783
_________________
Current Bikes
1993 K1100LT
1976 GL1000 Naked
1981 GL1100 Naked
2000 DR650 Dual Sport

Flying Duck · Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2010 4:02 pm Post subject:

I like the jacket. I'm giving up on the controller and getting the plug thing and a Powerlet controller.

FYI: An even cheaper workaround (or backup) is to get the plug and a simple on/off switch.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

mike toon · Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2010 4:22 pm Post subject:

Even cheaper is two spade connectors and make your own jumper.
_________________
Current Bikes
1993 K1100LT
1976 GL1000 Naked
1981 GL1100 Naked
2000 DR650 Dual Sport

supercat1 · Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 9:18 pm Post subject:

well, i haven't tried the tourmaster setup, but i will say i love my gerbings. they are comfortable, warm, built to last, and not too bad on the eyes. the downside? anything but cheap.
_________________
(formerly) 1993 k1100rs

mnb · Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 4:50 am Post subject:

I blew a fuse somehow on the power harness. I thought the controller might have died, but I checked it on another bike when I got home and it worked fine. Well, it powered up at least, which was an improvement.

So far the only real problem I've had is the damn thing shuts off while I'm riding. I think something hits the off button. I'm about to epoxy it so it can't shut the thing off. The other button cycles through off anyways. Who needs a panic off button? It doesn't get THAT hot...
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M N B
1997 BMW K1100LT ABS Special Edition
2003 Husqvarna TE610e
2007 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 BMW F800GS
2011 Husqvarna TE310
2014 Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak MNB Edition