Cool new jacket

[neodoc]

Hello, everybody:

I saw something tonight that I thought was really spectacular. It was a motorcycle jacket with padding, armor, etc., and one added feature: it had LED lights incorporated into the back panel and both shoulders. When you tap the brake, the back panel lights up red. When you engage the turn signals, a yellow arrow appears on the back panel and on the corresponding shoulder. I thought it was a great eye-catcher, as well as some added safety. I'm not sure how it would work with our braking system, as it is wired into the bike and attached by a connector similar to that used in comm systems to plug in the helmet. My guess is it would work best for those who ride cruisers or other bikes with no top case. If you want to know more, take a look at www.ledjackets.com.

[RonKMiller]

While I think the idea has merit, I take offense at them using the NHTSA logo on their web site like it is some sort of endorsement - pretty deceptive if you ask me.

They also need to work on their lingo:

"The rider’s signaling system on either arm of the apparel is meant to deepen the level of engagement and increase the responsiveness of the on board rider."

WOW, talk about creative use of words to try to sell a product - that make absolutely no sense. It is also gratifying to know that the rider is indeed "on board". ;)

Now, if you could use it for the passenger to play video games or something....

Personally I would rather spend my hard earned money on an experienced rider course.

Jeez, they even have Ashley Judd shilling for them too! ( I wonder if her agent knows about this?)

[neodoc]

Hey, Ron:

I too went to the site, and found it interesting that part of what they write includes that phrase. While I agree that nothing can replace a good rider's course in improving one's safety on the road, it is also very true that there are many riders out there that, despite having lots of hours of instruction and practice, get involved in accidents because they simply weren't seen. This is especially true of cruisers and crotch-rockets that have a single tiny taillight. I saw this jacket on a person and was able to pick it out from the other end of a large parking lot. Imagine that you're on a dark road on your bike with only your tiny single bulb taillight and maybe some reflective material on your jacket to identify you from behind. I think this jacket makes perfect sense in those applications. We who have a much larger bike with a top case and lights gallore would only entertain the back seat passenger with the jacket, as the top case would prevent drivers behind us from seeing it. Hey, at least the passenger would know when we were going to stop or turn.

[RonKMiller]

Yeah, it IS a cool idea. Anything to increase rear visiblity is excellent.

Wonder if I could get Ashley Judd for a girlfriend? ;)

I've got more flashing stuff tied into my brake lights than an ambulance....

[early1]

Ashley Judd----is meant to deepen the level of engagement and increase the responsiveness of the on board rider."

!!!!!

[RonKMiller]

!!!!!

I believe I could find a 6th gear with her on my back - uh, I mean on THE back.

Oh, never mind!

(Sherilyn Fenn worked for me about 25 years ago...I missed the boat!)

[hschisler]

but could the manufacturer make the jacket self-cancelling??

And, maybe they could a bright white light when reverse is engaged...

Then, all the folks who like to customize/upgrade/improve everything will want HID on the sleeves, reflective tape on the collar, and so on...

[BecketMa]

To underscore my turn signal, I blink my eye.

So far, it has worked great.

Bob

[hawg]

Honestly, it would be cool if you could have the LED lights transmit a certain written message that could be altered on the fly!!!! We won't go there....

Only prob is...ya really can't see the back of the rider or passenger for the top case!!!

Back to da drawin board...

[mtrevelino]

Per one of the question on their FAQ: "When I step off my motorcycle, do I need to stop and manually disconnect from my bike?

No. When disconnecting from your motorcycle it’s not necessary to unplug. US apparel cables automatically disconnect when dismounting from your bike. "

I would like to know what type of connector is being used.

[Bayliner2052]

http://www.tasco-safety.com/workgloves/light-02.jpg


Now there lights in the gloves.

[azsidewalker]

What a joke! I can be the ElectricBikerman. :rolleyes:

[neodoc]

Okay guys...I'm sorry I posted this thread. I honestly thought someone out there would appreciate the innovation of the jacket. Hey, at least I gave ya'll a good chuckle :)

[Jim]

Per one of the question on their FAQ: "When I step off my motorcycle, do I need to stop and manually disconnect from my bike?

No. When disconnecting from your motorcycle it’s not necessary to unplug. US apparel cables automatically disconnect when dismounting from your bike. "

I would like to know what type of connector is being used.


Heck, my Gerbings automagically disconnect when I dismount if I forget. :p

[meese]

But do they do that more than once? :)

[Seeker]

They also need to work on their lingo:

Probably a language thing. It seems to be a low-grade literal translation from another language. The whole FAQ's similarly are translated from another language.



Bruno
Montreal, Canada
Gerbing Heated JACKET LINER Review
http://pages.videotron.com/mcrides/product_evals/gerbing/liner.htm
: