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Post by scooterollie on Oct 6, 2006 11:58:57 GMT -5
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Post by scooterollie on Oct 6, 2006 12:15:16 GMT -5
I don't have any pics of the pad installation under the seat cover because I had it done at a local upholstery shop. I had the pad positioned just about where it is shown in the pic in the previous post. The cord was buried in the original seat foam and runs down the right side of the seat, exiting under the seat through a hole in the seat base (just behind the hinge) that was already there. See the pic below. The pad was covered by a piece of 1/2" seat foam so it does not show under the seat cover. The seat cover material is very thin and not the best quality. May have it replaced in the future if I repaint the scoot but that will be $100+.
I removed the center hump panel so I could route the cable toward the front of the scoot. Ground was attached under a seat hinge screw and the 12V supply connected to a spot on my new aux. fuse block. I will purchase a relay to install in the 12V supply line so the heater can only be activated when the ignition switch is on. Current draw is relatively low, rated at less that 5 amps on high. The kit came with a 10 amp fuse but I downgraded to a 5 amp and it seems to handle that fine. Shortening the pad should reduce the current draw by about 20%.
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Post by scooterollie on Oct 6, 2006 12:17:08 GMT -5
The pic below shows the location of the temperature control module and routing of the cable toward the front on the scoot.
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Post by scooterollie on Oct 6, 2006 12:29:04 GMT -5
I have not drilled the hole for mounting the switch but will post that pic as soon as I complete the job. Another reason i like this kit is because of the switch. Some come with a 3-position metal toggle switch. This flush-mounted button switch is much nicer looking and has a yellow LED for low heat and a red LED for high. I will mount the switch either on the vertical part of the front panel or perhaps on the horizontal part, under the handlebar fairing.
Below is a pic of the piece I cut off the pad, with one side of the outer covering peeled away. Two strips of the carbon fiber material run down each side with a braided wire imbedded in them. About every inch or so, there are strips of carbon fiber connecting the side strips. To shorten the length, you cut across the white area between the carbon fiber cross strips. I sealed the area on each side, where I cut through the wire, with clear nail polish.
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Post by scooterollie on Oct 6, 2006 12:37:58 GMT -5
I tried it last night in the garage. The seat gets quite warm on high and cozy warm on low. Only takes a couple of minutes to feel the heat, even under the extra layer of foam. Be interesting to see how it feels on an actual cold weather ride. My next project is installation of grip heaters. Wanted to do that at the same time but they were back-ordered. I selected the mylar heat pad type that installs under the grip. Also has high/low setting and uses the same type of 3-position button switch and electronic heat controls. The pad for the right grip is of lower wattage because there is less heat loss through the plastic sheath used for the throttle. www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=16025&Category_Code=heated_grips |
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Post by Jacine on Oct 6, 2006 12:42:27 GMT -5
The V3 has a built in seat heater. For the summer I bought a thermal reflective blanket from a camping store and cut it to fit under the seat to reflect the engine heat. In the winter I'll just remove it. The seat can get quite warm from the engine. I suspect the same thing applies to the V5.
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Post by scooterollie on Oct 6, 2006 12:45:49 GMT -5
Jacine;
Never thought about that for your style bike but it makes sense. Not the case with these scoots.
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Post by scooterollie on Oct 6, 2006 19:41:46 GMT -5
Pic of switch location. Placed it on the left side so i could operate it with my left hand. Switch for the grip heaters will be just to the left of this switch.
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Post by scooterollie on Oct 9, 2006 19:00:50 GMT -5
Finally got the last of the wiring completed and the scoot back together. Went for a ride around noon. Temp. was 60F with sun. The heated seat felt good! Don't think I will need the high setting, low was just about right for that temp. Be interesting to see how it feels down in the 40s, but I don't want to rush that too much! Waiting for the grip heaters to come. Supposed to ship later this week. Pre-wired the 12V supply for the grips from the aux. fuse block to the front. Should be able to do the rest of the installation behind the front panel and under the windshield.
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Post by scooterollie on Oct 21, 2006 14:06:22 GMT -5
Update on grip heater installation:
Completed the grip heater installation over the last two days. Placed the 2-position switch next to the seat heater switch (pic in previous post). Installed a relay off the ignition so the grip heaters, like the seat, can only be turned on when the ignition is on. Powered directly to battery with 5 amp fuse. Left heater pad puts out more heat to compensate for installing it directly on the metal bar. Right pad installs on plastic throttle sleeve. Was concerned about heat loss - as discussed on other forums - to the metal handlebar but SYMTEC did a good job in designing the pads to compensate. Both grips seem to reach the same temp.
I have found that the low setting on both the seat and grip heaters is just right. Rode today at 50 F and it was great. By my calculations, each device uses no more than 3 amps on high setting. The cassette radio I removed is rated at 3 amps. Don't think I am stressing the system too much with these two heaters. If I turn on the fog/driving lights too - about 9 amps - I could be in trouble!
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Post by tankcommander on Nov 9, 2006 17:41:26 GMT -5
50-60F rides? I would give part of my frozen body to be riding in those temps again. Try 34-38F on the ride to work in the mornings. Rain is okay at low speeds but icy roads no good. Has anyone tried snowmobile handwarmers?
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Post by Dennis D on Nov 9, 2006 23:20:41 GMT -5
Quote- I have found that the low setting on both the seat and grip heaters is just right. Rode today at 50 F and it was great. -Quote
A seat heater and heated grips for 50 degree riding!! hahahaha Your scoot should say "Wussi" on it!! ;D
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Post by scooterollie on Nov 11, 2006 19:27:15 GMT -5
Didn't say I needed them at that temp, just how they felt! Like some, I don't have a lot of insulation on my frame to keep me warm and the additions help in that area for me.
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Post by cathouse on Nov 11, 2006 21:46:53 GMT -5
My gosh,what some people will do to warn their ass, now those Arkansas girls don't need an ass warmer........
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