Seatbelt Bags

Harveys SeatBelt Bags Messenger Black, $138

• Made of durable automotive seatbelt
• Overall bag size 15" (L) x 13" (H) x 4" (W)
• Adjustable strap- goes from 26" with 12" drop up to 54" with 24" drop
• Brushed nickel hardware
• Metal feet for protection
• Smooth zip-top closure
• Fully lined with Harveys classic monogram print
• Five internal slip pockets (3) 4.5"X1", (1) 4.5"X8.5" & (1) 4.5"X3"
• One internal zip pocket 5"X7"
• D-ring for accessory or key ring

Hipsters, Baguettes, Totes, Messengers, wallets, and many more sizes and designs/colors.

Everywhere I go,  I'm often stopped and asked about this bag. I have a slightly older version of this one (6 years, thanks baby!), but it still looks brand spanking new.  I've also ridden with this on my SV and it works quite well as a small messenger. It's fairly water resistant since it's made from seat belts. It also sits securely across my back and shoulders when the straps are tightened.

I wouldn't ride with it in a downpour, but would trust it in a light rainshower.  There's not enough room for my 13" Macbook, but if you had an older 12" Powerbook, it might fit!  Sometimes I'll just stick it in (without a sleeve) and let it stick out while I walk around with it (never riding, if I carry my laptop).  There are 6 internal pockets, which is a huge upgrade from the one pocket in my version. Too bad I'm not due for an upgrade just yet.  Like your typical woman, I tend to carry too many things in my purse and end up using my iPhone as a light to find my keys in the dark.

They also make a manlier version of this bag called The Slim Messenger for $104. It looks a little narrower, but basically the same style. There's even a camouflage version!

If you're looking for a cute, stylish purse, wallet or messenger, check out the Harveys website for their line of bags.

Everyone loves the Axio! http:…

Everyone loves the Axio! http://bit.ly/6tlcop

exo² The Heat Inside

I recently spoke with the CEO of exo² about their heated jackets, vests and gloves (for motorcycles).  They also have heated insoles for your shoes, a 'heated back support' and are venturing into other markets to apply their innovative heating technology. There are no wires running up and down the jacket, no carbon fiber, and the heat is evenly distributed all the way across the front of the vest. The heating element is safe, doesn't create hotspots and won't drain your battery as it only draws 4.1 amps vs. 7-10 amps compared to similar heated vests/jackets. The StormRider Bodywarmer vest ($239) is a great option if you're looking for a vest that will fit a petite body size or need something that may fit a curvier figure.  What you can't see from this picture are adjustments at the waist which will help you cinch the vest for a snugger fit closer to the body.  The fit/cut is a European cut, which will benefit those of you who have narrower waists/torsos.

As you can see from the infrared photo, the heating element covers the entire vest, so no place is left unheated! They also make a protective heated glove that runs down to a XXS!

I haven't had a chance to try out their vest yet, but plan to once I'm back on the bike in January (fingers crossed). I hope to do a complete and full review at that point.

In the meantime, check out exo² if you're looking for heated gear options.  They've recently been added to the Parts Unlimited catalog, which virtually every motorcycle dealership has a relationship with. So if your local dealer doesn't carry them in the store, ask to see their Parts Unlimited catalog and you should find them there.

Heated Gear on my mind

Brrrrrr. I've contacted this company, Venture Heated Gear about their Scooter Vest to find out more about this vest, as well as the other motorcycle heated gear they are offering. Winter's coming and I know many of you are thinking about how to get ready for the cold.

In the meantime, here are more than a couple of options currently out there just for the ladies. All these work with 12V connectors for your bike. The only one that is battery operated is #3, ActiVHeat.

1) Gerbing Heated Vest $139.95 Gerbing is probably the most popular heated vests that people are using today. Before Widder went away, they were probably #1 and #2, respectively.

2) FirstGear Heated Jackets $199.95

3) ActiVHeat Vest $119.99 - $174.99 Apparently this vest was recommended on the "Today"show. The testimonials are also very positive in endorsing this product. This vest runs on batteries (rechargable and AA). The prices vary based on the package you buy. The more expensive packages come with rechargeable battery packs, whereas the cheapest comes with only AA Batteries.

4) WarmNSafe Heated Clothing $189.95-$199.95

5)WarmGear 13v Heated Vest Liner $139.95

6) exo² StormWalker vest $169.99