Air Conditioning

[jlbonnie2000]

Does anyone know how to air condition a motorcycle??  Any motorcycle??  I do!!  This is the most amazing way to travel.  And, you don't get tired.  The wind won't bother you.

What I have been doing for years is what my wife calls "watering up".  When the temps get to 90, we get our sweatshirt wet and ride.  It's like riding in 70 degree temps.  If it's over 95-98 degrees, wear two wet sweatshirts.

When we see bare-armed cruiser types riding by with totally weathered faces, we sort of chuckle.  How miserable can life be to ride this way.  We stay cool no matter what the temps are.  Even over 100+ degrees.  And, when you are cool, those horribly strong winds out west are barely noticeable.

We have found that one wet sweatshirt lasts about a half an hour.  Two wet sweatshirts last close to an hour.  And, the sun won't bake you.  Don't need any suntan lotion.  It's not very often we travel a solid hour without stopping for a break or to see something anyway.  Like dead snakes on the road.

Watering up.  Here is a nice tip.  In most towns, you will find a city park of some type.  Water up!!  In very small towns, churches seem to always leave their water on.  Water up!!  And, say "Thank you, Jesus".  

Traveling in the heat is something that we just never do anymore.  Even here in the semi-humid east.  When you are wet and cool, you will be amazed how much more energy you have.  In fact, instead of going inside air conditioned restaurants, you may be temped to sit on the patio over 100 degrees and WARM UP!!

John  

[Sport-Touring]

[Bounce]

There have been different attempts that are either ineffective or expensive (or both).

Can't stand the heat? Take the cage.

[Blue is Best]

That's a trick I learned many years ago living in Arizona. I usually stop every 100 miles or so and down a quart of Gatorade/similar and refill the empty bottle with water and get a soak before re-hitting the road. I store the refilled bottle in the tank bag for on the road soaking.

[Sport]

This is not a new idea.  And this one is much lighter and easier to carry when not in use than one or two sweat shirts.  I've been using one of these for years when riding in the heat.  Soak it for a couple minutes, squeeze it a bit, fold it and it fits inside a large zip lock bag for easy storage for when the temps rise.  Although it says it lasts all day, that might be if you were just walking or standing but not when riding when the wind is blasting thru it.  I wear it over a thin white T shirt and under a double mesh armored summer riding jacket.  Lasts nearly half a day in 90+ temps.  When it dries, just stop and pour some water over it, put it back on and ride.  Crossed NV and UT and WY in 90-100+ temps one summer and it really came in handy!  Re-wet it just a couple times a day.  

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/45444/i/techniche-hyperkewl-evaporative-cooling-vest

[PatM]

I can see it working in dry climates, how well does that work on very humid day?

[Sport]

When the breeze is going through it, no problem.  Slight breeze or standing around it feels a bit clammy.  The back of it doesn't need soaking but it does get wet.  On the road in the heat is where it really pays off.

[Blue is Best]

I've been thinking on this thread and realize what has been bothering me. This is mistitled!!! It shouldn't be air conditioning it should be evaporative cooling when water is involved!!!


 

[Sport]

There are A/C riding suits already but Honda will probably be the first to offer actual A/C on their eventually updated Gold Wing.  Already has an air bag, cup holders, arm rests...reverse, sounds like a Honda Accord with a sunroof!

[kyzrex]

As others have said, this is not a new idea.  I have used it for years, and in addition to having my shirt wetted down, I also use a wet do-rag under my helmet.

One key....CLOSE your vents, as the air flow causes the items to dry out much quicker than when the vents are closed.

Also, to answer a question posed....works just fine in humid conditions.

[Bounce]

Be careful about these customer reviews. I've seen the exact same "customer review" for the CTC-100 on various forums that don't seem to have the same kind of rider on them (v-twin, victory, and adv rider).

http://entrosys.com/

There's another that's a shorter height that I think works using a peltier design but I can't find it now. It was being promoted at the IBA gathering in Denver in 2014. Several people bought in (only about $800 but vests may be extra). When it came out, it needed some mods and buyers got a free swap. After that I didn't hear anything else about them.

Here it is!

http://www.coretemperaturecontrols.com/

and the products

http://www.coretemperaturecontrols.com/collections/all

$800 for the main unit + $$ for the mounting kit + $200+ for the vest + $$ occasionally for the required liquid (which I suspect is propylene glycol and about the same price as straight from a pharmacy). Way too rich for my blood which is why I didn't get in on the pre-order.

But here's one from 2011 that I don't know if it's around any more or not:

http://www.economist.com/blogs/babbage/2011/05/climate-controlled_clothing