Indian Motorcycle announces heated and cooled motorcycle seats
Indian Motorcycle has showcased the ClimaCommand Classic Seat, a new technology to improve rider comfort through a patent-pending system delivering superior heating as well as cooling for a more pleasant year-round riding experience. The seat comprises a proprietary thermoelectric module constructed of Graphene, a highly conductive and flexible material constructed wholly of carbon atoms. This outer material that pumps heat away from the rider, coupled with a patent-pending ducting system for cooling the thermoelectric module.
To accomplish conduction heating and cooling, the thermoelectric module (located within the seat) directly regulates the temperature via electricity applied to the graphene material, causing one side of the material to absorb heat and the opposing side to dissipate heat. And, by reversing electrical flow, the hot and cold temperatures alternate sides.
The brand claims its thermoelectric technology is much more effective than the automotive market standard of HVAC convection systems, adding a critical performance benefit of the ClimaCommand technology is that it produces a surface cold to the touch, rather than merely pushing cool air through perforations in the surface, usually done by HVAC system offerings.
“Despite advancements in heating and cooling for seats, we had yet to see a cooling technology that truly eliminated the discomfort of hot-weather, and with ClimaCommand, our engineering team has finally solved this problem,” said Ross Clifford, Vice President of Parts, Garments, and Accessories at Indian Motorcycle. “Our thermoelectric technology paired with graphene material is truly a game-changer, and another example of Indian Motorcycle bringing difference-making innovation to the market.”
Moving now to the ClimaCommand Classic Seat currently available in the Thunderstroke models, and the independent rider and passenger controls (low, medium, high) allow the rider and passenger to remain in command of their heating and cooling levels. With no perforations, vents, or ducts, the seat’s vinyl cover is highly durable, as well as water and UV-resistant. Passengers can add more comfort with Armrest Pads and a Trunk Backrest Pad, both designed and developed to seamlessly pair with the new ClimaCommand Classic Seat.
The ClimaCommand Classic Seat is not currently integrated with the brand’s Ride Command smartphone-based infotainment/navigation system. However, Ride Command-integrated versions of the ClimaCommand Seat will be available internationally for the 2020 Chieftain and Roadmaster later this year. The ClimaCommand Classic Seat does not yet show up in the list of accessories on the brand’s India website. But considering the brand usually brings in its extensive list of accessories quite soon after their international unveil, we expect this innovative new seat option to show up soon.
