Remote Control Zipper Sliders: Ultimate Motorcycle Jacket Accessory?

In what might be called the ultimate accessories for motorcycle jackets Aerostich offers a miniature ‘Remote Control Zipper Sliders’ option. The battery powered zippers are an upgrade (or retrofit…) for the vents on Aerostich Roadcrafter and Darien suits. A separate version will be available in November for the waterproof leather Aerostich Transit suit. The unique sliders are the result of micro-miniaturization breakthroughs by the YKK zipper company and Mabuchi-Nanotronik Ltd., a private German-Japanese nanotechnology research effort. Aerostich is the first clothing company to offer them.

“We have an exclusive two year deal…they make adjustments so easy anyone can do it!”, said an Aerostich company spokesperson. “Before, a rider needed to pull over to safely adjust their vents…and the back required a helpful friend or removing one’s suit. Now it’s simple as pressing a button!” Each slider is about 10% larger than the equivalent manual type. Inside is a remote receiver, a powerful Mabuchi ‘pancake’ type 330541 stepper-motor, and a tiny titanium planetary gear set and toothed cog which engages the zipper’s teeth to pull the slider rapidly in either direction. The sliders are controlled by a three button remote. Each powered slider uses a common replaceable Zink hearing aid battery good for about two hundred 12″ zips. The remote includes both wrist and handlebar mounts. The price per slider, installed, is $177, and the remote — which will control up to four sliders independently — is another $47. For another $470 you get the jacket the zipper sliders fit. Be sure to tell your BMW buddies about it.

Happy April Fools