ROAD NEWS
INDIAN CLIMACOMMAND COOLS HOT PANTS
I
n an industry first, Indian Motorcycle is set to
offer saddles with the ability to both heat or
cool the rider on demand.
While the ability to cool a motorcycle seat at
the touch of a button isn’t something we really
thought was something the riding world actually
needed (how about a global market LAMS spec
entry-level machine now Indian?) the concept
and technology behind it is actually pretty cool.
The system, which Indian is calling the Clima-
Command, utilises a proprietary thermoelectric
module that pumps heat away from the rider as
well as a patent-pending ducting system for
cooling the thermoelectric module. Also in the
mix is graphene, a highly conductive and
flexible material that optimizes the distribution
of heating or cooling while maintaining superior
comfort according to Indian Motorcycle.
Indian Motorcycle claims its thermoelectric
technology is more effective than the
automotive market standard of HVAC
convection systems. A benefit of the Clima-
Command technology is that it actually produces
a surface that’s cold to the touch, rather than
merely pushing cool air through perforations
in the surface in the manner that HVAC system
offerings operate.
“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 gamechanger,
and another example of Indian
Motorcycle bringing difference-making
innovation to the market.”
To accomplish conduction heating and cooling,
a thermoelectric module located within the seat
directly regulates the temperature. Electricity
is applied by a thermoelectric module to the
graphene material, causing one side of the
material to absorb heat and the opposing side
to dissipate heat. By reversing electrical flow,
the hot and cold temperatures alternate sides.
A graphene material, which is a nanomaterial
created from 100% carbon atoms, is then used
to ensure the heating and cooling is dispersed
throughout the entire seat.
It’s important to note that the ClimaCommand
Classic Seat is not currently integrated with
Indian’s Ride Command infotainment system
and is operated by buttons next to the seat.
However, Indian says Ride Command-integrated
versions of the ClimaCommand Seat will be
available for the 2020 Chieftain and Roadmaster
later this year.
20 KIWI RIDER