Bike Covers

MarkJ · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Apr 2006 Karma :

With winter approaching I'm thinking about getting a waterproof breathable bike cover for the bike while it's sat outside. However having had a look at a few full sized ones in the shops today they seem to be quite large for what they are, and could definitely prove to be a pain getting into my backpack once they're wet (and things never go back as tight as they did when you bought them).

So I've begun thinking about getting one of those half-sized ones that only go over the top half to save on space.

However, with there being salt on the bike, I wondered if covering it up could be bad for corrosion and actually leaving it out in the rain would wash the salt off? I'm guessing there's nothing bad with having a waterproof breathable one.

I dunno, opinions and recommendations welcome Thumbs Up

lumphammer · Trackday Trickster Joined: 26 Aug 2005 Karma :

Have a look at the Honda Breathable ones. Come in three sizes and are very good. Also very light and you can pack 'em up quite small.

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

I've got a medium sized Motrax one, which did the job when I had the SV650 on hire, as well as the KL250 last year. Only problem was the pointlessness of covering an already soaked bike up, plus having to wait for the bike to cool a little so surfaces wouldn't bond together.

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

As I said in this thread try one of the Tyvek ones. See if you can still get them from Hein Gericke. It's like a space blanket and I've put it onto a warm bike before without hassle. It can be scrunched up quite small and mine came with a little stuff bag for storage. So certainly small enough to bungie on pillion or carry in backpack.

I also wouldn't get one with a manufacturer's logo as, IMO, it shouts please come and look to see if you can steal me.

FWIW I generally leave the bike cover at home unless going visiting friends for the weekend. For general trips and commuting I sort it out when I get home.

If you're worried about salt then can I suggest getting one of those pump up water spray bottles. You can usually find them from garden centres. Fill with clean water and spray your bike down after a ride. Then get something like the FS365 from Scottoiler and spray the bike with that. Job done Very Happy

HTH

Cover pictures from thread mentioned above on a GSXR600 (not my bike)...
https://www.jonpascoe.co.uk/images/bike_cover/01.jpg
https://www.jonpascoe.co.uk/images/bike_cover/02.jpg
https://www.jonpascoe.co.uk/images/bike_cover/03.jpg
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MarkJ · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Apr 2006 Karma :

Thanks for your help guys Thumbs Up

I did a search for 'Bike Covers' and nothing useful came up, not even Toby's post Neutral

Louise · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 May 2006 Karma :

I need a bike cover soon. I plan to ride to work ect if its damp but when its raining it will be 50/50 (pansy I know) So need one that will come on/off quick. Im such a lazy git I cant be fussing over a cover for 10 mins each time.
What the cheapest you lot have paid for a cover?
Louise

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

Paivi · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Sep 2005 Karma :

I've got the Oxford Stormex thermal one that can be thrown on a hot bike, too. Way too big to fold into anything but a trailer, but fine for home use. About £50 from Infinity. Can be secured with a clip under the bike, and has reinforced holes in front & back for chains.

https://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/product.asp?ProductID=884

trevoriv · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Karma :

I have got a decent heavy duty one, its waterproof and doesnt scratch but as its not breathable at all if i put it on a wet bike the bike will still be wet under the cover 12 hours later when i come to get on the bike again. I'm wondering if a more expensive one will be waterproof and breathable allowing the moisture to escape overnight? Doubt it lol

Paivi · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Sep 2005 Karma :

trevoriv · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Karma :

Misc · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Aug 2005 Karma :

alien.46.uk · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 24 May 2006 Karma :

Paivi · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Sep 2005 Karma :

Misc · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Aug 2005 Karma :

Yes, i think i've done it as far as it can go & it's still loose, i'll probably need to cut it down a bit.

Fastgut · Trackday Trickster Joined: 07 Sep 2005 Karma :

Rubix · Nova Slayer Joined: 31 May 2006 Karma :

A while back a mate and I went for a ride on our bikes.

Came back and he covered his bike with a "bike cover" .
In the morning , when we went to uncover his pride and joy.

The cover had melted all over his cannon, still to this day he cant get it all off ! looks real weird with a black cannon with blue
poke-a-dots. Rolling Eyes

I use a shed.
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