Good cover for outdoor use?
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
From: Volusia County, FL
Good cover for outdoor use?
Unfortunately, I have to leave my bike outside. So I put a cover over it to try to keep it somewhat decent. The last cover I bought was a cheapie from Wal-Mart ($20), and held up okay, but it now has some huge holes in it.
I am looking for a cover that can withstand being outside and in the morning sun. I usually leave my bike covered for days, until I get time on the weekends to ride (unless I am going out of town for an extended period, then I take it with me.).
One thing I am concerned with is my bag guardrails are starting to rust. No matter how much polish I keep on these things, they want to rust on me. It's always the "high side" top rear part of the bar that does it, too. Would a better cover help keep condensation off of the bike? (I am assuming that is part of my problem.)
I was thinking of one of those Cycle Shell things, as it keeps the cover off the bike. Whaddya think?
No, building a garage is not an option, but I was looking into buying a 5x10 enclosed trailer to use as a portable garage...
I am looking for a cover that can withstand being outside and in the morning sun. I usually leave my bike covered for days, until I get time on the weekends to ride (unless I am going out of town for an extended period, then I take it with me.).
One thing I am concerned with is my bag guardrails are starting to rust. No matter how much polish I keep on these things, they want to rust on me. It's always the "high side" top rear part of the bar that does it, too. Would a better cover help keep condensation off of the bike? (I am assuming that is part of my problem.)
I was thinking of one of those Cycle Shell things, as it keeps the cover off the bike. Whaddya think?
No, building a garage is not an option, but I was looking into buying a 5x10 enclosed trailer to use as a portable garage...
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 1
From: Bagram, Afghanistan
Would suggest something under the bike to prevent moisture evaporating out of the ground/concrete coming up under the cover.
I'm in the military and leave my bike...in the garage...for 6 months or more at a time. I always cover it, but one time I covered it and left it on the concrete floor with nothing underneath the bike. By the time I got back there was a ton of condensation under the cover that had risen out of the concerete floor. Next time I put one of those rubberized rugs under the bike and covered it...nowhere near the amount of moisture present when I got back.
Since you are storing yours outside I would try one of those bubbles you zip the bike into or maybe a gator hide set-up like this one with a rubber outdoor rug under the bike....
http://www.gatorhide.com/touring.html
I'm in the military and leave my bike...in the garage...for 6 months or more at a time. I always cover it, but one time I covered it and left it on the concrete floor with nothing underneath the bike. By the time I got back there was a ton of condensation under the cover that had risen out of the concerete floor. Next time I put one of those rubberized rugs under the bike and covered it...nowhere near the amount of moisture present when I got back.
Since you are storing yours outside I would try one of those bubbles you zip the bike into or maybe a gator hide set-up like this one with a rubber outdoor rug under the bike....
http://www.gatorhide.com/touring.html
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 957
Likes: 1
From: New York / Texas
my ridding partner has the cycle shell. he has been using it 1 1/2 years now and he swears by it.
http://www.cycleshell.com/
http://www.cycleshell.com/
Last edited by ucommbxny; Jan 19, 2009 at 09:52 PM. Reason: add link
Supporter
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,724
Likes: 234
From: Altoona, Pa.
Hey, like your trailer idea for keeping your bike in, better for security also. One thing to consider for the trailer though. They will hold moisture also. Think about getting a vent and vent louvered cover and install on the roof to let moisture escaape, Camper supply houses have just these things.
Last edited by cdestuck; Jan 20, 2009 at 12:36 PM.
Banned Camp
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
my ridding partner has the cycle shell. he has been using it 1 1/2 years now and he swears by it.
http://www.cycleshell.com/
http://www.cycleshell.com/
Cycle Shelter
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta, GA
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,440
Likes: 0
From: Columbus,Indiana/ Arecibo,Puerto Rico
I've stored my bike in a 6x10 enclosed trailer for the past 2 years. I live in Indiana and it's about 28 now. The bike is nice and toasty with a small electric space heater. 750/1500 watt. It stays on 750w and it's about 50 degrees in there now. I have never had a moisture problem in the trailer. I take it with me when I travel for work. It was in Knoxville in June & July and in Atlanta in Sept.& Oct.
Last edited by dgriffith; Jan 20, 2009 at 06:24 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 15,259
Likes: 5,383
From: Delaware
To combat the moisture, go back to your Harley dealer. Or any other bike dealer. They all have huge, 18 inch long, moisture proof packs that were packed with the bikes for shipping. They are kinda like huge versions of the silica packs in with most products.
Most dealers just throw them away as they get one or two with every bike. All you have to do is ask for them.
Most dealers just throw them away as they get one or two with every bike. All you have to do is ask for them.