Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Bike Cover?

Unfortunately, I am one of those people that live in an apartment complex, so my bike is parked outside. I want to get a cover for it to keep it out the weather as much as I can. Besides a heat shield, what other things should I look for? Any brand or vendor recommendations? And One more thing, what size?

Thanx,
Soren

Soren:

I just got a Dowco Guardian (replaced a lightweight Nelson Rigg = junk IMHO) and I am very satisfied. Make sure the cover breathes (Dowco does, NR didn't) because with Triumph's chrome plating such as it is, I started to see some pitting (S. Florida humidity is brutal.) I've replaced front peg brackets, shift & brake pedals, etc. Of course, it should be waterproof & UV resistant as well.
I bought a large (about $70) and it JUST fits my SM - I should have ordered an XL to accommodate the windshield. I think the cost of a good cover is money well-spent.

Chris

Soren, I have the Dowco Guardian also, XL size. No windscreen for me, fits well IMO. Bought mine just for winter storage, so can't attest to the environmental protection, but seems to be very good quality.

Mike

I don't remember the brand (shows how much of an impression it made) but avoid the covers that have a triangular logo and the words "Not just another bike" stamped on the front. I had one for a while and it exploded in a moderate wind.

I have a 65 year old 6' x 8' rectangular piece of canvas my dad bought with paper route money when he was a kid. I use it sometimes. FriarJohn made fun of my fancy travel gear last year, so now I've upgraded to a newer old bedsheet. Actually, I have two "queen sized" covers. One with stripes and one plain white. Well, it used to be white.

How big are these dowco guardian covers when they are rolled up? Are they small enough to take touring? I like to pack pretty light (toothbrush and a screwdriver).

Greybeard is referring to a Nelson Rigg = flimsy garbage IMO. The Dowco fits in a zippered pouch, a bit larger than a football (ours, not the round European kind!) and can easily hang on a sissybar.

Chris

how are the covers form big4cycle?

Frank

Condensation.

Hot pipes.

Fashion a cover that covers her top not her sides. It won't be so good for blowing rain, but dew and heavy dust will stay off. Gosh. Had I to park Vera outside I might use a combination of the two types. A 'rain-fly' for dew and moderate weather and a cover for pending doom. We travel with what is basically a rain fly. A thin strip of Visqueen. Spelling yeah...
But it does the job at those Inns having no covered areas to park yet it does form condensation. But as we roll the next morning, it dosen't have a chance to weep out on the bike. You are overnight into the next day. Sounds like a 21st century fabricorical solution for you.
Or you might think about building a 'shed' for your ride. More on the order of what you see bicycles stable in at subway stations. Little waterproof boxes that your ride just fits into. Nobby built such a shelter for his English steed. Something to consider, if the apt complex allows such a thing.