bike cover: best bang for my $$?

[♣ McKraut ♣]

not exactly the most exciting of accessory threads...but i'm moving into an apartment complex shortly, and it looks like i'm just going to be doing the outdoor thing with the supersport for now (it currently stays in my kitchen/dining room in my loft  =/  )  so i'm looking for a good durable cover that will stand up to the texas sun and the rain and other elements, without costing too much in the event someone decides to be an idiot and vandalize it or something else happens.  i may be able to find a spot for her under an overhang in a hallway or something, but i want to keep it covered 24/7.

[sbrguy]

get the nelson riggs or dowco delux waterproof covers, basically they are the top of the line ones, the reason i say these is because though they may be a bit expensive at 60-70$ online they are truly waterproof not waterresistant.

this is imporantant especially if you are leaving the bike outside for say a couple of days or more and its raining constantly, then the bike cover will actlaually not let in any water.

the only place your bike will get wet is from teh water splashing from teh bottom up onto the tires but it won't be wet near the gauges or seat.  the other thing to know is that the better covers will absorb some water on the outside from heavy reains and take a day or so to dry out, but again the important thing ist hat hte inside won't be wet.  spend the money on a good cover around 60-70 dollars and it will be perfect for what you want 24/7 outdoor protection.

[♣ McKraut ♣]

thanks for the info...i took a look at some nelson rigg and dowco; i'm not sure what i'll get just yet, but there are a lot of solid looking covers available it looks like that are UV treated and waterproof.

[scott_araujo]

I've had some Dowco covers, very good stuff.  Locking them onto the bike is alos good for security, keeps prying eyes out.  you may want to look into putting some 3M clear stuff or similar on the tail and any high spots.  In the wind the cover can rub these spots and eventually wear through the paint.  I noticed the tail on my Kawi was not so shiny after a few months and put something on to protect it.

Scott

[♣ McKraut ♣]

hmm...very good point, thanks.  i probably would have taken that fact for granted, and not really thought about how constant of a "beating" that would be.  kinda wish i had a monster again...all this damn plastic makes for a lot of rub-worry/problem potential spots   

[jdubbs32584]

I really want this:



http://www.cycleshell.com/

[ghostface]

Had a Dowco for 5 years and the glue on the inside of the heat deflecting panels finds its way on my tank.

[♣ McKraut ♣]

I really want this:



http://www.cycleshell.com/

yeah, a guy here in the DFW area had one of those for his s4rs...and really liked it i think.  he had someone put a little slash in it not that long ago, though...sucks when you spend so much for something like that, and it can be ruined with so little effort and for no good reason than someone being a jerk.

[uclabiker06]

There is also http://www.gezagear.com/.  In terms of vandalism I highly suggest you spend $60-$70 to get one of these http://www.xenasecurity.com/home/current/lock/ at least...for the money its a great addition to whatever security system you decide to use.  Or you could use it by itself if you feel comfortable.  The only trick with them is that you should change the battery like twice a year to keep the alarm fresh and loud.  It will definitely attract some attention.  The alarm module on the one I purchased was defective (false alarms) so they sent me another one and the problem was solved. Good luck.

[Wanwo]

I've had two covers. My current one has elastic front and rear so it stretches over and around the tires. Good feature imo. Keeps the cover more snug.