Cover options for 83 XJ550

Riding season is upon us. However, I've moved to a new place where I can't store my bike inside, so I need a cover for it.

Any recommendations? What do you use?

I was looking at this eBay item: XJ550 Cover

 

I have a convertible outside with a leaking top. I bought a cover much like the one you posted and to tell you the truth, down here in NC, it rains quite a bit. Really didn't cut it. I ended up buying a blue tarp from wally world and covering the car with that, and then throwing the cover over that, seemed to work well but only for about 6 months to a year, then the tarp will need replaced because they dry-rot and fall apart. I think that cover and a tarp will set you up right, my two-cents, lol.

Mac

 

Thanks for the input. I have a tarp, just seems like a pain in the ass to get it on and off every day. May be worth it though.

Thanks again.

 

I bought my cover at a fleet farm store and it works very well and fits perfect. You just have to remember to tie the bottom together so the wind doesn't remove it prematurely. I think I paid $20~ or so for it.

 

How about one of those "shelters" that are basically tarps with a PVC framework?

The problem with covering a bike is getting a cover that keeps it dry while still "breathing" so it doesn't TRAP moisture under it. When I cover a bike in the garage, I use an old sheet, for exactly that reason.

Outside, you don't have that luxury; so the best bet is a quality motorcycle cover. One that's not only waterproof, but vented. The one in your original posting isn't. It's not even waterPROOF, just water reluctant.

Check out: http://www.empirecovers.com/motorcycle- ... 7Aod4RSl9A or http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/24 ... overs.aspx and go shopping. Just be careful, some are waterproof and some water resistant.

Don't use hardware-store plastic tarps. OK for lawnmower, not so good for bike with chrome.

 

Probably good advice about the tarps bigfitz because when they dry-rot, those little pieces go every-frickin where, probably not stuff you want falling into all the cracks of your bike's motor, etc. And the wind is a pretty big concern too, it will snatch that thing off real quick if it's not tied town, on the other hand, my problem is keeping the dogs from pulling it off when the cat is hiding under the car, lol.

 

i used a cover at work last year a few times and found two things.
you don't put them on a hot engine, the good ones have a heat resistant lower part.
the whole bike bakes under them, without it the seat got real hot in the sun, with it the whole bike got hot.
someone makes a bikini cover that only keeps the sun off the tank and seat, thats the way to go