New Rider, Cover Question

Hi All,

I've just recently bought myself an 1981 XJ650 Maxim (from one of your fellow forumites - Woot), and thought I'd introduce myself. I'm out in Halifax, (Nova Scotia, Canada), and hoping to get a number of kms in with the amount of summer remaining.

I also have a question that I couldn't find anything on in the forum archives - I'm looking to get a good quality cover for the bike, since I live in an apartment without underground parking. I'm just wondering if any of you have any recommendations on where to get a decent cover. I'm looking for something to keep the rain/leaves/dirt of generally, and ideally, something that dries out quickly as well. I'm also looking to lock up the bike, and trying to decide between a U-lock or a cable lock through the cover. Any suggestions?

Thx,
Casey

 

Hey Casey...

Canadian tire might have something... but if it's over $60 try out something like freedom cycle. It would be nice to have one with larger gromits so you can secure the cover to the bike at the same time as cable locking the front and rear rims.

That'd mean that it couldn't blow off or be removed 'accidentally'...

You better be putting on the miles this summer.

 

Hey Casey;
Welcome to the group. I can't be of much help on the cover. I'd like to get one myself but that will be sometime down the road.

Just wanted to welome you to the group.
Post some pics of your ride, Woot was a little camera shy I think.

I don't remember seeing his, I mean your bike.

 

I'm pleased you chose to join us Casey, we have plenty of space to fill with Woot throttling back. Enjoy a fine machine.

 

Welcome xJoJo, have you checked out ebay for covers?
I've notice someone has been listing covers off and on for some time now, he's based out of Taiwan. Currently no bid, listed at $9.99, $13.00 for shipping, just under 2 days left on posting. Here's some specs on the cover:

FEATURES OF THIS MOTORCYCLE COVER
Water repellent
Designed for use when storing your motorcycle, providing all weather protection
Fits motorcycles with or without accessories including sport bikes
Protects motorcycle against weather, dirt and pollutants
Non-scratch material in upper panel
Heat resistant lower panel (If use under extreme hot condition, cool down required)
Elastic cord sewn into the bottom of the motorcycle covers for a snug fit
Lockable bottom through center eyelets
UV treated for superior sun and heat protection while used outdoors
Double stitched seams for cover durability
Fold into a compact size when not in use
Motorcycle cover storage bag included

 

I took a look on eBay, and noticed those covers too, but I wasn't too sure about shipping from Taiwan. I looked at the local Canadian Tire, and they're a bit pricey - abt 70$ and they don't have the elastic cord or grommets like the ones on eBay. For twenty odd dollars, I'll probably give it a go - if I do, I'll let you all know how it goes.

P.S. - Went out for a little "parking lot tour" on the bike the other day, good times. I hope to get some road time in sometime this weekend if the weather holds up, I'll try to get some pics of the bike up too.

Casey

 

After a bath I hope!!!



btw - are we on for the race I'll stay in the first two gears and finish the last half of the race in a wheelie... and give 40 lenghts. Sounds fair?

 

Rub it in Woot, must be nice to have all that torque to play with!

 

Welcome. I'll check my cover at home for a brand name. I bought it from Shade Tree or some other catalogue about 10 years ago and it still servers me well. Canvas on top, that mtalicized canvas on teh bottom so it can go right over hot pipes. Mine only has one gromet. I secured it with a Master combination lock around the brake pedal. Worked good enough to keep a Chicago cop from getting the plate or engine number to write me a ticket the one time I forgot to move it (he did rip the cover a little in his efforts, though). I think I paid aroun $80US way back then, but I feel like I got what I paid for compared to some of the really light covers I've seen blowing off other parked bikes.

 

FYI, I have a "Dow Canvas" cover. It seems they've now changed to "DowCo." Here's a review I quickly googled on tehir covers: http://goldwingproductreviews.com/Dowco.htm

DowCo iteslf is here: http://www.dowco-inc.com/

HTH.