Best bike cover? [Archive] - SV650.org - SV650 & Gladius 650 Forum

Biker_Billy

29-06-07, 08:23 PM

Im after a new cover for my K6 sport. I've currently got an oxford one but it's increasingly annoying when it blows off, any suggestions? Cheers.

I bought one from Aldi a couple of weeks ago - not sure how good it is tho, but for 9 quid - bargain.

Seems well constructed - fleecy lining, velcro straps around the wheels and more elastic than M & S underwear department...

Billy

Alpinestarhero

30-06-07, 11:24 AM

I've got an oxford stormex, expensive but stays on and is mostly waterproof (a little bit of water gets soaked up at the bottom, but the bike itself stays dry)

Matt

sv650sfan

13-07-07, 08:23 AM

I, too, have been looking for a cover recently. Got a SV650S K6 about a month back and want to have cover that is quick and easy to put on the bike. The place where I work does not have covered parking so wanted to have some cover for the bike. By the way, so far I saw www.gezagear.com (http://www.gezagear.com) (Pro-series , small). The price is $174.95 (87.65 GB Pounds). But I would like to get my hands on something cheaper.

By the way, anyone out there using gezagear cover?

thor

13-07-07, 09:05 AM

R&G do one for track bikes on trailers. Slots for bar straps, chain holes by wheels, clips on underside, aint going to blow off, but not sure how waterproof it is.

Viney

13-07-07, 09:07 AM

Oxford stormex gets a thumbs up lennis from me. Ive had 3..2 got stolen!!

Pedro68

13-07-07, 01:57 PM

Yeah I got the Oxford stormex too ... it has holes in the front n rear (which I should use before it gets stolen), through which you can pass a bike chain.
It also has a belt for the underbelly, which should keep it in place in gales.
Fits nicely over my SV, and is very good at keeping the water out. Only problem I have is remembering to put it on after the 'zorst has cooled down.

I would have preferred something I could stow as it's a bit bulky, but then I don't really use it that often - out on it too much :P

Pete

RhythmJunkie

07-08-07, 09:02 PM

At the moment I'm using a soft cotton second hand bed sheet to protect the paint and a thin white tarp'. Tied to prevent windloss with multi-coloured string!

Over the next few weeks will be building a lean-to, veranda, car-port, type thing onto the rear of the house. There is a brick shed which could be emptied at a pinch and she could sleep in there. Door would have to be bricked up and a new one installed at one end but the lean-to seems the simplest and cheapest option.

There's always the kitchen on those really cold nights!!! ;)
Sweetheart, I've just had this great idea!! :) Ooch! Ouch! No not there!!!

GeeMac

08-08-07, 08:16 PM

I have an Oxford Stormex one...nice cover but I have a habit of forgetting to go back and pop it on once the exhaust has cooled off. Last time I looked it appeared that 20 or so slugs had taken up residence in it :(

jumjum_0214

26-09-07, 10:29 AM

I too have the oxford stormex. Had it 12 months now melted a big chunk on my old exhaust but repaired with Duck tape and is good as new:D. It does keep the bike dry and is breathable but after long wet spells the bike does get damp underneath.

Had it off ebay £60 if i remember rightly

It got good reviews by RIDE mag.:cool:

mmmstrongbow

01-03-08, 11:21 PM

i got a cheap as chips one from argos, cost me 12 quid, its waterproof has a strap under the belly and hasnt melted when ive chucked it straight on after a ride. it has had a good work out recently as well, living in aberdeen the wind and rain are constant from the north sea!

rictus01

01-03-08, 11:55 PM

Even I myself have a stormex, good durable cover, and admittedly I did pay for it, but having now used it, I'd buy another over a cheaper one, I like the strap that clips under the bike and plenty of openings to run your chain through.

Cheers Mark.

padmane

04-03-08, 06:05 PM

Another vote for the Argos cover. :cheers: Cheap and works.

trevrobwhite

21-03-08, 10:58 PM

I got the Motrax deluxe cover from here http://www.motraxdirect.co.uk/acatalog/motrax_covers.html#aMTXMHBC1 got a free helmet bag as well which was good.

I use the chain to keep the front down and a bungie around the back wheel, it comes with a clip for the bottom (we suffer with very high winds in cornwall, my old XR125 kept on getting blown over when the old cover started acting like a sail).

mike_avfc

26-06-08, 08:46 PM

i have an Oxford cover, not sure which one, but it has the elastic at the bottom so can't blow off.

dirt cheap on ebay for a K4 sport

trevrobwhite

27-06-08, 09:10 AM

I brought a Mortax Deluxe one in the end, its top dollar, and even allows for a chain to go through the front or rear wheel thus securing the cover more, it also had a clip under the cover and elastic.

We've had some really strong winds in Cornwall recently and its going nowhere, also has air vents so it doesn't try and act like a sail and blow my poor baby over.

Would recommend it.

Nobbylad

14-07-08, 03:06 PM

I bought the Oxford Stormex from Nightingales for Â£57 and got a free Oxford Disc Lock as well (plus free P&P).

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Nightingales-Motorcycles

Bought my HJC FG-15 lid from them and saved Â£40 on rrp too!

P.S. Haven't melted the cover yet and usually throw it on straight after a ride.

wyrdness

14-07-08, 03:17 PM

Another vote for the Argos cover. :cheers: Cheap and works.

+1. It's very thin - a bit like tent fabric, but seems to do the job well. I haven't had it too long, so I don't know how long it will last, but it's very good for the price.

larigos

27-09-08, 08:48 PM

stormex is good, but if you have rack fitted get the large not medium - I strugge to get the medium on now I've got a rack for commuting purposes.

zsv650

27-09-08, 10:04 PM

an aldi cover for home which is quite good heavy and well lined for a cheap cover and a cheap argos one at work just to keep the weather of it a bit.

RichT

28-09-08, 11:40 AM

I've got an oxford stormex, expensive but stays on and is mostly waterproof (a little bit of water gets soaked up at the bottom, but the bike itself stays dry)

Matt

+1

tanis34

28-09-08, 04:43 PM

+1. It's very thin - a bit like tent fabric, but seems to do the job well. I haven't had it too long, so I don't know how long it will last, but it's very good for the price.
+ 2 had mine bout a year now no probs :D

penguat

28-09-08, 06:42 PM

Anyone tried foil as a way to stop a cover melting?

AndyBrad

29-09-08, 03:38 PM

i got the oxford one in medium and its bloody fab. cost 17 quid off ebay.

rossinio

14-12-08, 10:51 PM

Are there any covers you can put on a bike that's still hot? I live in a flat/apartment so it's a bit more trouble to put on cover when it's cooled off..

rictus01

15-12-08, 02:51 AM

Are there any covers you can put on a bike that's still hot? I live in a flat/apartment so it's a bit more trouble to put on cover when it's cooled off..

The Oxford stormex one I have is fine to put over a hot bike as the inside is material and not plastic, however the cheaper ones will just melt on contact.

Cheers Mark.

AndyBrad

15-12-08, 02:01 PM

The oxford one i have goes on a hot bike and no problems as yet

Dappa D

15-12-08, 02:58 PM

i have oxford rainex, very good cover, doesnt soak up water and has a clip underneath,

used to have the argos one, false economy IMO, leaks water or rather condensation gets thru...rubbish me thinks but others say they like it.

mash

15-12-08, 03:47 PM

i have the oxford stormex.

it's great. does soak up a little water, but that's a small price to pay for a soft lining. fits absolutely perfectly (medium on a fully faired S). the underside clip did break though, but there's no way it's going to blow away (unlike the duke that's in the lane that's NEVER ridden and has the cheapest piece of crap cover on it)!

the packaging says
'HEAT RESISTANT IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH EXHAUST!'
but then adds as a caveat:
'WARNING: IF YOUR MOTORBIKE IS FITTED WITH A CATALYTIC CONVERTER IT IS IMPORTANT TO LET THE HOT EXHAUST COOL DOWN BEFORE FITTING THE COVER TO AVOID DAMAGE TO BIKE OR COVER!'

as far as i understand, the sv was fitted with a cat in 2004. having said that, my sk5 always has the cover put on immediately and not matter how hot it is there's never been any damage. and i've had it a year now & ride almost everyday.

one thing - it does still have the standard exhaust. hopefully not for too much longer - it's big and ugly and sounds BAAAAAD next to an aftermarket one! i NEEEED a new exhaust!

wyrdness

15-12-08, 06:00 PM

Are there any covers you can put on a bike that's still hot? I live in a flat/apartment so it's a bit more trouble to put on cover when it's cooled off..

I've found the cheap Argos cover to be fine on a hot bike, unlike the Lidl one.

GooseSVSK2

30-12-08, 11:30 PM

I had an oxford one and it was good but quite heavy duty and I got fed up with having to fold it up and stash it in the garden every time i went out so i went to Argos and they do one for £14.99 that is flimsy yes but packs down to NOTHING! so I carry it on the back with a bungie net. Keeps the rain and frost off and doesnt melt where it touches the exhaust. I'm on my second of these and at the price theyre a bargain. I thought for ages about buying a mega posh one but I find the better quality covers are just weigh a ton and are a pain to use day in day out. JMHO!
Oh yes and it has elastic, vents in the sides and a bit of bungie with a hook to secure it underneath. Oh and its blue with a silver bit down the middle, which doesn't seem to stop @%^$heads reversing into it while they try to park!

rory182

19-11-09, 11:24 PM

I too have the stormex the bike lives outside under it with a couple of big chains securing the bike. Goes on when the exhaust is hot, the rear section is heat resistant so its absolutely Ok to put on hot. Keeps the bike dry and has never blown off yet despite being pretty exposed.

Also it came joint top of test in MCN or Ride recently with an R&G cover, the R&G was about £10 cheaper.

Geeman

30-11-09, 03:03 PM

I've had a couple of Oxford covers over the past couple of years....

Keep my bike outside so cover is essential for protection and bike security.

Year 1 - Oxford Aquatec... cheapest Oxford cover.. nylon with waterproof coating on outside. OK in the summer time and light enought to carry round... However, its ability to keep heavy rain out was pretty poor. OK in light showers...
Held in place by belly pan clip and elastic at both ends... Bike was blown over... !!! I think the Aquatec acted a bit like a kite, Belly pan clip ripped from the cover making the cover more or less useless... might be ok if you're using it at the workplace but wouldn't recommend if its your main cover.

Oxford Stormex - bought as a replacement for about £50 - Very bulky in comparison and can't carry around with the bike.... However far better fit, stronger elastic ends for fitting over wheels and holes front and rear for your chain.. "Furry" interior so no scratches on your paintwork...
Quite waterproof, but in really heavy rain - ie 2 or 3 days worth , the bottom of the cover gets soaked and the bike is damp when you remove the cover... Bike was also blown over once with this cover on but crash bungs took the damage, but not a mark on the bike so cover did its job...!!! :)

I changed my bike from my old CBR600f to my CBR600RR in the summer and it still fits ok, no probs with heat... RR can is under the seat!

Probably will replace soon with the Oxford Rainex - Ride Magazine rate it higher than the Stormex, and its cheaper too!

The Stormex came in v low...! :(

Ride review here (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/Ride%20Magazine/Product%20test%20pdfs/12%20Dec%2008%20Covers.pdf).

Anyone have one?

LK-SV

30-11-09, 05:17 PM

[QUOTE=GooseSVSK2;1730972]I had an oxford one and it was good but quite heavy duty and I got fed up with having to fold it up and stash it in the garden every time i went out so i went to Argos and they do one for £14.99 that is flimsy yes but packs down to NOTHING! so I carry it on the back with a bungie net. Keeps the rain and frost off and doesnt melt where it touches the exhaust. I'm on my second of these and at the price theyre a bargain. I thought for ages about buying a mega posh one but I find the better quality covers are just weigh a ton and are a pain to use day in day out. JMHO!
[QUOTE]

Agree with this ..... had a HELD cover from GetGeared (about £25) until this weekend .... was absolutely amazing at the price for keeping the bike dry, etc .....

However, it was far too bulky, and heavy ..... a real pain - and was scratching the bike .... so now I have a Oxford Aquatex ......

Ok, so the bikes not always 100% dry - but its light enough to carry, and keep the worst rain off ......

LK-SV

30-11-09, 05:20 PM

Oh, top tip ....

I run a bungy OVER the bike to keep the cover down ....

I attach it off the side stand on one side, to the brake on the other ....... stops it acting like a hot air balloon !!

paiste

01-12-09, 12:03 AM

I've got an Oxford Aquatex and it is sh!t. Anything more than a light shower and the bike is soaking. I have just contacted the seller on ebay and I'm gonna get it swapped. He reckons the waterproof coating may have "failed" :smt102
My cheap argos special is much better but doesn't fit this time of year when I have my top box fitted :(

beabert

01-12-09, 05:41 AM

I bought the argos one and it lets a fair amount of water through, doh! like everything bike related, overpriced crap.

Old Git

01-12-09, 07:31 AM

+ 2 for the cheap argos ones, got it over the SV and another over the falco, plenty of material, elastic holds it in position even in the wind ( if you tuck it under/round the wheels, & the clip thing goes underneath, brill.

N8te rider

01-12-09, 09:48 AM

Oxford stormex gets a thumbs up lennis from me. Ive had 3..2 got stolen!!
Yep Stormex is great. Mine got stolen though. Now I use cheapo ones!

Sally

01-12-09, 12:20 PM

Oxford stormex for me :)

dizzyblonde

03-12-09, 10:48 PM

Got a Stormex for Pegs bike yesterday. We shall now see, in this northern windy rainsoaked land, if it works better than an Argos special that has been covering a bike outside for a year with no leaks and not blown away.

carternd

08-12-09, 08:57 PM

I have an Oxford Rainex - Is massively bulky but SO easy to put on. Just pull it over and do up underneath. The back seat seemed damp last time I went out but it had been cats and dogs for a week with lots of wind. Front end looked dry so is probably blown up. Previously had cheap Argos one - after 4-5 years was no longer waterproof and torn and a bit too small for a real bike. Better than nothing though.

dizzyblonde

09-12-09, 08:18 PM

WOW..the large Stormex actually is big enough to fit the bus in! And a small child could hide under there too.
Its huge, and looks to be very snuggly for Pegs bike. Only time will tell how waterproof it is, but I reckon it'll be fine.

Nobbylad

10-12-09, 02:43 PM

I managed to get it over my pointy WITH the Givi 45L top box on! Bit of a stretch like, but this cover has been ace since I got it last year.

keith_d

10-12-09, 03:23 PM

I'm another cheapskate and have an Argos cover for each of my bikes. I forgot to do up a belly strap one night and found one cover had flown over an 8' high fence and about 50 yards along the road before it snagged.

Apart from that minor issue they appear to keep the bike dry-ish.

Keith.

Vindaloo

19-12-09, 03:08 PM

I just got me one of these (http://www.mandp.co.uk/productInfo.aspx?catRef=902665). £38 but comes with a cheapie Oxford chain and lock (which serves well as a second lock to use at work). Can't say I can compare it to too many others, but it beats the cheap one that my exhaust had burned through and had holes rotted into it.

It's elasticated at the bottom which means it takes a minute or two longer to fit than the old one but means it's a much better fit and so should gather less grime, muck, leaves and dirt. Also has gaps for the chain to pass through.

It's got the RiDE 'best buy' award (21/21), so they must rate it, and it promises you that you can put it straight on with a hot exhaust.

I believe it's a medium in size.

Adrian

carternd

22-12-09, 06:56 PM

Would have got one of those but have a mate who works in Autobitz (yay!) and they stock Oxford stuff, so a bit of money off and no delivery charge. Saw the RiDE review myself.

AndyBrad

06-04-10, 07:59 AM

dizzyblonde

06-04-10, 04:45 PM

At the NEC the R&G fella said the Oxford Stormex to be more superior to those he was supposed to be selling, and promptly sent us in the direction of the OXford stand, so what does it say about their covers?

So far the ZZR has gone through the winter outside, very much unscathed. Its been dry as a bone. The cover has certainly done its job :-) Living on top of a very windy hill, in a place that has resembled the twilight zone when all other places has lost their snow, I think its done exceptional.

ophic

06-04-10, 04:49 PM

ive recently upgraded from a oxford rainx to a r&g one. got the oxford lock with it as well and tbh its actually pretty good!

anyhoo. the rainx cover lasted about a year before it was no longer waterproof. Basically its like a tent material and when its resting on the bike it seeps through! the r&g one is made of much thicker material and seems to be more sunstancial. however its not without faults! the cover is much smaller than the medium rainx one and doesnt cover the wheels to the floor. It has a padded section for the seat thats lasted all of 5 mins before it got snagged and ripped out! and the elasticated bottom. While providing a secure grip on the bike makes it a right old pain to put on as its snug over everything.

Mine seems to have too many holes in it (for locks and stuff) and the flaps that cover them don't do a very good job of keeping the water out. The elastic has a tendency to freeze in place in winter, as in, it won't stretch.

But it seems to be lasting well. I've also used these: http://www.specialisedcarcovers.com/specialised-bikecovers.htm
and they have a limited life before the white coating flakes off the inside and they become porous and cover your bike in dandruff!

Nobbylad

07-04-10, 08:29 AM

My Stormex is still going strong after nearly 2 years. Lives permanently outside and easily covers the bike incl. top box rack. The material inside is still soft and the outside still waterproof. I have lost the plastic buckle from underneath, however I never could figure out how you were supposed to use it to tighten the cover as it seemed far too long to just clip underneath, but nowhere near long enough to wrap over the bike.

sel1960

07-04-10, 08:51 AM

Hi i brought a r&g cover as bike is outside all the time it was recomended by bike mag must say excellent cover cost about £40,top job :)

Triv650

01-07-10, 08:17 PM

What size Motrax Deluxe fits an SV the best?

trevrobwhite

01-07-10, 08:50 PM

I've got the Medium which is designed for sports bikes covers the bike well and stays on well, only a tiny bit of the bottom of the wheel shows.

Triv650

01-07-10, 09:04 PM

Ah right, thanks Trevo.

AndyBrad

01-07-10, 09:46 PM

can i just say dont bother with the r&g cover. Its a bag of ****e. I mean it really is. It feels thick and sturdy but it lets water through and keeps condensation in.

B1k3R

27-10-10, 03:19 PM

I've got the Medium which is designed for sports bikes covers the bike well and stays on well, only a tiny bit of the bottom of the wheel shows.

+1 Got mine delivered today - Deluxe. Can't comment on how effective it is yet but looks good quality Medium fits well.

Not sure about the magnetic tank bag to keep it in. Do you realy want to fold up a gritty wet cover covered in cats wee, put it in a bag, and take it for a ride?