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[SOCAL296]

Hey guys I wasn't sure where to ask this so I will start here. I am about ready to embark on a trip this weekend just up to Big Bear but weather reports indicate possible T-Storms and the place we are staying does not have covered parking. I am not much of a believer in Storage covers but I checked out the 1 that came with my CVO Limited. The underside of this cover looks like it could easily Chafe paint in any type of wind. I am thinking better off without it.
Thoughts or input???

[yanks178]

Use mine all the time in the garage and also anytime it is parked outside overnight.. never had a problem!

[grc]

All I can add to this topic is a caution to make sure the cover you have is actually the one designed for both indoor and outdoor use.  The older models came with just an indoor cover meant to keep the dust off.  I think the late models are supposed to come with the indoor/outdoor version.  As for damaging the paint in windy conditions, try carrying a few microfiber towels and tape them in place on the most vulnerable areas before you install the cover.  I do that on the fairing and T-P with my indoor cover over the winter and it works fine even when the garage door is open and the wind is howling.  Secure the cover to keep it from moving around, as best you can.  If all else fails, buff the paint out with a mild polish when you get back home.  I would personally prefer to have it covered, even if it means a slight possibility of some scuffing.

JMHO - Jerry

[ultrarider123]

Valid points from Jerry and Yanks.....

Here's a different opinion....I'm not a cover guy (whether on GQ or having one one the bike.... ). 
The bike is designed to be out in the weather.  I tried using one on a long trip once years ago....never again.  I never liked the idea or effort applying a cover on a dirty, bug covered bike.  I would have to clean the entire bike to get it ready for the cover, remove the cover in the morning and proceed to clean again where the cover rubbed OR if it rained or was a particular dew-y evening, wipe everything down and put the cover up wet/damp to put back on that evening.  The effort to prep for a cover after a long day of riding could be utilized in much better ways....

Again, some folks like it and swear by the cover.  I'm not in that camp....go commando and leave it to air out on it's on.  If it's uncovered and had the morning dew or is damp from an overnight rain, the bugs come off much easier....

If you must cover something, cover the seating area with a good, quality water-proof/resistant cover.  My experience is your butt will appreciate being dry at the start of a long day....Lord knows it's not going to stay dry long on a hot day but at least it begins that way....

[grc]

Valid points from Jerry and Yanks.....

Here's a different opinion....I'm not a cover guy (whether on GQ or having one one the bike.... ). 
The bike is designed to be out in the weather.  I tried using one on a long trip once years ago....never again.  I never liked the idea or effort applying a cover on a dirty, bug covered bike.  I would have to clean the entire bike to get it ready for the cover, remove the cover in the morning and proceed to clean again where the cover rubbed OR if it rained or was a particular dew-y evening, wipe everything down and put the cover up wet/damp to put back on that evening.  The effort to prep for a cover after a long day of riding could be utilized in much better ways....

Again, some folks like it and swear by the cover.  I'm not in that camp....go commando and leave it to air out on it's on.  If it's uncovered and had the morning dew or is damp from an overnight rain, the bugs come off much easier....

If you must cover something, cover the seating area with a good, quality water-proof/resistant cover.  My experience is your butt will appreciate being dry at the start of a long day....Lord knows it's not going to stay dry long on a hot day but at least it begins that way....

Excellent points Haird.  I agree, putting a cover on a dirty bike is just asking for scratches, and of course the cover will be contaminated by the dirt and bugs and whatever so the next time you use it even on a freshly cleaned bike it will probably transfer the grime to the clean parts.

I remember way back seeing a product in a magazine that I thought was the perfect answer, but I've never seen it since.  Basically it was a roll-up cover, like a window shade, that you installed to a luggage rack or a tour pak and then pulled out and forward to cover just the seat and tank.  I wonder if anyone makes something similar, just large enough to stretch from the rear of the seat to the bars, and not necessarily with any kind of mechanism.  Seems like there would be a market for something like that; as you said, the main thing is to keep the seat dry.

Jerry

[dayne66]

My covers go on the clean bikes in the fall....and off in the spring...that's it!

[FlaHeatWave]

'Never even thought about using a cover on a road trip...

[donvito]

I always bring a cover on trips, one thing I hate is pulling in for the night and it rains all night long, then get on a soaked seat and ride 400 miles. F's up your day. I bought the bimini one, as it takes up less room, but found out its not water proof, in fact it holds water and saturates the seat. May just try a seat rain cover, but 2 things come to mind now; I like to cover it because it tends to keep the undesirables out, and now that I have a CVO and they have a killer cover. I don't want to advertise whats under the tent.
Anyone have any issues like this.
Funny story there was 4 of us parked at a hotel in Colorado with covers. My buddy had a HD cover he paid $30  for, next morning we came out and his was the only one gone. Guy in hotel told us theres a homeless camp in the park. Guy wanted to go ripping thru the camp to get his cover. Told him it probably went to a good home. Sorry for the ramble.

[Mickle]

I don't use the supplied CVO cover except in the garage at home, I purchased a plain cover for road trips so as not to advertise what's

parked underneath, I don't care about rain or dew its all about security, the cover can also accommodate a cable type lock to prevent

unauthorised removal.

[92fxsts]

I have a Exigent seat cover that I have used for years.  Takes less room than a pair of gloves and is waterproof.  Like others stated above, the bike is made to get wet.  I try to keep myself comfortable.  http://www.exigentbikecovers.com/shop/category.aspx/accessories/3/

[Fired00d]

I have a Exigent seat cover that I have used for years.  Takes less room than a pair of gloves and is waterproof.  Like others stated above, the bike is made to get wet.  I try to keep myself comfortable.  http://www.exigentbikecovers.com/shop/category.aspx/accessories/3/

I too own and use an Exigent cover... as stated above they pack up small, are waterproof,... and most/best of all they are unmarked... would be @$$holes will/may think it's just a Goldwing under the cover (not that I have anything against Goldwings) and not a H-D CVO.

BTW the above link is to accessories... you can get to the rain covers by clicking >HERE<.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[SBB]

(not that I have anything against Goldwings) 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Me either!

 
SBB

[Afdharley]

Never used a bike cover. In fact, mine is still in the shrink wrap on a shelf in the hall closet.

[East Coast]

I too own and use an Exigent cover... as stated above they pack up small, are waterproof,... and most/best of all they are unmarked... would be @$$holes will/may think it's just a Goldwing under the cover (not that I have anything against Goldwings) and not a H-D CVO.

BTW the above link is to accessories... you can get to the rain covers by clicking >HERE<.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

X3, I have one as well and cover at night if traveling.

[CVODON]

Always take a Exigent Cover, use it every night when on the road. But I never put the cover on a dirty bike, I clean the bike @ night before covering. Contrary to Haird who wants to use his time for other stuff, I just feel like every day is better if I leave out in the morning with me & the bike (or car/boat) clean. Just makes a day away that much better to me, Haird does not think so, but I do.
I have found that if you look most motels have a hose somewhere, for landscape or pool or something, and all rooms have a trash can (bucket). I carry sponge in zip-lock with a small travel size shampoo bottle filled with car wash soap and a micro-fiber drying towel, also in a zip-lock. I stuff all this in the exigent storage bag with the cover, takes very small space, just part of my travel deal. Takes a few minutes daily, but worth it to me.