Long Haul Bike Cover

Energy One

Lightweight BigDog

Little Man on a Big Dog!
Calendar Participant
My Pitbull is going on an open trailer along with 3 other bikes down to Daytona for BikeWeek. The weather between Indiana and Daytona could be a mix of Snow/Ice/Rain and everything in between. Really don't want the bike to go down without a cover but don't want anything wearing on the paint etc. Thoughts and suggestions????? :2thumbs:
 

RADAMS445

RADICAL
I know exactly how you feel.:rolleyes:I've had bad experience's in the past. Which is why I pull them in the enclosed now. Sometimes your better off with nothing on them(IMO).:zz2cents:
 

coach

Active Member
enclosed trailer is cheaper than a paint job....and you have some security for over night parking....sorry man...open trailer, you're asking for trouble :down:
 

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
I think a cover will rip to shreds. In the back of the magazines there is a cover called something like "Rhinohide" or something like that but it's made or this. It has straps all around it to keep it from flapping in the wind.
 

O-man

Active Member
You really need to baby these bikes as far as water goes. If I knew the weather was going to be bad, I would rent an enclosed trailer. :2thumbs:
 

Showtime

Member
I know exactly how you feel.:rolleyes:I've had bad experience's in the past. Which is why I pull them in the enclosed now. Sometimes your better off with nothing on them(IMO).:zz2cents:
I agree... and as soon as you hit good weather get the suds out... I have seen some bad paint after the wind gets ahold of what you cover it with... Uhaul wants 800 each way from NY to FL as a friend just checked two days ago... Thats a decent small enclosed trailer all day long... PRAY for some good weather bro and have some fun...
 

BWG56

Guru
I wonder if you would be able to use shrink wrap or would that draw mositure?
I have used covers in the past and had a hundred bungee's on it and it still shredded. I have also bought a roll of shrink wrap and it held up great. Here's how to do it, first put it on the trailer and strap it down good, second start wrapping the bike around and up and over until it is completely covered. And last make sure you start at the back and wrap up and over the bike overlapping the joints ( so the air don't flow in) until you reach the front. Now when you unwrap it do not use a utility knife no matter how careful you think you are, cut it off whit a scissors.
Pull the wrap tight when doing it and yes I have done this twice from Pa. to Daytona.:whoop:
 

Lightweight BigDog

Little Man on a Big Dog!
Calendar Participant
I have used covers in the past and had a hundred bungee's on it and it still shredded. I have also bought a roll of shrink wrap and it held up great. Here's how to do it, first put it on the trailer and strap it down good, second start wrapping the bike around and up and over until it is completely covered. And last make sure you start at the back and wrap up and over the bike overlapping the joints ( so the air don't flow in) until you reach the front. Now when you unwrap it do not use a utility knife no matter how careful you think you are, cut it off whit a scissors.
Pull the wrap tight when doing it and yes I have done this twice from Pa. to Daytona.:whoop:
Since an enclosed trailer is not an option, looks like I may invest in some shrink wrap! Not to hip on going that route but I have shrink wrap at my disposal ..... Thanks! :2thumbs:
 

BorgerBigDog

BORN TEXAN
Must be someone in this forum that has a enclosed trailer on your way to Daytona!!!! Maybe rent it to you CHEAP or FREE for a member since bikers are such NICE people:up:
 

keldog

New Member
You do not want to use a bike cover on a bike in an open trailer. Saw a bike that a customer brought in to my shop after only a hundred miles on an open trailer with a bike cover to aviod bad weather. Ruined all the paint, chrome and billet it touched. It's like taking 400 grit sandpaper to your bike! Good luck!
 

Moespeeds

Well-Known Member
DON'T SHRINK WRAP! It will destroy your paint, ask me how I know! I used an open trailer when I first started racing, and tried all kinds of things to cover my bike for long hauls, and finally ended up getting an enclosed trailer. You are much better off leaving the bike naked. Anything you wrap it with will shred or beat flat spots in the paint from the wind. What you could do it bungee rags over your controls, treat them with scotchguard first to keep water out. Beyond that you will be fine. Bring a bottle of S100 and some Honda polish and you'll have the bike looking brand new the first hour you get down there.
 

erldawg

Guru
I'll agree with most of the comments on do not cover the bike. Rent an enclosed trailer.
When I bought my bike in November of 08 I rented a 6x12 dual axle enclosed uhaul and took it down to NJ to pick up the bike..Worked just fine...
 
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BWG56

Guru
I guess it depends on how tight the wrap is, I didn't have any damage with the 2-1000 mile trips I made with it on. I had it 3-4 layers thick.
 

coach

Active Member
i would not pay 800 to rent a uhaul. i purchased a single v-nose enclosed great trailer new for $2200. that company sells 2 & 4 bike haulers for a few hundred more....split 4 ways makes it an easy choice.

i know the original question was wrap, no wrap, and how....may not be what you wanted to hear....but you will have a better daytona experience if you heed the advice...let us know how it all turns out and post pix
 
shrinkwrap would be your best bet. first of all remove your mirrors, then wrap the bars, tank, and fenders with bubble wrap and tape to where it wont move. then shrink wrap. i haul performance boats all over the country, some with $100,000 paint jobs with no issues. i would suggest strap the bike down first, then start the wrap process.
 

pig pen

Well-Known Member
I haul my bike on an open trailer all the time. I never cover it. If it gets dirty on the ride , it gets a soapy bath upon arrival.:D
 
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