Motorcycle Cover / Stands

[saligia]

I'm currently looking at motorcycle covers so that when the time comes (which will likely be soon) I will already have one. The bike will be stored either in our garage (not heated, but out of the elements) or in a heated garage/shop of my housemate's friend. Regardless, I would be more comfortable having it covered. I see anything from fairly cheap (in quality/price) to the not so cheap (which I was surprised to see). If it helps, I'm looking primarily at ones by Dowco and Nelson Rigg?

Additionally, I've seen multiple suggestions to not store w/ tires on the ground (if possible). I've been checking out various stands, but most of what I see appears to be for larger bikes (I've got a 250). Anyone used stands w/ a 250? Are spools required for all stands? And again, lots of price variation. I'd prefer to pay a bit more for something of quality that will last but see lots of arguments on this one.

Recommendations? Help a gal out!

[Luna Tique]

You have a Ninja 250 right?
Put it on it's center stand I always use my center stand :thumbup:

Just my http://lunatique.smugmug.com/photos/467530989_ecVAj-O.gif (http://lunatique.smugmug.com/Other/smilies/6394670_NAmsS#467530989_ecVAj) If it is an unheated garage You might want to place a box of moth balls under the cover to keep the mice out .

I park mine in the "Bat Cave" with just an old sheet over it to keep the dust off and to create a dead air space so the moth balls can do their job.

[KCDakar]

What ever you get for a cover, if you are going to use it inside in an unheated area for any length of time it needs to breath. If it is an outside cover it will hold condensation under it and your bike will rust. I have 5 covers. I use 3 as the others are for outside. On my other bikes that sit for the winter I use a sheet from the thrift store. Cheap, Breathes and Very easy to move on and off the bike. If you are worried about it coming off say when the door is opened just use bungy cords to tie it on with.

As to the stand(s) I do not know enough about the 250 to say at this point so I will stand by and let others post up what they know....

Good Luck! :thumbup:

[saligia]

You have a Ninja 250 right?
Put it on it's center stand I always use my center stand :thumbup:

Just my http://lunatique.smugmug.com/photos/467530989_ecVAj-O.gif (http://lunatique.smugmug.com/Other/smilies/6394670_NAmsS#467530989_ecVAj) If it is an unheated garage You might want to place a box of moth balls under the cover to keep the mice out .

I park mine in the "Bat Cave" with just an old sheet over it to keep the dust off and to create a dead air space so the moth balls can do their job.

Alas, the new gen models don't have a center stand for some reason.

Nice tip re: the moth balls though!

[saligia]

What ever you get for a cover, if you are going to use it inside in an unheated area for any length of time it needs to breath. If it is an outside cover it will hold condensation under it and your bike will rust. I have 5 covers. I use 3 as the others are for outside. On my other bikes that sit for the winter I use a sheet from the thrift store. Cheap, Breathes and Very easy to move on and off the bike. If you are worried about it coming off say when the door is opened just use bungy cords to tie it on with.

As to the stand(s) I do not know enough about the 250 to say at this point so I will stand by and let others post up what they know....

Good Luck! :thumbup:

Yep. This is what I was concerned about (i.e., the rusting and stuff) if I picked up something inappropriate. Thanks for the info!

[Luna Tique]

:chin: I have never owned a bike that didn't have a center stand.
We put one on the wee strom as soon as we got it. :shrug:I wonder why do they not all come one?

Motorcycles need a center stand.:rules:
:D:

[indianscout]

With my old bikes I am like Dakar and use an old sheet as they are inside a un-heated garage. As far as blocking up the bike, I think it is more to prevent your bike from tipping over if a tire goes flat. This can be bad news if it is on a side stand!!! Been there, done that!!! I check my bikes over at least once or twice a month and check the tire pressure on them as the cold will make them go flat over time. Some people will go as far as putting a piece of plywood under each tire so it's not against the concrete. Some say this makes a differance but I haven't seen anything to prove this......but what's it going to hurt? If you do decide to block up your bike, make sure to secure it so it doesn't fall over. If you store your bike in a cold trailer with a chock, put a block under the bike before snugging it down. If the tire goes flat the straps will loosen up and if it doesn't fall over it could lean over and cause problems (more-so if you have another bike parked along side). The block will take the weight and preven this from happining. Storage in an un-vented trailer will cause alot of moisture to build up and cause problems with electrical items so make sure your trailer is well vented!! Oh, also if storing in a trailer, lock it up tight and secure it to something perminant so someone can't drive off with you baby.....better yet, remove the tires if it's going to be awile. don't forget to remove the battery and change it up good before putting it on the shelf for the winter. One of thoes battery tenders is wonderfull and well worth the money! Some people service there bikes before putting them away for the winter, I prefer to service them in the spring before I go out for my first ride. Condensation in the engine cases will turn the oil milky and really ruin you day. This is not a problem if you garage is heated.......my living room works great for this!