Secure cover for a GS-A?

[Greasy Biker]

How do,

I'm looking for a cover for my '07 GS-A.

Something fairly tough, with a series of eyelets/cable/padlock so that I can make the 'bike a little more secure.

I am planning to head East of Turkey this year, probably alone, so would like to be able to leave the 'bike in a more secure condition when dealing with border crossings, sight-seeing, etc.

The 'bike will be loaded with panniers, with a tent & dry-bag accross the pillion seat - so I need something fairly large - but not excessive as I've still got to carry the thing!!

This company possibly does what I'm looking for:

http://www.classicadditions.com/waterproof-bike-covers-c-54_56.html

Does anyone have any experience of these people?

unfortunately I'm out of the UK at work, otherwise I'd measure up my GS-A and ring them direct for advice - as to whether or not their cover will fit...

Thanks in advance for any help,

Cheers ,


GB

 

[Dainese Brave]

Personally I wouldn't even think about carrying a bike cover on a tour...it's not a bad idea, but I think it'd be a pain keep putting it on and off.

If you're worried about security for your kit, then maybe a Pacsafe mesh system might be worth a thought?

Just a thought.

 

[Greasy Biker]

Aye, I know what you're saying about the hassel side of using a 'bike cover - but I like the idea of 'out of sight - out of mind', whilst dealing with a border crossing, or taking a few hours out sight-seeing, etc.

Maybe I'm a little paranoid? Just that a loaded GS left unattended, with a tank-bag and a couple of inviting bags strapped to the rear seat might be too much for some light-fingered.... I guess I'd like the peace of mind when away from the 'bike.

I do appreciate that if someone want's your gear, they'll have it - but I'd rather not have to abandon a trip 'cos some f*ck-wit found the temptation impossible to resist.

 

[Dainese Brave]

Aye, I know what you're saying about the hassel side of using a 'bike cover - but I like the idea of 'out of sight - out of mind', whilst dealing with a border crossing, or taking a few hours out sight-seeing, etc.

Maybe I'm a little paranoid? Just that a loaded GS left unattended, with a tank-bag and a couple of inviting bags strapped to the rear seat might be too much for some light-fingered.... I guess I'd like the peace of mind when away from the 'bike.

I do appreciate that if someone want's your gear, they'll have it - but I'd rather not have to abandon a trip 'cos some f*ck-wit found the temptation impossible to resist.

I know exactly what you mean...it's one of the reasons I never use a tank bag. Having to choose between carrying them with you when you leave the bike, or worrying if it'll still be there when you get back.

So I do without....I'm well trained in minimal packing now, and if it doesn't go in the top box and panniers, then it doesn't go.

It makes a lot of sense taking a cover, particulaly for piece of mind at night.

It's a bit of a cliche, but a lot of the time you're more vunerable to petty theft in this country...but you're not immune abroad.

Sorry I couldn't be more help with a cover though.

 

[SJPB1982]

I keep my bike outside year roung and have a motrex cover I got from the BMW dealer it cme in a case that would has madnets to go on the tank. Cover itself is excellent, coves mr 1200GSA with the panniers on with ease and has fastening points to stop it blowing away plus eyelets for locks etc. Cost £45 and I think it was well worth it.

 

[thosoneill]

then maybe a Pacsafe mesh system might be worth a thought?

yup - good product

 

[Wapping]

I have a Classic Additions cover for a car. Or at least it is very similar.
I use it as as dustcover, nothing more.

It's OK but would I take one away with me, padlock it up etc? No.

Why not?

(a) Could not be bothered with the faffing about / lugging a bulky cover of any sort.

(b) if a thief or a vandal is determined to tamper with your bike, a cover that can be ripped with a basic penknife is not going to deter them one jot.

Better to be sensible with your valuables, than rely on a cover.

(c) How many do you actually see in use when away? Very few, or closer to none, I would guess. How many horror stories do you hear about bikes being tampered with? Very few, too.

The Pacsafe mesh covers would be a better idea, for sure, if you really intend to leave a soft bag on your bike. If you don't, decent panniers will be as good as anything else.

 

[Toad]

Personally I just wouldn't want to carry all the bulk of the thing......

 

[andyclift]

Try Dust Off Covers

http://www.dustoffcovers.co.uk/waterproof_hd.htm

Very high quality, heat resistant, vented, belly strap, nice padding on the inside around the screen and big eyelets at bottom front so chain can go through wheel and cover.

I have the heavy duty one which packs up a bit big for touring but am thinking about getting a standard one for touring. We've been woken on Eastern Europe camp sites with someone around the bikes so getting them out of site may help.

 

[HondaMan]

Best thing you could do is leave some of the excess shit you don't need at home.

Without pillion, panniers and a top box should provide ample storage for your gear surely??? That way everything is locked on the bike when you leave it. Plus, bike will be lighter and you wont need to search through bags and bags of stuff to find a teaspoon when making a brew.

Just my opinion of course.