Do you use a bike cover?

[Woolybugger]

Just curious, when touring do you take a bike cover for overnight? I have one that I have been using but it takes up a lot of space. I've had some strong storms at night and having the bike covered has been nice, but I'm thinking about ditching it to save the space. Does anyone else use one? If you don't do you have any problems?

[rokytnji]

No. I carry a bandana instead in back pocket. It is a multipurpose tool. Wipes the bike down. Wipes my butt. Wipes my face. Subs as a rain gaurd when lacking a front fender. Keeps the rain and blowing sand from stinging my face. < Loosey Goosey helmet law in Texas and I qualify to do as I please>.

I did cover up my bike on the lift which is outdoors tonight with a bed spread and some bungy cords though. i got the primary cover off as I am installing a new clutch cable and checking inner clutches and stuff before the WV meet and greet this year for east coast xlforum party.

Usually when on long trips on the road with me and just the bike. A tent, sleeping bag, campfire coffee pot, coffee, some spare drawers. <Edit: forgot, spare tools and bike part kick knacks>.Then I am good to go.

I just let the bike get wet if i am in rain country and wipe it down and wring out the water on my bandana.

You asked. So I am just saying.

[Veeflys]

Yes I carry a small generic cover which bundles up into a small 6"x8" roll. I use it mostly to keep prying eyes off more than protecting from the elements. Veeflys

[Brad]

Nope. Carry a towel to wipe it off in the AM. Park under something if I can, but if not, NBD.

[SonWon]

I'm going to buy a cover as sitting under a carport is not enough protection. On a trip I would just wipe it down and I wlll be buying a tent where the bike can park inside.

[jharback]

Nope. Usually, I can find a hotel/motel with covered parking or they will let me park it under cover in front of the room. A little rain won't hurt anything if you wipe it down fairly soon. If I decide to go camping I'll do as SonWon recommends and get one of these.

[SonWon]

The lone rider tent has a larger area for the bike where the Redverz Atacama Expedition Motorcycle Tent has a larger sleeping quarters. I plan to get the Redverz tent and I suspect it maybe just a little better. Although I have heard nothing but good news about both tents.

[Bone]

I don't get the point of a cover. It's cosmetic only. It doesn't really protect anything mechanical or electrical, unless that thing was defective in the first place.

I've ridden my bike through a tropical storm, why would I worry about it sitting uncovered at a motel or campground?

[SonWon]

I think a cover is mostly to keep the bike dry and keep people from seeing what they can easily steal. I may carry a cover but only if there is room and that isn't likely.

[Bone]

But dry does nothing constructive and as for stealing meh, I'd think a cover just suggests it's even more with stealing.