From: car377@cbnewsj.cb.att.com (charles.a.rogers)
Subject: Re: Bike cover for an FJ
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: usa
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1992 05:06:06 GMT
Summary: Just bought one myself

In article <1992Oct7.025446.9001@news.Hawaii.Edu>, keller@hubble.ifa.hawaii.edu (Tim Keller) writes:
> I need to get a decent bike cover for the FJ and was wondering if anybody has
> any info. It does not need to be the top of the line, and would like to spend
> less than $50 if possible. I know that Dennis Kirk and Chaparral carry several
> brands, I just don't know what's good and what's junk. Thanks in advance.
> 
> -Tim.
> 

I bought my second Dow Canvas Guardian G125 cover for my '85 FJ1100N about a
month ago, because I liked the previous one a lot.  I paid $56.57 
(shipping included) for it from Competition Accessories.  They shipped it UPS
and I had it in 5 days.  Features:

    - Waterproof, but cleverly vented ("Moisture Guard") to prevent moisture 
      buildup underneath

    - Black in color with "scorch-resistant aluminized panels" that engine/pipe
      heat won't hurt

    - Elastic "shock" cord in the lower edge to keep the cover snug on the bike

    - Heavy grommets that permit the cover to be locked to the bike with bar
      lock or padlock

    - Heavy-duty Urethane-coated Polyester

    - Flannel windshield liner  (125 and 100 models only)

    - Handy stuff sack for storage. Stores neatly in an Eclipse Standard tank
      bag (but nearly fills it up) or under a bungie net on the pillion.

    - Fits perfectly: covers all but the lowest 2 inches of the tires and
      centerstand, even with Krauser side and top bags installed on the bike

    - Very nice looking (if you're into covered bikes)

Negatives:

    - Even though the old one lasted 4-5 years, weather and sun eventually
      faded and weakened the top so that even light tension would start
      the fabric tearing.  I garage my bike, so if you park yours outside
      all the time, I'd expect your cover to last only 2-3 years.
      
    - The older one had the grommets installed right through the cover fabric,
      so the padlock captured the cover fabric as well as the shock cord loop,
      i.e., you'd have to damage the cover to steal it.  I liked that feature.

      The new one has one side of a flexible plastic/fabric rectangle sewn into 
      the lower edge on each side and the grommets are installed through them.
      When you attach the padlock, it hangs down from the edge of the cover
      by the two plastic/fabric rectangles.  To steal the cover, you only have
      use a knife to slice off the plastic/fabric rectangles along with the 
      padlock and remove the otherwise undamaged cover.  I'm installing my own 
      grommets so the new one will work like the old one.  

Before I bought from CA, I priced the cover at local shops to give them a shot
at the business.  I'll usually buy locally if the price difference is less than
20%.  The *cheapest* I found this cover locally was $71.25 plus tax.  The
most expensive was $92.95 plus tax.  CA = 1-800-543-3535

Dow Canvas part numbers tell you how big the cover is and what it's made of.

C150/PX150/G150 = Touring/Full Dress - All 1500cc and up
C125/PX125/G125 = Touring/Full Dress - Anything up to 1500cc
C100/PX100/G100 = Full Dress - 500cc to 1100cc with fairing & luggage
C50/PX50/G50    = Sport/Custom - 500cc to 1500cc Sport & Custom Stock with
                  mini-fairings
C45/PX45/G45    = Basic - 500cc and down stock with mirrors only.

The "G" means the Guardian heavy-duty polyester (i.e., waterproof/vented) cover.
A "C" means the canvas, i.e., wateresistant cover for indoor storage.
A "PX" means light-duty polyester cover, not as bulky as the Guardian, also
not as durable.

Most discount houses charge a couple of bucks extra if you order canvas
instead of the Guardian.  The Light-duty polyester is a couple of bucks
cheaper than the Guardian.

The covers come with a one-year warranty against material/workmanship
defects (excepting abuse).

Dow Canvas covers are made in the USA (Manitowoc, Wisconsin).

Chuck Rogers
car377@druhi.att.com