covering a rig

Welcome to the world of sidecaring. I have the same bake with a Velorex. As for cover I do not use one but there will be someone along that does and help you with that. I do have a trailer for my rig but I had it build just for the rig. You should be able to find someone there to do the same for you.

I hope you do not go north before March as we have a rally here in Fla for sidecars. See the link below my name.

Thanks for your reply, Richard. We jump out of Florida for part of that long stretch of heat, humidity and storms; otherwise, we live here in Miasma, and who'd want to leave at this time of year? Our plan is to ride to the rally--should be a nice run up 27, don't you think? Thanks for your work in putting it together; we'll be there. --Tom

It may not be a perfect fit, but check with your local Wally World and see what they have in ATV covers. I got mine for about $18 bucks (never use it at all). I got some plastic closure thingies at the local Tractor Supply Company, TSC, to tighten it down even more, and it all works out well in covering both the sidecar and bike. Rolls up and stores easily, even for a clumsy-fingered olf like me. If it will fit a Ural, then it will likely fit anything. Just remember to never put it on with the mufflers still hot if anything may touch the material.

I use separate covers for the rig and sidecar. Please be aware that most covers are not waterproof although they will serve for heavy dew. Covers range from relatively inexpensive to very expensive and those in the expensive range may not always be waterproof either. I use a Geza cover for the bike which is made of a heavy fabric similar to Lycra but much more durable. These covers are in the expensive range but easy to use and provide good coverage. They fit tightly over the bike.

My other cover is a standard nylon blend with elastic front and rear to secure the cover and straps with hooks near the right and left center points. This type of cover is light and easy to use as well but tends to billow somewhat in the wind although I've never had a problem with the cover coming off the rig. This type of cover is often on sale at slightly better prices and is offered under a number of different brand names but all are similar.

You may have to search some for a rainproof cover as most offered are rain "resistant" and are no more effective in that regard than ordinary nylon.

My bike (V-Star 1100)does not have a top box or fairing but the Geza (size large) does cover the saddlebags, tail rack and windshield easily to about the level of the turn signals. I prefer the Geza cover because it's easier to stretch over the bike, especially if the wind is up, however, Geza covers are expensive.

I got a small car cover at a discount store for $20.00 and use spring clamps to hold it in place. It is not waterproof as previously mentioned but keeps the sun and due off the bike when not in use and I can;t fit it in the garage for one reason or another. If it is going to rain I add the GREEN TARP for added weatherproofing.

I tried a single cover and found it to be like throwing a parachute on a windy day. I find it easier to go with two separate covers.

I have a /5 BMW w/Jupiter sidecar and use an extra large touring bike cover. I can pull it taunt over the windshields so it doesn't contact the tank if the wind whips it around. I sometimes back the rear tires on top of the back edge of the cover. That holds it well. I just buy the $20.00-$25.00 cheapy ones and replace them every few months. Last time I bought an expensive "good" one it was junk after 8 months anyway.

Originally written by dsmith on 11/20/2008 5:56 PM

I have a /5 BMW w/Jupiter sidecar and use an extra large touring bike cover. I can pull it taunt over the windshields so it doesn't contact the tank if the wind whips it around. I sometimes back the rear tires on top of the back edge of the cover. That holds it well. I just buy the $20.00-$25.00 cheapy ones and replace them every few months. Last time I bought an expensive "good" one it was junk after 8 months anyway.

:0)I'm still using the cheapy I bought for my new 1978 Goldwing, 30 years ago :0)

Thanks to all for your suggestions; the coverings are just for dry season weather--it rains too hard down here from May through October to let a covering get soaked--but it sounds like I can cover the bike and sidecar easily, either for more or less money. Thanks again; long-term plan is to build a shed. -Tom

Wow, 30 years old. It must not be one of my Chinese ones.

Hi tgoodmann:

We generally park our rig under the carport, similar to your porch. Jena purchased a "sidecar" cover from Royal Enfield for my birthday. It is actually a dust cover for trikes, but it works well to protect from sun and dust accumulation. See more here: http://store.royalenfieldusa.com/sidecars-trailers/sidecar-accessories/sidecar-cover

As for as trailers, most any 6.5' wide single axle trailer will work, but you can purchase specialty and enclosed trailers. As the trailer must be wider than the customary 8' to 10' trailer, you have to shop a little harder, and they can become cumbersome to pull. We have a 6.5'x10' utility trailer to move rigs around. We lucked up as a buddy wanted to sell it a couple of months ago. we know it's 77 inch interior width is sufficient to move a friends HD dresser rig to an out-of-town S/TEP course. It's easy to load as the last 2 feet are a built in "dove tail" with a 2 foot loading ramp/gate on the back.

Originally written by dsmith on 11/21/2008 12:37 AM

Wow, 30 years old. It must not be one of my Chinese ones.

Probably not. I wanted a Dowco with the Goldwing emblem but couldn't afford one. This is just a black cotton one with plastic grommets around the bottom edges. My Guzzi and Hurricane both came with Dowco Covers that are already torn. I have a nice Motorvation cover for the sidecar and a Polaris ATV one for the camper.

I use a Budge waterproof, small car size 1; works well:

Here's one on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BUDGE-RAIN-BARRIER-CAR-COVER-SIZE-1-Cars-up-to-131_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116QQitemZ320244765344QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

My tilt trailer is 6' inside width, which is JUST BARELY wide enough for my own rig:

Midget fits, too:

Hope that helps...

Hi bill,
can you please tell me what brand name sidecar you have? Nice setup.
thanks,
gramps575.........