Table of contents
- Product test Motorcycle tarpaulins
- Tips for knackers
- Tarpaulin 9003
- Tarpaulin 9010
- Cover hood “Light”
- Stretch cover
- Cover hood “Premium”
- Tarpaulin “Superdeal II”
- Black / silver tarpaulin
- Tarpaulin “Greyhound III”
- Indoor tarpaulin 9005
- Dust cover “Dust”
- Cover hood “Indoor premium”
- Dane folding garage
- Kushitani folding garage
- Dust cover
mps photo studio
accesories
Product test: motorcycle tarpaulins
Product test
Motorcycle tarpaulins
This is what it looks like when MOTORRAD editors dig deep into a topic. Jorg L. (left) and Klaus H. (right) took significantly greater risks during the tarpaulin practical test.
Klaus Herder
09/24/2009
“The great fire in Stuttgart in 2009 probably began in the workshop of a specialist magazine publisher.” One could have read history books like this, perhaps in a hundred years, if it had gone really stupid. But first things first: Autumn time is cover time. Anyone who does not have a garage, a basement that can be driven into, or a wife who does not have permission to use the living room in a different way has to leave man’s second best friend lonely in front of the door and join the sad crowd of lantern parkers.
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The fact that the unprotected stay in the open air is not very digestible for metal, paint and rubber probably does not need to be explained at this point. And that the accessories market has been providing practical protective devices for what feels like 250 years, under the names “tarpaulin”, “cover hood” or new German “Bike-Cover” motorbike enthusiasts shouldn’t be unfamiliar with them either. But the fact that the last MOTORRAD tarpaulin test was twelve years ago is surprising. The PVC scene is admittedly not quite as innovative as the computer industry, for example, but a twelve-year break should be long enough to take another look at the fascinating world of plastics and elastics.
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Hole Nass: Fire chief Jorg L. immediately after successfully extinguishing the “Black / Silver” model from Polo, which is heat-resistant up to 250 degrees and burns from exactly 250.1 degrees.
But it’s not just about the tarpaulins made for outdoor use, because the danger of murderous material lurks even in the cosiest garage and in the friendliest basement. Even if it is only in the form of the wife who, while jolly maneuvering the crates of drinks, creates a quick scratch mark over the tank and side cover of the unprotected baby. Indoor tarpaulins are designed to protect against such dangers and above all against the godfather dust. And that’s what this story is about as well.
The editors chose a Suzuki Gladius 650 as the test vehicle. On the one hand, because the undisguised mid-range machine is a typical example of the bread-and-butter motorcycle type, which naturally has to wait outside the door most often. On the other hand, because the MOTORRAD long-term tester was just standing around anyway. The tarpaulin providers were informed of this choice and were allowed to send their favorites into the race. Originally ten outdoor and six indoor coverers came together, but two outdoor hoods fell by the wayside early on: The Hein Gericke company withdrew its two models from the race, “because the quality of the specimens now being delivered to retailers did not match the test sample -Quality corresponds “.
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Sergeant-friendly license plate viewing window for the clear test winner Louis “Premium”
There were only eight tarpaulins left for the outside. And it was really hard for them, because in addition to the obligatory operation, fit and workmanship tests, the MOTORRAD testers also played something with fire this time. More precisely, with a heat gun that attacked the lower area of the tarpaulin with very, very hot air. An infrared thermometer monitored the lively blowing without contact. Well, and then it happened: The manufacturer’s information on heat resistance is 250 degrees Celsius, the thermometer display shows 250.1 degrees. It does not come to the usual and expected melting, but instead the first small flames flicker happily from the battered polyamide. Colleague Jorg L. is still relaxed about the matter, Klaus H. reaches for the fire blanket and switches to Wedel mode. Nothing happens. In a brief moment of lust for sensation, Klaus H. thinks about whether he should reach for the Nikon that is ready, but then decides to head towards the fire extinguisher.
Jorg L. is now a bit hectic and self-sacrificing ensures that the increasingly violently burning tarpaulin gains some distance from the Suzuki endurance test that is still needed. Meanwhile, colleague Mike F., who is busy with cleaning work, rushes over with a water hose and puts the entire scene under water. The conclusion: fire out, everything soaking wet, Stuttgart saved. This is how MOTORRAD tests.
Tips for knackers
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Very important: only put absolutely clean types under the tarpaulin.
Before you bring anything under the hood, please ensure that the conditions are clean. At least the tank, side covers, fenders and the windshield should be free of dirt. Otherwise, the inside of the tarpaulin, flapping in the wind, looks like sandpaper. Keyword flutter: Don’t buy too big, the more it flutters, the more it rubs. And in winter a tarpaulin always tears and breaks exactly where it can diligently move. Make sure there is a distance: a clearance of at least five centimeters from the floor increases the chance of air exchange and counteracts the formation of condensation. Don’t trust flowery promises like “breathability”.
Better: On dry, windy days, put down the tarpaulin and let everything dry off nicely. So that there are no excessive temperature fluctuations (and thus little condensation), do not park in the sun, instead of in permanent shade. But not in windward direction (nautical for the side facing the wind), because a covered motorcycle has the Cw value of a cupboard wall, but tips over significantly faster in strong winds. Freshly painted parts have no place under the tarpaulin, because solvents can evaporate for up to six months and damage the tarpaulin as well as the motorcycle. Sprayed chemicals have no place under the hood either, because preservation sprays can form an intimate bond with the tarpaulin that the owner will rarely like. Very important: The temperatures specified in the data boxes in terms of heat resistance refer to the area of the exhaust silencer (i.e. the lower part of the tarpaulin). In the upper part, other, less heat-resistant materials can be used, which gives the matter a certain explosiveness if the elbow, which is also slightly higher, is up to 800 (!) Degrees hot in extreme cases. In other words: a motorcycle that has not yet cooled down does not belong under the tarpaulin. Never!
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Dehumidifier “Multi Dry” (12.95 euros) from Louis
If you intend to make your vehicle stand-up in the medium and long term, you will need larger sizes. For example, “contraceptives” that can be hermetically sealed and that work with VCI. VCI stands for “volatile corrosion inhibitor”, translated as “volatile corrosion inhibitor”. These gaseous rust protectors build up a protective atmosphere in closed rooms in which all metal parts are protected against rust for up to two years. The effect can be extended again and again by using a new VCI emitter (14.95 to 19.95 euros). After unpacking, the miracle cure evaporates and does not leave any residue. Louis and polo have two corresponding models on offer.
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Folding garage “Motodome” (299 euros) also from Louis
Anyone who wants to ensure somewhat drier conditions under normal tarpaulin is well served with a granulate-based dehumidifier. The bag is simply hung on the handlebar. The granulate absorbs moisture and, once saturated, can be easily regenerated in the oven or over the heater. And if you are tired of the whole tarpaulin-over-tarpaulin-down and are looking for something more solid, the folding garage “Motodome” from Louis take a closer look. The part, which weighs almost 20 kilograms, is a tubular steel construction covered with coated ripstop fabric, which can be firmly anchored in the ground using dowels. Large ventilation scoops ensure sufficient air exchange and prevent condensation from forming. The dimensions: 280 x 165 x 120 cm (length x height x width).
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Another option: Polo VCI tarpaulin; very robust design; possibly suitable for outdoor use; from 149.95 euros
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Or only for indoor use: Motodome VCI corrosion protection folding garage from Louis; from 29.95 euros
Tarpaulin 9003
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Providers:
Held, phone 08321/66460, www.held.de
Price:
59.95 euros (size XL)
Alternative sizes:
S, M, L (€ 54.95); XXL (59.95 euros); XXXL (69.95 euros)
Material:
Upper part 150D polyester, side parts coated with polycotton 600D
Mass weight:
235 x 150/100 x 90/58 cm (L x H front / back x W front / back); 1650 grams
Furnishing:
Elastics on the front and back; tension hook with elastic band at the bottom; two ventilation flaps; Transport bag
Plus:
Tear-resistant material with a high-quality appearance and a pleasant grip; stable seams; petrol resistant; available in six sizes (turns out rather large); heat-resistant up to 130 degrees (no manufacturer information)
Minus:
Missing lining (risk of scratches); front elastic somewhat short; Tension hook pull adjustment a bit fiddly; no securing eyes on the front or rear wheel
Conclusion:
Robust year-round tarpaulin; the lack of feeding and the less than optimal restraint options thwart an even better judgment.
MOTORRAD verdict: good
Tarpaulin 9010
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Providers:
Held, phone 08321/66460, www.held.de
Price:
29.95 euros (size L)
Alternative sizes:
S, M (€ 27.95); XL (29.95 euros)
Material:
PVC with polycotton inner fleece
Mass weight:
194 x 120/83 x 64/64 cm (L x H front / back x W front / back); 2110 grams
Furnishing:
All-round elastic band; tension hook with elastic at the bottom
Plus:
Neat fit; Good fixation thanks to all-round elastic band; petrol resistant; protective fleece lining
Minus:
Very bulky handling, almost impossible on its own; Seams partly sensitive; Fleece lining very sensitive to heat (melts at well below 100 degrees); no securing eyes on the front or rear wheel; unpleasant rubber odor when new
Conclusion:
Heavy, unwieldy part with material that takes getting used to (“dinghy”); partly weaknesses in the processing quality.
MOTORCYCLE-Verdict: Sufficient
Cover hood “Light”
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Providers:
Louis, phone 040/73419360, www.louis.de
Price:
24.95 euros (size S-L)
Alternative sizes:
XL-XXL (29.95 euros)
Material:
nylon
Mass weight:
210 x 124/60 x 72/55 cm (L x H front / back x W front / back); 370 grams
Furnishing:
fastening strap below; Transport bag
Plus:
Very easy to use; extremely small pack size; Size specification exactly applicable; heat-resistant up to 130 degrees (no manufacturer information); petrol resistant; perfect instruction manual
Minus:
Strong tendency to flutter, fixability rather moderate; missing lining (risk of scratches); lower strap and both elastic bands a bit short; Seams not very resilient; no securing eyes on the front or rear wheel; Price hard at the pain limit
Conclusion:
The very light material, reminiscent of simple tents, is not for permanent use. As a short-term garage (e.g. when traveling), however, it is worth considering.
MOTORCYCLE-Verdict: Sufficient
Stretch cover
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Providers:
Louis, phone 040/73419360, www.louis.de
Price:
49.95 euros (size S-L)
Alternative sizes:
XL-XXL (59.95 euros)
Material:
90% polyester with TPU membrane, inner fleece
Mass weight:
200 x 120/80 x 70/56 cm (L x H front / back x W front / back); 1035 grams
Furnishing:
All-round elastic band; two metal securing eyes at the front; two fastening straps at the bottom; Transport bag
Plus:
Crisp, flutter-free fit; Material very stable; protective fleece lining; good security possibility; petrol resistant; heat-resistant up to 150 degrees (no manufacturer information); perfect instruction manual
Minus:
Somewhat bulky handling, quite fiddly on its own; Seams on the elastic band are sometimes a bit messy and not very resilient; Size information somewhat optimistic
Conclusion:
A real exotic tarpaulin whose material appearance could also cause enthusiasm in the fetish scene. Operation takes a bit of getting used to.
MOTORCYCLE-Verdict: good
Cover hood “Premium”
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MOTORCYCLE buyer’s tip
Providers:
Louis, phone 040/73419360, www.louis.de
Price:
89.95 euros (size S-L)
Alternative sizes:
XL-XXL (99.95 euros)
Material:
90% partially fiberglass reinforced polyamide
Mass weight:
197 x 120/65 x 75/50 cm (L x H front / back x W front / back); 2270 grams
Furnishing:
Elastics on the front and back; All-round drawstring, fastening strap at the bottom, two metal securing eyes at the front; two opening ventilation flaps; License plate viewing window; Transport bag
Plus:
Difficult, but also easy to handle on your own; extremely tear-resistant material, very good workmanship; excellent fixability, very good fit; protective lining; good security possibility; petrol resistant; heat-resistant up to over 250 degrees (no manufacturer information); Top Features; perfect instruction manual; exact size specification
Minus:
Lower strap a little short if necessary
Conclusion:
The over-motorcycle tarpaulin – more is not really possible. The price seems heavy, but the excellently made part is one hundred percent worth the money.
MOTORCYCLE-Verdict: very good
Tarpaulin “Superdeal II”
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Providers:
Polo, phone 0180/5225785, www.polo-motorrad.de
Price:
9.95 euros (universal size)
Alternative sizes:
no
Material:
PVC
Mass weight:
185 x 110/60 x 70/60 cm (L x H front / back x W front / back); 325 grams
Furnishing:
Elasticated front and back
Plus:
Material amazingly tear-resistant; Heat-resistant up to 130 degrees (no manufacturer information); price
Minus:
Strong tendency to flutter, practically impossible to fix, elastic bands much too short; no security possibility; missing lining (risk of scratches); not gasoline-resistant, fuel easily dissolves the material; Seams taped only sporadically and not very resilient; Size almost too tight for the middle class
Conclusion:
The absolute cheap solution – and that doesn’t just mean the price. Extreme thrift can become expensive in the long run. With this, for example.
MOTORCYCLE-Verdict: Inadequate
Black / silver tarpaulin
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Providers:
Polo, phone 0180/5225785, www.polo-motorrad.de
Price:
29.95 euros (size L)
Alternative sizes:
XL (34.95 euros); XXL (39.95 euros)
Material:
polyamide
Mass weight:
180 x 140/72 x 75/36 cm (L x H front / back x W front / back); 1190 grams
Furnishing:
Elastics on the front and back; Two plastic securing eyes at the front and two at the rear; two ventilation flaps, three-part flashing light, transport bag
Plus:
Easy handling; very stable material, good workmanship, very good seams; good fit, good fixability; good security possibility; heat-resistant up to exactly 250 degrees (manufacturer information 250 degrees); good equipment
Minus:
Missing lining (risk of scratches); not absolutely petrol-resistant, petrol dissolves material very easily; The safety eyelet falls apart easily (but can be put back together again); Size information somewhat optimistic
Conclusion:
Price / performance ratio is right, with a lining it would be “good” been in. Recommended for sheltered parking spaces but also without chafing protection.
MOTORCYCLE-Verdict: Satisfactory
Tarpaulin “Greyhound III”
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MOTORCYCLE buyer’s tip
Providers:
Polo, phone 0180/5225785, www.polo-motorrad.de
Price:
49.95 euros (size “from 500 cm3”)
Alternative sizes:
“Up to 500 cm3″ (44.95 euros); “Gold Wing, BMW” (54.95 euros)
Material:
80% polyamide, 20% spunbond with membrane
Mass weight:
215 x 140/72 x 75/75 cm (L x H front / back x W front / back); 2055 grams
Furnishing:
Elastics on the front and back; Two small rubber eyelets for tension belts at the bottom
Plus:
Very easy handling; very stable material, excellent workmanship; very long elastics, neat fit; protective inner fleece; petrol resistant; heat-resistant up to 210 degrees (manufacturer information 200 degrees); Size specification spot on
Minus:
Fixability limited (lower strap missing); no security possibility; modest equipment
Conclusion:
No frills, a tarpaulin that is puristic to the limit of pain. On the other hand, the part is extremely robust and an acquisition for life.
MOTORRAD verdict: Very well
Indoor tarpaulin 9005
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Providers:
Held, phone 08321/66460, www.held.de
Price:
14.95 euros (size L)
Alternative sizes:
M (14.95 euros); XXL (17.95 euros)
Material:
Polypropylene
Mass weight:
212 x 135/65 x 76/38 cm (L x H front / back x W front / back); 390 grams
Furnishing:
Elastics on the front and back; Storage bag
Plus:
Robust material; decent workmanship, stable double seams
Minus:
Elastic bands weak and too short, fixation hardly possible; Moderate fit; Size L rather too tight for the middle class; Price a little too high; the advertised storage bag was missing from the test sample
Conclusion:
Feels like a typical cheap helmet bag, but is amazingly valuable and robust. The size information is a bit too optimistic.
MOTORCYCLE-Verdict: Satisfactory
Dust cover “Dust”
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Providers:
Louis, phone 040/73419360, www.louis.de
Price:
6.95 euros (universal size)
Alternative sizes:
no
Material:
Polypropylene
Mass weight:
217 x 150/95 x 60/35 cm (L x H front / back x W front / back); 395 grams
Furnishing:
no
Plus:
Competitive price; Size just right for a mid-range motorcycle; perfect instruction manual
Minus:
Completely free of equipment; Fixation not possible; due to the simplest cut, only moderate fit; Single seams not very resilient; no transport bag
Conclusion:
Material appearance as with Held, but processing quality is weaker. For tight-fisted people who don’t have a sheet to spare, maybe worth considering.
MOTORCYCLE-Verdict: Sufficient
Cover hood “Indoor premium”
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MOTORCYCLE buyer’s tip
Providers:
Louis, phone 040/73419360, www.louis.de
Price:
12.95 euros (size S-L)
Alternative sizes:
XL-XXL (16.95 euros)
Material:
Polypropylene
Mass weight:
187 x 138/66 x 86/60 cm (L x H front / back x W front / back); 515 grams
Furnishing:
All-round elastic band
Plus:
Very easy to fix thanks to the long elastic band; good fit; paint-friendly inside; neat workmanship, stable double seams; Markings “front / back”; Exact size; perfect instruction manual
Minus:
No transport bag
Conclusion:
Material basically similar to hero and Louis “Dust”, but significantly heavier and more valuable; excellent price / performance ratio.
MOTORCYCLE-Verdict: very good
Dane folding garage
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Providers:
MotoPort, Tel. 04451/915200, www.motoport.de
Price:
49 euros (size L)
Alternative sizes:
M (39 euros)
Material:
no manufacturer information (presumably polypropylene)
Mass weight:
212 x 140/70 x 70/70 cm (L x H front / back x W front / back); 760 grams
Furnishing:
Elastics on the front and back; Handles front and rear; Transport bag
Plus:
Robust material, very good workmanship, stable double seams; good fixability; very good fit; paint-friendly inside; high quality transport bag; The right size for a mid-range motorcycle
Minus:
Becomes “perfect for touring motorcycles” advertised, but is clearly too small for larger machines; Price hard at the pain limit
Conclusion:
Noble tarpaulin for everyone who always wants to treat their machine to the very best. Very valuable, price / performance ratio but still not ideal.
MOTORCYCLE-Verdict: good
Kushitani folding garage
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Providers:
MotoPort, Tel. 04451/915200, www.motoport.de
Price:
39 euros (universal size)
Alternative sizes:
no
Material:
no manufacturer information (presumably polypropylene)
Mass weight:
193 x 115/80 x 80/35 cm (L x H front / back x W front / back); 605 grams
Furnishing:
Elastics on the front and back; Handles front and rear; Transport bag
Plus:
Robust material, very good workmanship, stable double seams; good fixability; very good fit; paint-friendly inside; high quality transport bag
Minus:
Universal size already a bit tight for Suzuki Gladius; Price quite steep
Conclusion:
According to the brochure, it “fits perfectly on supersport motorcycles” The sister model of the Dane folding garage is just as elegant – and also very expensive.
MOTORCYCLE-Verdict: good
Dust cover
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Providers:
Polo, phone 0180/5225785, www.polo-motorrad.de
Price:
9.95 euros (size XL)
Alternative sizes:
XXL (14.95 euros)
Material:
cotton
Mass weight:
195 x 130/80 x 62/35 cm (L x H front / back x W front / back); 715 grams
Furnishing:
no
Plus:
Very stable seams; no problem for the washing machine; comfortable grip
Minus:
Sits very tightly because it is much too short (XXL version fits over super tourers); unfavorable cut, therefore poor fit; Fixation impossible; magically attracts dust; no transport bag
Conclusion:
The alternative to the bed sheet. Perhaps interesting for conservatives, nostalgics and purists; but dispensable from a practical point of view.
MOTORCYCLE-Verdict: Sufficient
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