tarpaulin motorcycle cover - where ?

[ukjules]

Does anyone know where you can get a good
tarpaulin bike cover ? like the Lowry's use?

I cannot find a single one anymore bar
the plastic rubbish ?

One of the bikes has to go outside for a
long while thus I need one like the old
Lorry tarpaulin covers.

 

[fastbysuzuki]

Not tarpaulin but they look pretty decent https://www.carcoversfactory.co.uk/...MImK3WzvDz7AIViKztCh1OiwKAEAAYASAAEgIIJfD_BwE

 

[ukjules]

yes if had similar for sports cars in the past.
They just are not good enough.

Tarpaulin.
It is crazy that they are so hard to find now ?
with the knowledge they are the only things that do the
job.

 

[BigD_83]

Well, since the EC declared tarp to be a protected species, it's become increasingly difficult to find product. Perhaps there is something available out of the Black or Caspian Sea black market?

Seriously, though. Oiled canvas is still the best thing since sliced bread. These guys seem dear, but it's a start:

https://www.tarpaulinsuk.uk/category/canvas-tarpaulins

 

[grcamna2]

I would love to find a heavy tarp made from canvas,like the boat guys use or heavy machinery like a special winch,etc. on a large ship.I would buy one right away if someone designed and started selling them to specifically fit a motorcycle:it would take more abuse from the wind and sun w/o being torn to shreds in short order.Do you remember the Belstaff waxed cotton touring coats? That type of material lasts.

 

[ukjules]

Glad that you too get that they are simply the best !!!
I was reinvigorated with my search seeing a chap
up the village here who had his bike under one.
He was gifted it second hand from a neighbour.


I have my poor GSX outside with the plastic rubbish ....

Perhaps we should go into business in a usa / uk
proper bike covers company .....

If I find i will update!
I'll look into how you could make one too !
I'll also ask a hauliers ... I ain't bad with a needle and thread too !

 

[Big T]

Try a tent maker

 

[Grimly]

Lorry curtainsider material.
You can pick up used ones for peanuts if you look around.
Almost indestructible in normal use for domestic purposes.

 

[ukjules]

Right I have found suppliers for said materials.
The issue is I need to
a) learn how stitch the cotton / god knows what ,
type and seal joins
or
b) seal the joins on plasticy ones.
(both types being them for lorries.

I agree I will pop round to a lorry park
and ask if I continue this.

I have one place in UK that will make to for but it will
cost hundreds .

so it is possible.

so I'll measure up for gs550 and think of a sewing pattern......

 

[ukjules]

..... Actually .....
I have the template already! my cheap trash nylon one.
so this project needs only :

fabric (from lorry park)
sewing method
or glueing method for other type used on lorries

 

[roeme]

Strange: around here, you can get a decent cover in a regular hardware store for like 20-30 CHF...they usually have dust covers (no use outside) and better, waterproof ones (Not lorry-grade - these would be overkill in most applications anyway - but not cheapo plastic as well).

To sew lorry tarps, you ned a _serious_ sewing machine. If you can get ahold of some old tarp, look for a local saddler. They do have these machines.

I presume glue wouldn't hold up to the abuse of the street, but I'm no expert. IIRC separate pieces are either melted/fused, sewn, or both at the seams.

Interestingly enough, there's a swiss company called "freitag" that got famous throughout the 00's for their apparel made out of second-hand lorry tarps.

 

[Grimly]

Interestingly enough, there's a swiss company called "freitag" that got famous throughout the 00's for their apparel made out of second-hand lorry tarps.

I'm sure I've heard of their endeavours.

 

[ukjules]

......and the website of the latex uniform again ........
iv forgotten the original question now ...

 

[roeme]

I'm sure I've heard of their endeavours.
(...)

uuuhhh....lost in translation; meant to write "accessories". https://www.freitag.ch/en <--- as you can see, no kinkiness.

 

[ukjules]

I wonder how the "suit" is bonded at the seems ?
That method could be used on a similar material ?

Of course only for a motorcycle cover ...

 

[Gorminrider]

You might consider material that's used for awnings on boats. It's fairly easy to sew and is long lasting in sunlight. More expensive though....Plastics, overall, can be sticky to sew because they aren't a woven thread material and the needle must pierce the stretchy plastic each time, but a needle going through a cloth parts the fibres.

but, Cotton canvas (aka painters' dropsheets as a source) retains and attracts dampness unless it's absolutely permeated with waterproofing...
Try to park your bike on dry ground (and that can drain away rain that pours off the tarp) too or you might end up with condensation inside an impermeable tarp so at least allow ventilation from underneath if it's damp ground

IE: you can make a fresh water "still" by placing plastic over wet ground...

 

[grcamna2]

You might consider material that's used for awnings on boats. It's fairly easy to sew and is long lasting in sunlight. More expensive though....Plastics, overall, can be sticky to sew because they aren't a woven thread material and the needle must pierce the stretchy plastic each time, but a needle going through a cloth parts the fibres.

but, Cotton canvas (aka painters' dropsheets as a source) retains and attracts dampness unless it's absolutely permeated with waterproofing...
Try to park your bike on dry ground (and that can drain away rain that pours off the tarp) too or you might end up with condensation inside an impermeable tarp so at least allow ventilation from underneath if it's damp ground

IE: you can make a fresh water "still" by placing plastic over wet ground...

That's a very good point of reference;I want a cover that will allow ground moisture to escape-through it.I can't say how many former customer's bikes I've had the displeasure of working-on that were Very corroded all over because of a cover that won't breathe..

 

[uk gs nut]

Try these, the company I used to work for used them for truck tarpaulins.
https://www.mitco.co.uk/