Shrink wrap on a motorcycle on a lift

[97windsor]

Has anyone used shrink wrap for the motorcycle after it is on lift on the back of a RV. I have had boats for many years and have shrink wrapped some for winter. I was wondering if anyone tried it on a M/C when on a lift to keep clean. It is a fairly quick process 1/2 hr maybe 45 min to install and shrink and wouldn't flap in the wind and rub the paint on the bike. West Marine sells kits for boats for around 100 bucks that would do a bike 2-4 times. I bought a Cruiser Lift but I'm having second thoughts worrying about how dirty it gets back there after 700 - 800 miles.

[sparkydog]

Hi 97 Windsor, sounds like a good idea to me. curious how you like your cruiserlift? were there any issues on the install? I have 08 Holiday Rambler I m considering putting lift on to take my Harley and still tow my Jeep. I think I will just take along a power washer for the road grime.

[a k]

Don't work too good. Too many push points to rip it.

[bluepill]

Some people have mentioned using BBQ Grille covers for Bicycles. I carry a dual sport motorcycle, so I don't worry about it getting dirty - That's what it was born for!

I did take it to a DIY carwash once on a trip when I had to go through 400 miles of road salt. It was actually quite easy to clean, since it was raised off the ground.

[97windsor]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparkydog Hi 97 Windsor, sounds like a good idea to me. curious how you like your cruiserlift? were there any issues on the install? I have 08 Holiday Rambler I m considering putting lift on to take my Harley and still tow my Jeep. I think I will just take along a power washer for the road grime.

Haven't installed it yet. I bought it over the winter and am waiting on Ohio winter to give up so I can get the M/H out and to a weld shop. I looks to be a very good strong setup. I just look at my Ultra Classic sitting in my heated shop all clean and think how filthy it will be after 800 miles on the back of my rig.

[HeapBigEngin]

I dunno'. About the only RV things I see shrink wrapped are boats and things in storage and not moving at 50-70 miles per hour down the highway. I do know as a Hot Rod and Classic Car buff that most of my purchases have been transported enclosed. A couple have gone on open transports, but NEVER with car covers on them. Wind at that speed combined with a flapping or loose cover will cause VERY serious damage to paint, trim and leather. Even glass. Seems to me that one loose end or one hole that develops in the wrap would quickly turn into a major problem, even with the material being plastic or something like that. I would not wrap it....a quick wash down and clean up at the campground or DIY wash would be cheaper than a paint job. Just MO...

[laj]

I have a harley cover for mine, do you think that would flap to much
and mar the paint.

[HeapBigEngin]

If you're asking me, laj, I would not haul an expensive motorcyle exposed to wind at freeway speeds with a typical mc cover, of which I am very familiar. Even if the cover does not flap wildly about, any back and forth motion over an extended period of time WILL damage paint. The cover will act like sandpaper. Most folks don't sand things with wild arm and hand motions. Most sanding is done in short, focused strokes....just like a mc cover would act with wind allowed to get beneath it. That is why most mc folks never cover their bikes when transporting them. Just MO, but then it is each person's decision. Perhaps some that have had experiences either way will chime in. I just won't take the chance....

[LarryInAL]

Here's the only cover that I've seen that I would trust: GatorHide - The high speed travel armor for your motorcycle
(if I were just lifting a bike - I am lifting a HD w/Voyager kit with a modified Cruiserlift and haven't gotten up the courage to ask about a custom cover from GatorHide). By the way, Cruiserlift is not difficult to install on your MH, but just make sure your weld shop knows to angle the 2" receivers by 5 degrees upward to allow for the flex when loaded). That extra angle is important, or you end up like many of the lifts with the bike dangling at an angle looking like it's about to fall off.

[RBK394]

I have carried my Heritage Classic on my Hydralift for 53,000 miles over the past 4 years. It does indeed get dirty, but a quick trip to a car wash and it looks brand new again. After I get home from a trip, I give it a really good field day and it is ready to go again. I like the Hydralift because of its extra tow capacity (8,000). Downsides to the lift, and I think this may be true of some others, is the extra length it adds to the combination rv and tow vehicle. Also, a word of caution, if you are thinking about getting a lift and you tow a full size pickup or SUV, make sure the lift will clear the hood and grill of the towed when turning. Then, enjoy your ride.

[laj]

Thanks Heap,
guess i will forgo the motorcycle lift,and put the money
in a nice enclosed trailer
laj

[AZgl1500]

Used to live in ABQ, NM. I bought the wife a new Camry and to be nice to her, bought a new bra for the front of the car.

Looked under it just a year later and the paint was severely scuffed and "sand papered".

That was an expensive lession on adding anything to a vehicle that travels at high speeds.

When towing my Goldwing m/c, there is NOTHING on it at all.

I just figure it will get washed with Lemon Pledge and a micro fibre towel at the end of the trip. In fact, it has a very heavy coat of Lemon Pledge on it before we leave.

[SpursMVP]

You might look into the Overbilt lift for your MC. Just installed one on the rear of my '01 Endeavor. Wow...it's awesome AND can be removed if needed. Also can tow up to 5,000 lbs via flat tow. So now we have the Victory Vision and our Jeep.

Gotta love those toys!

By the way...only a bra on the front of the jeep to protect from rock chips. Nothing on the MC since it would scuff the midnight cherry red paint.

[doctbhunter]

Shrink wrap would not be practical or cost effective--i went to new york & had shawn install their overbilt lift.Took the bike to az for the winter--2200 miles and had the dirtist goldwing i've ever seen. Bought the ultraguard travel cover for the bike & just drove home 2200 miles. Clean bike & no skuffing--love it-----hope this helps---doc/tbh