The CB1100 Community Forum

This is interesting. I just unwittingly conducted an experiment in object permanence and socialization on my coworkers.

I ride to work daily, and park in a spot close to the front door of my office. So, each morning and evening, my 15 coworkers file past either my red CB or my black Bonneville. They see me go outside about an hour after I arrive and cover whichever bike it is. None of my coworkers is bike-savvy. They either see "red bike" or "black bike", but each is distinct in its appearance.

Today, however, due to the high winds, I decided to put my CB inside my shop area behind the office so the cover doesn't slap my bike around in the wind.

So far, two different coworkers who have come out the shop area have seen my bike parked inside have said "Dude, did you just get a new bike?"

"No, this is the same one you always see in the parking lot, it's just inside now."

"Are you sure? This looks different."

"Yes, I'm sure."

Is it the mental picture that a vehicle parked inside is so out of context that it must be a different vehicle?

Is it the mental image of a vehicle indoors being in a showroom, and is therefore new?

Or, is it simply the inconspicuity of parking a covered bike outdoors vs. the oddity of seeing a bike indoors?

I never cover my bike. Coworkers come to me and say, "The cutest bird keeps building a nest on your motorcycle."

If I were one of those non "bike-savvy" folk and noticed that your bike is suddenly parked inside, I would probably guess it was because you got a new one and wanted to protect it. Remember, all I notice is whether it's blue or black.

As a limited, sometimes savvy bike person, I think I would ask: "What gives? Did someone try to steal it?"

I sort of have to cover mine. Nelson Rigg is our neighbor, so I’m copiously supplied with covers. It’s actually convenient for them too, as they monitor the cover on my bike to see how their material holds up to sun fading with daily use. I’d rather the cover fade than my bike.

Funny thing is, I get to work first, but don’t cover my bike until it cools down, by which time all of my coworkers have walked by it. Guess the point is if you’re not a motorcycle person, they all look the same.

All my past covers cracked-up - even the so-called UV protected covers. So no more of that nonsense. In terms of daytime parking, the bike just bakes under the sun all day, year, after year, after year.

Yes, and unfortunately, the instrument needles used to look red. Now they are an off-orange. The switch gear has not reached that weathered "greyed-black" look - yet.

My Bonneville switch gear has started to lighten up a little after 11 years. It bothers me. May have to do something about it this winter.

Rub WD40 on them with a rag.

I may be on the OCD side, but I have a problem if my stuff doesn’t look as new as it can. My wife’s car just rolled 110k miles, and I rotated the tires yesterday. As I did so, I touched up a few tiny nicks on the wheels that nobody but me would ever notice. I’m big on keeping plastics looking new. I find it therapeutic, but it really helps with resale as well.

I get about a year out of a cover before it fades to the point that the material gets thin and it’s ready to be replaced. Cheap protection.