Carcoon Bike Bubble

[larryblag_imp]

I ordered a bike bubble last week and it arrived yesterday.

Thought I'd post a quick review.

https://flic.kr/p/25nN1Lr
A rather big box arrived containing the two halves of the bubble plus a separate smaller box with the "power and charge system" inside.
https://flic.kr/p/25nN1Gt
I was thrilled to see that everything is made in England and to a very high standard too. The fabric of the "ground sheet" is thick, grey rubberised material which reminds me of an awning I once had.

The upper part we'll call the "bubble" is of a light, flexible material with an aluminiumised coating which is UV resistant. This also contains the fan assembly which is stitched into the rear part of the bubble and has the moisture trap filter pre-fitted too.
The similarity with an awning continues with a chunky zip that joins both halves of the bike bubble together.

After fitting the battery maintenance pigtail to the CB, I rolled out the groundsheet and put the bike central on it (centre stand on an appropriate mat).
https://flic.kr/p/241K5vz

Next, the two halves of the bubble are zipped together paying careful attention to the storm flap which should be allowed to cover the zip as you go round the bike in a clockwise direction.
https://flic.kr/p/25j69m7

Pausing at the right hand side of the bike the charge cable is plugged in then to the battery tails then the DC plug for the fan, plus the mains cable is taken out through a small zipped opening provided.
https://flic.kr/p/241K6kF

A grey foam cowel is then fitted to the fan inlet (this stops the fabric being drawn into the fan and affecting the air flow).
https://flic.kr/p/FHwse2

Next the DC plug is inserted into the socket at the side of the fan and the rear zip is pulled down allowing the mains cable and plug to exit near the bottom.
Once connected to the mains supply the fan quickly inflates the bubble (about two minutes).
https://flic.kr/p/25j6bZU

The bike battery is maintained and
in case of mains failure the bike battery can run the fan for up to 5 days. Cleverly the system knows not to run down the bike battery.

I'm very impressed overall. It'll not be too much of a faff once I get used to it. A wet bike should be leathered off first, but If the bike is warm when put away it actually helps the drying process (keep the fabric off hot exhausts until it's inflated).
The filter lasts a year. Forgot to ask about the filter cost oops!



The aliens have landed. :blink:
https://flic.kr/p/25nMBUV

[3rdbike_imp]

Instant garage! And they had the good taste to picture an old Alfa on the charger system box!

I like the instant garage idea. Any feedback on how it performs in high winds?

[dbarkdoll_imp]

This is so weird and awesome! Brave new world.

[larryblag_imp]

Instant garage! And they had the good taste to picture an old Alfa on the charger system box!

I like the instant garage idea. Any feedback on how it performs in high winds?

3rd bike
I only received it yesterday so will have to report again later. There is a loop that the power cable is threaded through to help prevent it being pulled out in windy conditions. It is suggested that it be placed in a sheltered location ideally with a degree of shade (I.e. not in full sun continuously). The shape lends itself to being resistant to wind.

[the Ferret]

Strange, but it makes a lot of sense if you don't have brick and mortar garage space. Has to be better than letting your bike sit out year round in the elements. Hope it works as well for you as you expect.

[flynrider]

Nice! I wish I'd had one of those back in the 80s (before I had a garage). My pretty red KZ750 turned pink sitting out in the desert sun.

[alprider]

https://www.carcoon.com/carcoon-bikebubble#intro

well i have only place for the classical bike cover....