Cover options for winter storage?

[Barkingshins_imp]

It's mid-October and, for most of us riders in the upper Midwest, that means the end of the riding season is weeks away at-best. As such, I've started to give some thought to how I want to store my '14 DLX for the winter. I've downloaded and printed Honda's "Winter Storage Guide" and plan to follow it to the letter but I have one question about a cover.

Honda specifically doesn't recommend tarps or sheets as they "trap and hold moisture against your vehicle, promoting rust and mildew". They recommend a "specially designed, breathable cover". My dealer did a search for me and apparently Honda doesn't have a cover available that is specific to the CB's so I'm wondering what others are using and have been happy with.

My CB will be stored out of the elements in an unheated garage for the winter.

Thank you for any suggestions.

[Lord Popgun]

In a garage, won't an old sheet do? Thats what I use in my garage.

[Barkingshins_imp]

In a garage, won't an old sheet do? Thats what I use in my garage.

Not according to Honda.
From Honda's "Winter Storage Guide"...
"When ready for storage, cover the vehicle with a specially designed, breathable cover such as a Genuine Honda Accessories cover available at your dealer. Do not use tarps or cotton sheets - they will trap or hold moisture against your vehicle, promoting rust and mildew."

I've read similar things from owners on this very forum so, in lieu of a "Genuine Honda Accessories cover", I'm wondering what CB owners are using and what they like.
I'm considering this one but will wait to hear others' opinions...

[url=http://www.empirecovers.com/detail.aspx?p=MCS&v=MCSB0]http://www.empirecovers.com/detail.aspx?p=MCS&v=MCSB0

[HikerToo_imp]

You want something breathable and that does not hold moisture
I bought this indoor soft stretch cover from empire covers.
[url=http://www.empirecovers.com/motorcycle_covers.aspx?make=HONDA&model=CB1100&year=2013&size=MC-0]http://www.empirecovers.com/motorcycle_c...&size=MC-0

[ClassicVW_imp]

Honda is wrong. I've been storing my bikes for the past 15 years in an unheated garage with just a breathable cover. Sometimes its an old sheet or thin blanket, sometimes it's a thin motorcycle cover, that's something like parachute nylon. All you need is a dust cover, nothing fancy. I also keep a small side window cracked open for air circulation.

[Barkingshins_imp]

You want something breathable and that does not hold moisture
I bought this indoor soft stretch cover from empire covers.
[url=http://www.empirecovers.com/motorcycle_covers.aspx?make=HONDA&model=CB1100&year=2013&size=MC-0]http://www.empirecovers.com/motorcycle_c...&size=MC-0

Nice! That's exactly the one I've been considering. Thanks Hiker.

Honda is wrong. I've been storing my bikes for the past 15 years in an unheated garage with just a breathable cover. Sometimes its an old sheet or thin blanket, sometimes it's a thin motorcycle cover, that's something like parachute nylon. All you need is a dust cover, nothing fancy. I also keep a small side window cracked open for air circulation.

Actually, what you're saying is pretty consistent with what Honda recommends. The important thing seems to be breathability. Now what qualifies as "breathable" is probably open for debate.

[Houtman_imp]

As soon as my bikes have cooled down I put an old blanket over the tank and the rest of the bike going back wards and an old sheet over the front.
I do this the whole year round and protect the bikes from dust etc.

[Lord Popgun]

Houtman,

We've been doing it wrong. Apparently only a "...specially designed, breathable cover such as a Genuine Honda Accessories cover available at your dealer" will work. Sounds like a sales pitch...

Now, can we talk about something that we all agree on, like oil

[HikerToo_imp]

come on guys...can't you see where it would be beneficial to have a cover that does not absorb and hold moisture????
You have to embrace the new materials and technology....
Now, you wouldn't go jogging or hiking in cotton sweats would you? :-) ( uh...don't answer that)

[emptysea]

I don't really cover my bikes in my unheated garage over the winter. Instead, I attach a sheet a shelf that's above the bikes and sort of curtain them off from the rest of the garage. This keeps the dust off them and allows plenty of airflow.

@hiker...I run (and ride for that matter) only in performance gear....or naked, depending on the outside temp.