Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

With Summer coming on very shortly I thought I'd share my expereinces with looking after your bike.
I hate a dirty machine, even more I hate leaving her out in the Sun (except whilst riding - duh!). Anyway I cover my machine when parked in the sun. I used to use a commonly available silver nylon cover. Thought it was okay until I noticed one day that the bike was just as hot to touch under the cover than if you left it without a cover on it. Basically the cover was letting alot of solar radiaton / UV pass through. The cover had started to turn a yellow colour the the silver was coming off. Looked around on the net for an alternative.
Found covers made out of Tyvek are the go. Bought one as it was advertised as blocking 99% of UV. Found now after a full day out in the sun in 30+ deg heat you can slide your hand up under the cover and touch the black seat. Actually cool - ambient temp. Take the cover off and touch the bike - you will feel it's cool to touch. Give it a minute or so and touch these parts again. Noticeably hot to touch. I've had this cover now for 12 months. Yes it's weathering but it is still providing the protection I want. Will have to replace the cover soon as it's quite dirty on the outside and is thinning out in places. Well worth the $40 or $50 I paid for it. It was a Kenco brand. No more crazing and drying out of plastic parts and fading the paint. Stay upright and enjoy the ride. Stay safe!

This bike has really encouraged me to look after it.
Every second Sunday is spent washing and polishing, while my son does the car beside me in the driveway - we have a laugh and he's learning some basic maintenance.
If I get rained on it gets the hose...
It's usually kept in my garage or underground at work, and I always find shade if I have to park it anywhere else - it gets me in trouble on a couple of job sites but you know me
How small does the cover fold down, and where do you stow it?

I'm feeling you there. I've always been a bit of a clean freak when it comes to vehicles, but even the AU (as much as i love my car) and its cleaning needs have taken a bit of a backseat when it comes to the bike. Every weekend it gets a wash (unless i have had an arm or leg amputated, or some other life threatening excuse that PHYSICALLY prohibits me from performingmy duties), and it's covered up whenever i dont use it. Except at work, where i park it right out the front of the building, so customers can admire it in all its beauty as they walk in the door, and it's also in clear view from my desk... All my mates tell me "it is a road bike, so it's going to get dirty and scratched", but still, it's my road bike, and nothing makes me feel better than going for a ride on a nice clean and well maintained machine... I too am interested in this cover and how small it folds down to? If it fits under the seat, then I may have to get one...