Covering a 1200LT on an open trailer

[mikeandcarolyn]

Any advice on how to cover a 1200LT while hauling on a dual open trailer?
In the next few weeks I will be picking up a 2005 in Los Angeles and have to haul it 750 miles, the last 250 miles being through possible snow, slush, salt and sanded roads. I am purchasing the trailer in LA and it stows vertically in my garage. I know that I should buy an enclosed trailer, but space prohibits me from storing a large enclosed trailer.

[dmatson]

I wouldn't cover it but I would rig up a shield for the front of the trailer or buy one with the trailer. I would take the mirrows off and the windshield then give it a good bath when you get it home.

[cfell]

... spray it down with a good "anti-corrosive" before the trip... wash upon arrival... otherwise, just put a 3/4 sheet of plywood in front and "let 'er rip".

[Yiet]

I've used one of these over several trips across Canada and down to Arizona. http://www.gezagear.com/

While they are not moisture proof, they do keep the worst of the grit off. I also have a 24" high shield in front which helps some.

You do get much better gas mileage with an open trailer which might be a small consolation while you clean up your bike afterwards .

[nplenzick]

I would not cover it! It doesn't matter what type of cover you purchase, dirt will get up underneath and it will act like sand paper to the finish of your bike. As others have said take the mirrors off and give a good wash when you get it home.

[bob_menton]

... and depending on your choice of attachment points on the bike and tie-down points on the trailer, your straps may interfere with getting a tight & snug fit of the Geza Gear stretchable cover on the bike.

- Bob

[sanjaun2]

some of us ride in bad weather all the time. It will not hurt the bike at all. Like others have said, Take the mirrors off and wash it when you get home. 750 miles is just a short day trip. No offense to my California brothers, But the smog of La maybe your worst problem. Oh yeah, Welcome to our little slice of heaven. Enjoy your new ride and see you at CCR this year.

[shadowofshoe]

Find a warehouse where you know someone and shrink wrap the whole damn thing It'll be fine :D :D :D

Mike-

I am serious.

[Wolfgang]

Towed mine behind a motor home all over the country. At first I covered it with a Geza cover, its counter-productive it just traps dirt and moisture. Just give a nice bath with lots of low pressure water on the other end and everything is fine.

[steamboatjohn]

Everyone's covered the cover issue. Now - the important part - find and buy some "short" soft ties at a harley dealer - use the search feature on this site on how to use them. You need 4. short because the long ones are sometimes too long. Also, you need the stronger, wider ratcheting tie downs - don't use the narrower spring loaded ones marked "motorcycle tie downs", they are for dirt bikes. You've got a very heavy bike - nothing worse than looking in mirror and seeing it on it's side.

Even with a 24" shield on a trailer, the windshield is at risk to flying stones..
If possible, why not leave it in storage, till the roads are clearer?

[Wolfgang]

Never had a windshield issue either. Just left in in the lowest position. I think taking it off will expose the instruments, radio, etc. more.

Make sure that the vehicle you tow with has mud flaps, and no tire spinning... :)

[mikeandcarolyn]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I really appreciate the suggestion. we will consider all of them and let you know what worked (or didn't) for us.
Mike

[bemmerbiker]

Towed mine to Big Bend last July.

No problem with it tied down per instruction from this site. Washed it when we got to the motel. They even supplied the soap and towels to dry it, the hotel, had all the wash materials there all week.

Did have a problem on the way home ran over a ground hog with the rear wheel of my tahoe and the left wheel of the trailer. Some blood and guts on side of bike ,it was down low, took a little more soap and elbow grease to get it off.

Have a safe drive.

[Chick]

Have towed mine in the bed of my pickup behind the motorhome uncovered from Michigan to Florida in inclement weather. Just a good bath on arrival and everything is fine.