Commando cover

My Commando is going have to be stored outside in the Wisconsin winter for awhile. As in most of the worst weather for months on end. I'm looking for suggestions of what would fit properly and be long lasting. It is set up as a Roadster, without any type of fairing. Thank you.

I've had these, good results:

BUT, be aware, dust (yes, fine dirt) blows around on those cold dry days.
It collects up under the cover. When the wind blows, then the cover goes against things and sandpapers them.
Also, mice, chipmunks, etc will get in there and eat/piss/shit on/in things. Stuff steel wool in your exhausts, then cover the end with plastic and electrical tape.

Parked on a paved/concrete surface? If not, get a full 4x8 sheet of plywood under it.

A splash of 2-stroke oil in the gas tank (along with your Sta-Bil) ensures no rust will form.



Single cans available at hardware stores. Spray it on engine, trans, forks, pipes, etc.
Works great.
Wipes off easily.

franko said:

My Commando is going have to be stored outside in the Wisconsin winter for awhile. As in most of the worst weather for months on end. I'm looking for suggestions of what would fit properly and be long lasting. It is set up as a Roadster, without any type of fairing. Thank you.

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I've used one from this company for a high rider. Nice quality and fit. Like concours says, some more preventative measures should be taken. https://www.budgecovers.com/motorcycle-covers/norton/roadster-850/1976/mc-1

You are asking the expert on outdoor winter bike storage . 25 years experience in a city too expensive to do things properly . I understand .
Make friends with garages .

Treat them very well . Gifts .
Failing that ,there are heated paid motorcycle storage businesses . Pricey . A few include oil change and battery charging . Positive ground hookup by a teenager ? Not on my Norton , Thanks .
Remove battery to indoors , clip on an intelligent tender .
Use 2 Extra large covers on top of each other . Do not ever spray the brakes with rust inhibitor spray .
Dust and grit gets up from the bottom , so use bungee cords to tie it up tight to keep that dust and moisture out .

Another idea . Purchase The Bike Bag . Thick clear plastic with a Big Zip tie and it comes with a pound bag of Silica moisture absorber crystals you open up , place into , then roll the bike in with the help of a friend , Zip tie up tight .

Make sure there's a sealed surface underneath like pavement. Crushed stone holds lots of moisture and would be the worst thing to park on.

Russ
(with the crushed stone driveway)

Thank you for all the advise.
I decided to go with this one. https://www.carcoversfactory.com/motorcycle-covers/1973/norton/commando-850
It arrived yesterday. Seems to be well made of quality material. Time will tell. Seems to be like the one that Noton1974 suggested.
I've had Dowco covers before. One is 15 years old and still in use. It's not offered anymore. The newer one made it 5 years and just shredded.
If the one I just bought fails soon, I will speak up about it. If it doesn't, I will be happily quiet.

franko said:

Thank you for all the advise.
I decided to go with this one. https://www.carcoversfactory.com/motorcycle-covers/1973/norton/commando-850
It arrived yesterday. Seems to be well made of quality material. Time will tell. Seems to be like the one that Noton1974 suggested.
I've had Dowco covers before. One is 15 years old and still in use. It's not offered anymore. The newer one made it 5 years and just shredded.
If the one I just bought fails soon, I will speak up about it. If it doesn't, I will be happily quiet.

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That's pretty good life for an outdoors cover .
Mine typically last 2 years . Mind you , freezing winters with ice storms , plus roasting summers with sun .
Plus they need some orange or markers , fo the hit and run drivers about .