I lived without a garage/enclosure on a lake where horrible wind, floods, bugs, rain, “nature crud,” and spiders ruined and weathered everything. I looked online for enclosures and small buildings that would also be convenient to ride in and out of frequently. Many sealed hard plastic motorcycle enclosures were $2/3k+ and sold overseas. A zipper bag enclosure/bubble would get absolutely shredded by wind and water where I lived. I finally considered getting a small and cheaper trailer with multiple use cases! It cost me around $3600 but is also incredibly useful for many other uses as well (moving, transporting large objects, etc). I installed rubberized flooring and a condor wheel chock inside as well. The large door helps me easily ride in and out with a convenient side door for working on the bike. Even a year later, the inside has remained completely “sterile.” No bugs and is dry with low humidity. Consider an option like this if you don’t have space for a new building, don’t have a garage, or would have use for a trailer to begin with.
edit: as discussed below, always consider the level of crime in your community to determine whether or not something like this would work for you.
Elegant solution that is still priced appropriately. The dual use is a great bonus as well. Trailer your bike, work on it covered, and keep it protected. I love seeing what people come up with and how we all share a combined love and hobby!
Careful, the amount of thieves I’ve seen in my city where they literally cut the wall off box trucks (think uhaul) or trailers just to steal tools from HVAC guys is absurdly high here. It is just fiberglass/thin wood afterall
I will admit that the area that I lived in had nearly zero crime. Rural. Regardless, the trailer walls have a steel skeleton that are slightly more difficult to cut through than just the wood and thin sheet metal exterior. I use a pretty tough set of wheel locks and a hitch lock. But yeah you’re right someone could definitely take what they wanted if they are already used to cutting into other trucks. It is definitely safer than leaving the bike outside, right? Or do you think the fact that it is a trailer would make it even more of a target than a covered motorcycle?
Out of sight is for sure better then plain site. Chances are you would have nothing to worry about especially since tools are not that quiet.
Check local code first. I considered this but my town and several neighboring towns I checked prohibit either trailers used as residential storage or keeping “commercial” vehicles/trailers at your residence. These are regular towns for me, not just HOAs
No problem with my neighborhood!
I’m thinking about grabbing an enclosed v-nose like that one. How are they to tow around, compared to an open/mesh utility trailer?
I can’t comment on utility trailers because I haven’t really towed any of those around. I currently drive a Toyota 4Runner, which is notoriously underpowered in the engine/towing department - so it’s going to have a poorer experience to begin with. As far as my towing experience, I am pleased with the ride. It doesn’t seem to pull “too heavy” or suffer from as much wind drag as I was expecting. Drive thrus are not an issue. It’s <9ft tall. This one is about 4’x10’ with one axle. The V nose is nice because it gives a little extra room in the front. Side door is a MUST, IMO. It’s so much easier to get in/out and it’s nice to keep it open when inside and working on the bike. If you decide to use the bike as a garage, make sure the rear of the trailer is secured with jack stands so you can ride in and out without the trailer tipping backwards. I’d like to install AC power. For now I run a cord inside when I’m working. DeWalt work light hangs from ceiling via a RAM mount with 8.0 Ah battery. I’ve made a lot of changes since this picture was taken like installing a floor and adding a table.
I never would have DREAMED I would be using the trailer this frequently- even while having a pickup truck easily accessible. Motorcycle garage? Trailer. Large dining room table need bought/moved? Trailer. Helping family member move? Trailer. Going to a festival/airshow for a week? Bring the tent and the Trailer.
It also has four solid mounting D-rings that are on the sides of the trailer walls. You can make them out behind the chair on the right.
I would say get the trailer. It’s been my most cherished purchase in years.
Sold. I’m gonna look around for deals. Thanks man!
only problem for me is where i can store it. i live in an apt rurally so not much parking space
has anyone used those little metal framed clamshell covers (i seent some on amazon)? i dont have criminality where i live but i do have pretty severe weather and snow
Maybe one of those clamshell covers would be a good option! I couldn’t do a clamshell because the wind whipped off the lake pretty hard and already shredded other covers for mowers, cars, etc. So, I gave up on that idea quickly for where I live. But if wind isn’t as much of a problem, then I think a clamshell might work great for you! Do you ride during the winter or do you plan on storing it in the clamshell during the winter?
i wish i could ride in the winter but i live at altitude in CO so my season is real short. we do have a decent amount of wind and show and shit. i mainly wanna get away from paying for a storage locker for just my bike
nice to get some feedback tho. when your talking about shredded covers, are talking like just ones you would throw onto a mower or bike? cuz i thought of that too but thought the frame of the clamshell thing would help with that issue
I think the frame would help a lot - I was talking about the normal covers that you throw onto a bike/mower. I was really inspired by these across the pond. That $4k price tag is ridiculous though and is more expensive than when I looked a few years ago before getting the trailer. I think they were priced around $2500 but maybe I’m misremembering.
Another benefit of the framed covers that you are looking at is that they seem to have much thicker material that could really withstand some wind when paired with the frame. The reviews look fantastic with this one. It looks super sturdy and the reviews seem to reflect that it’s moisture proof. A little pricey…but it’s your BIKE! Only the best.
ya that across the pond ish is really what got my motor goin. it would be absolutely perfect for my current sit
and ya you linked exactly what i was lookin at on amazon once i discovered the 4k price (lol)
and really im payin like 80$ a month to really just put my bike in a locker so if she held up and kept ol kiki the kawi safe, i would be savin money in no time
welp bud, think you’ve convinced me. it is MY BIKE!
SHE DESERVES IT
