Aerostich Ultralight Bike Covers

USA-made and that justifies the price point, though to be fair, I couldn’t find a cover this light, this strong, and especially this small, anywhere else. This is, quite simply, the best serious travel cover on the market. And, the silicon-urethane coatings, inside and outside, respectfully, add durability and water-resistance. And, that may be my only criticism, its water-resistance vs its waterproofness. The accompanying instructions explain that the seams are not sealed, and leaves one with the obvious inference that leaks are a possibility, especially in heavy weather. The on-line and paper catalogs don’t mention this characteristic at all, an oversight that should be corrected. Would I have purchased it if the advisory was included on-line? Probably yes, and that’s primarily because of Aerostitch’s reputation and my personal experience with a multitude of its products. That said, I have two advisories of my own for customers who have bought or plan to buy this cover. Keep it away from heat! And, pick-up a small or extra-small compression stuff sac from REI or any decent camping supply vendor. You’ll be able to reduce the size of the medium size pack to about 1/2 its packed size in its own attached stuff bag. Big space savings!

You’ll be glad you added this item to your kit!

Field-tested: Aerostich Ultralight Bike Cover
Words by Lisa Morris, images by Jason Spafford @two wheeled nomad and twowheelednomad.com. 
Whether you commute, ride for fun or are motorcycling around the world, it only takes a lick of sense to realize that if you protect your ride from salt, dust and dirt, tree sap and bird crap, as well the elements with a decent cover, it will stand your steed in good stead for years to come. Aside from weather exposure, rust build-up and accelerated depreciation, for me, I also warm to the idea that a cover will act as an invisibility cloak, to deflect any unwanted attention from prying eyes when I’m camping near the road. Not to mention thwarting opportunists when leaving my sole mode of transport unattended. In possession of a bike that’s relatively easy to steal, anything that diminishes its conspicuity, I’m in.

The Aerostich Ultralight Bike Cover comes in small, medium and large to oblige anything from scooters, mid-size motos to the behemoths of the biking world (in a choice of white, grey and black.) Snugly, the small shields my DR650 and the medium adequately covers Jason’s F800GS. Billed as “small enough to take on all your road trips,” the wrap isn’t designed as a luxurious means in which to swaddle your baby. It targets those for whom space and weight matters. No interior frame/fabrics present, but the Ultralight is constructed from a gloriously lightweight 30-denier rip-stop nylon. Packing down easily into a handy built-in storage pouch that will stash in the tank bag, a pleasing little bonus. Silicone-urethane coated on top, which coupled with the parachute-strength fabric, makes it resistant to most weathers and tearing.

In light showers, droplets were repelled like water off a duck’s back, with no leakage underneath. There are no technical claims that it’s waterproof so don’t expect the same in heavy downpours over long periods. No UV treatment applies so some fading is to be expected down the road, but the product by its nature lends credence to some UV protection and is backed with a two-year warranty. Further, I wouldn’t subject the cover to toasty engine components and pipes; I allow a 30-minute cooling off period before strapping it on.

There’s elastic all the way around the bottom, which can make a cover tricky to don. Thoughtfully, Aerostich has overcome this by making the elastic easy to stretch, resulting in a cover that’s simple to get on and off. Aerostich has located a label at the front bottom center on the hem, my starting point. For optimal fitment once it’s over the bike, I pull the elastic draw-cord in the hem tight, secure with its cord-lock, then pull the free end over the saddle and hook it to the shift lever (or brake pedal if the cover’s inside out). By no means a deal breaker, no vent holes are in attendance to let any moisture out but scooping up the excess cover around the shift lever combats residual condensation collecting underneath, maintaining its lightweight benefits.

Other considerate details include a form-fitting shape, where a tailored fit further inhibits pockets of condensation forming. Namely, less moisture-retention prevents unwanted corrosion developing. Sturdy grommets accommodate the attachment of anti-theft devices to add security, and minimalize billowing should an absolute hooley be blowing. Pleasingly, the tech-savvy fabric is also non-scratch. Although the convenience-outer material is thinner and less puncture resistant than some heavy-duty offerings, it's far from a bare bones, basic offering. Despite its positioning as travel-friendly, thanks to the mindful features present, it’s like having a portable garage for your moto.

To my mind, the Ultralight works well as a highly serviceable cover that will protect your bike through the seasons and thanks to its stealth attribute, against plunderers as well. Best of all, lightweight doesn’t mean fragile. If durability and weight, fit and function are your criteria, this wrap is the benchmark in which you should compare to all other travel-friendly solutions. As a mot-traveller that’s been on the road for four years, it’s a must-have addition to the ensemble worth every penny—I wouldn’t be without mine. Aerostich | $157

Pros
Simple design and operation.
Robust construction and durable materials throughout.
Good weather protection.
Deterrent from thieves.
Lightweight, packs down small and stows easily.

Cons
A little engine cooling required before usage.

Field-tested: Aerostich Ultralight Bike Cover

Whether you commute, ride for fun or are motorcycling around the world, it only takes a lick of sense to realize that if you protect your ride from salt, dust and dirt, tree sap and bird crap, as well the elements with a decent cover, it will stand your steed in good stead for years to come. Aside from weather exposure, rust build-up and accelerated depreciation, for me, I also warm to the idea that a cover will act as an invisibility cloak, to deflect any unwanted attention from prying eyes when I’m camping near the road. Further, to thwart opportunists when leaving my sole mode of transport unattended. In possession of a bike that’s relatively easy to steal, anything that diminishes its conspicuity, I’m in.

The Aerostich Ultralight Bike Cover comes in small, medium and large to oblige anything from scooters, mid-size motos to the behemoths of the biking world (in a choice of white, grey and black.) Snugly, the small shields my DR650 and the medium adequately covers Jason’s F800GS. Billed as “small enough to take on all your road trips,” the wrap isn’t designed as a luxurious means in which to swaddle your baby. It targets those for whom space and weight matters. No interior frame/fabrics here, but the Ultralight is constructed from a gloriously lightweight 30-denier rip-stop nylon. Packing down easily into a handy built-in storage pouch that will stash in the tank bag, a pleasing little bonus. Silicone-urethane coated on top, which coupled with the parachute-strength fabric, makes it resistant to most weathers and tearing.

In light showers, droplets were repelled like water off a duck’s back, with no leakage underneath. There are no technical claims that it’s waterproof so don’t expect the same in heavy downpours over long periods. No UV treatment applies so some fading is to be expected down the road, but the product by its nature lends credence to some UV protection and is backed with a two-year warranty. Further, I wouldn’t subject the cover to toasty engine components and pipes; I allow a 30-minute cooling off period before strapping it on.

There’s elastic all the way around the bottom, which can make a cover tricky to don. Thoughtfully, Aerostich has overcome this by making the elastic easy to stretch, resulting in a cover that’s simple to get on and off. Aerostich has located a label at the front bottom center on the hem, my starting point. For optimal fitment, I pull the elastic draw-cord in the hem tight, secure with its cord-lock, then pull the free end over the saddle and hook it to the shift lever (or brake pedal if the cover’s inside out). By no means a deal breaker, no vent holes are in attendance to let any moisture out but scooping up the excess cover around the shift lever combats residual condensation collecting underneath, maintaining its lightweight benefits.

Other considerate details include a form-fitting shape, where a tailored fit further inhibits pockets of condensation forming. Namely, less moisture-retention prevents unwanted corrosion developing. Sturdy grommets accommodate the attachment of anti-theft devices to add security, and minimalize billowing should an absolute hooley be blowing. Pleasingly, the tech-savvy fabric is also non-scratch. Although the convenience-outer material is thinner and less puncture resistant than some heavy-duty offerings, it's far from a bare bones, basic offering. Despite its positioning as travel-friendly, thanks to the mindful features present, it’s like having a portable garage for your moto.

To my mind, the Ultralight works well as a highly serviceable cover that will protect your bike through the seasons and thanks to its stealth attribute, against plunderers as well. Best of all, lightweight doesn’t mean fragile. If durability and weight, fit and function are your criteria, this wrap is the benchmark in which you should compare to all other travel-friendly solutions. As a motorcyclist that’s been on the road for just shy of four years, it’s a top shelf offering worth the investment—I wouldn’t be without mine.

Pros
• Simple design and operation.
• Robust construction and durable materials throughout.
• Good weather protection.
• Deterrent from thieves.
• Lightweight, packs down small and stows easily.
Cons
• A little engine cooling required before usage.

It worked really well during a trip with very windy weather. It is not intended for use as an alternative garage--if you put it on a hot bike it will melt where it touches the hottest spots--but it is well worth waiting for the bike to cool down on a trip where weight and size are important!

For the lock, I used one of those locks with a (relatively short) cable that you get when you buy a new pistol: it worked well.

There were some complaints about the original black color: I presume that black was used so that you couldn't see through the thin cover to see what kind of bike it is: but for most of us, that is not that big of an issue--especially since the cover is loose which makes it harder to see through (especially when the wind is blowing).

I got a medium for a Moto Guzzi V7: and it also fit over two side bags as needed...and probably a top box as well, although I always took my top box in.

This cover is remarkably robust, given how thin it is. I find it easy to put on and take off - the elastic around the cover's base is very helpful in fitting it to the base of the bike. It bundles up quickly into a small bunch when you don't take the time to shrink it into its pocket, and can be quickly stuffed into a saddlebag for temp storage, taking up little room. I use a couple of bungee cords to reduce the exposure to wind, which I'd recommend.

Only caveat is the color. It's been fine parking in the city, but in less populated areas, it melts into the darkness and could be at risk of being backed into unseen. A reflective strip or LED would be good in that circumstance (with the black colored cover).

I asked the desk clerk where to park my bike, she said just a minute, let me look.

There under the awning sat my MV Agusta Turismo Veloce Lusso, she said park it right here, on the sidewalk where we can see it through the window.

I walked to a nearby restaurant for supper, and upon return, the exhaust and engine were cool, so I covered the bike. My grey cover went on easily and next morning the saddlebag served as a stuff sack. Much easier than trying to find room for the cover in it's integral stuff sack in the TVL's oddly shaped saddlebags. It wasn't windy so the drawstring was sufficient to secure the cover.

I had thought to leave MV's work of art uncovered for the public to admire, but thought better of it; another might find her as tempting as me.

This is the second cover I've bought. First is still going strong on my Street Triple.

These are great covers. Love how lightweight they are -- and how easy they are to put onthe bike since they are so lightweight. Only used inside, so can't comment on any type of weather safety -- but definitely the only cover I'll have for bikes moving forward

(oh, on a 2016 R1200GS. went with the large and it fits perfectly with the windscreen)

Used my cover this weekend and worked well. It is thin and light for sure. Much lighter than my OEM FJR cover. No way I could carry OEM on trips. Fyi for sizing. I used a medium on the FJR1300. It fit pretty well. I do have a much bigger than stock windscreen but I still think medium was the right size.

This cover is very light and works well in high winds. I have used in any times, and most recently in my coast-to-coast US 50 ride. The only thing that is a minor issue, is the color is jet black.

One dark and foggy night in Big Sur, CA, a young lady could not see my covered Goldwing and backed into the bike with her car. Fortunately, I faced the bike outward on the service stand and it did not fall, as she pushed it more than a foot along the asphalt before realizing what was going on.

I now have attached a Nite Ize flashing red LED to the cover. it clips perfectly on the "L" label along the Aerostich tag at the bottom of the cover. Now you can see the bike at night.

I just love this cover!

After a great discussion with the staff, we settled on a perfect fitting cover. Side cases, no top case, windscreen, and antenna on my K1600GT Sport were considerations that led to the size Aerostich recommended.

I love the black, non-descript look, It packs up into its own incorporated (can't lose it) pouch, and as its newness wears off, it seems to pack up in smaller.

Nice product, and worth the $'s, and wait, if it's back ordered. USA made quality.