Taking ST1 on 7 day trip--Hitch-Mount Rack and Rain?

[Steve Plattner]

We're going on a 2200 mile trip through the UP in Michigan, northern Wisconsin, Minneapolis at the end of September. We have a Prius with a Thule hitch-mounted rack. I am wondering whether I am asking for trouble if I take the Stromer and we go through some heavy rainstorms during the week--water seeping into the handlebar control, motor, battery compartment, etc. Anyone had experience with taking your bike through stormy weather, heavy rains on the back of your vehicle?

 

[opimax]

I would put a plastic bag over the handle bar controller, secure it with rubber bands or any other suitable method and make sure the bike is securely mounted...and check when stopped

 

[Deleted member 803]

We're going on a 2200 mile trip through the UP in Michigan, northern Wisconsin, Minneapolis at the end of September. We have a Prius with a Thule hitch-mounted rack. I am wondering whether I am asking for trouble if I take the Stromer and we go through some heavy rainstorms during the week--water seeping into the handlebar control, motor, battery compartment, etc. Anyone had experience with taking your bike through stormy weather, heavy rains on the back of your vehicle?

I have to think that the bike should withstand substantial rain as it rains like hell in Europe and folks ride their bikes in rain all the time.

 

[Tara D.]

There is a really neat water proofing product that was discussed briefly here.

 

[KenM.]

I was thinking about the same thing , if I ever get to take the trip that I want to do.
I would get a good small motorcycle cover, or if they make good bicycle covers. Get a big size one, and after you have your bike all strapped in put the cover on it and tie it up good so that it will not flap in the wind. If it flaps to much it will start to rip. and with a small car you do not want the extra wind resistance of the cover flapping around. Hope this helps.
Keep looking up! Ken.

 

[JFane]

I was thinking about the same thing , if I ever get to take the trip that I want to do.
I would get a good small motorcycle cover, or if they make good bicycle covers. Get a big size one, and after you have your bike all strapped in put the cover on it and tie it up good so that it will not flap in the wind. If it flaps to much it will start to rip. and with a small car you do not want the extra wind resistance of the cover flapping around. Hope this helps.
Keep looking up! Ken.

I purchased this bike cover was caught in a few rainstorms this summer hauling the bike around on some summer trips works perfect

 

[Steve Plattner]

I purchased this bike cover was caught in a few rainstorms this summer hauling the bike around on some summer trips works perfect

View attachment 4205

That looks like a good solution. How tough is it? If I really strapped it down tightly do you think it would hold up well on a 2200 mile trip on the back of our Prius? Thanks.

 

[JFane]

That looks like a good solution. How tough is it? If I really strapped it down tightly do you think it would hold up well on a 2200 mile trip on the back of our Prius? Thanks.

Went about 300 mile trip in rain and wind highway driving at average speed 65mph for most of the day no issues the way I strapped the cover down on the bike
Will say bike was somewhat protected by the back of my SUV so I'm sure that helped not sure it you would get more wind resistance with a car

 

[MLB]

I would caution that any flapping CAN wear through paint in short order if the fabric is repeatedly slapping the same spot. Plenty of motorcylcists have found that out to their sadness. SUV undoubtedly blocked a lot of 'wind'. Prius will probably have a lot more flapping. Buy a bag of cheap bungies at Harbor Freight and secure the cover well.

I'd haul it uncovered and individually wrap those trouble spots with small pieces of waterproof material and bungies on each spot. FWIW

 

[Steve Plattner]

Went about 300 mile trip in rain and wind highway driving at average speed 65mph for most of the day no issues the way I strapped the cover down on the bike
Will say bike was somewhat protected by the back of my SUV so I'm sure that helped not sure it you would get more wind resistance with a car

Thanks, may try your method. I think you're right though--the height and bulk of an SUV would really block a lot of wind. I have noticed with my ST1 uncovered but hanging on the Thule rack that my mileage drops a lot--maybe from 48 to 44 mpg, so it does create a fair amount of drag.

 

[Steve Plattner]

I would caution that any flapping CAN wear through paint in short order if the fabric is repeatedly slapping the same spot. Plenty of motorcylcists have found that out to their sadness. SUV undoubtedly blocked a lot of 'wind'. Prius will probably have a lot more flapping. Buy a bag of cheap bungies at Harbor Freight and secure the cover well.

I'd haul it uncovered and individually wrap those trouble spots with small pieces of waterproof material and bungies on each spot. FWIW

I may try this. Maybe test it out on a rainy day here first--probably smart to remove and cover the battery area and definitely the LCD unit on the handlebar and that's about it. Or I may just leave it at home.....

 

[David1]

I ditto MLB . Kuat dealer recommends no cover. Turns into a sail. Just cover electrics. and then remove to air out, and then reinstall at next inclement weather. SUV' S sound like a different wind effect.

 

[Nebster]

I've carried my ST1 on the back of my RV for about 6,000 miles over the past year (on a Kuat rack, coincidentally). At the beginning I fooled with one of those flimsy bags, but honestly it just tears up and makes a mess.

I've had zero issues with the ST1. I keep the battery compartment closed but otherwise don't do anything. I can't say I've been through day after day of soaking rain, but we've gotten plenty. We've gotten a lot more dust and road dirt everywhere. The chain needs cleaning frequently, but otherwise... bombproof.

I wouldn't worry about it.