I have always had a fit problem with motorcycle covers. My Givi topcase is the problem. The “universal” cover that fit my V-Star does not fit my Kawasaki, it barely fits over the tail and leaves my whole tire exposed. Formosa Covers recently offered me a cover to try out and assured me that it would be a good fit.

My first impression was favorable. The cover comes with a cable and lock as well as a convenient backpack for storage. The backpack has adjustable straps wit buckles that would allow you to wear it or lash it to your luggage. The material of the backpack is the same as the cover, with flares of reflective, heat resistant material for visibility.

The cover fit well on my bike. It covered all of the engine, as well as the chain and brakes. The only problem is the elastic tether that attaches eyelets on either side of the bike. It is in direct contact with my pipe and would have to give my exhaust some time to cool down before attaching it. Nonetheless, the cover should stay in place with only the elastic band around the base of the cover to secure it. I would have prefferred that the cover go all the way to the ground, without letting wind get underneath the cover, but for a bike with the luggage setup that I have, it is better than anything else I have seen. Formosa has designed vents on both side to prevent the cover from becoming a kite. The quality and fit are exceptional for prices starting at $20 for their lightweight series up to $50 for their large dresser covers. If you park your bike outside, you need a cover and from what I have seen, Formosa will protect your bike from the elements.

For more info:
Formosa Covers provide a wide range of covers, including Motorcycle covers, Golf cart covers, Car covers, Jeep covers, Tractor covers, RV covers, ATV covers, UTV covers, Van covers and Conversion Van covers & Tent Trailer covers.

I have a couple potholes on my street. One is particularly bad, a deep, wide gravel hole right in the path of travel when I turn onto my street. The gravel from the hole is spread around the hole making it a sour note on the end of my usually spirited commute.

I was skeptical when I read about the online form to report potholes in my home town of Oakland. I knew the form would work and that the city would get my complaint. I was skeptical that the city would fix the pothole in my lifetime. I filled out the form, intersection and my personal info and hit submit. Every night as I ended my commute and avoided the pothole I would be reminded about that city Website. And every night I was disappointed. So when I returned home from a business trip three weeks later and saw the patch over the hole I was overjoyed. Not because I can now lay my bike way over on the final turn of my commute but that my city works. It works in an efficient and tangible way that improves the quality of my life. It gives me hope in the midst of police scandals and diminishing budgets that a group of people who work for the city are doing something right for the people of Oakland.

I was picking up some parts for securing my ignition, parts that only the dealer in Hayward, CA carries. As I was there I was exiting a weird looking bike caught my eye. They had a Blue 2009 Kawasaki Versys on the floor. I have been looking at the bike for a while but have never seen it in person because Kawasaki was taking its time conforming to the nation leading air standards we have in California. So I climbed aboard and really liked how it felt under me. With a 32 inch inseam I was not flat-footing it, but just barely. I believe with my thicker soled motorcycle boots that I would be able to. The position in the saddle was nice and neutral, legs underneath and knees bent comfortably. What I noticed most about the difference between the position of my ZR-7S and the Versys was how far up the handlebars are but I can’t really comment on this until I ride the bike. In person I got what the Kawi engineers were going for. It seems like it is being pulled in three directions. A little motard, a little sporttbike, and a hint of touring thrown in for good measure. The only oddity was the size of the front tire. It looks very small compared to the bikes next to it but again I can’t comment on what this does to the fell of the bike until I ride one.

I am not sure when I will ride one. If I want to get serious about getting a Versys I will have to sell one of my Yamaha and if I really want a all in one bike I will have to sell my Kawi as well. I will probably wait until I start seeing them used and pick up a gently broken in unit. Let me know your experiences with the Versys in the comment form below: