Motorcycle covers come in two basic flavors: “All-weather” and “Dust”. The all-weather type is made to protect those bikes which are left outside in the rain, sleet, snow, and hail (not everyone has a garage). Whereas the “Dust” types are basically for those pampered bikes whose owners don't want dust or other debris settling on their freshly polished flanks. Usually these covers are put on while the bike is sitting inside a nice, dry garage. Real motorcycles laugh at these “Garage Queens”.

For those bikes whose lives are not so pampered a good “All-weather” cover can make a huge difference in the life expectancy of various soft parts (seats, hoses, etc..). A good cover can also keep a bike's paint job from premature aging; although a cover can also damage the paint as well. Kind of a "Catch 22" type of situation.

The Titan Quatro 4L cover from Empire Covers feels different and is made from different materials than its competitors. The Dowco cover that we previously reviewed as well as the Nelson Rigg cover that I've used in the past are made from a material that feels waterproof; almost like tent material.

The Titan Quatro 4L, however, feels different; lighter, easier to handle. And not at all waterproof. My first thought was that Empire sent me the wrong cover,  that they sent a dust cover instead of the all-weather one, but they didn't.

The Titan Quatro 4L is made from four layers – 3 outer layers of Polypropylene and 1 inner layer of fleece. If you are familiar with the Frog Toggs brand of rain gear you'll get the idea of what the Titan cover feels like. One of the nicest parts of the cover though is found on the inside; the fleece. This is the part that touches your paint and, to me, is just as important as the outer layers. Most covers will scratch a bike's paint over time because the only lining they have is a small patch right where the shield· is located (if your bike has a shield that is).

The Titan Quatro 4L (note to Empire Covers: Use one name, not three, as it is much easier to type and remember) is fully lined with a soft fleece interior to help avoid scratching the very paint it is trying to protect. I'm not saying that the Titan Quatro 4L won't scratch your paint over time but it will probably takes longer. Unless........

.....You live in a windy area. Most all-weather motorcycle covers are made to fit tightly over the bike to keep them from blowing around. This is usually accomplished with lots of elastic and being form fitted. The Titan Quatro 4L has elastic on the bottom at the front and rear of the cover but it isn't very good elastic; it's the lazy, lay on the couch watching TV all day, don't want to get a job kind of elastic.

The cover itself is cut loosely as well. My FJR1300 is listed as wearing the extra-large size yet that size allows me to keep a Givi trunk on the bike and still have play in the cover. When I don't have the GIVI trunk on, the bike and the cover could be used in a Jenny Craig commercial; “I used to wear a size 99 but now I'm a 2. Thanks Jenny Craig.” To be fair I never had the cover blow off, and there is a strap that runs under the bike but watching the cover billow like a sail in a storm isn't the most comforting thing. My solution? I find something else to do than watch my bike get rained on. Novel concept, no?

Movement and loose fit aside the Titan Quatro 4L does do what it's supposed to do; keep your bike dry. I left it out in the rain and even sprayed it with a hose and I never saw one drop of water make it through to the bike. As a matter of fact, I also didn't find the bike to be damp from early morning condensation after being out all night. Whether it is because the cover breathes well or the fleece lining soaked-up the moisture (although it didn't feel wet) I don't know but a dry bike a happy owner makes.

The Titan Quatro 4L retails for $89.99 and you can find more info at http://www.empirecovers.com/motorcycle-covers.aspx

Click on Motorcycle Covers to see Empire's full line.

Titan Features:
Color: Tan
Material: 4 ultra-thick layers – 3 outer layers of Polypropylene and 1 inner layer of Fleece
Suitable for Outdoor & Indoor Use
Lifetime Warranty offered because we are so confident in the Titan (Industry leading warranty!)
Ultrasonically Welded Seams make this a durable and protective cover for all of your needs
Completely Breathable material allows moisture to evaporate and prevents mildew and rot
Non-Abrasive to your motorcycle's finish because of the protective inner layer of fleece
100% Waterproof which means full moisture protection for your motorcycle (not just resistant or repellent!)
UV Treated for maximum sun and heat protection which protects your paint from fading and keeps your motorcycle cool
Full Elastic Hem gives you the snug fit you desire
Security from the elements with the included straps and buckles.
Included: FREE Storage Bag ($9.99 Value), built-in straps and buckles to keep cover on in windy conditions

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