Shock covers - good or bad?

[Cubby]

I've heard conflicting opinions regarding shock covers. Some say they are good because they keep snow, ice, and salt off the shocks and seals while others say they are bad because they keep the heat in causing the shocks to fade and then fail.

What are your thoughts?

 

[02ViperMody44]

I use them personally, and I've got a Ski-Don't buddy that told me he "heard" the heat thing too. I would be very skeptical of actual heat being retained on a 20" aluminum bar, in sub-freezing temperatures. My opinon too much conduction to the atmosphere from the metal properties. Not like there is 400gr of Thinsulate in my covers, protecting it from the environment. I've also never taken my gloves off and touched my shocks after a bombed out trail ride.

On my Viper, the springs/shocks look brand new under the covers. The only ice that is ever on them, is at the very bottom of the velcro, nothing on the barrels of the shocks/springs. The covers are actually loose on the set of Ohlin piggyback that I am using them on.

 

[Irv]

I use them personally, and I've got a Ski-Don't buddy that told me he "heard" the heat thing too. I would be very skeptical of actual heat being reatined on a 20" aluminum bar, in sub-freezing temperatures. My opinon too much conduction to the atmosphere from the metal properties. Not like there are 400gr of Thinsulate in my covers, protecting it from the environment. I've also never taken my gloves off and touched my shocks after a bombed out trail ride.

I have never heard about the heat issues running covers but I have heard of sand getting in there and actually causing more damage, which makes using them counter protective.

I guess if you do use them and occassional have to run roads or less than stellar trails then remove them once in a while and check and see whats in there?

 

[RoyalBlue]

covers

They also hold in water , I do not use them

 

[big_red1a]

get the open deflector style

 

[kojack]

always have used them. shocks never get that warm. water never got in. there is some nylon one and neoprene one. always had nylon brp one on my doo's. bought neoprene one for the nytro. shocks always stay clean. especially if your trailering or riding near salt water, etc.... Like mine, never personally had a problem with them.