Kawasaki Concours Forum

Mish mash => Open Forum => Topic started by: Gumby on July 10, 2013, 03:42:50 PM

Title: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Gumby on July 10, 2013, 03:42:50 PM
I know there are probably lots of threads on this, but I am lazy and I don't feel like reading through tons of pages.  ;D

I found these two tents and debating on which one to buy. Which would you get and why? Do you have another one you can suggest with motorcycle parking? I want to stay under $500.

Redverz Expedition II Tent vs. Harley-Davidson H-D Dome Tent W/Vestibule Bike Parking (I don't really care that it says Harley on it, its half the price).

http://www.amazon.com/Redverz-Gear-expedition-Expedition-Tent/dp/B00A79BZOE/ref=pd_sim_sbs_lg_3 (http://www.amazon.com/Redverz-Gear-expedition-Expedition-Tent/dp/B00A79BZOE/ref=pd_sim_sbs_lg_3)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A2V9M8I/ref=s9_simh_gw_p60_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=1AQM9P52JQM0J1X93AET&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A2V9M8I/ref=s9_simh_gw_p60_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=1AQM9P52JQM0J1X93AET&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846)

Thanks for your input,


Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: ZG on July 10, 2013, 04:07:58 PM
That Harley one doesn't look like it would be tall enough for your CB shield...  :-\
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: ZG on July 10, 2013, 04:12:34 PM
How about this one Gumby?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Tent-/330952838228?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d0e538c54 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Tent-/330952838228?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d0e538c54)

Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: gPink on July 10, 2013, 04:20:21 PM
I think Chet got the Redverz tent.

Now that you mention it, he might be to lazy to chime in.
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Conrad on July 10, 2013, 04:22:40 PM
Sorry, I'm too lazy to write any more than this right here...     ;)
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Gumby on July 10, 2013, 04:35:35 PM
How about this one Gumby?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Tent-/330952838228?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d0e538c54 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Tent-/330952838228?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d0e538c54)

That looks like a decent tent as well. Anybody have one of these, likes/dislikes?

http://bikertent.com/products.html (http://bikertent.com/products.html)

Sorry, I'm too lazy to write any more than this right here...     ;)
You're killin me Conrad  :(
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 10, 2013, 06:43:25 PM
I prefer this tent...

(http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/skins/en_US/HP/img/logo_brand_HP.gif)
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: sherob on July 10, 2013, 07:26:18 PM
Good review on the one, here...

http://www.ridermagazine.com/gear/redverz-series-ii-expedition-tent.htm/ (http://www.ridermagazine.com/gear/redverz-series-ii-expedition-tent.htm/)
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Gumby on July 10, 2013, 07:29:44 PM
I think Chet got the Redverz tent.

Now that you mention it, he might be to lazy to chime in.
I PM'ed Chet asking if the poles were fiberglass or alloy,and here is what he had to say.
"Light aluminum.  I carried it on my Colorado Backcountry ride, 700+ miles of high altitude gravel roads and over 2000 miles of paved stuff.  I won't ever use another tent.  5 extra pounds vs another 2 person tent (which means 1 person) and I have room to stand, cook, work on the bike out of the weather, load/unload the bike out of the weather, and keep all my gear out of the weather and not inside the area I'm sleeping.  Best tent on the market for motorcycling and worth every penny.  My wife even likes it which is a bonus, I will be getting a hitch added to my Jetta so we can eat some miles, pack all the comfort items a lady demands, setup camp and go ride/explore whatever area we want on a lower budget.  My next favorite item is my Jetboil stove and coffee press, good coffee is hard to beat first thing in the morning and to enjoy from within the tent?  Priceless ;D"

I'm still looking at reviews of others though. It's hard to part with almost $500 unless your Jay.  ;D
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Son of Pappy on July 10, 2013, 07:38:38 PM
Do it!!  Get the awning kit and ground cloth as well, nothing says home like a shaded area with a breeze ;D
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: ZG on July 10, 2013, 07:47:22 PM
How does that work for the side stand though? Wouldn't it rip through or do you put something down for it?  ??? :-\
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Son of Pappy on July 10, 2013, 07:52:24 PM
The open/bike area is open ground.

Light enough to do this on DOT knobbies ;D
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Gumby on July 10, 2013, 07:56:08 PM
If you buy this one you get a free kickstand plate.  ::)

http://bikertent.com/products.html (http://bikertent.com/products.html)

I think this one is out though, it is too big. 26.5 lbs  :o
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Son of Pappy on July 10, 2013, 08:15:36 PM
Coupla pics in use.  We even found Yeti ;D  (He has a broken collar bone and seperated/back in place shoulder from an off earlier in the day.  He rode it out this day and the next.  Ended up slabbing it to Boise the next day and on home 2 days later.  Good thing his wife is a nurse :o
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Gumby on July 10, 2013, 09:24:27 PM
Do it!!  Get the awning kit and ground cloth as well, nothing says home like a shaded area with a breeze ;D
Let me ask you this Chet. Would you be using this tent as much as you are if you only had your Connie? I am really putting some thought into this ($$$$), and I don't see taking the Connie up on a hill to camp or even out in the middle of a field if I did't have to.

I have my four man tent, plenty of room for gear, that I am taking this weekend on my ride. I will park the Connie safely on the pavement, pack my bags to the tent, and cover the bike.

I really like the idea of having my bike right next to me and covered at night, but is it practical with this big beast of a street bike that is hard to maneuver around in a rutted field?

One more I have been looking at. This guy has good things to say about the Big Agnes tent.
http://youtu.be/vHcrGQeFw00 (http://youtu.be/vHcrGQeFw00)
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: ZG on July 10, 2013, 10:12:21 PM
One more I have been looking at. This guy has good things to say about the Big Agnes tent.
http://youtu.be/vHcrGQeFw00 (http://youtu.be/vHcrGQeFw00)

I like that one the best from what's been posted so far.

But like Sparky said, there is something about just having a hotel to stay at after riding all day... wifi, hot shower, beer fridge, bed, and tv...  :-\
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Son of Pappy on July 10, 2013, 10:31:37 PM
Let me ask you this Chet. Would you be using this tent as much as you are if you only had your Connie? I am really putting some thought into this ($$$$), and I don't see taking the Connie up on a hill to camp or even out in the middle of a field if I did't have to.

I have my four man tent, plenty of room for gear, that I am taking this weekend on my ride. I will park the Connie safely on the pavement, pack my bags to the tent, and cover the bike.

I really like the idea of having my bike right next to me and covered at night, but is it practical with this big beast of a street bike that is hard to maneuver around in a rutted field?

One more I have been looking at. This guy has good things to say about the Big Agnes tent.

I've heard good things about the BA tent (Big Ass), but the thing is heavy and doesn't pack down as small.  My dry bag holds my tent, sleeping bag, inflatable pillow, and self inflatable mattress, as well as my sleeping clothes.  I also keep the shovel in the bag.  I'll find a pic that shows the bag all packed up.
I bought the tent before the GS with the intent of a trip to AK on the Connie, so yes, I would have this tent.  The outer vestibule is just o so nice.  3 doors so you can choose which to open, which really is nice if you do any cooking in inclement weather and on those hot days being able to trap the breeze is awesome.  Room for bike, bags, gear, and a clean sleeping area?  And there is the back vestibule for additional room out of the weather.
Like you I had a serious pause before dropping the coinage, but after plenty of use and a happy wife I have zero regrets.  And yes, the awning kit is worth it, moreso for the added shade in the summer.  A serious investment for seriously good times :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Son of Pappy on July 10, 2013, 10:39:08 PM
Something else to add, 10 minutes max to setup, in riding gear, on a hot humid day after 500 miles of high speed mountain slab on a loaded GS ;D  3 poles, 10 pegs, and nighty night.  I only use the guy lines if it is really windy out.

FWIW, my coffe is far superior to any hotel slop served out of a pump pot and the views of the sunsets and sunrises?  No punk kids running to the pool, never wonder what is really on the mattress, and no frat parties to deal with.  All them hot maids?  Ever wonder where the go when they are off? ;)  For some reason Redverz sure as heck sounds sexier than Big Agnes :o
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Gumby on July 10, 2013, 10:55:41 PM
Keep talking Chet, you got me thinking this is something I may really make good use of. How much more was the awning kit? I have not seen that in any of my searches.

Jay, pipe down until you can tell me about the last two week ride you went on and stayed in hotel rooms every night then got home and wondered why your American Express bill is so high.  ;)

I really like camping anyways, and this year I am riding solo so I can stop and set up camp where ever I desire.
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Son of Pappy on July 10, 2013, 11:09:17 PM
I wish I could remember how much the kit was, I at first bought some poles from REI, which worked, but the poles are quite a bit heavier and packed a tad longer so I ended up with the poles from Redverz.  There is no doubt in my mind that as soon as you saw one in person you would be sold.  On average we sell 2 tents each ADV Camp on the second night. 

http://shop.redverz.com/categories/Tents/ (http://shop.redverz.com/categories/Tents/)
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Son of Pappy on July 10, 2013, 11:27:16 PM
Redverz Gear - The Ultimate Motorcycle Tent - Series II Tent Setup (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEmJthxD3uo#ws)

These should do it for ya!!
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: sherob on July 11, 2013, 07:37:00 AM
For some reason Redverz sure as heck sounds sexier than Big Agnes :o

 :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: gPink on July 11, 2013, 07:41:33 AM
Big Agnes....shade in the summer, warm in the winter. Sounds sexy to me.
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: bkromer on July 11, 2013, 08:28:40 AM
I don't understand  why you need a tent for your motorcycle, the bike won't melt if it rains. But if your looking for a decent tent for motorcycle camping, look at the Koppen Hamr 3 tent for a 120.00 at Dicks Sporting goods or online. It packs up very small and is easy to set up, has a vestibule for your gear and makes a good one or two person tent.
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Gumby on July 11, 2013, 08:37:34 AM
I don't understand  why you need a tent for your motorcycle,
Cause I can  ;D

But if your looking for a decent tent for motorcycle camping, look at the Koppen Hamr 3 tent for a 120.00 at Dicks Sporting goods or online. It packs up very small and is easy to set up, has a vestibule for your gear and makes a good one or two person tent.
Here are two reviews on this tent. Thanks for throwing out the suggestion though, keep'em coming.

"Used 1 night with kids in backyard. Nice easy set up and liked the overall design. Definately seemed to be of good quality. Didn't like the window in the vestible nor that there was no screen privacy cover over the main entrance. The tent leaked a lot overnight during a unexpected rain. I will return as this is unexceptable."

"I like everything about the tent except that all our stuff got wet. It was pouring rain and actually the tent held up very well; it was the dew that got us. Within 45 minutes of setting up the tent (hours before it started raining) the entire floor area was wet. I definitely want a refund as I will not be using this tent again."
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: bkromer on July 11, 2013, 09:48:51 AM
That's one review, I have not experienced that problem. All tents can get a little dew. I'm betting the reviewer did not have a ground cover under the tent.
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Son of Pappy on July 11, 2013, 09:52:25 AM
I don't understand  why you need a tent for your motorcycle, the bike won't melt if it rains. But if your looking for a decent tent for motorcycle camping, look at the Koppen Hamr 3 tent for a 120.00 at Dicks Sporting goods or online. It packs up very small and is easy to set up, has a vestibule for your gear and makes a good one or two person tent.
It's not about keeping the bike dry, it's about gear when loading/unloading, field maintenance/repairs, and keeping gear out of the elements during nasty weather.  The bike becomes a place to hang wet gear to at a minimum drip dry.  Another nice bonus is heat off the engine, keep the exhaust just outside the tent, start the engine, and walla, heat for you and your gear.
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: ZG on July 11, 2013, 10:11:34 AM
I don't understand  why you need a tent for your motorcycle

Security... keeps folks from seeing it when they're out raiding coolers for beer.  ;)
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Miss Silvera on July 13, 2013, 07:20:18 AM
The open/bike area is open ground.

Light enough to do this on DOT knobbies ;D

Totally awesome photo......
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Miss Silvera on July 13, 2013, 07:41:08 AM
Just found this for a small tent...looks great 

http://www.koppenoutdoors.com/products/view/12283373/ (http://www.koppenoutdoors.com/products/view/12283373/)
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Cuda on July 14, 2013, 01:23:51 PM
I'm with V Jim,  I've had two bad nights waking up to wild animals ripping apart my   stuff looking for food,
 Hotel , Motel please I must be getting old.



PS that picture was my 90 year old Father in law , he passed way two months ago, I guess you can tell what part of the US I'm from BILL'S country.
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Gumby on July 15, 2013, 09:54:57 AM
How about this one Gumby?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Tent-/330952838228?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d0e538c54 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Tent-/330952838228?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d0e538c54)
This tent sold for $119. Somebody got a smokin deal. Nice tent, but it was just to big for me and I could not find any reviews on it.

I bought the Redverz Expedition II last night. I am hoping I get it by Friday so I can take it on my ride down to Hwy 36.  :thumbs:
I will write up my thoughts on it after my trip, but I am trusting Chet knows what he is talking about. He hasn't steered me wrong yet. When I was looking for a camera he told me to buy the Contour instead of the GoPro, I am happy with that purchase.
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Son of Pappy on July 15, 2013, 10:23:10 AM
Tom, ya wont regret it a bit.  Play with setup, after the first run it's a snap.  Reminds me, I need to go roll mine up, I hung it up to dry out from my last rally ;D
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Gumby on July 18, 2013, 06:59:29 PM
Got my new tent today.  ;D

Out of the box and set up in the front yard in 30 minutes, 10 minutes of that time was spent talking to the UPS guy cause he rides a FZ1.
(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll112/tomdvaughan/HWY%2036/IMG_3971.jpg) (http://s286.photobucket.com/user/tomdvaughan/media/HWY%2036/IMG_3971.jpg.html)(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll112/tomdvaughan/HWY%2036/IMG_3974.jpg) (http://s286.photobucket.com/user/tomdvaughan/media/HWY%2036/IMG_3974.jpg.html)
(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll112/tomdvaughan/HWY%2036/IMG_3973.jpg) (http://s286.photobucket.com/user/tomdvaughan/media/HWY%2036/IMG_3973.jpg.html)(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll112/tomdvaughan/HWY%2036/IMG_3972.jpg) (http://s286.photobucket.com/user/tomdvaughan/media/HWY%2036/IMG_3972.jpg.html)


This thing is cool, good quality tent stakes, alloy poles, and the tent portion comes out of the shell for drying or cleaning.
(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll112/tomdvaughan/HWY%2036/IMG_3975.jpg) (http://s286.photobucket.com/user/tomdvaughan/media/HWY%2036/IMG_3975.jpg.html)(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll112/tomdvaughan/HWY%2036/IMG_3976.jpg) (http://s286.photobucket.com/user/tomdvaughan/media/HWY%2036/IMG_3976.jpg.html)

Follow me on my trip. Destination HWY 36 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=14508.new#new)
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: ZG on July 18, 2013, 07:54:11 PM
So how does the Connie fit in there? Need pic of that...  ;) :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Gumby on July 18, 2013, 08:12:43 PM
So how does the Connie fit in there? Need pic of that...  ;) :chugbeer:
Already had a few beers and I'm in my flip-flops! I think you can relate.  :rotflmao:
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG01048-20120421-1648.jpg)
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Son of Pappy on July 18, 2013, 08:52:47 PM
Nice!!  Looking forward to pics from the trip ;D
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: ZG on July 18, 2013, 09:21:59 PM
Already had a few beers and I'm in my flip-flops! I think you can relate.  :rotflmao:

That's just mean...  :'(
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Conrad on July 19, 2013, 04:51:59 AM
Great looking tent T!

FYI. I clicked on your pic and it took me to your Photobucket account. The moment I did that I got a fake virus alert and I had to use the Windows Task Manager to shut it down. This VERY same thing happened to me yesterday when I clicked on Strawboss' pic and I went to his Photobucket account only I was on my work computer at that time, I'm on my home PC now.

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=14459.msg177913#msg177913 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=14459.msg177913#msg177913)
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: gPink on July 19, 2013, 04:57:41 AM
Sounds like you're contagious C.
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Conrad on July 19, 2013, 05:12:59 AM
Sounds like you're contagious C.

I'm sure it has something to do with my sparkling personality G.    :o
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: stevewfl on July 23, 2013, 04:20:59 PM
I prefer this tent...

(http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/skins/en_US/HP/img/logo_brand_HP.gif)

Lately I've been doing the Hyatt tents over the Hamptons and Marriotts

(http://unmgrc.unm.edu/conference/images/hyatt.png)

I enjoy the simplistic elegance lately over the bling colors

(http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2009/07/19/280948/StandardKingGuestroom.jpg)
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Gumby on July 25, 2013, 06:20:20 PM

Here is my review on this tent. 10+

It is perfect for myself and my gear. This is not a two man tent in my book. One man, one woman, well ok that is doable. It is nice to have your bike inside with all of your gear and a place to hang stuff.

It probably isn't a necessity, but every motorcycle rider in the campgrounds I was in wanted one. I am glad I spent the extra $$$'s for it.
(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll112/tomdvaughan/HWY%2036/IMG_4011.jpg) (http://s286.photobucket.com/user/tomdvaughan/media/HWY%2036/IMG_4011.jpg.html)(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll112/tomdvaughan/null.jpg) (http://s286.photobucket.com/user/tomdvaughan/media/null.jpg.html)

(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll112/tomdvaughan/HWY%2036/IMG_3986.jpg) (http://s286.photobucket.com/user/tomdvaughan/media/HWY%2036/IMG_3986.jpg.html)(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll112/tomdvaughan/HWY%2036/IMG_3985.jpg) (http://s286.photobucket.com/user/tomdvaughan/media/HWY%2036/IMG_3985.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: ZG on July 25, 2013, 07:17:18 PM
one woman, well ok that is doable.

 :-X
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: stevewfl on July 25, 2013, 07:51:03 PM
Wow that looks nice. Curious, how long does it take to set that tent up?
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Gumby on July 25, 2013, 09:08:25 PM
Wow that looks nice. Curious, how long does it take to set that tent up?
15-20 minutes on a calm day with no rain.

Coastal winds in the evening, 45-60 :censored: minutes.  >:(
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Son of Pappy on July 25, 2013, 09:30:10 PM
Didnt watch his video in a Colorado rain/wind/sleet storm, didya?  There is a trick to it.
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Gumby on July 25, 2013, 09:37:20 PM
Didnt watch his video in a Colorado rain/wind/sleet storm, didya?  There is a trick to it.
Who's video? A nice guy would of dropped a link to check out said video.  :censored:    ;)
Title: Re: Motorcycle tents
Post by: Son of Pappy on July 25, 2013, 09:54:11 PM
Who's video? A nice guy would of dropped a link to check out said video.  :censored:    ;)
I did ;D  The link had sevral demos, one in particular was in some really nasty stuff.  He started on the small end, staked the six main stakes, inserted the poles from small to big and finsihed the last 2 on the big vestibule.

Sounds like the tip is filled with adventure  :) :)