Time for reading: 12 min.

Choosing The Best Cover For Your Motorcycle

No matter where you park your bike, it will stay in better condition if it's protected from damage with a quality motorcycle cover. Here we'll show you how to select the cover the works best for your type of bike, where you ride and how you use your bike, and where it's stored.
Choosing The Best Cover For Your Motorcycle

We all want our motorcycles to stay looking good and last a long time, and always keeping your bike covered when you're not using it is one of the best ways to make that happen. You should cover your bike even if it's kept in a garage, but if you must park it outside then a quality outdoor cover is an absolute necessity. In this article we'll cover outdoor and indoor motorcycle cover features, covers for long term outdoor storage and covers for travel, full size and half covers, cover sizing, and alternative bike cover solutions.

Outdoor Covers

If you're new to motorcycling, you may say "I park my car outside without a cover, why do I need to cover my motorcycle?" Most cars and trucks are parked outside, but they're designed for that environment. The upholstery, instruments and controls are shielded within the cabin, other vulnerable parts are also protected, and there are drains where needed to prevent water accumulation. Motorcycles aren't designed for continuous exposure to the elements and they don't tolerate outdoor uncovered storage very well. There are a lot of crevices where water can accumulate and cause corrosion, and windblown dirt can collect in some areas and retain moisture for even greater damage. The motorcycle's exposed vinyl seat cover and other plastic and rubber parts can also become weathered, cracked and discolored.

Dowco Guardian Weatherall Plus Motorcycle Cover
The 300 denier polyester fabric with durable water-repellent topcoat on the Dowco Guardian Weatherall Plus Motorcycle Cover provides maximum rain protection.

Waterproof Or Water-Resistant?

A water-resistant cover will shed rainwater, but it's not waterproof. If you get regular downpours in your area and/or you store your bike outside for long periods, especially during the winter where it will be exposed to rain and snow, then we recommended using a waterproof cover. Heavy-duty waterproof covers made for long-term outdoor storage are made with a higher denier polyester fabric and the seams are sealed to prevent moisture penetration. However, even though water can't penetrate the cover, under some conditions moisture laden air can condense on the cold motorcycle. To prevent corrosion, mold and mildew, waterproof covers have vents located near the top of the cover to allow air circulation, so condensation can evaporate and escape from under the cover.

Cover With Vents
Vents, like this one on the Nelson-Rigg Defender Extreme Motorcycle Cover, allow air to circulate so any condensation can evaporate, preventing corrosion, mold and mildew.

A water-resistant cover will probably be fine if you live in an arid climate without much rainfall. And since water-resistant covers are usually made of lighter weight material that can be packed smaller, they make ideal travel covers when your bike will only be parked outdoors for a limited time. Some water-resistant covers have vents like waterproof covers, but on others the material itself may be designed to be breathable, allowing moisture to escape while resisting water intrusion.

UV Resistance

Prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays will fade the paint on your motorcycle and dry out and discolor materials like vinyl, leather, plastic, and rubber. The finish on an unprotected bike that's been sitting outside in bright sunlight can become dull and washed out, the leather or vinyl seat cover can become cracked, rubber components like tires and grips may have to be replaced more often, and in extreme cases plastic panels can even become warped or distorted. If intense sunlight on a daily basis is the norm where you park your bike, then you can help preserve its appearance by selecting an outdoor cover with a high UV-resistance rating like the Nelson-Rigg Defender Extreme Motorcycle Cover.

Additional Protection & Security

Along with shielding your bike from the elements, an outdoor motorcycle cover will protect your bike from dirt and dust, bird droppings, tree sap, and other common airborne contaminants like leaves, pollen, etc. It will also help prevent damage that can be caused by animals like neighborhood cats who might be tempted to use your motorcycle's seat as a scratching post. More importantly, a cover can deter attention from 2-legged beasts - the kind that like to steal motorcycles. While a cover won't discourage a determined thief, its presence will usually dissuade the opportunistic ones. A potential thief may suspect that security measures like locks and/or alarms are hidden by the cover, and since he can't be sure he is more likely to move on to an easier target.

Other Features To Look For

High Visibility - reflective logos and/or strips on the cover can make your motorcycle visible in low light conditions. These can be invaluable if you park in the street to help prevent cars or trucks from hitting your bike in darkness and possibly tipping it over.

Reflective Strips
Reflective strips can help make your bike visible to other drivers at night.

Heat-Resistant Panels - these panels, positioned low on the cover, are designed to allow the cover to contact but not stick to or melt on the exhaust pipes. However, the cover manufacturer may state that the cover can be used over "warm" (but not hot, as in engine just turned off) exhaust pipes, so it's generally a good idea to let the bike cool down some before installing the cover.

Windshield Liner - if your bike has a windshield, soft material in this area of the cover will protect it and prevent scratching.

Elastic Hem - an elastic hem will help ensure the cover fits snug at the bottom, so the cover stays on the bike. Some covers may also have a belly strap to secure the cover or grommets that allow the sides of the cover to be tied together. These features help prevent air from getting up under the cover in high winds, which could cause the cover to flap against and mar the bike's finish or in extreme cases blow the cover off the motorcycle.

Elastic Hem Grommets
An elastic hem and grommets that allow the sides of the cover to be connected help ensure the cover stays on your bike even in extreme weather.

Security - Sewn-in openings or grommets will allow a wheel lock to be installed with the cover in place, to help prevent theft.

Portability - many covers come with compression storage bags that allow the cover to be packed tightly for compact storage. However, keep in mind that heavy-duty, waterproof outdoor covers with heat-resistant panels are generally made of thicker material that can only be compressed so much, resulting in a package that may still be too bulky for on-bike storage. That's why lighter, water-resistant covers are generally better for travelling when the cover must be carried on the bike.

Indoor Covers

If you're fortunate and can park your bike in a garage or other indoor storage area, you may not think you need a motorcycle cover. But the fact is there's always dust in the air, even in the most well-built enclosures, and every time the garage door opens, the breeze carries more inside. Dust may seem innocuous, but it can act like a fine abrasive and leave scratches if it's inadvertently rubbed into the paint. And when you consider that the clear coat on the average bike may only be 0.0015-0.002" thick from the factory, you don't have a lot to work with to polish out those scratches. Plus, if you're like most enthusiasts and DIYers, the garage is also your workshop, and airborne particles from sanding, polishing and painting projects can drift over onto your motorcycle's finish. Most garages are also used to store bicycles, lawnmowers, ladders, and other types of equipment, and all it takes is a moment of carelessness to put a scratch or a ding in an unprotected bike's finish.

The Covercraft Form-Fit Motorcycle Cover is dustproof and will provide a barrier between your bike and dust, dirt, and debris, preserving the finish. It features a durable polyester knit outer layer that is made with spandex for a snug fit, and a soft sheared cotton loop lining that is gentle on the finish and provides protection from light impacts. This cover is also breathable, so even in damp areas and regions with high humidity, there's no need to be concerned about corrosion causing moisture buildup on the motorcycle's surface, or mold and mildew.

Indoor/Outdoor Covers

Motorcycle covers rated for indoor and outdoor use are waterproof or water resistant, provide UV protection to guard against fading, and will shield your bike from bird droppings, tree sap and other environmental assaults, for premium outdoor protection. But they're also dustproof, breathable, and gentle on your bike's finish and great for indoor use. The Rust-Oleum® NeverWet® Plus Motorcycle Cover from Budge checks all the boxes. Its lightweight Rip-Stop polyester material is treated with Rust-Oleum® NeverWet®, so water beads up and rolls off on contact, plus it has a soft inner lining that won't scratch your bike's paint.

Budge Rust-Oleum® NeverWet® Plus Motorcycle Cover
The Budge Rust-Oleum® NeverWet® Plus Motorcycle Cover combines 100% waterproof protection with inner lining softness that is gentle on your bike's paint.

But although the Budge cover is an excellent choice, always let how you use your bike be your guide when selecting an indoor/outdoor cover. For example, if you routinely garage your bike and only occasionally store it outside, then a heavy-duty waterproof cover may be overkill and an unnecessary expense. A lighter weight and less expensive water-resistant cover may better suit your needs.

Full Size Vs. Half Covers

Full size motorcycle covers completely cover your bike and provide the most protection. So why would you want to use a half cover that only shields the top part of your motorcycle? The answer is half covers are perfect for protecting your bike when you're on the road. Although many lightweight, full size, water resistant covers can be packed into a compact size for on-bike transport, you still must wait for the motorcycle to cool before installing the cover. Many full-size covers don't come with heat-resistant panels and even on those that do the cover maker may state that the cover is only safe to use against "warm" exhaust pipes. We don't recommend putting any cover on a hot bike. If the cover material melts and sticks to a hot exhaust pipe it can be next to impossible to remove without marring the pipe's finish (don't ask us how we know!).

A half cover won't contact hot engine or exhaust system parts, so it can be installed right away. Commuting to work or stopping at a restaurant? Just park, throw the cover on and head into the job or for some chow. A half cover will protect the seat, dash, and most of the bike from the elements, UV fading, bird droppings and more. With a half cover in place if you parked in the hot sun you'll have a cool seat when you're ready to ride, and if you parked outside overnight you won't have to sop up the morning dew before you hit the road.

Nelson-Rigg Defender Half Cover
The Nelson-Rigg Defender Half Cover is completely waterproof and over 99% UV proof, and packs into such a small size you can always take it along and protect your bike wherever you roam.

A half cover can also protect your bike and gear from unwanted attention. For some unknown reason, folks that wouldn't dream of sliding behind the wheel of a stranger's car have no problem sitting on a random motorcycle they find in a parking lot, and they can even become indignant when called on their behavior! If you've been riding for a while you've no doubt heard stories or unfortunately, experienced this phenomenon yourself, and a half cover will deter such shenanigans. The Nelson-Rigg UV-2000 Half Cover is one of the best half covers available. Made of specially treated UV protected nylon, it blocks out 99% of the sun's harmful UV rays and it's completely waterproof. The elastic bottom ensures a snug fit, plus it comes with sewn-in elastic bungees for easy fitment to any motorcycle. And it packs into such a small size in its included storage bag, it can be carried on just about any motorcycle.

Fitment

Vehicle Specific

While most of our motorcycle covers are Universal Fit, we do offer a number of Vehicle Specific covers. Vehicle Specific covers are designed to fit certain year, make and model motorcycles, but be aware that since many bikes are of similar size, one part number may fit multiple models. To find a vehicle specific cover, select Vehicle Specific under Fitment on the Motorcycle Covers page of our web site. You can further narrow your results by selecting Full Cover or Half Cover under Types; Outdoor, Indoor, or Outdoor+Indoor under Usage; and your desired Features and Color. Click on a cover shown in the search results and then select year, make and model in Product Options.

In the Product Option results you may see fitment notes like "Will Fit Models with Small Fairings" or "Will Fit Models with Saddlebags", indicating that the cover will fit properly even when commonly added accessories have been installed on the motorcycle.

Universal Fit

Most Universal Fit covers are categorized by size - from Small to 4X-Large, but some manufacturers list covers according to cover dimensions, Length x Width x Height, and others by bike type, i.e., sport bike, cruiser, sport touring, full dress, etc. Along with the S, M, L, XL, etc. sizes, Rhino Shelter indicates the Length x Width x Height dimensions for each size designation, and a handy size chart is included with the Nelson-Rigg product listings, while Tourmaster indicates the bike type that corresponds to each size, such as Medium (Sport/Standard) and 2X-Large (Touring/Full Dress). Covercraft takes cover sizing by bike type to another level by including commonly fitted or added accessories in the description to indicate that the cover has been tailored to a bike with specific equipment. Examples of these descriptions include "Full Dress Tourer with Fairing/Windshield, Saddlebags, Backrest/Sissy Bar and Travel Chest", and "Standard and Sport Bikes with or without Fairing/Windshield, with Small Saddlebags".

Alternative Storage Solutions

If you want the ultimate in protected motorcycle storage and you've got the space, then consider a Motorcycle Shelter. A shelter completely encloses the motorcycle, sealing it off from potential harm. There are shelters for outdoor and indoor use, ranging from simple zip-up pockets to luxurious inflatable display cases.

The 12' x 8' Rhino Shelter Cycle Pocket can enclose any size bike, indoors, up to and including full dress tourers. The sturdy 8 oz. fire rated polyethylene fabric enclosure consists of a gray base and white upper half. Just place the pocket at your desired indoor storage location and roll the bike into place on the base. Place a soft cover over the motorcycle, put the included moisture absorbing desiccant bag inside the pocket and then zip the upper half to the base to completely enclose your bike. The Cycle Pocket will protect your bike from condensation, corrosion, dust, oxidation and insects. A convenient storage bag is also included.

Rhino Shelter Cycle Pocket
The Rhino Shelter Cycle Pocket provides inexpensive and easy-to-use fully enclosed indoor motorcycle protection.

The Speed-Way Motorsport Shelter is like having a portable garage for your motorcycle. Its durable, waterproof polyester fabric with fully taped seams and polyurethane coating for enhanced UV protection, over a powder coated steel square tube frame structure, will protect your bike from sun, rain, snow, dust, and debris. It comes with a convenient carry bag and thanks to its durable spring-clip assembly system, it can be set up in less than a half hour without tools. The Speed-Way shelter features two large side windows for ventilation, a sewn-in splash guard for fully sealed coverage, tie-down attachments for support in high winds, and it comes with a 48 LED, 3-setting interior light. The frame can also be anchored to the ground and 6 cement/asphalt anchor bolts are included.

Speed-Way Shelter
Just retract the Speed-Way shelter and ride in - no need to let your pipes cool - then close and lock for complete outdoor protection. Shown with optional high density, abrasion resistant rubber flooring.

When you want to park your motorcycle, just lift the shelter and retract it back into the open position, then roll your bike in - there's no need to wait for pipes to cool. Built-in handles allow easy opening and closing. Built-in locking hardware allows the cover to be locked in the closed position, but a lock is not included. The Speed-Way shelter is available in two sizes, a 110"L x 45"W x 66"H model for standard and sport bikes and a 138"L x 56"W x 79"H enclosure for touring bikes. High density and abrasion resistant rubber floor mats and silver reflective double-duty covers that provide additional UV protection are available as optional equipment for both models.

With a CarCapsule indoor or outdoor Bubble Bike Cover or indoor or outdoor Bike Showcase, you can isolate your bike from moisture, dust, dings, dents, critters, and more. The indoor Bubble Bike Cover features a 0.45mm basemat that is mildew, abrasion and flame resistant and unaffected by oil, gas and antifreeze and a 0.30mm clear PVC top cover. Airflow is supplied by a 190 CFM fan that not only keeps the bubble inflated but also changes the air volume inside over 5 times an hour. This airflow and air changing eliminates condensation and keeps your motorcycle completely dry. When you want to store your bike, just park it on the basemat, attach the fan, zip up the enclosure and plug it in. The indoor Bubble Bike Cover comes in 96"L x 32"W x 68"H and 144"L x 32"W x 68"H sizes and both come with a fan, power supply, and washable charcoal filter. The outdoor, 108"L x 40"W x 68"H, Bubble Bike Cover is similar but features a thicker 0.45mm PVC cover, a water-resistant power supply, UV protection, and it's been weather tested from -30°F to 158°F.

CarCapsule Indoor Bubble Bike Cover
All but the largest bikes will fit in the CarCapsule 8 ft. indoor Bubble Bike Cover.

The indoor Bike Showcase is perfect when you want to preserve, protect and show off your motorcycle, and it's ideal for custom, collector and special interest bikes. This free-standing display case is completely supported by 0.60mm heavy-duty PVC air filled chambers so you have easy drive-in and drive-out access as well as walk-in entry through the side access door panels. The 0.45mm floor is mildew, abrasion and flame resistant and unaffected by oil, gas and antifreeze and it features 0.35mm clear plastic panels. Available in 108"L x 58"W x 72"H and 144"L x 58"W x 72"H sizes, the indoor Bike Showcase comes with a pressure sensitive pump to maintain the air chambers, and 190CFM fan, power supply and washable charcoal filter to supply continuous airflow. The outdoor Bike Showcase is similarly constructed but upgraded with weather-resistant, temperature rated materials like 0.45mm UV-rated PVC side panels to protect your motorcycle from the elements.

CarCapsule Indoor Bike Showcase
A CarCapsule indoor Bike Showcase is the perfect way to protect and display your pride-and-joy.
Shop Now
MOTORCYCLEiD FacebookMOTORCYCLEiD TwitterMOTORCYCLEiD YouTube ChannelMOTORCYCLEiD PinterestMOTORCYCLEiD Instagram
All manufacturer names, symbols, and descriptions, used in our images and text are used solely for identification purposes only. It is neither inferred nor implied that any item sold by MOTORCYCLEiD.com is a product authorized by or in any way connected with any vehicle manufacturers displayed on this page.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
INFORMATION
CONTACTS