Protecting your motorcycle from the elements and potential theft is crucial for any rider who wants to maintain their bike's condition and value. A high-quality motorcycle cover is an essential investment that can significantly extend the life of your motorcycle by shielding it from rain, UV rays, dust, and would-be thieves. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of motorcycle covers to find the perfect option for your specific needs.
Selecting the Right Material for Your Motorcycle Cover
The material of your motorcycle cover is perhaps the most critical factor in determining its effectiveness. Many riders underestimate the importance of choosing the right fabric, but this decision can make the difference between adequate protection and damage to your prized possession. Kammann Automobile experts recommend examining the material specifications carefully before making a purchase, as they can significantly impact durability and protection levels.
Waterproof vs water-resistant options
When shopping for motorcycle covers, you'll encounter both waterproof and water-resistant options. Waterproof covers like the Oxford Stormex provide complete protection against rain and moisture, using materials with special coatings or membranes that prevent water penetration. These covers often feature taped seams for additional protection. Water-resistant covers offer some protection against light rain but may allow water to seep through during heavy downpours. For riders in rainy regions, investing in a fully waterproof cover such as the Dowco Guardian WeatherAll Plus is strongly recommended, despite the higher price point.
Uv-resistant and breathable fabrics
Exposure to sunlight can cause significant damage to your motorcycle, fading paint and deteriorating rubber and plastic components. UV-resistant covers like the Nelson-Rigg Defender Extreme offer protection against these harmful rays. Equally important is breathability, which allows moisture to escape and prevents condensation build-up that can lead to corrosion. The best covers strike a balance between waterproofing and breathability, with materials like polyester with urethane coating proving particularly effective. The Richbrook Indoor Cover, with its stretchy lycra and satin fabric, provides excellent dust and UV protection while allowing proper air circulation.
Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Bike
A poorly fitting cover can cause more harm than good, creating abrasion points and potentially allowing water ingress. The ideal cover should conform closely to your motorcycle's contours while allowing enough room to accommodate accessories like windshields or panniers. Many manufacturers offer model-specific covers, but universal options with appropriate sizing can work equally well when properly selected.
Size guide for different motorcycle types
Motorcycle covers typically come in various sizes to accommodate different bike types. Sports bikes generally require a more streamlined cover like the MotoGP waterproof cover, which is specifically designed for their distinctive profile. Adventure and touring bikes with their taller screens and possible luggage attachments need larger covers such as the R&G Adventure Motorcycle Cover, which provides ample room for these features. Cruisers with their wider handlebars and possibly added accessories like sissy bars require covers with more generous dimensions. When measuring your motorcycle, consider its length, height, width at the handlebars, and any accessories that may affect the fit.
Features that ensure a snug fit
Beyond basic sizing, certain features help ensure your cover stays securely in place. Elastic hems provide a snug fit around the bottom edge of the motorcycle, preventing the cover from riding up in windy conditions. Adjustment straps allow you to customize the fit to your specific bike model, reducing excess material that could flap in the wind. Some premium covers like the Oxford Stormex include belly straps that pass underneath the motorcycle for maximum security. Heat-resistant panels near the exhaust area prevent damage if you cover your bike before it has completely cooled down, though it's always best to wait until the engine has cooled.
Security elements to protect your investment
Motorcycle theft remains a significant concern for riders, with the Metropolitan Police specifically recommending a 'lock, chain, cover' approach to deter thieves. A cover not only hides your bike from opportunistic thieves but can also incorporate specific security features to provide additional protection. The right security elements can transform your cover from simple weather protection to an effective anti-theft device.
Lock-compatible designs and anti-theft features
Many quality covers feature reinforced eyelets or grommets that allow you to pass a lock through the cover and secure it to your motorcycle or an immovable object. The Favoto Waterproof Moped Cover includes strategically placed lock holes that enable you to secure your bike without removing the cover. Some premium models incorporate alarm systems that trigger when the cover is tampered with, providing an additional layer of security. When selecting a cover with security features, ensure that the material around lock points is reinforced to prevent tearing, as these areas experience additional stress.
Securing your cover in windy conditions
Wind can be as much of a threat to your cover as potential thieves. A cover that blows off or flaps continuously will quickly become damaged and fail to protect your motorcycle. The best covers include multiple securing points and methods to prevent this from happening. Adjustable straps with quick-release buckles make it easier to secure and remove the cover while ensuring it stays in place during windy conditions. The R&G Adventure Motorcycle Cover includes an under-belly strap system that prevents lifting in strong winds. Some covers also feature weighted edges or pockets that can be filled with small weights to provide additional anchoring in extremely windy areas.
Environmental considerations when choosing a cover
Your local climate and storage conditions should heavily influence your choice of motorcycle cover. A cover suitable for mild, dry conditions may quickly deteriorate when faced with extreme weather. Understanding your specific environmental challenges will help you select a cover that provides optimal protection for your motorcycle in its particular storage location.
Covers for extreme weather conditions
If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, your cover needs to be particularly robust. For hot, sunny climates, UV resistance becomes critical, with covers like the Nelson-Rigg Defender Extreme offering specialized UV treatment to prevent degradation from sun exposure. In regions with heavy rainfall or snow, fully waterproof covers with sealed seams such as the Oxford Stormex provide superior protection. For coastal areas where salt air can accelerate corrosion, covers with excellent breathability help prevent moisture trapping. In areas with frequent temperature fluctuations, covers with ventilation systems help manage condensation issues that can arise when warm air meets cold surfaces.
Indoor vs outdoor storage solutions
Your storage location significantly impacts the type of cover you should choose. For outdoor storage, waterproofing, UV protection, and security features are essential. The BikeIt Heavy Duty Rain Cover offers the robust protection needed for motorcycles stored outside. For indoor storage, dust protection becomes the priority, with options like the Oxford Dormex indoor cover or the Formosa indoor dust cover providing excellent protection against dust while allowing proper air circulation. If your motorcycle is stored in a garage but the space is shared with other vehicles or used as a workshop, a lightweight indoor cover can protect against accidental scratches and dust. For occasional use, portable covers that pack down small like the Oxford Aquatex offer convenience without sacrificing protection.
Practical features that enhance usability
The ease of use often determines whether a motorcycle cover will be consistently utilized or left gathering dust. Practical features can make a significant difference in your daily experience with the cover, ensuring you're more likely to use it regularly and therefore benefit from the protection it offers.
Ventilation systems to prevent moisture build-up
Moisture trapped under a cover can cause serious damage to your motorcycle, leading to corrosion and electrical issues. Quality covers incorporate ventilation systems that allow air circulation while keeping rain and dust out. Mesh panels positioned strategically on the cover promote airflow and reduce condensation. Some covers like the Oxford Dormex feature special breathable materials that allow moisture vapor to escape while preventing water droplets from entering. For motorcycles stored for extended periods, covers with robust ventilation systems are especially important to prevent the dreaded moisture build-up that can occur even in seemingly dry environments.
Visibility features for safety
If your motorcycle is covered in a shared parking area or public space, visibility features can prevent accidents and damage. Reflective panels or piping, like those found on the Oxford Stormex, make your covered motorcycle visible in low light conditions. Some covers include bright color accents or reflective logos that increase visibility without compromising the overall discreet appearance. These features are particularly valuable in busy parking areas or when your motorcycle might be approached by vehicles in the dark. Additionally, covers with clear panels for license plates comply with regulations in some areas that require number plates to remain visible even when covered.
Storage and Maintenance of Motorcycle Covers
Even the highest quality motorcycle cover will deteriorate prematurely without proper care and storage. Understanding how to maintain your cover when not in use and recognizing when it needs cleaning or repair can significantly extend its useful life and ensure continued protection for your motorcycle.
Compact storage solutions when not in use
A cover that's difficult to store when not in use often ends up being left behind. Many quality covers come with a storage bag, like the Oxford Dormex, making it easier to pack away the cover when you're using your motorcycle. Compression straps help reduce the packed size, making storage more convenient in limited spaces. Some covers include built-in storage pouches that allow the cover to fold into itself for compact storage. When selecting a cover, consider how frequently you'll be removing and reinstalling it, as more portable options like the XYZTEM All-Season Waterproof Cover offer convenience for regular use despite some compromise on durability.
Extending your cover's lifespan
Regular maintenance can significantly extend the life of your motorcycle cover. Cleaning your cover according to the manufacturer's instructions removes dirt and contaminants that can degrade the material over time. Most covers can be washed with mild soap and water, though specific care instructions vary by material. Applying appropriate waterproofing treatments can restore water resistance that diminishes over time. Inspecting your cover regularly for small tears or damage and repairing them promptly prevents minor issues from becoming major problems. When not in use, storing your cover in its bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight helps preserve the material and its protective properties, ensuring it continues to provide effective protection for your motorcycle for years to come.
