Finding The Best Motorcycle Cover

A motorcycle cover is primarily designed to protect the motorcycle from the elements. If you’re winterizing your motorcycle, it also works to keep the dust from settling on the machine in the garage. Some motorcycle cover companies even add security measures to help prevent motorcycle theft. These features, however, are for naught unless the product is made of quality, durable materials that are specified for indoor or outdoor use. In this guide we tell you what features you should look for in a motorcycle cover in order to get the most bang for your buck.

First, the obvious: protection. If you plan on nestling your motorcycle in the garage, an indoor cover that is at least dustproof will protect it from the settling motes. With outside storage the effects of the rain, sun, wind, or simply the morning dew settling on your bike day in and day out could lead to faster wear on the finish or parts making a waterproof outdoor-specific cover a valuable investment.

Polyurethane-lined or polyester materials are among some of the most waterproof due to the lining and tight weaving, making those key fabrics to look for in a motorcycle cover especially if you plan on leaving your motorcycle outside in the rain. The addition of heat-taped seams, as seen on Nelson-Rigg’s Defender Extreme motorcycle cover, can increase the effectiveness of the waterproofing as well. Some companies also claim its products protect against UV rays; if the bike is parked outside during the day, then this is also a quality to look for. More on UV protection in the “Durability” section below.

Despite parking in the garage or utilizing waterproof material, sometimes moisture can still sneak its way under the cover in humid or moist environments. As a means to combat this, shop around for a cover that has ventilation. This helps keep the air circulating through the interior, and prevents the moisture from settling and therefore decreases the potential for mildew.

Motorcycle cover companies can also add other materials to increase coverage when the winds start to blow. Products like Nelson-Rigg’s Defender Extreme motorcycle cover include an elastic hem which stretches to fit around the bike, a quick-release belly strap secures the sides of the cover together underneath the bike, and grommets that can be utilized to not only add security, but also lock the cover down.

As mentioned in the previous section, the grommets serve as the housing for U-locks or cables and allow you to add your own measures of security.

When shopping for my own motorcycle cover, security features like lock-hole grommets were appealing because they increase the safety and security of my motorcycle. Burglars patrolling my apartment building’s underground garage now have to take some extra steps if they have sticky fingers for my motorcycle.

Dowco’s WeatherAll Plus Motorcycle Cover also includes increased security features with the internal alarm pocket that pairs with the company’s Guardian Cover Alarm. This, in addition to the sewn-in hole for a lock, makes this another safe bet.

Another element to look for in a motorcycle cover is the use of reflective material. Sometimes reflective material or bright colors are used in mass amounts across the cover, but most commonly the reflective patches or striping are placed in key locations on the front, back, and/or sides of a predominantly black or gray cover. Much like the reflective elements on a motorcycle rider’s gear, this material is there to increase visibility. In regard to a motorcycle cover, this is helpful if you park your bike on the street and want to limit the risk of a car swiping your stationary motorcycle.

Related: What To Do When Your Motorcycle Has Been Stolen

When you invest in a product you want it to last. Fading, tearing, and melting are problems that can occur with a motorcycle cover.

UV-resistant materials often claim to protect the cover from fading and some companies, such as Nelson-Rigg, even offer lifetime warranties (as seen with the Defender Extreme) that apply to severe color changes resulting from extensive exposure to the sun’s rays. The Defender Extreme is made of UltraMax polyester which, according to the brand, blocks “99 percent of harmful rays that could damage a vehicle’s finish, without discoloration after continuous sunlight exposure.” Further, to ensure the best resistance to fading, the yarn is colored prior to being woven rather than being piece-dyed (meaning fabric is dyed after yarn is woven together). If a cover does not offer UV protection, there is a chance the UV rays can wear down the material, weakening the fabric’s structure, and if caught on parts or sharp edges of the fairing has potential to tear. In addition to UV protection, look for high denier count and products with high tensile strength that can help improve tearing resistance. According to Nelson-Rigg’s president UltraMax polyester “is the leading material in our industry for UV protection, abrasion resistance, hydrostatic pressure (how waterproof it is), and tear resistance.”

Regardless of the material and quality, using the cover as intended in the indoor or outdoor environments will help extend the life of the product as well.

Since pipes can remain hot after a ride, reservations about covering the motorcycle immediately after parking are understandable, however, some cover companies recognize and address this issue with heat-resistant panels or material in key exhaust locations. Otherwise simply allow a motorcycle’s hot pipes to cool before putting the cover on, this will circumvent the problem as well.

Covers range in sizes from XS to XXXL and can be designed/shaped more specifically for each motorcycle category. Some brands even specify the exact model the cover is designed for so you can ensure the best fit. Another great option is to look directly on your manufacturer’s website. Harley-Davidson, Indian, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, etc. have covers available online, visit the manufacturer’s website for options.

Pricing can vary. Motorcycle covers on Amazon can be purchased at around $20–$90, but as with all Amazon products they can vary in quality. Nelson-Rigg products can start as low as $25 for dust covers and work up to $85–$105 for the Defender Extreme mentioned earlier (price ranges listed on its website are based on the cover’s size). Dowco’s prices range from $30–$130. Manufacturer’s covers range in prices as well. Harley-Davidson covers, for example, start at around $100 and Suzuki’s model-specific full covers can be had at $129.

Shop around. Consider where you plan on parking or storing your motorcycle, whether the materials are appropriate for said storage, look for extra features that will improve the protection or safety, determine the appropriate size, and finally, purchase the cover that ultimately suits your bike storage methods.