3 Benefits of Motorcycle Covers & How to Choose the Best One for Your Bike

If you own a motorcycle or want to buy one, I’m sure you love riding it. But no matter how much you enjoy going for a ride, there come times when you need to put it away. Taking proper care of your stored motorbike is as crucial as regularly riding it. A big part of the essential bike maintenance is covering it. 

But can you throw just anything over your bike to keep it covered? The answer is: yes, you can. You can throw a tarp or a heavy-duty fabric, but would it be the best protection for your motorcycle? Not necessarily. Nowadays, there’s a wide variety of motorcycles covers suitable for your ride that you can choose from. What are the main benefits of having one for your bike? And how can you choose the best one?

3 Benefits of Motorcycle Covers

1. Protection from Moisture

Moisture is the number one enemy of your motorcycle: it causes rust and damages the paint. While going for an occasional ride on a rainy day is fine, continued exposure can have a lasting effect. And even if you don’t expose your bike to rain or water, moisture seems to find its way quickly through condensation and get to the engine and carburettor, causing rustling.  

A motorcycle cover will protect your bike from moisture and freezing temperatures so it can perform its best for longer.

2. Protection from UV Rays

If you store your motorcycle outdoors, you must keep it under cover to protect it from the harmful UV rays. The time your bike spends under the sun is crucial, similarly to water exposure. Going out for a ride on a sunny day is okay, as well as carrying it from point A to point B. What’s not all right is leaving your motorcycle under the sun for extended periods. The UV rays can cause harm to the rubber and plastic parts affecting handle grips, gaskets and side panels.

To provide the best protection from the UV rays, make sure you buy a motorbike cover that’s UV resistant and won’t degrade in sunlight.

3. Protection from Dust and Debris

The best way to store a bike is to put it inside. However, not all have the space in their houses to accommodate a motorcycle, especially a large one. And while a garage or garden shed can be a great storage solution, you have to be honest and admit that they can be a magnet for dust and debris. By storing your motorcycle uncovered in such spaces, you expose it to lots of it.

A lightweight cover will keep your motorbike protected from accumulated dust that can be easily absorbed through it and cause rusting. It can also make cleaning your bike easier for you.

Putting whatever over your bike can scratch its painted parts and the windshield. Most motorbike covers have a protective inside layer to prevent scurfs and scratches. And that’s an extra reason to have a specially designed cover for your bike.

How to Choose the Best Cover for Your Motorcycle?

There are several determining factors for choosing the right cover for your motorbike. Considering them can make shopping for one easier and less overwhelming.

Indoor vs Outdoor Use

The right cover choice has a lot to do with the storage location. Asking yourself where you plan to keep your bike and, therefore, where you need your cover will make or break your choice. 

With that said, you’ll need a heavy-duty cover to protect your motorcycle against harsh Australian weather if you tend to store it outside. If you plan to keep it inside, however, you don’t need to splurge your money on top-quality water and windproof cover. Since all you need in this case is to have your bike protected from dust, your best bet is to buy something light for coverage only.

Occasional vs Regular Use

How often you’ll use your cover and on what occasions is another major factor in choosing the right one for you. If you ride your bike daily and store it outside afterwards, you might find it practical to install it easily. If your motorbike is outdoors regularly, you also need the best protection from the elements. So, pick a sturdier cover that won’t flap in the wind or allow water to puddle.

If you use it for travelling or if you often go moto-camping, you’ll need a cover with easy access to your bags. Some motorcycles covers come with zippers for easy access, and you’ll find them very handy. And some pack much more effortlessly than others, making them a great travel option.

Size Matters

A cover should be the right size for your motorcycle to offer the best protection. There are small, medium and large sizes: the right one for you will depend on the size of your bike. You may ask: how do I know what size cover to get for my motorcycle?

Most manufacturers offer size charts to help their customers choose the right one. Also, it can be beneficial to check reviews and online forums to get the picture. Some brands even have different sizes in terms of motorcycle brands and types. You can never be wrong if you follow guidelines like that.

The Importance of Accessories

As with many other things, additional features can make a big difference. For example, an elasticated base with a belly strap creates a snug and secure fit. A zipped carrier to store away compactly when not in use comes in handy anytime. Soft lining protects paintwork from minor bumps, while breathable materials and vents help avoid moisture retention and the resulting risk of rust.