The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Motorcycle Cover

When it comes to protecting your beloved motorcycle, a high-quality cover is an essential accessory. Not only does it shield your bike from the elements, but it also acts as a deterrent for potential thieves.

Choosing the right motorcycle cover can make a significant difference in keeping your bike in pristine condition and ensuring its longevity. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of motorcycle covers available, discuss the benefits of using a cover, provide tips on finding the perfect fit, and recommend some top manufacturers in the market.

Why Use a Motorcycle Cover?

Before diving into the details of choosing the perfect motorcycle cover, let’s first understand why using a cover is essential. Whether you’re on a touring ride or regularly park your motorcycle outside, a cover offers numerous advantages:

• Protection from the Elements: One of the primary purposes of a motorcycle cover is to shield your bike from various weather conditions. Rain, snow, UV rays, and even dust can cause damage to the exterior and interior components of your motorcycle. A cover acts as a barrier, preventing moisture, dirt, and harmful UV rays from reaching your bike.
• Theft Deterrent: A covered motorcycle is less likely to attract the attention of potential thieves. By concealing your bike’s make and model, a cover makes it less appealing and visible, reducing the risk of theft. Additionally, covers make it more difficult for thieves to quickly assess the presence of valuable accessories or detachable gear.

While a motorcycle cover may not completely eliminate the risk of theft, it significantly reduces the chances and provides peace of mind.

Types of Motorcycle Covers

Motorcycle covers come in various types, each offering different levels of protection and functionality. How about we investigate the absolute most famous choices:

Full Covers

Full covers are designed to provide complete coverage for your motorcycle, from the wheels up. These covers conceal the entire bike, including the make and model, offering maximum protection from the elements and acting as a strong theft deterrent. Full covers are ideal for touring rides, where your bike will be left outside overnight or for extended periods.

While full covers offer superior protection, they can be larger and bulkier to handle compared to other types. However, the extra effort required to use a full cover is well worth it for the added benefits.

Half Covers

If you only need to protect the upper parts of your motorcycle, such as the seat and controls, a half cover may be the perfect option. Half covers are smaller and easier to transport compared to full covers. They extend from the front to the back, dropping slightly below the seat.

While half covers do not provide as much coverage as full covers, they are ideal for commuters who want to keep their bike clean and protected while parked. These covers are lightweight, compact, and easy to put on and take off.

Universal Fit versus Bike Specific

When choosing a motorcycle cover, you’ll come across options for universal fit covers and bike-specific covers.This is the very thing you really want to be aware of each:

• Universal Fit Covers: Most manufacturers offer covers in standard sizes that fit a range of motorcycles. These universal fit covers are designed to accommodate different bike shapes and sizes, from small sport bikes to large cruisers. They provide a wide range of choices and offer a reasonable fit for most motorcycles. However, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s specific cover dimensions and match them with your bike’s measurements to ensure the best fit.
• Bike-Specific Covers: Some motorcycle manufacturers offer covers specifically designed for their models. These covers are usually sold as accessories and are tailored to fit the exact dimensions and shape of the bike. While bike-specific covers provide a perfect fit, they may have limited availability and can be more expensive compared to universal fit covers.

In most cases, universal fit covers offer a wide selection and provide a satisfactory fit for most motorcycles.

Finding the Perfect Fit

Getting the right fit for your motorcycle cover is crucial to ensure optimal protection and ease of use. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect fit:

• Measure Your Motorcycle: Before purchasing a cover, take accurate measurements of your motorcycle’s length, width, and height. Measure from the front to the back, widest point to widest point, and ground to the highest point. These measurements will help you determine the appropriate cover size.
• Check Manufacturer’s Cover Dimensions: When considering universal fit covers, consult the manufacturer’s specific cover dimensions. Compare these dimensions with your motorcycle measurements to find the best fit. Ensure that the cover’s length, width, and height are greater than the corresponding dimensions of your bike.
• Consider Custom Accessories: If your motorcycle has custom accessories, such as a top box or aftermarket side cases, take them into account when selecting a cover. Look for covers that provide enough room to accommodate these accessories without compromising the fit.
• Snug Fit is Key: A snug-fitting cover is preferable to a loose one.A well-fitted cover ought to frame an extended tent-like region from the highest point of the windshield to the rear of the seat or tail rack. This tension, combined with the cover’s waterproof fabric, prevents rainwater from pooling and ensures the cover stays in place, even in gusty winds.
• Ground Clearance: When fitting the cover, make sure it extends just below the frame, covering the upper two-thirds of the tires. Leave at least six inches of ground clearance to allow for proper air circulation and reduce condensation under the cover.
• Exchange Policy: If you don’t get the right size on the first try, don’t worry. Most cover manufacturers and retailers offer exchange policies, recognizing the challenges of sizing with custom accessories. Reach out to your local motorcycle shop or online retailer for assistance in finding the proper fitting cover.

By following these tips and taking the time to find the perfect fit, you can ensure that your motorcycle cover provides optimal protection and ease of use.

Features and Qualities to Look For

When choosing a motorcycle cover, it’s important to consider the features and qualities that will make it effective and long-lasting. Here are a few vital variables to search for:

• Quality Texture: Motorcycle covers are regularly made with polyester texture that has been waterproofed and treated for UV insurance. Look for covers made with thicker fibres, denoted in denier units, as they are heavier, sturdier, and more durable. Good quality covers usually have a denier rating of around 300, providing excellent protection against the elements.
• UV Protection and Waterproofing: Ensure that the cover offers UV protection to prevent sun damage to your bike’s exterior and other components. While polyester fabric is naturally water-resistant, look for covers that are treated with a waterproof sealer to provide complete protection against rain and moisture. Electronically taped and sealed seams are also essential for reliable waterproofing and durability.
• Secure Fit: A cover should come with tie-down straps and an elastic hem to ensure a secure fit. These features prevent the cover from blowing away in windy conditions. Additionally, look for covers with grommets at the front, which allow you to secure the cover and motorcycle with a cable or chain lock, adding an extra layer of theft deterrence.
• Reflective Accents: Visibility is crucial, especially in low-light conditions. Look for covers with reflective accents or patches strategically placed to increase visibility and make your bike more noticeable to motorists. Consider adding additional reflective tape on the sides, front, and rear of the cover for enhanced nighttime visibility.
• Ease of Use: Opt for a cover that is easy to put on and take off. Covers that can be quickly unpacked, rolled out, and secured over the bike save time and effort, especially after a long day of riding. Polyester covers with a simple elastic hem are known for their ease of use. Compression bags are also convenient for storing and carrying the cover when not in use.
• Warranty: Weather conditions can take a toll on a motorcycle cover over time. Look for covers backed by warranties, ranging from one year to a lifetime. A good warranty indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the cover’s quality and durability.

Recommended Cover Manufacturers

Now that you have a better understanding of what to look for in a motorcycle cover, here are some reputable manufacturers that offer high-quality options:

• The XYZCTEM Motorcycle Cover comes in various sizes, so you can pick one relying upon your requirements. It is produced using 100 percent waterproof nylon oxford material, so you don’t need to stress over anything while riding your bicycle outside during terrible atmospheric conditions.

On breezy days, bike locks can be safely secured to the front trim, forestalling burglary and guarding your motorcycle.

As well as being waterproof, the cover likewise has intelligent materials, which make it simpler so that different drivers could see where they’re going securely without having any issues. It has intelligent strips on each side and one on the front, making it more easy to find.

• Nelson-Rigg: Nelson-Rigg has been producing motorcycle covers, apparel, and luggage since 1972. Their covers are made with UltraMax and Tri-Max polyester fabrics, known for their waterproof and UV-resistant properties. Nelson-Rigg covers, such as the Extreme, Deluxe, and Standard lines, offer great value for money and come with a lifetime warranty.

• Dowco Powersports: Dowco Powersports, based in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, manufactures Guardian WeatherAll Plus covers. These covers are made from 300 denier polyester fabric, providing excellent durability and protection. Dowco covers are UV-resistant, 100% waterproof, and come with a lifetime warranty. They are highly rated by customers for their quality and reliability.

• Tourmaster: Tourmaster, a Helmet House brand, offers two lines of covers: Elite and Select. The Elite covers are made with quality materials, meeting all the important selection criteria mentioned earlier. They are priced between $69 and $96 and come with a 2-year limited warranty. While Tourmaster products are well-rated, they rank slightly below Nelson-Rigg and Dowco in terms of overall quality and value.

• Bilt: Bilt, a brand sold by Cycle Gear, offers the Bilt Deluxe cover as a budget-friendly option. These covers are made with polyurethane-coated nylon and feature inner soft panels to protect the windshield and heat-resistant lower panels. While not as durable as some other options, the Bilt Deluxe cover provides adequate protection for touring rides and is priced around $65.

• Oxford: Oxford, a popular motorcycle accessories brand based in Oxfordshire, England, offers a range of motorcycle covers. Their Protect and Stormex covers are made with high-quality materials, providing excellent protection against the elements. However, their larger size and lack of a compression bag make them less convenient for touring rides. Oxford covers are best suited for year-round riders who leave their bikes parked outside.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect motorcycle cover is essential for protecting your bike from the elements and deterring theft. By considering the different types of covers, finding the right fit, and looking for features like quality fabric, UV protection, secure fit, and ease of use, you can ensure that your motorcycle remains in top condition. Additionally, opting for reputable manufacturers like Nelson-Rigg, Dowco Powersports, Tourmaster, Bilt, and Oxford ensures that you invest in a cover that offers long-lasting quality and reliability. So, before your next ride, make sure to equip yourself with the perfect motorcycle cover to keep your bike safe and secure.

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