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If you keep your bike outside, it’s constantly being bombarded by the elements, and the best way to protect it is with a motorcycle cover. Whether you’re dealing with humid summers or rainy winters, moisture will eventually cause your bike to rust. Even when it’s dry and sunny, your pride and joy’s exterior is under attack from the sun’s harmful UV rays causing it to fade and crack.
And storing your ride inside isn’t the cure-all answer, as dust and dirt will accumulate over time. I’ve created a buying guide that outlines what to look for when picking out a cover. There’s also a list of all the best motorcycle covers on the market below.
Summary List
Best Overall: Dowco Guardian Weatherall Plus
Value: Nelson Rigg Deluxe All Season Cover
Honorable Mention: Oxford Rainex Cover
Best Lightweight: Dowco Guardian Ultralite Plus
Best Harley Trike Cover: CoverMax Harley-Davidson Trike Cover
Our Methodology
To choose the best motorcycle covers on the market, I employed The Drive’s comprehensive research methodology and evaluated dozens of covers before choosing the top contenders. Although I haven’t personally tested these products, my selection is informed by consumer testimonials, expert reviews, discussions on relevant online forums, and my institutional knowledge of the automotive industry.
Best Motorcycle Cover Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Dowco Guardian Weatherall Plus
Pros
- 300 denier polyester
- UV-resistant Color-Lok fabric treatment
- GuardVent System
- Waterproof Clima Shield Plus fabric and heat-sealed, taped seams
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Highest-end of the price spectrum
Dowco is one of the oldest names in the game, and the Guardian Weatherall Plus is its top model in terms of protection. This cover is made from 300-denier woven polyester, which has a UV-resistant solution-dyed fabric treatment to prevent fading and protect your bike from the sun’s harmful rays. It uses Dowco’s exclusive ClimaShield Plus fabric to make it one of the most waterproof covers on the market. Further improving this cover’s ability to keep your bike dry are heat-sealed waterproof taped seams. This cover remains breathable thanks to its GuardVent System, which is 195 percent larger than the previous version.
There’s a heat-resistant aluminized material across the lower half of this model on both sides, which helps prevent hot exhaust pipes from damaging it. Keeping the cover secure is a sewn elastic shock cord and under-bike web strap. There are also sewn-in holes for a wheel lock and a pocket that enables you to use the Guardian Alarm (sold separately) for added security. An interior liner protects the windshield from scratches, but at this price point, it would be nice to have a larger liner. You don’t need to take off the entire back section to access rear luggage, thanks to this model’s easy access zips. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty, so you know it’s built to last.
Value: Nelson Rigg Deluxe All Season Cover
Pros
- Great value for money
- UV-resistant
- Water-resistant
- Ventilation system
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Not a suitable all-season cover
- Not waterproof
If you need a high-quality motorcycle cover but are working off a tight budget, pick up the Nelson Rigg Deluxe All Season Cover. This Tri-Max polyester cover is on the lower end of the price spectrum, but it’s still relatively durable and comes with a two-year warranty. Although this model is advertised as an all-season cover, it’s really designed for light to mild outdoor weather conditions. The material is UV-treated and water-resistant, so it’ll provide OK protection if there’s light rain, but this isn’t the cover for anyone who leaves their bike outside during a harsh winter.
There’s a ventilation system to promote air circulation and minimize condensation buildup, so you shouldn’t find any mold or mildew when you pull the cover off. Heat-resistant panels on both sides protect the cover from hot exhausts, and a soft windshield liner prevents your windshield from scratching and hazing. Keeping this model secure are 1-inch grommets located at the center and front wheel and an elasticated bottom. The cover comes in four sizes, and a compression bag is included in the sale.
Honorable Mention: Oxford Rainex Cover
Pros
- Externally bonded seams
- Heat restricted lining material
- Strategically positioned holes
- Handlebar air vents
Cons
- Leaves a fine red powdered dust on your bike
- Lacks UV resistant treatment
eIf you’re not sure of your motorcycle protection and storage needs, then this all around high-quality motorcycle cover will hold up well in a wide variety of situations. It comes in four sizes to fit everything from a Grom to a full dresser with bags and fairings. The heavyweight fabric has externally bonded seams to make this cover durable and impervious to water. The inside has a soft lining to protect your bike and a heat shield lining to protect the cover. An adjustable belly strap secures the cover, so you don’t solely depend on a hem elastic. What makes this cover better than comparable options are the strategically placed holes that prevent condensation.
One drawback of this cover is that the soft fabric lining sheds and can leave a fine red powdered dust over your bike from the soft liner. It won’t damage your bike but will be annoying to wipe off. This cover also doesn’t have a specific UV treatment, making it vulnerable to prolonged exposure to harsh sun rays.
Best Lightweight: Dowco Guardian Ultralite Plus
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- 75 denier ripstop polyester
- UV and water-repellent coating
- Three-year limited warranty
- Sewn-in storage bag and plastic grommets
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Not a suitable all-season cover for most people
If you need a cover that you can easily pack away and bring on your next adventure, the Dowco Guardian Ultralite Plus is a great choice. This full-size cover is made from 75 denier ripstop polyester, so although it’s light, the rip-stop design will ensure it’s durable and won’t tear too easily. If you still have doubts regarding its durability, the three-year limited warranty should help to put your mind at ease. This model has a UV and water-repellent coating, and if it gets wet, it’ll dry faster than heavier polyester covers. Ensuring moisture doesn’t build up and cause mold or mildew to grow are two sewn-in vent flaps.
Secure this cover in strong winds are underbelly straps and an elastic cord sewn along the bottom. There are also plastic grommets, so you can use a cable to lock the cover to your bike. Keeping your windshield scratch-free is an interior lining, but this lining doesn’t run through the entire inside of the cover. A sewn-in storage bag provides a handy place for you to keep your gloves or sunglasses while you explore. Included in the sale is a compression storage bag.
Best Harley Trike Cover: CoverMax Harley-Davidson Trike Cover
Pros
- 300 denier polyester with PU coating
- Waterproof seams
- 30G velour lining
- Rear slits for antennas
- Rear access panels
Cons
- Not totally waterproof
- High price point
If you’re riding a three-wheeled Harley, the CoverMax Harley-Davidson Trike Cover should be at the top of your list. This model is specifically designed to fit Harley trikes, so it should fit snugly. The heavy-duty 300 denier polyester fabric has a PU coating, which does a good job of protecting your bike from the elements. Waterproof seams work with the heavy-duty fabric to help keep water out. This model will stand up to light showers, but it isn’t the cover for anyone who’ll keep their trike outside throughout a harsh, rainy winter. If condensation does begin to build up, it’s released through two reflective, covered top vents.
Ensuring your chrome and paint stay scratch-free is an ultra-soft 30G velour lining. If you need to get some luggage from your saddlebags, you won’t need to take off the whole rear section, as this model has an access panel. You also won’t need to remove your radio antenna, as the cover’s tail section has multiple slots. An elastic skirt and an adjustable hook and loop center strap keep it secured. There are also built-in grommets that work with a security cable lock (cable not included).
What to Consider When Buying Motorcycle Covers
Motorcycle Covers Key Features
Water Resistance and Fabric
A motorcycle cover’s fabric should be one of the first things you consider before picking the right model for you. If you want a cover that’ll stand the test of time and keep your bike protected in harsh weather conditions, you’ll need a heavy fabric like 300 denier polyester, for example. But if you’re looking for a portable and lightweight option, you should consider a lower denier fabric.
Some covers are treated to make them waterproof, whereas others are only water-resistant. If you want to go the extra mile in terms of waterproofing, look for covers that have sealed seams. Water-resistant covers are OK for light showers but aren’t appropriate for heavy rainfall.
UV Protection
Some covers feature UV protection, which protects it and your motorcycle from the sun’s harmful rays. This feature is extremely important for anyone who frequently leaves their bike outside under direct sunlight. If you buy a cover that’s not UV-resistant, the sun’s rays could damage your bike and the cover over time.
Ventilation
Placing a heavy cover over your motorcycle without ventilation causes a buildup of condensation under the cover. If the condensation can’t escape, it will cause mold and mildew to grow on your bike. Look for covers with ventilation openings, but make sure they face downwards, so no water leaks through them when it rains.
Security
If you want to keep the elements out, your motorcycle cover needs to stay securely fastened. The first feature to look out for is an elasticated hem that runs along the bottom of the cover, but this alone won’t keep it secured in windy conditions. If you can find a cover with a belly strap or net this will do a much better job of fastening it.
If you get a cover with grommets, you can tie it to your bike with cables: this is the ultimate form of fastening and a must for anyone whose motorcycle is regularly outside in extremely windy weather. If you use a chain lock, look for a cover with a sewn-in hole around the front wheel. Some covers even come with a pocket to house an alarm system.
Interior Protection
Anyone that’s worried about scratching their windshield, paint, or chrome should consider getting a cover with a soft fleece lining on the inside. Some covers will only feature this around the windshield, but if you choose a more premium option, you can get a fleece lining that’ll cover practically all of your bike.
A cover won’t last long if it needs to stand up to piping hot exhausts. So, if you don’t have time to let your bike cool down before wrapping it up, buy a cover that has heat-resistant aluminized material on the sides.
Motorcycle Cover Pricing
You can pick up a motorcycle cover for between $20 and 40 that will offer some protection against the elements but will likely be quite thin and not very durable. If you plan to spend between $40 and $80, you’ll find more heavy-duty covers, some of which will be treated to make them more waterproof and have protection against hot pipes.
Anyone willing to spend over $80 can pick up a great year-round or climate-specific cover, many of which will have a fleece interior to protect your bike. All covers in this price range should come with at least a five-year guarantee, and some will have a limited lifetime warranty.
Our Verdict
I’ve chosen the Dowco Guardian Weatherall Plus as the best overall motorcycle cover. This model essentially does it all thanks to its excellent waterproofing features and UV protection. If you’re on a tight budget, check out our value pick, the Nelson Rigg Deluxe All Season Cover.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: Can I lock my motorcycle cover?
A: That depends on the type of cover you choose: some are designed with grommets to secure the cover in place. If your cover has a sewn-in hole for a chain around the front wheel, you can also use this.
Q: Do I need to cover my bike if it’s stored in a garage?
A: You should cover your bike whether you store it inside or outside. A cover keeps out dust and dirt, which is especially important if you do any woodwork or metalwork in the same area where you store your bike.
Q: What size motorcycle cover should I get?
A: Measure your bike’s length and width, then check the manufacturer’s size guide to see what size you’ll need.
Q: Can I put a motorcycle cover in the washing machine?
A: See what the manufacturer recommends. Many waterproof motorcycle covers require hand washing. Do not use abrasive brushes or cleaning formulas. It’s also a good idea to let it air dry.
