Should You Use a Motorcycle Cover?
A motorcycle parked outdoors or in the shed is prone to sustaining damage like abrasion marks, scratches, and rusting due to the environment and other influences. Motorcycle accessories like a cover may seem unnecessary, but they are immensely important for keeping motorcycles in pristine condition.Keeps your motorcycle as good as new
Motorcycles are constructed from rugged, durable materials that can stand the test of time. That being said, constant exposure to dirt, UV rays from the sun, moisture from the environment, and water from downpours tend to break down even the most robust materials. UV rays have a proven adverse effect on rubberized goods, particularly handles, pedals, and side panels as well as leather seats. These materials initially lose color and luster followed by them breaking down and falling apart. The parts sustaining UV damage are expensive to fix and restore, therefore it’s advisable to use a UV-resistant motorcycle cover. Dirt and water exposure can also lead to the rusting of a motorcycle’s metallic parts, causing the bike to lose its visual appeal in a matter of months. A cover helps the motorcycle remain in pristine condition by preventing the onset of environmental degradation.Saves you from cleaning
Parked bikes accumulate dirt and dust and, no matter how immaculately you clean them, motorcycles will again become a hub for messiness. A protective cover on top prevents the accumulation of dirt and dust, saving the user from the hassle of frequent cleaning. Instead, you can simply take off the cover and go about riding your bike without any hassles.Theft prevention
Motorcycle covers shield and conceal the vehicle from the prying eyes of bystanders and make them less noticeable to robbers. Removing heavy-duty motorcycle covers requires significant time, which is usually not a practical approach for thieves.When Are Motorcycle Covers Used?
There are no hard and fast rules concerning motorcycle cover usage. As a matter of fact, they are protective accessories that simply need to be used for adequate motorcycle care and maintenance. Whether the motorcycle is parked indoors or outdoor, in the garage or in an open field, it is essential to keep it shielded with a cover at all times for adequate protection. For optimal results, make sure that your cover is firmly secured in place each time the motorcycle is not in use.Critical Factors to Consider
When you’re in the market for a motorcycle cover, there are a few aspects that should be thoroughly considered. Here’s everything you need to know before purchasing a motorcycle cover.Type
Motorcycle covers come in two types: full and half coverage. The full-coverage type. as the name suggests. fully covers the motorcycle and leaves no aspect exposed. The half-covered ones selectively cover the motorcycle, leaving a significant portion uncovered. Half-cover ones are more convenient for short-term use, while the full coverage types are ideal for long durations of motorcycle storage.Size
A smaller or larger-sized motorcycle cover may fail to adequately fulfill its protective function. Ideally, the cover should be just the right fit, as a snug fit cover offers superior protection when compared to ill-fitting ones. As a result, it’s important to check the dimensions and choose the one that most closely aligns with the size of your bike.Material
Motorcycle covers are made out of a variety of materials, including nylon, polyester, and canvas, among others. Each material has its own set of advantages, but all are equally beneficial for protective purposes.Waterproof
Water exposure can significantly accelerate the process of metal breaking down, leading to corrosion and rusting of the motorcycle’s parts. Hence, the material used for the construction of the motorcycle cover should be waterproof and water-resistant.UV-resistant
A cover is not enough to prevent the motorcycle from the impact of UV rays from the sun. A full-spectrum UV protective cover that prevents the penetration of all types of UV rays is essential to prevent UV-related damage. So, make sure to read the description and opt for UV-resistant covers.Additional Features to Look For
These additional features are not critical, but can increase the utility of the motorcycle covers manifold. Some of the features include:Air vents
The presence of air vents on the motorcycle cover makes it more breathable. Air vents allow the passage of air in the cover, which prevents moisture entrapment and subsequently prevents the propagation of mold and mildew.Reflective surface
Many bike covers are now entirely made of reflective material or feature a small strip of reflective material, which makes these covers stand out even in the pitch dark. They are great for individuals who want to access their motorcycles in the middle of the night.Fitted and adjustable hems
Fitted and adjustable hems have an elastic component or strap attached to the bottom of the cover’s hem, making it easy to secure the cover in place. They’re great for use in areas with strong winds as they prevent the cover from flying off, leaving the motorcycle exposed and unprotected.Lock holes
Several modern motorcycle covers feature lock holes that prevent bike theft by binding the cover to the wheels in either the front or the rear. By doing so, the cover is locked into place and cannot be removed by any means. It is a great feature for individuals in areas with high crime and theft rates.Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you further narrow down your selections:- If you are unsure about the sizing of your motorcycle cover, a good idea is to consult your mechanic for help.
- Choose a cover with a soft-touch inner lining. By choosing a soft-lined bike cover, you can ensure that the bike does not sustain any scratches on the paint while preventing damage to the cover due to chaffing.
- Opt for a cover that is simple to clean and does not require any elaborate maintenance protocols for ease of usage.
- If a new motorcycle cover does not fit your budget, purchase a good-quality cover secondhand. Before purchasing one, though, ensure that it does not have any major damage.
