You’ve just spent thousands on your new motorcycle and polished it to showroom condition. So why might you want to cover it up and hide it?
The reasons vary, but protecting it from the elements and keeping the thieves guessing are high on the agenda.
Of course, it’s pretty apparent that beneath the silver cover lies a motorcycle, not a washing machine or the elephant man, but who’s to know whether it’s a gleaming new Beamer or a beat-up old pizza delivery scooter?
Choosing a cover that’s right for you depends on where you need it. For indoor or garage storage, you won’t need a waterproof cover. Neither will you have to worry about damage from the wind. Perhaps a simple dust protection model will do.
Outside, a motorcycle is subject to the full might and variances of British weather. It pays to consider the risks before buying your new cover.
Oxford Stormex Bike Cover
Tough, Durable, Well Designed
Quality materials make a tough and durable cover for your pride and joy.
The price is reasonable too!
Oxford Aquatex Bike Cover
Simple, strong, effective
Not as heavy-duty as the Stormex, but cheap as chips and does the job well.
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Oxford Stormex Bike Cover
Oxford’s more heavy-duty model is the Stormex Bike Cover weighing around 2.5kg. Its tough outer cover protects against knocks and weather extremes.
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The soft inner heat-resistant lining protects against scratching and heat damage from the engine or exhaust.
Reflective panels increase visibility at night, although not everyone might want their bike to be seen or their number plate on view.
Strategically positioned holes facilitate the use of a lock, and a pouch helps keep your padlock off the ground.
Pros
Sizes from small to extra large- Smart and stylish
Sizes from small to extra largeCons
- Heavier than other types
- More expensive but still good value
Heavier than other typesOxford Aquatex Bike Cover
This is a stylish waterproof and heat-resistant motorcycle cover from leading UK manufacturer Oxford.
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With top to bottom protection, the cover stows neatly away when not in use.
Its double-stitched nylon provides extra strength and durability.
You can choose from many sizes and options that cover a rear top box.
A middle-located strap keeps the cover secure in windy conditions.
Pros
- Complete exterior and interior protection
- Good value for money
- Heat resistant to 150 degrees
- Wide range of sizes to suit many motorcycles
Cons
- Slightly thinner than heavy-duty types
Oxford Protex Stretch Outdoor Bike Cover
The Protex Stretch covers not only your bike but top boxes and panniers too.
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The double-stitched nylon adds strength and durability along with its three-layer all-weather protection.
The elasticated bottom has an adjustable belly strap to keep it in place.
A problem with a well-covered bike is the buildup of condensation. The Protex Stretch is ventilated to reduce this without any rainwater getting in.
The soft lining prevents scratches to the bike, and there are lock pouches at the front and rear.
Pros
- Reflective panels for added visibility
- Clear panel for Oxford Solariser battery charger
- Rear window to show number plate (can be blanked out)
Cons
- May take a little longer to place over your bike
- Heavier than other types
JDC Motorcycle 100% Waterproof Cover
At 2kg, the JDC cover is a heavy-duty all-weather model with many features.
It has a soft lining and silver heat-resistant panels made from thick breathable material to protect it from exhaust pipe burns.
An all-around elasticated rim is supported by an adjustable buckle strap in the middle, ensuring that the cover stays in place even in the strongest winds.
The soft black cotton lining protects your paintwork and windshield from scratching.
Covered handlebar vents allow the escape of trapped moisture, and outlets at the front and back allow a chain lock to pass through.
Pros
- Double-stitched for strength and durability.
- Comes with a zipped storage bag.
- Good overall coverage, almost to the ground.
Cons
- More expensive than other models but still good value.
- Weighs slightly more and consumes more extra space than lighter models.
MotoGP Rain Cover
At first glance, the Moto GP cover looks light and only really suitable for the rain. However, it retains many of the features of heavier-duty models.
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These include heat-resistant layers, an elasticated rim, a fast buckle fixing strap, and a fully waterproof outer cover strong enough to handle the snow and ice.
It is roomy enough to cover wide handlebars and mirrors but may lack the outer accessories of more expensive models.
Pros
- Mirror section venting
- Printed MotoGP design
- Light and easy to stow
- Good value
Cons
- May not last as long as more heavy-duty types
Buyers Guide
Why buy a cover, and what should you look for?
Anti-theft
‘Sorry officer, I thought it was my wife hiding from the rain.’
A stranger walking up to a motorcycle and peering underneath the cover is likely to attract attention. Anything that slows down a thief improves the chances of your bike remaining where it is.
Shiny new, valuable bikes stand out. Cover them up.
Recommended Reading: Motorcycle Security – Foil the Lowlife
Weather
A brief rain shower is unlikely to ruin your bike. But parked outside and exposed to the elements for weeks on end will result in a slow deterioration.
A cover will dramatically reduce this exposure and prolong the life of your bodywork and parts.
High winds, sand, mud, twigs and insects may blow on your machine, not to mention snow and ice in wintry conditions.
A cover will keep the worst of it from seeping into the gaps.
Privacy
Maybe you want to keep people guessing, like nosy neighbours, colleagues, or your accountant.
A motorcycle cover is the perfect item to conceal that what lies beneath is not a gleaming Harley Davidson but a post-war BSA rescued from the scrap heap.
You can also use it as a decoy tricking would-be thieves with a pile of boxes while the real thing is hidden safely away in your garage.
Birds and animals
Your spouse’s beloved moggy may not steal your bike, but they’ll scratch and puncture its seat covering, given half a chance.
Parking under a tree might shield your bike from the sun or rain, but the acidic calling cards of our feathered friends wreak havoc with its bodywork.
Both can be avoided by draping your machine with a good motorcycle cover.
Heat
Standing next to your bike for ten minutes waiting for it to cool down isn’t convenient if you’re hurrying to work or late for an appointment. Neither do you want to melt your new motorcycle cover against hot exhaust pipes.
Choose a cover that has built-in protection against heat. Often this comes in the form of heat-resisting panels and lining.
With protection and security in mind, let’s have a look at our top five models:
Tips and Tricks
Despite interior heat-resistant lining, it’s a good idea to avoid a cover’s direct contact with a hot exhaust pipe by ensuring an even and roomy fit.
A decent cover can also be stolen, but holes for locking chains may keep it secure when parked.
Don’t underestimate the wind. Once a strong breeze gets underneath the cover, it can lift it like a hot air balloon and tear it apart over a few hours. Choose a model with not just a middle strap but clips on the front and rear.
In extreme conditions, you may wish to consider an additional restraining strap to keep things tight.
A bike cover is also suitable for long-term winter storage for those who wish to hibernate their machines when it gets cold. They also protect against any chemicals or corrosive liquids that might drop from garage shelving or roofing while sitting for months on end.
Conclusion
Riders can enjoy at least five years from a good cover, which equates to very little annually for keeping your machine in good condition.
Consider a cover as an investment for preserving the paintwork and other parts. A bike left out in the scorching sun for several days will suffer fading and peeling bodywork. Relentless rain, snow, ice, or blowing sand will also affect the paint.
A motorcycle cover may not prevent the theft of your bike, but its concealing and delaying characteristics cannot be denied.
Safe and happy riding to all.