Whether you need to park and store your motorcycle in the garage, on the street, or wherever you wind up on your next road trip, a motorcycle cover is the protective gear that stands between your motorcycle and the outside world.
Some covers might look like a minor upgrade on a tarp and bungee cords, but not all covers are created equally. The best motorcycle covers fight the effects of the elements and protect your motorcycle’s paint and finishes from the rough world around us.
Before you pick out the right motorcycle cover for you, it’s best to understand the difference between motorcycle cover types. Based on your storage needs, you can zero in on the cover type that’s right for you, before considering other factors. Cover types and variants to consider include the following:
Indoor and indoor/outdoor covers: The primary differentiator of motorcycle covers is whether they’re graded for indoor use or outdoor use. Indoor-only covers typically feature breathable materials for good air circulation, while covers graded for outdoor use are made from heavier-duty materials designed to offer water resistance and breathability.
Half vs. full covers: Full covers, as their name suggests, offer complete coverage of your motorcycle for maximum protection during both short- and long-term storage. Meanwhile, half covers only cover the upper portion of the motorcycle. Though they offer less coverage, they’re typically lighter and easier to transport, making them an ideal option for keeping your seat and controls clean after commutes or during short stops.
Compact covers: These covers offer similar coverage as half covers but are specially designed to take on the road. Easy to pack and lightweight, these are the ultimate travel companions, offering protection and peace of mind while on the move.
Seat and service covers: Other types include seat covers and service covers. Seat covers, or rain covers, offer minimal coverage and convenience to keep your seat from getting soggy during quick stops. Service covers are specifically designed to protect your fuel tank and fender while performing routine maintenance.
When it comes to finding a cover graded and specially designed for the demands of both indoor and outdoor use, there’s only one best option. A Harley-Davidson® Indoor/Outdoor Motorcycle Cover offers everything you need to give your motorcycle the best protection during both short- and long-term storage.
Whether you need a cover to wick away water during stops on a cross-country road trip or something with full coverage to protect your motorcycle from the elements out on the street or in the driveway, these water-resistant motorcycle cover options have you covered. Keep your motorcycle clean, safe, dry, and ready to ride with these top choices.
Riders who regularly park their motorcycles out on the street or in the driveway need a cover they can count on to provide maximum protection. These top indoor/outdoor cover options provide peace of mind with heavy-duty, all-weather coverage that stands up to the elements. Fitting snugly around your motorcycle, these covers’ design prevents billowing in heavy winds. Plus, sewn-in grommets and hidden internal pockets give you the option to equip your motorcycle with a lock or an alarm.
Even if your motorcycle has a safe spot inside the garage, you still need to right coverage. Choose from these excellent indoor options featuring breathable polyester or premium microfiber that’s luxuriously soft on your motorcycle’s most delicate features. Find the right fit for your model and cinch these covers snugly with a secure corset-style system or front and rear adjustable drawstrings. Opt for a sleek all-black look or rock the Harley-Davidson Bar & Shield—either way you can ensure your motorcycle looks great even in storage.
When you’re just stopping for a night—or heading into work for the day—you don’t always need full coverage. These compact and half motorcycle covers are lightweight and easy to store. Keeping your seat and controls dry while otherwise minimizing wiping after a bit of rain, these covers are the ideal accessories to pack with you the next time you head out on the road.
Choosing the best motorcycle cover for your needs depends on several factors, including your motorcycle’s size and shape, the conditions where you’ll be storing your motorcycle, the level of protection you want, and of course your budget. Here are some things to consider when choosing a cover for your motorcycle:
Size and fit: The cover should fit your motorcycle properly. A cover that’s too small will leave parts of your motorcycle exposed and unprotected, while one that’s too large might flap or balloon in the wind, allowing water, dust, and dirt in.
Storage needs: Consider whether you’ll be storing your motorcycle indoors, outdoors, while traveling, or some mix of all three. Your riding and storage habits will help you determine the ideal type of cover—but more on that below.
Weatherproofing: If you’re in a region with heavy rainfall and need to store your motorcycle outdoors at all, water-resistant materials and design are essential. Likewise, ventilation and breathability are key to help prevent condensation from building up beneath the cover, which can lead to corrosion. In a snowy climate, a heavy-duty cover is probably necessary as well.
Heat resistance: If you’ll be needing to cover your motorcycle shortly after riding it, look for covers that include heat-resistant sections to prevent damage from warm exhaust.
Security: Some covers also offer an extra layer of security, with grommets and pockets to accommodate locks and anti-theft alarms.
Budget: Consider how much you’re willing to pay for a motorcycle cover. Remember, though: buying a better cover might require a greater outlay upfront, but if it’s built to last and effectively protect your motorcycle, it can be a smart long-term investment that helps prevent costly damage to your motorcycle.
Looking for top-notch protection on your motorcycle? Don’t forget to equip it with an effective alarm. The H-D® Motorcycle Cover Alarm fits into the pocket of select Harley-Davidson® covers to protect your covered motorcycle from tampering, no matter where you store your motorcycle. Find even more details, advice, and tools to protect your investment, had to your local Harley-Davidson® dealer.