How to Choose a Motorcycle Cover

Choosing a quality motorcycle cover is a bit more complicated than just throwing a tarp, piece of plastic, or bed sheet over your bike.

Why the need for a good motorcycle cover? To protect it from weather elements for one. Covering your motorcycle will preserve the paint finish from fading or damage from heavy rain or wind.

Even in storage; covering your bike will help prevent scratching from dust particles or other nicks that could occur.

Being sure to choose the best motorcycle cover can help protect your investment by keeping it looking good, protecting it from condensation, and from prying eyes that might take an interest in your bike (think theft).

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Begin your search for a motorcycle cover by checking out local super stores, warehouse stores, or local motorcycle retailers. Just realize that you get what you get at these locations. Stores generally have what would be considered no more than a dust cover for your bike and will retail for approximately $20.00. Motorcycle retailers will have a higher quality cover, but generally will only stock a single brand or size. Retailers have a higher mark up in price as well.

2. Use Ebay.com if you are a frequent shopper there. They accept Paypal which makes it more comfortable for many users to buy from them. The only issue with buying motorcycle accessories from Ebay is that you really need to be savvy with the site and sellers. When you see mass listings of the same product, you can bet you're looking at something from China. That's not a bad thing necessarily, but often you'll get cheaper quality motorcycle covers or other accessories because they are mass produced.
   
   That said, there are many reputable motorcycle accessory sellers on Ebay, too. Do your research to find the best deal for your needs by checking out seller feedback, pricing, shipping costs and any other pertinent information you may need to make a decision.

3. Check out JCWhitney.com. No motorcycle enthusiast will consider buying motorcycle covers or other accessories without checking out this giant! Sales are frequent and most items are in stock and ready to ship. Prices are reasonable and generally you can find the proper cover for your bike's size, make, and model. They also come in light to heavyweight sizes for even more choices.

4. Visit Motorcycle-SuperStore.com. (See link in resources below.)
   
   Like JC Whitney, you'll find a wide selection of covers such as those from Dowco, Nelson-Rig, and Cover Max. These covers fit street bikes, cruisers, and scooters. Price ranges are dependent on cover weight, brand, and whether they are half size, full size, or simple dust covers.
   
   Because this is another website that usually has motorcycle covers in stock; you can easily choose the style you need and get it shipped quickly.

5. Ask questions at any online retailer that you choose. Ebay sellers, JCWhitney and Motorcycle Superstore all have someone who will be more than happy to help you choose the cover that is perfect for your bike.

6. Be sure to check any other areas of this page for more information that may help you to choose the best motorcycle cover to keep your bike looking great for years to come !

Resources

• How to store your motorcycle
• Motorcycle Superstore website

[georgelarson]

on 6/15/2009 Great tips for protecting your motorcycle. Thanks.

[PawPawFrankie]

on 4/5/2009 Any rider who takes pride in his/her bike will keep it covered when not riding and you have some useful info on how to choose a motorcycle cover.

[MariM]

on 3/21/2009 Very good info. Pretty bikes. My husband has one as well. 5*

[tachic]

on 3/19/2009 Great advice on choosing a motorcycle cover

[veryirie]

on 3/17/2009 Very thorough article; lots of choices and resources to choose a motorcycle cover to protect your motorcycle from the elements and prying eyes. Well done! 5*****