Why Outdoor Motorcycle Covers Should Be Waterproof

By John Funk, August 10, 2022

Serious riders consider their motorcycles their ultimate pride and joy. They clean it every day, buy it loads of accessories, and treat it as their own child. But have you ever given any thoughts about where you let your baby rest?

While most owners keep their rides inside a garage, that’s not the case for everyone. Some have no choice but to keep their motorcycles outside, inevitably exposing them to rain and moisture 24/7.

Unfortunately, motorcycles are not made to be soaked in water, as this leads to premature rusting. With constant exposure to rain and moisture, your ride will slowly break down, devaluing it greatly and exposing it to tons of safety issues.

So, what should you do to keep one of your most prized possessions nice and dry as you leave it outdoors? The solution: invest in a waterproof outdoor motorcycle cover!

While a good motorcycle cover will do an excellent job of protecting your precious bike from the elements, not all motorcycle covers are the same. You can’t just buy a cheap cover and expect it to do a great job. It just doesn’t work that way.

Why should you buy a waterproof outdoor motorcycle cover?

We already said that an outdoor cover keeps your motorcycle safe, but let’s talk about what exactly it protects your ride from. Depending on your motorcycle cover, it should protect your ride against:

Sun damage. The sun’s rays can be extremely harmful and can cause your bike’s paint color and fuel to degrade. It can also damage your tires and cause any artificial leather, rubber, and plastic components to harden.
Downpours are one of your bike’s worst nightmares. Long-term and consistent exposure can lead to corrosion and deterioration which can eventually become a serious safety issue over time.
Bird poop and tree sap. Tree sap and bird poop contain harsh components that can easily damage the paint on your motorcycle.
Never underestimate the damage dust can cause. These small particles can ruin the look of your motorcycle and leave nasty scratches on the exterior finish.
Parking your ride in a busy part of the house increases the risk of accidental damage.

What should you look for in a motorcycle cover?

Now that you’re convinced why you need a cover for your ride, you may be tempted to rush to the nearest store and buy a cheap, universal cover. We advise that you stay put for now and keep on reading!

Not all covers are made the same. Cheap, universal covers may provide basic protection but they don’t have the features your ride needs for your specific parking situation. With that in mind, what features should you look for? Here are a few to keep in mind:

Perfect fit. A loose cover is a recipe for disaster. The extra space allows for the cover to move in the wind and scratch your ride, especially if dust or debris were trapped in between. Instead, look for a cover with an elastic hem and adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit. Even better, look for a motorcycle cover made specifically for your exact model.
Keeping your ride away from water is essential since it prevents rust from forming and damaging your motorcycle. Look for a cover that has externally bonded seams, a waterproof coating, and double stitching for durability.
A cover without vents will speed up the formation of rust, as it will trap moisture underneath and provide the right conditions for mold and mildew growth. You don’t want this to happen, so look for a cover with downward-facing vents, as upward-facing vents allow water to leak in when it rains.
Sun protection. Constant exposure to UV rays can be harmful for your ride so choose a cover made from a durable polyurethane material. For added protection, make sure it has a heat-resistant coating.
Heat-proof. If you put on a cheap cover without letting your ride cool down, most likely it’s going to melt and get plastic all over your motorcycle. A good cover will incorporate heat resistance in all the applicable spots, such as those near the exhaust pipes.
Fleece lining. Believe it or not, motorcycle covers can actually damage your ride if you don’t pay careful attention when choosing one. Covers can move around in the wind so get one with a fleece interior lining to prevent scratches.
Fastening features. A securely fastened cover will keep the elements out effectively. Look for covers with an elastic hem that runs along the bottom. A cover with a belly strap or net will be an even better choice to keep your cover in place during windy days. Alternatively, choose a cover with grommets so you can tie your cover to the bike using cables.
Some covers come with security features such as a sewn-in hole around the front wheel for chain locks and a pocket to house an alarm system.

Admittedly, a cover with all these features will come at a steep price, so if you’re on a limited budget, identify which features you really need for your particular parking situation and put it on top of your list of must-haves. For example, you can opt for a water-resistant cover instead of a 100% waterproof cover and leave out sun protection when you’re storing your ride indoors or in a fairly covered area.

Protect Your Ride from Rain and Moisture with a Seal Skin Cover

There’s no doubt you love your motorcycle like your own flesh and blood so normally, you want to give it the protection it needs. To keep it in top condition and ready for action, using a high-quality Seal-Fit car cover such as those we have at Seal Skin is a must!

At Seal Skin Covers, we aim to impress and surpass your expectations so you won’t find sub-standard products on our shelves. All we have are high-quality outdoor motorcycle covers made with the best materials at an extremely affordable price.

Are you ready to make a purchase or would like to know more about our products, and exchange and refund policies? Call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours (Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST) and we’ll gladly answer all your questions. Finding the right cover for your ride without going over your budget is easier at Seal Skin!