Tested: The Best Motorcycle Covers For Protecting Your Bike

Whether garaged or kept outdoors, both vintage and new motorcycles can massively benefit from the protection afforded by a bike cover. From simple rain covers to long-term storage capsules, motorcycle covers exist in a wide variety of forms — a fact that can make this seemingly straightforward product space slightly trickier to shop in than one may first think. Recognizing this reality, we’ve scoured the segment to deliver this guide to and hands-on review of the best motorcycle covers. 

Selection & Testing

Between covers from reputable establish companies and models from no-name Amazon brands, there’s an enormous number of available options when buying a bike cover. When we set out to find the best motorcycle covers currently on the market, we began our search by first making a list of criteria that would be used to guide our hunt. This included looking at aspects such as primary material, liner and secondary constructions, lock-ability, portability, and features such as heat shields and license plate windows. Additionally, we not only looked at the materials used to make each cover, but also the manner in which those materials were pieced together (i.e. construction technique), as this area also plays a massive role in a cover’s overall durability and ability to stand up to the elements. 

Allowing this criteria to steer our search, we then proceeded to make a shortlist of models that we suspected may represent some of the best motorcycle covers on the market. From there, we managed to track down examples of every cover on our short list in order to put each and every one to the test. This hands-on testing process allowed us to test the waterproofing of each cover via a hose-spray test, as well as testing the pass-through and locking elements each cover features. Also scrutinized was how well each cover actually fit the bike, plus its adjustability was closely reviewed. For a more complete sense of each cover’s overall performance and user experience, we individually used each cover for around a week to discover what it’s really like to live with and use each one. 

Once armed with the information from our hands-on testing process, we were then able to narrow our original shortlist down to a final selection of what said testing revealed to be the best motorcycle covers currently on the market. There were also a few runner-up picks that came extremely close to receiving a main spot on this guide — several of which can be found in our honorable mentions section at the bottom of this writeup. 

Measurements: When testing today’s best motorcycle covers, each bike cover was tested using a 2017 Ducati Hypermotard 939 SP (pictured above). With fairly unusual proportions, using this Italian-made hooligan bike for our testing allowed us to gain a much better sense of the fitment, adjustability, and coverage offered by each pick.  

Favoto Motorcycle Cover

Best Budget Cover: Generally speaking, when it comes to most motorcycle gear and accessories, I’d urge anyone to steer clear of super budget items. Every now and again, however, there are some worthwhile pieces of budget gear. Case in point; the Favoto Motorcycle Cover. Available starting from less than $30, this  bike cover is crafted from a decently-rugged 210-denier Oxford fabric with a coated interior liner and double-stitched seams overlaid with tape. Sold in five sizes and six color options, this motorcycle cover features wide-diameter alloy grommets (front only), side reflective strips, and  2” webbing straps and buckles fore and aft. 

The Good

The cover not only offers ample protection from water and UV rays, but it’s also surprisingly heat resistant. After commuting home from work each day, I tossed this cover on my bike as soon as I dismounted, and even though part of it touches the motorcycle’s header and muffler, the cover never melted — or suffered any damage from the immense heat. This is an impressive feat, made all the more noteworthy by the cover’s ultra-accessible price. The size of the cover’s circular grommets also allow me to easily fit even larger U-locks through the pass-throughs — another detail that I hugely appreciated. And, despite its price, it genuinely doesn’t look or feel cheap. For less than $20, this cover can also be paired with one of Favoto’s alarmed disc locks — a value-laden moto security item that hugely increases protection despite a very low price. 

Supplementary Strengths

WIth a sub-$30 starting price, I’d also argue this cover offers the best value of any motorcycle cover currently on the market. The best part of its low pricing is that it doesn’t require you to have to make many concessions or sacrifices. Even though it’s literally a fraction of the price of some of the other motorcycle covers on this list, this Favoto model is actually fairly comparable in many ways. It even has a few premium details that are in some cases superior to its pricier competitors. This includes the grommets on the front pass through which are not only metal, but they’re actually composed of a rust-resistant aluminum. 

The Not So Good

As a super budget cover, I doubt it will come as a shocker to hear that I stumbled across a few issues when testing this cover. The included storage sack has a very cheap feel to it for starters. What’s more, this cover does have most of the features found on its more expensive counterparts, though it is devoid of a ventilation system. It’s also quite a bit less abrasion-resistant than other covers on this list. Ultimately, my biggest issue with the cover is how it allows wind to enter from the bottom, ultimately acting like a mini sail — and jostling my bike enough to set off the alarm on several occasions. This was particularly annoying when it happened between the hours of 1AM and 4AM, as it not only no doubt bothered my neighbors, but also instantly woke me up and had me running outside to make sure nobody was attempting to steal my bike. 

Verdict: If you want the best value possible, your clear go-to option should no doubt be the Favoto Motorcycle Cover. With a full list of features and a starting price of under $30, it really does boast the best bang-for-your-buck of any cover on the market. 

R&G Racing Outdoor Cover

Best Upgrade Pick: Short for “Richard & Gene Racing,” R&G Racing is a British race parts manufacturer that’s headquartered out of Alton, Hampshire — and is a major sponsor for both the British Superbike Championship and MotoAmerica. Founded in 1999, the company produces a wide array of high-quality parts and accessories, most of which are race and track-focused. As such, the British brand producing a bike cover is a bit out of left field, though it undeniably benefits from the same overall quality and craftsmanship that define its aftermarket hardware. A new and improved version of an already-award-winning cover, the R&G Racing Outdoor Cover is cut from a waterproof fabric and is constructed using double-stitched seams overlaid with tape. 

The Good

One major area that makes this R&G cover unique is that it’s actually compatible with top boxes and panniers — a rarity in the bike cover world. Further separating it from other models on the market is the fact that this motorcycle cover uses storm flaps that cover small laser-cut circles that provides ventilation while still protecting the bike from UV rays and the elements. R&G also produces this cover in sport bike, scooter, and adventure sizes, plus offers the thing in silver or black color options (I happened to test the black ADV variant). The bottom of the cover also comes fitted with adjustable buckle-equipped straps. I also really like how this cover is sized specifically for certain types of bikes rather than using the M, L, XL approach that must covers take.

Supplementary Strengths

The cover features pass-through holes front and rear that can be covered using VELCRO flaps. Using a square shape, these pass-through openings are large enough to accommodate even the largest chain or U-locks. Additionally, the aft-end of the cover has a transparent PVC rear license plate window that can be blocked off with a VELCRO-secured flap. I’m not normally a fan of large branding on bike covers, but as a big fan of R&G’s race parts, I actually really like the logo that adorns this cover. The exterior of this cover also comes trimmed in reflective high-visibility piping, plus the aforementioned R&G logos are also printed in a reflective material as well. 

The Not So Good

I was generally really impressed with R&G’s Outdoor Cover, though there were a few minor areas that bothered me. For starters, its pass-through holes are devoid of metal grommets. Next, while the build quality was pretty solid, I was able to spot a few loose threads set beneath the tape-sealed seams as soon as I took it out of the box. Lastly, while the cover itself has an unmistakably high-quality feel to it, the same sadly can’t be said for its stuff-sack, which not only feels particularly cheap compared to rest of cover, but its draw-string also ripped the first time I used it. 

Verdict: Though it’s nearly double the price of the model above, the R&G Racing Outdoor Cover is a pretty major step up in terms of quality and protection — plus it doesn’t hurt that it happens to be made by a super respected race parts supplier.

Speedmetal Stretch Motorcycle Cover

Best Stretch Cover: Crafted from a rugged stretch polyester, the Speedmetal Stretch Motorcycle Cover is a lightweight, high-quality cover with form-fitting properties that allow it to snugly fit over a bike. Utilizing a vented design, this completely waterproof cover benefits from the use of taped seams covering its underlying double-stitched construction. In addition to reinforced pass-through holes fore and aft, this cover also sports a rear transparent license plate window. With the cover being sold in a trio of different sizes, it’s super easy to get a snug and precise fit for almost any bike — even if loaded up with luggage and accessories. 

The Good

Though it’s difficult to put into words, the Speedmetal Stretch Motorcycle Cover has a premium quality to it that you can feel. Its construction is soft, yet unmistakably robust. Because the stretch construction allows it to more closely hug the bike and follow its lines and contours, this cover is ultimately able to afford a more precise fit. Additionally, it’s combination of a stretch construction, adjustable under-straps, and elasticized hem help to make it even more secure, plus they collectively prevent gusts of wind from entering through the bottom of the cover — something that often sets off the motion-sensitive alarms that I use to protect my motorcycles. Also able to protect bikes from UV rays, the soft yet immensely durable stretch polyester that this cover is cut from also does a phenomenal job of preventing scratches. In fact, this was the only cover I tested that didn’t make me at all worried about potentially scuffing or scratching my bike’s paint job when putting on or removing it. 

Supplementary Strengths

Like several of the car covers that I own, Speedmetal’s Stretch Motorcycle Cover features “front” and “back” label tags which make it markedly easier to orient the cover after removing it from its stuff sack. I also really appreciate that this cover’s pass-throughs are large enough to easily accommodate even large U-locks — something that can’t be said for several of the other covers on this list. The overall quality and construction of this cover allows for years of dependable use — in fact this is literally guaranteed thanks to this cover being sold with an included half-decade warranty. The cover also features reflective sections on both sides, plus the front of the thing is adorned in a Speedmetal logo that’s been printed in the same reflective material. 

The Not So Good

Because this particular cover arrived nearly a month prior to when I received the rest of the bike covers, I got to spend an extended period testing and using Speedmetal’s Stretch Motorcycle Cover. As such, I expected to find a handful of issues, but my complaints were few and far between. Ultimately, the only real gripe I had is with the fact that this stretch construction item’s pass-through holes for a lock are made from a heavily-reinforced, high-denier nylon — rather than a more hardwearing alloy construction. Considering that quite a few budget bike covers boast alloy grommets, this was particularly disappointing, as it really is the only real flaw in what’s otherwise a truly stellar motorcycle cover. 

Verdict: With a soft construction that can more snugly hug the contours of a bike, the Speedmetal Stretch Motorcycle Cover is a decidedly premium bike cover that affords solid protection in a feature-laden package.

Nelson Rigg Defender Extreme Motorcycle Cover

Best Overall Cover: The Nelson Rigg Defender Extreme Motorcycle Cover is about as close to perfect as bike covers can get. Born out of 35 years of development, this cover is cut from advanced UltraMax Fabric. Wildly rugged, equipped with ample UV protection, and 100% waterproof, this state-of-the-art construction is made using woven spun yarn base that’s impregnated with a PVC Paste-Gel using a three-dimensional bonding process that allows for an architectural fabric with unparalleled flexural strength. This advanced material is also pieced together using electronically-sealed heat-taped seams. 

The Good

Trimmed in reflective exterior details, the cover also comes loaded with an elastic hem, one-inch grommets, and underslung straps to further secure the cover. Between the underslung buckles and elastic hem, the cover also does a great job of preventing wind from entering from the bottom, jostling the bike, and setting off one of my motion-sensitive alarms. In addition to being my favorite cover I’ve ever used or tested, this Nelson Rigg item also comes with what’s unquestionably the best stuff-sack. This rugged nylon vessel features Nelson Rigg branding and multiple compression straps — the latter of which makes it super easy to compress down when being carried on the bike. Produced in four sizes, this cover also comes backed by a lifetime warranty — making it the only cover on this to feature factory-backed lifetime protection. 

Supplementary Strengths

The UltraMax Fabric is another major highlight of this cover. This advanced proprietary construction not only boasts the highest UV rating of any bike cover on the market, but it also offers just over 130lbs of tear strength and an even more impressive 450lbs of tensile strength. This next-level primary construction has also been supplemented via integrated heat-resistant panels and a soft windshield liner. Nelson Rigg has also bestowed the thing with its advanced Perma-Venting system, which bolsters circulation and airflow while mitigating condensation. Completely and totally impervious to water, the material is also yarn-dyed, meaning it was dyed as threading, prior to being woven together. 

The Not So Good

As what I consider to be a nearly-perfect cover, it probably won’t come as a surprise to learn that I had very few complaints with Nelson Rigg’s Defender Extreme Motorcycle Cover. The first is that its grommets are only 1” in diameter, allowing for a cable lock, but even my most narrow U-locks weren’t able to fit. My second  and final issue is that this cover is devoid of an antenna pass-through — though Nelson Rigg does sell an optional antenna grommet kit for less than $10. 

Verdict: With a highly-calculated and thoroughly-considered design, the Nelson Rigg Defender Extreme Motorcycle Cover boasts combination of advanced materials and useful features that together make for what’s unquestionably one of, if not the single best bike cover currently available. 

VEVOR Folding Motorcycle Shelter

Best Framed Cover: Unlike most motorcycle covers that consist of a soft construction, the VEVOR Folding Motorcycle Shelter is a purpose-built rigid-framed tent that offers an unparalleled level of protection from the elements. Produced in eight different versions, VEVOR’s Folding Motorcycle Shelter is comprised of a tent-style frame made up of 0.9-inch-diameter galvanized square tubing that’s been fortified via a powder-coated finish. Draped over its galvanized framework is a triple-layer construction with a 600-denier polyester outer, a PVC mid-layer, and an interior polyurethane coating. Measuring 106.3” x 41.3” x 61.0”, this framed bike cover also sports multiple mesh ventilation windows and an included canopy-style carrying case.

The Good

As mentioned above, the VEVOR Folding Motorcycle Shelter really does take bike cover protection to new heights thanks to its rigid structure. Not only does it boast a fairly rugged 600-denier poly construction, but the material is pieced together using double-stitched seams throughout. What’s more, the thing isn’t just waterproof, it’s practically storm-proof as well, with the ability to withstand water pressure of up to 2,000PA — so long as it’s mounted to the ground. I also really like how the shelter is designed to lift and pivot, making it markedly easier to access your bike and remove it from the tent-style shelter. Unlike other non-framed covers, this VEVOR model doesn’t actually make contact with the motorcycle that it’s covering, and as such I never had to worry about letting my bike cool down before putting it beneath the shelter. 

Supplementary Strengths

Reflective patches make it easy to see the shelter at night, and a series of mesh windows collectively afford the cover pretty stellar airflow and breathability. I was also pleasantly surprised to discover the VEVOR’s Folding Motorcycle Shelter can be paired Dowco Powersports’ Guardian Cover Alarm (which is sold separately for around $20). When using this item, the framed cover can be set up in such a way that as soon as the front of the shelter’s frame is lifted from the ground, the alarm will sound. This ultimately allows you to bolster the protective capabilities of what’s already unequivocally one of, if not the single most protective bike cover on the market.  

The Not So Good

Though it undeniably affords impressive levels of protection, the VEVOR Folding Motorcycle Shelter isn’t without a few downsides and issues — granted all are outweighed by the shelter’s bevy of strengths. For starters, it’s substantially larger and heavier than practically every other cover on the market. As such, it’s far too big to be carried on a bike. Its footprint also occupies much more space than soft covers. The entire structure is also prone to being picked up and blown around by the wind unless fixed to the ground (which is fortunately super easy to do). I also don’t love that this shelter can potentially provide thieves with privacy while trying to defeat your lock(s) or steal parts — though a cheap alarm solves this possible setback. Ultimately, my biggest issue with VEVOR’s Folding Motorcycle Shelter is its assembly process. While I was able to figure it out in around 15-20 minutes, it was a fairly confusing process that required a lot of trial and error. The instructions are also pretty vague, and as such I didn’t find them to be much help.

Verdict: The VEVOR Folding Motorcycle Shelter is a rigid-framed bike cover that offers the pinnacle of protection for your two-wheeled price and joy. 

Motorcycle Covers Comparison Chart

Why Use A Motorcycle Cover

There’s a handful of reasons why you should consider using a motorcycle cover, almost all of which boil down to protection. Whether protecting the bike from the elements, or shielding it from the prying eye of thieves, moto covers are a purpose-built solution to fortifying your two-wheeled pride-and-joy. Additionally, with the ability to shield motorcycles from rain, dust, snow, and UV rays, bike covers can also bolster the longevity and condition of a scoot, mitigating UV fading, rust, and other damage from being exposed to Mother Nature. Additionally, motorcycle covers also have the added benefit of keeping your bike hidden and out of sight, thereby reducing the likelihood that it will be targeted by thieves. What’s more, bike covers can also protect motorcycles from other minor annoyances such as bird poop, plus they serve as an excellent deterrent that prevents random individuals from touching or sitting on your bike. 

What To Consider When Shopping

While on the surface, it may seem like there isn’t all that much to shopping for a motorcycle cover, the reality is that there’s actually a handful of finer points that are crucial to consider before deciding on your purchase. Below, we’ll briefly outline half a dozen of the most pivotal areas to factor in prior to pulling the trigger on your purchase. 

Intended Use: How you plan on utilizing your bike cover should ultimately serve as the jumping-off point for your search as there are different models aimed at different applications such as on-street use, long-term garage storage, rain protection, etc. 

Primary Construction: The main material that comprises a motorcycle cover’s shell is almost certainly the single biggest factor that determines overall quality — and separates high-end covers from their cheaper, more budget-focused counterparts. Often fortified via UV and/or weather-resistant coatings (typically of the polyurethane variety), motorcycle cover shell constructions are typically composed of rugged yet lightweight polyester, nylon, or blends of the two. Additionally, the construction technique used to piece together this material  — such as welded seams — will also play a pivotal role in a model’s overall quality and durability. 

Liner: Underneath a bike cover’s shell is often a softer liner material that helps to prevent scratches or damage while a bike is parked. This is another area that helps to distinguish the more high-end bike covers from lower-priced models, as the latter are often single-layer items that are devoid of inner soft liners. At times breathable membranes and ventilation systems or ports are also paired with primary shell constructions. 

Security: Most motorcycle covers feature elements that allow them to be locked onto the motorcycle, such as sewn-in grommets for a cable or U-lock. While pretty much every motorcycle cover can be defeated with a knife and a set of bolt cutters or an angle grinder, covers nonetheless serve as a major deterrent, increasing the likelihood that thieves will pass over your bike, taking the path of least resistance and moving on to an easier target. These items also make it much harder for thieves to know what is lying beneath a cover, further mitigating the likelihood of theft. 

Fitment: While in theory, one can use any bike cover that’s large enough to cover the entire vehicle, the reality is that using a cover with dimensions made specifically for a particular size and genre of motorcycle not only makes for a much easier and convenient user experience, but the more snug-fitting covers also provide better protection for your bike, both from thieves and the elements. What’s more, in addition to almost always being offered in multiple sizes, quite a few of today’s more premium motorcycle covers also feature elastic cords or straps at the bottom of the cover that allows for a more secure fit.

Additional Features: While primary construction, liner material, size, and security features are the most important areas to focus on when shopping, there is a myriad of supplementary features that some motorcycle covers have been bestowed with that can bolster convenience or utility. This includes features such as zippered access points, transparent windows to display license plates or parking stickers/tags, and pass-throughs for antennas and battery tender cables, just to name a few. A decent number of today’s more high-end moto covers are also sold with an included stuff sack for neatly transporting or storing the cover when it’s not being used. 

Portability: If you plan on carrying a motorcycle cover on the bike, you’ll no doubt want to consider the size and portability of any model you’re considering. Fortunately, pretty much every modern cover comes with an included stuff sack, making them markedly easier to transport. 

Honorable Mentions

Sold in a trio of different sizes, the Dowco Guardian Weatherall Plus EZ Zip Motorcycle Cover is a robust bike cover with sewn-in grommets, a 300-denier fabric construction with ClimaShield Plus, and a rear antenna pass-through. Backed by an industry-leading lifetime warranty, what really sets this cover apart is its full-length zipper, which makes access your bike a breeze. Additionally, it also makes it super easy to access a pannier, top case, or other luggage or elements. 

Made by a leading customs shop in the UK, the Motone Workshop Cover is a  double-stitched model that’s completely and totally impervious to rain, snow, dust, and harmful UV rays. Fitted with a silky inner liner to protect the bike’s paint, this cover distinguishes itself from other available options on the market with its unmistakably premium nature. Sadly, because it comes at a fairly steep price — and because it has to be ordered from overseas — we’ve opted to make Motone’s Workshop Cover an honorable mention. 

Though it’s not intended for outdoor use, the CarCapsule BikeCapsule 8′ Indoor Cover is something of the ultimate protective indoor cover — or rather capsule. Consisting of a protective bubble for your motorcycle, the CarCapsule BikeCapsule 8′ Indoor Cover is made from 0.30mm clear PVC and sports a 0.45mm base mat, self-healing coil zippers, and an included power supply and fan to keep the capsule inflated and to keep air circulating within. 

Tested: The Best Motorcycle Jackets For Everyday Protection

Now that you’ve got your bike covered, why not cruise over to our guide to the best motorcycle jackets for a curated selection of layers for keeping you covered while out riding.