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Best Motorcycle Covers

Our pics for the best motorcycle cover will protect your ride, last many years, and fit like a glove.
Written and Tested By:
Mike Miller
Written and Tested By: Mike Miller Senior Writer – Motor1 Review Team

Mike Miller specializes in writing and editing product and service content to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. Mike has 15 years of experience riding motorcycles and uses the products he writes about on a daily basis.

Last Updated 01/09/2024

Motor1 Reviews Team Take:

Best Outdoor Cover
CarCovers.com Platinum Shield Cover

A durable multi-layer cover available for several motorcycle types.

Best For Long-Term Storage
Dowco Guardian WeatherAll Plus Ratchet Cover

A waterproof, heat-resistant, breathable cover for indoor and outdoor use.

Best Indoor Cover
CarCovers.com Indoor Black Satin Shield Cover

A dust-proof cover for those who store their bike indoors during the off-season.

Best Budget Cover
Favoto Full Motorcycle Cover

For a great price, this cover offers excellent all-season protection.

Best Half Cover
X Autohaux Half Cover

A low-cost solution for covering your bike, this half-cover offers quality protection.

If you leave your bike outdoors or keep it stored indoors for extended periods, you may be worried about damage from rain, wind, or harsh UV rays. Investing in a motorcycle cover will give you peace of mind while you’re away from your bike. After all, what’s the point of having a favorite ride if you’re not going to ensure that it’s protected year-round?

But with all the different brands and options available, it can be hard to determine the best motorcycle cover for you. That’s why we’ve tested several of the top options: to handle the research for you.


Motorcycle Cover Reviews

For this review, our team thoroughly tested and evaluated each motorcycle cover based on its fitment, water resistance, and durability. The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars.

What Are The Best Motorcycle Covers?

We named the CarCovers.com Platinum Shield Motorcycle Cover, Dowco Guardian WeatherAll Plus Ratchet Cover, CarCovers.com Indoor Black Satin Shield Cover, Favoto Full Motorcycle Cover, and X Autohaux Half Cover as the best-rated motorcycle covers on the market in 2024.

Brand/ModelCostOverall RatingAward

CarCovers.com Platinum Shield Cover

$125

5.0

Best Outdoor Cover

Dowco Guardian WeatherAll Plus Ratchet Cover

$160

4.8

Best for
Long-Term Storage

CarCovers.com Indoor Black Satin Shield Cover

$115

4.5

Best Indoor Cover

Favoto Full Motorcycle Cover

$30

4.2

Best Budget Cover

X Autohaux Half Cover

$15

4.0

Best Half Cover

*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.

Motorcycle Cover Ratings: Our Testing Process

The motorcycle covers in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching retailers like Amazon, RevZilla, and Cycle Gear for top products, looking at factors such as durability, fitment, customer ratings, and prices.

Learn more about how we tested motorcycle covers here.

1. CarCovers.com Platinum Shield: Best Outdoor Cover

  • Cost: $125
  • Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
  • Fit: Semi-custom
  • Warranty: Lifetime

CarCovers.com Platinum Shield Review

The CarCovers.com Platinum Shield Motorcycle Cover provides multi-layered protection against harsh weather conditions, thanks to its premier synthetic materials and built-in vents that resist mold and mildew. The cover’s built-in heat shields allow you to put it on sooner after keying off your motorcycle.

You can see how the CarCovers.com Platinum Shield performed in each of our testing categories below: 

Review CategoryScore (Out of 5.0)
Fitment5.0
Water Resistance5.0
Durability5.0
Overall Rating5.0

The reinforced grommets and partially elastic hem ensure that the cover stays in place, protecting your motorcycle from theft and high winds. Although, we would have liked to see the elastic material fit the circumference of the hem entirely. Below are the pros and cons of the CarCovers.com Platinum Shield Motorcycle Cover:

Pros Heat shield and vent system included Weatherproof and water-resistant Lifetime warranty
Cons Hem not fully elastic Expensive

CarCovers.com Platinum Shield: Our Experience

This cover delivered in all testing categories. It features top-tier construction, fits perfectly, and is completely waterproof.

  • Fitment: CarCovers.com’s semi-custom fitment accounts for your motorcycle’s length, width, and height. As a result, the cover fit our test bike perfectly.
  • Water resistance: There were no surprises here. This cover is completely waterproof, and users should have no issues storing their motorcycle outside during the rain.
  • Durability: This cover is made from extra durable material that should last for years and features a soft interior lining to protect your motorcycle from micro scratches when installing it.
A motorcycle bearing the CarCovers Platinum cover.

2. Dowco Guardian WeatherAll Plus Ratchet Cover: Best For Long-Term Storage

  • Cost: $160
  • Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
  • Fit: Universal
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime

Dowco Guardian WeatherAll Plus Ratchet Cover Review

A well-established brand in the motorcycle industry, Dowco manufactures its Guardian WeatherAll model to provide top-tier protection indoors or out. The full motorcycle cover guards against rain, mildew, UV rays, wind, and cosmetic damages. Standout features include a vent system to expel condensation and a ratchet cord that allows users to loosen the opening for easy installation and cinch it tightly in place.

You can see how the Dowco Guardian WeatherAll performed in each of our testing categories below: 

Review CategoryScore (Out of 5.0 Stars)
Fitment4.5
Water Resistance5.0
Durability5.0
Overall Rating4.8

Though you shouldn’t cover a hot motorcycle immediately after a ride, this cover features built-in heat shields to protect its 300-denier woven polyester material and waterproof coating from warm exhaust pipes. Soft cotton lining spans the windshield area to ward off pesky swirl marks. This cover is available in six sizes, from Sportbike to Large Touring, and Dowco provides explicit dimensions online so you can select the right cover the first time. Below are the pros and cons of the Dowco Guardian WeatherAll Plus Ratchet Cover:

Pros Weatherproof and waterproof Built-in heat shield Ratchet drawstring cinches cover tight
Cons Expensive Heavy for some customers Low-quality ratchet system

Dowco Guardian WeatherAll Plus Ratchet Cover: Our Experience

The Dowco Guardian WeatherAll Plus is a more than capable outdoor motorcycle cover that will likely withstand the elements for years to come.

  • Fitment: Overall, this cover fit our test bike like a glove. The seams for the mirrors and tail were all in the right place, and there wasn’t any extra bagginess. We did notice that the hem was a little high for our liking, but it was the only cover we tested with elastic all the way around.
  • Water resistance: This heavy-duty cover performed as expected. When we sprayed this cover with our portable pressure washer, not a drop got through the fabric.
  • Durability: This is one of the most durable motorcycle covers we’ve tested. We were only disappointed by the small size of its protective liner, which only covers the windshield and controls. We also noticed stitches fraying in one area of the hem. The latter may just be our test sample, though.
A motorcycle draped in the Dowco Guardian cover.

Dowco Guardian WeatherAll Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

Many customers mention the cover’s durability and heavy-duty material outperforming other covers in the same price range. However, this is a double-edged sword for some buyers. The cover may be hard to put on for one person – its hefty and durable material can be hard to manipulate for some. A few reviewers also complained that the ratchet system failed and the lack of a belly strap caused it to flap in the wind.

3. CarCovers.com Indoor Black Satin Shield Cover: Best Indoor Cover

  • Cost: $115
  • Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
  • Fit: Semi-custom
  • Warranty: 10 years

CarCovers.com Indoor Black Satin Shield Cover Review

Not all motorcycle covers are meant to protect your bike from everything Mother Nature can throw at it. This soft satin cover is for enthusiasts who don’t stop at sequestering their pride and joy behind a garage door. Meant for indoor protection only, the CarCovers.com Indoor Black Satin Shield Cover features an incredibly soft lining to keep your bike safe from light scratches and swirl marks from dust. In the off-season, it resists mold, rot, and mildew for peace of mind until warmer days.

You can see how the CarCovers.com Indoor Black Satin Shield Cover performed in each category below:

Review CategoryScore (Out of 5.0 Stars)
Fitment5.0
Water Resistance4.0
Durability4.5
Overall Rating4.5

When ordering, it’s easy to get the right size because you supply the length, width, and height of your motorcycle during checkout. CarCovers.com also has a comment section for you to leave detailed notes about any modifications you’ve made to your bike that might impact fitment. Below are the pros and cons of the CarCovers.com Indoor Black Satin Shield Cover:

Pros Soft liner protects clear coat Synthetic fabric resists mold Easy to install
Cons Not waterproof No heat shields

CarCovers Indoor Black Satin Shield Cover: Our Experience

Soft, luxurious material meets the perfect fit for a spectacular solution to indoor motorcycle storage. Our only complaint is the lack of waterproofing, which means it’s strictly an indoor cover and not advisable for occasional outdoor parking.

  • Fitment: Due to its stretchy material and semi-custom fitment, this cover fit our test bike nicely. The soft, stretchy material also made it easy to install, making it more likely to be used after every ride. 
  • Water resistance: Though this cover was not designed for it, we still tested its water resistance. It did not prevent water from penetrating its material, meaning your bike will get wet from anything you happen to spill on it in the garage.
  • Durability: This cover’s construction excels at what it was made for. Surprisingly durable fabric hugged our machine and protected it from indoor hazards like dust. Double-stitched seams add durability. However, the material could tear if caught on something sharp, and it doesn’t sport heat shields for hot exhaust or engine.
The CarCovers Black Satin motorcycle cover.

4. Favoto Full Motorcycle Cover: Best Budget Cover

  • Cost: $30
  • Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
  • Fit: Universal
  • Warranty: N/A

Favoto Full Motorcycle Cover Review

The Favoto Full Motorcycle Cover offers most of what you want in an all-weather cover for a fraction of the cost of higher-rated options from CarCovers.com and Dowco. Its material is waterproof and protective against UV light, and it comes with quality-of-life features like three reflective strips and windproof buckles to keep it nice and tight. What’s more, metal rings allow you to fit a front wheel lock through the cover for added security.

You can see how the Favoto Full Motorcycle Cover performed in each category below:

Review CategoryScore (Out of 5.0 Stars)
Fitment4.0
Water Resistance4.5
Durability4.0
Overall Rating4.2

Where this cover falls short compared to pricier competitors is its durability. The lightweight Oxford cloth is easy to work with when installing the cover on your motorcycle, but we could see it failing with repeated use. Additionally, it lacks vents to allow trapped moisture to escape. If you’re looking for a lightweight outdoor cover to protect your bike from the sun and prying eyes, this might be a great fit. Below are the pros and cons of the Favoto Full Motorcycle Cover:

Pros Lock hole for added security Lightweight Good UV protection
Cons Not as durable as other outdoor covers No vents to prevent mold

Favoto Full Cover: Our Experience

The Favoto full motorcycle cover is our choice for a full weather-resistant cover on a budget. It does everything its more expensive counterparts do, albeit with some flaws.

  • Fitment: Overall, the fitment for this cover was a bit of a mixed bag. The length was right and we appreciated that there was no bagginess around the mirrors or tank, but the hem wasn’t long enough to make proper use of the belly strap or front wheel lock passage.
  • Water Resistance: During our testing, the cover maintained water resistance as advertised. However, we subjected it to only a 90-second blast from a portable pressure washer – in an actual rainstorm it may not perform so well. Several Amazon reviewers mentioned water leaking through loose stitching.
  • Durability: Although the material of this cover performed fine during testing, it simply isn’t as durable as the Dowco or CarCovers.com premium offerings above.
The Favoto motorcycle cover.

Favoto Full Cover Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

This cover features mostly positive reviews on Amazon. Common points include great fitment, lightweight material, and protection from the sun. Most negative experiences focused on the cover’s durability or lack thereof. Some saw rips and tears after two months of use and had water soak through the seams. Others complained about the material melting on contact with hot motorcycle components.

5. X Autohaux Half Cover: Best Half Cover

  • Cost: $15
  • Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
  • Fit: Universal
  • Warranty: N/A

X Autohaux Half Cover Review

If you’re looking for a half cover rather than a full bike cover, we recommend the X Autohaux model. The cover is rain-resistant, protects against UV rays, and can be easily thrown on and off when you’re in a hurry.

You can see how the X Autohaux Half Cover performed in each category below:

Review CategoryScore (Out of 5.0 Stars)
Fitment4.5
Water Resistance4.0
Durability3.5
Overall Rating4.0

Made from 210-thread polyester with coated silver polyurethane material, the cover aims to keep your seat and handlebar controls dry during inclement weather. For ease of use, the X Autohaux has an elastic hem and elastic bungees. Both features allow the cover to conform to many types of bikes, giving it a universal fit. Below are the pros and cons of the X Autohaux Half Cover:

Pros Inexpensive Rain-resistant
Cons Very thin material

X Autohaux Half Cover: Our Experience

If you’re looking for a half cover, the X Autohaux is a great option due to its good fit and low cost. However, the material quality is as low as the price tag.

  • Fitment: Despite offering only three universal sizes – medium, large, and extra large – the X Autohaux cover fit our test bike nicely. We attached the elastic bungees to the bike’s footpegs for added security.
  • Water resistance: The cover kept our seat and controls dry as advertised, but because it’s a half cover, it did not keep the lower bits of our test bike dry. Whether this is an issue for you depends on the features of your specific motorcycle, such as whether it will leave upswept exhaust pipes exposed.
  • Durability: Though its lightness helps with ease of installation, this cover is so thin that it could easily tear after repeated use. On our test bike, the number plate was a point of friction that could soon damage the cover.
The Autohaux Half Cover.

X Autohaux Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

Many customers praised this half cover for being convenient and compact enough for everything from overnight trips to daily use during the workday. Reviewers agree that it performs well in keeping their seats cool and dry. Some reviewers were impressed with its tear resistance, while others complained that the thin material should be reinforced for daily use.


Motorcycle Cover Buying Guide

A motorcycle cover is integral to ensuring your bike’s longevity, especially in areas with snowy winter months. Many insurance companies recommend purchasing a motorcycle cover to protect your ride while parked outside. When buying a high-quality motorcycle cover, it’s best to consider a few key factors. We’ve outlined why size, materials, and added features should be carefully weighed out below.

Compare Motorcycle Covers

Brand/ModelIndoor/OutdoorFitWarranty

CarCovers.com Platinum Shield Cover

Outdoor

Semi-Custom

Lifetime

Dowco Guardian WeatherAll Plus
Ratchet Cover

Outdoor

Universal

Limited Lifetime

CarCovers.com Indoor Black Satin Shield Cover

Indoor

Semi-Custom

10 years

Favoto Full Motorcycle Cover

Outdoor

Universal

N/A

X Autohaux Half Cover

Outdoor

Universal

N/A

Size

Before purchasing a cover, make sure you correctly check the cover dimensions against your bike’s dimensions. Often, motorcycle covers come in several sizes, so it’s best to read the manufacturer’s sizing guide to ensure you’re buying a cover suited for a touring bike rather than a sportbike, or whatever bike you have.

Finding the right size and fit also means taking your bike’s added features into consideration, like your windshield, side mirrors, saddlebags, and passenger backrest. Some covers are not designed to accommodate these features, which could make a cover too tight or too loose.

Materials

Finding a cover made from the right materials is key to protecting your bike. See what to look for below.

  • Waterproof materials: If you plan to leave your bike outside, invest in a highly water-resistant or waterproof motorcycle cover. Look for fabrics with a polyurethane coating or that are made from heavy-duty polyester. When thinking about water resistance, it doesn’t stop at the base material. The best motorcycle covers have reinforced or double-stitched seams to make sure no water leaks through.
  • Heat-resistant materials: If you plan on putting on your motorcycle cover immediately after a ride, ensure it’s equipped with heat-resistant material or a heat shield. This fabric is usually at the bottom of a motorcycle cover, and it prevents your hot exhaust pipes from melting the cover.
  • Soft inner lining: To protect your bike’s paint and chrome, find a cover with a cotton or fleece inner lining.
  • Anti-UV materials: The best motorcycle covers will protect your bike from all elements, not just rain or wind. Look for a cover either chemically treated for UV protection or with an aluminum outer layer.

Added Features

Materials and sizing make up the foundation of the best motorcycle covers, but additional design features can make one stand out against competitors. Look for the following:

  • Breathable materials or vents: Trapped moisture can cause your bike to mold or mildew, so make sure to find a cover with breathable layers or a venting system to keep things dry.
  • Elastic hem: Full bike covers should be equipped with an elastic hem or at least front and rear elastic to ensure a snug fit.
  • Grommets: In lieu of an elastic hem, reinforced grommets can help secure the cover against high winds and theft.
  • Belly straps: These straps wrap underneath the bike and buckle to keep your cover in place.
  • Lock holes: This added feature deters theft by allowing the rider to lock the cover to the bike’s front and/or rear wheels.
  • Reflective accents: This design feature makes your bike visible in low-light situations.

Best Motorcycle Covers: Bottom Line

The best motorcycle covers not only help protect your bike from the elements but also can be donned and doffed easily. Options that work for both outdoor and indoor storage are a plus, so you have peace of mind that everything from UV light to mildew won’t harm your motorcycle.

Additionally, features that help avoid scratching your paint, protect the cover from hot components, or allow for added security features help make the best motorcycle covers.

Below are our picks for the best motorcycle covers on the market in 2024:

  1. Best Outdoor Cover: CarCovers.com Platinum Shield
  2. Best for Long-Term Storage: Dowco Guardian WeatherAll Plus Ratchet Cover
  3. Best Indoor Cover: CarCovers.com Indoor Black Satin Shield Cover
  4. Best Budget Cover: Favoto Full Motorcycle Cover
  5. Best Half Cover: X Autohaux Half Cover

Motorcycle Covers: FAQ

Below are some common frequently asked questions about motorcycle covers: 

What is the best material to cover a motorcycle?

For weatherproofing and durability purposes, the best motorcycle covers are made out of polyester. The thickness of the material has several different ratings with 600 deniers being commonly used for rugged environments.

What size motorcycle cover is best?

The best-sized covers are made custom for a specific make and model. However, some of the best motorcycle covers offer sizes based on motorcycle style or dimensions. These products can fit great as long as you follow the manufacturer’s sizing guide when measuring your motorcycle.

Should you cover your motorcycle?

Yes, you should cover your motorcycle. If your bike is stored outdoors, a durable cover will protect it from the elements and potentially make it less enticing to thieves. If it’s garage-kept, a soft-lined cover will still keep your motorcycle finish free of swirl marks, door dings, and other damage.

Can I cover my motorcycle while the exhaust is hot?

While some covers include heat-resistant material, for this reason, you should always wait for your bike to cool before donning a cover. Some materials won’t hold up to intense heat and could melt to your pristine chrome.

Do motorcycle covers cause rust?

The best motorcycle covers will not cause rust. If the motorcycle cover’s fabric is breathable or if the cover is designed with vents, moisture will escape the cover and not cause rust.


Full Motorcycle Cover Testing Methodology

The motorcycle covers in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching retailers like Amazon, RevZilla, and Cycle Gear for top products, looking at factors such as durability, fitment, customer ratings, and prices. 

Our product testing team ordered motorcycle covers that best met these standards. We tested each product on a BMW R Nine T, noting how well the cover fit over the bike and resisted water. Durability scores are based on our research of each cover’s construction. We rated each cover out of 5.0 stars based on these criteria.

Fitment

When you buy a motorcycle cover, it’s important that it fits snugly. A loose cover may pummel your paint or blow off in the wind, damaging your machine or leaving it exposed to the elements. A tight cover will be frustrating to install, possibly making its user give up entirely. To test cover fitment, we asked the following questions:

  • How easy is it to understand the manufacturer’s sizing chart and pick the right size?
  • Are there versions for different motorcycle styles (i.e., sportbike vs. cruiser), or is sizing based only on a simple nose-to-tail measurement?
  • How well did it fit our test bike?

Water Resistance

If you store your motorcycle outside, it’s important for it to stay dry when it rains or snows. Water resistance won’t make or break an indoor cover, but it’s still nice knowing that your bike is safe from spills. We tested each cover by installing it on our test bike and pouring water over it. We visually assessed the amount of water that seeped through to the motorcycle, if any.

Durability

In addition to water resistance, the best motorcycle covers are constructed from durable materials that resist abrasions, heat, UV rays, and more without scratching your bike’s finish. To measure each cover’s construction, we considered whether the materials provide heat resistance or fade resistance, and its construction methods, such as reinforced stitching or paneling to protect delicate finishes or guard against hot pipes.

How We Score Products

Every motorcycle cover we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here’s what those star ratings mean in the context of our testing:

  • 5.0 Stars: A 5.0-star rating means a motorcycle cover is among the best in a category. For example, 5.0-star construction may offer double-stitched seams, thicker material than competitors, a fully elastic hem, and a felt liner to protect your bike’s paint.
  • 4.0 Stars: A 4.0-star rating means a motorcycle cover performs above average in a category. Fitment is easy to interpret and model-specific, the cover is easy to install, and it’s completely waterproof.
  • 3.0 Stars: A 3.0-star rating indicates what is average or typical for a motorcycle cover based on our testing experience. The cover should exhibit solid construction, an appropriate fit, and weather-proofing if intended for outdoor use.
  • 2.0 Stars: A 2.0-star rating indicates the motorcycle cover performed adequately in a category, but not quite average. This could represent a universal fit with some bagginess after following size chart recommendations.
  • 1.0 Star: A 1.0-star rating indicates that the motorcycle cover performs well below expectations in a category. For instance, it may rip, tear, or have no water resistance whatsoever.

Why Trust Motor1.com

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*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability