Whether you’re parking your bike overnight or storing it for the season, a reliable cover can help keep your pride and joy clean and protected. To help you choose the right one, we’ve rounded up some of the best options available, including top picks for indoor use, outdoor storage, and smaller scooters.
What to consider when choosing a motorcycle cover
Keep these factors in mind when choosing the best motorbike cover:
- Size and fit: Check the manufacturer’s measurements to ensure the cover fits your specific bike model, including any accessories or modifications.
- Storage location: Covers designed for outdoor use should be weather-resistant, while indoor covers should focus on dust protection and breathability.
- Material durability: Higher-quality fabrics offer better protection and typically last longer.
- Portability and storage: Some covers are bulkier than others and may be more difficult to store or transport.
- Security features: Look for extras such as lock holes, heat-resistant panels, and alarm pockets.
- Purpose: A good cover keeps your motorcycle clean, shields paintwork from UV damage, conceals it from potential thieves, and protects against weather-related wear and tear.
Best outdoor motorcycle covers
Outdoor covers can help your bike stay protected from the UK’s changeable weather. Plus, they can act as a theft deterrent too. Below are some top-rated options for year-round use.
Dowco Guardian WeatherAll Plus
Best for: Year-round outdoor protection.
Pros
As the name suggests, this motorcycle cover is built for every season. It features heat-resistant panels and is waterproof to help shield your bike in colder, wetter months.
During sunnier spells, the ClimaShield Plus fabric offers UV protection to prevent fading and material breakdown. An integrated alarm pocket also offers an extra deterrent against theft.
- Durable, with heat- and water-resistant materials
- ClimaShield Plus fabric guards against UV damage
- Alarm pocket adds a layer of theft protection
Cons
Although well-made, the cover’s heavier weight can make it harder to install. Its bulkier size may also be difficult to store, and the higher price tag puts it at the premium end of the market.
- Heavier and more awkward to install
- Takes up more storage space when not in use
- Higher cost than some budget alternatives
XYZCTEM All-Season Waterproof Cover
Best for: Occasional outdoor storage.
Pros
An affordable choice for riders, the XYZCTEM cover protects against rain, dust, and UV exposure. Its lightweight design and storage bag make it easy to install and stow away when not in use.
- Budget-friendly with decent weather resistance
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Comes with a storage bag for portability
Cons
While the XYZCTEM cover is excellent value, it’s a little bit on the lightweight side, meaning it may not hold up as well as other options over time. It’s also quite basic in design, lacking reinforced panels or premium features like ventilation flaps or heat resistance.
- Less effective in extreme weather conditions
- Lacks features such as heat shields, vents, or security pockets
Nelson-Rigg Defender Extreme
Best for: High-end bikes and all-weather protection.
Pros
The Nelson-Rigg Defender Extreme is built with industry-leading UltraMax fabric to protect your bike in every season. It features UV-treated fabric, reflective panels for added visibility, and a lifetime warranty. The cover’s build also offers reliable shielding against rain, sun, and snow.
- Heavy-duty, UV-treated material stands up to extreme weather
- Reflective panels improve visibility in low light
- Backed by a lifetime warranty for added peace of mind
Cons
Its robust design comes at a higher price, making it less suitable for casual users or those on a tight budget. Its bulkier design may also be less practical to pack and store.
- Premium price point
- Bulkier and heavier than lighter covers
Best moped and small bike covers
If you ride a scooter or smaller-capacity moped, there’s no need to lug around a full-size motorbike cover. Here are some of the best scooter covers currently available.
Favoto Waterproof Moped Cover
Best for: Urban commuters
Favoto’s waterproof moped cover is made from heavy-duty fabric with sealed seams to keep out rain and road grime. It also comes with handy extras like reflective strips and built-in lock holes.
- Waterproof construction protects against rain and splashes
- Reflective strips improve visibility at night
- Lock holes allow you to secure the cover to the bike
- Storage bag included for easy packing
Cons
While the Favoto cover is a great all-rounder for city scooters and mopeds, it does have a few limitations. Its tailored fit means it works best with smaller bikes. That snugness can also make installation tricky, especially on scooters with larger top boxes or windscreens.
- The snug fit works well for mopeds and scooters, but it’s not suitable for larger motorcycles
- Only fits smaller scooters and bikes
- May struggle to cover high windscreens and top boxes
XYZCTEM Moped and Scooter Cover
Best for: Daily use in mild weather
This lightweight scooter cover is ideal for everyday use and comes at a wallet-friendly price. It offers basic weather protection and features an elasticated hem for a quick and easy fit. It’s a great grab-and-go option for short-term parking or garage storage.
- UV-resistant fabric protects against sun damage
- Elasticated design fits snugly over most mopeds
- Easy to fold and store when not in use
Cons
The XYZCTEM’s material is thin, making it less suitable for harsh conditions or extended outdoor storage. It also doesn’t provide waterproof or heat protection, like other covers do.
- Less durable than premium covers
- Doesn’t offer waterproofing or heat protection
- No security or anti-theft features
Nelson-Rigg SC-800 scooter cover
Best for: All-weather protection and high-end mopeds
Built with the same attention to detail as Nelson-Rigg’s full-size covers, the SC-800 is purpose-made for scooters and small bikes. It uses UV-treated, durable material and features a snug fit that stays in place even in breezy conditions.
- Heavy-duty UV-treated fabric stands up to sun and rain
- Durable construction made to last over time
- Easy to pack away when not in use thanks to the included carry bag
Cons
While the SC-800 offers excellent protection, it may not be the best fit for every rider. Its premium materials and construction mean it comes at a higher price than more basic scooter covers, which might be off-putting if you’re just looking for something simple for short-term use.
- Higher price than basic moped covers
- Less compact when folded compared to budget options
- Limited availability in the UK
Best indoor motorcycle covers
An indoor bike cover can help preserve paintwork, prevent scratches, and keep things looking clean. Below are some of the best indoor options.
Formosa indoor dust cover
Best for: Garage-kept motorbikes.
Pros
The Formosa cover is designed for basic, no-frills protection. Elasticated hems help hold the cover in place, and its lightweight build makes it easy to fold and store.
- Gentle, non-abrasive fabric is safe for paint and chrome
- Elasticated fit keeps it snug and secure
- Affordable price makes it ideal for basic indoor use
Cons
While great for dust and debris, this cover doesn’t offer waterproofing or heavy-duty protection. As such, its best suited to clean, dry garage environments.
- Not waterproof or suitable for damp environments
- No added features such as lock holes or vents
- Fabric is thin and may tear with rough handling
CoverMax Standard Indoor Cover
Best for: Budget indoor protection.
Pros
The CoverMax Standard indoor cover is a lightweight option designed for easy, everyday use. Its soft, non-scratch interior lining protects your bike’s exterior, while the snug fit keeps it secure around most standard motorbikes. The simple design makes covering and uncovering your bike quick and hassle-free.
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Non-scratch lining protects against paint damage
- Offers a close fit for most bike sizes
Cons
Because of its thinner construction, this cover may not be as durable as other premium options. It also doesn’t have UV-resistance or waterproofing, although this may not be a huge issue if you’re storing your bike indoors.
- Material may wear down faster with regular use
- Not waterproof or UV-resistant
- Limited to indoor-only storage
Oxford Dormex Indoor Cover
Best for: Long-term garage storage.
Pros
Oxford’s Dormex cover features a soft fleece lining to protect paintwork and an elasticated base for a secure fit. Breathable fabric helps reduce moisture build-up, making it ideal for longer periods of indoor storage without damaging your bike’s finish.
- Soft inner lining protects against scratches and dust
- Elastic base ensures a tight, custom-like fit
- Breathable fabric prevents condensation
Cons
While some users value the elasticated hems for added security, others find them too tight, which makes it trickier to remove.
- Slightly higher price point than basic indoor covers
Keep your bike protected with specialist motorbike insurance from Devitt
While a motorbike cover can provide some protection, it can’t offer financial cover should something happen, like theft and damage. That’s where specialist bike insurance can help.
At Devitt, we’ve been arranging motorbike insurance for UK riders since 1936. Whether you ride a sports bike, cruiser, tourer or scooter, our policies are built to suit all kinds of riders. Call us on 0808 503 4747 or fill in our online form to get an instant quote.
Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication.
You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Devitt accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.