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May 3, 2012

Motorcycle Cover Buying Guide

Motorcycle cover

A motorcycle cover protects your bike from dirt, UV rays, and moisture.

Protecting your bike with a motorcycle cover is a simple, cheap way to keep it looking good and prevent weather damage. Different types of covers are available, depending on how you store your bike and where you ride.

Motorcycle Travel Cover

Need a compact bike cover for the road? Motorcycle travel covers are designed to protect your bike from rain, UV rays, and the elements while away from home.

Since travel covers are compact and lightweight, you can easily store them in a saddle bag with room to spare.

Motorcycle Dust Cover

If you store your motorcycle indoors, all you may need is a breathable cotton cover that repels dust and dirt. A motorcycle dust cover will not keep out moisture, so if your bike will be sitting out in the rain, you’ll need a waterproof cover.

Lined Storage Cover

A fully lined, water-resistant motorcycle cover provides protection from sun and weather exposure. The soft lining protects your bike’s finish, while the water-resistant, breathable outer cover protects your bike from rain and snow.

Some motorcycle covers are specially coated to protect your bike from UV rays. In sun-drenched states, UV protection is especially important.

Lined motorcycle covers can be used for travel, but they will take up more space in your luggage than a travel cover.

January 3, 2012

DuraShield Motorcycle Dust Cover Now with PolyPro

Motorcycle Cover

Dust Motorcycle Cover with PolyPro

DuraShield’s Motorcycle Dust Cover is now available with breathable PolyPro material. This soft polypro material is designed to prevent moisture buildup while keeping dust and dirt off your bike.

The double-stitched seams make this motorcycle cover durable, and integrated grommets allow you to use tie downs to secure the cover. A matching storage bag makes it easy to store your cover when not in use.

Features:

  • Breathable PolyPro Construction
  • Integrated Grommets with Tie Downs
  • Color Matched Storage Bag
  • For motorcycles with windshields, fairings, sissy bars, and/or back rests/tour packs
  • Available in Medium, Large, and X-Large

June 3, 2011

Classic Accessories Motorcycle Covers Now Available

Motorcycle cover

Classic Accessories Motorcycle Cover

Need a cover for your motorcycle, scooter, or trike? Classic Accessories motorcycle covers are now available from DuraShield! Don’t let garage debris or outdoor exposure get the best of your bike. Shield it from the elements with a Classic Accessories motorcycle cover.

Lined Motorcycle Cover

For outdoor storage, the Classic Accessories Lined Motorcycle Cover provides all the protection you need, with an interior heat shield, non-scratch windshield liner, and air vents. All-weather, UV resistant ProtekX™ Plus fabric protects against sun, rain, dirt, pollutants, and other elements. A matching stuff sack and two tie-down cords are included.

Travel Motorcycle Cover

For protection on the road, take cover with Classic Accessories Travel Motorcycle Cover. This lightweight outdoor cover protects against weather, dirt, and pollutants. Ultra-soft material in the upper panel protects against scratches, and a heat-resistant lower panel protects the cover from contact with hot pipes. An integrated stuff stack and two elastic tie-down hooks are included.

Motorcycle Dust Cover

For indoor protection, baby your bike with the Classic Accessories Motorcycle Dust Cover. This scratch-proof storage cover keeps your motorcycle dust-free while stored indoors. The PolyPro™ breathable fabric allows moisture to escape without damaging your bike, and an elasticized bottom hem and tie-down cords keep your cover secure. A matching stuff sack and two elastic tie-down cords are included.

Trike Cover

Need a cover for your trike? Get rugged, all weather protection indoors and outdoors with a Classic Accessories Trike Cover. This heavy-duty cover provides all-season protection against sun, rain, dirt, and pollutants with ProtekX™ Plus fabric. A soft windshield liner protects against scratches, and a metallic heat shield panel prevents the cover from melting on hot exhaust pipes. Dual vents allow for breathability and moisture control. A matching stuff sack and two hooked elastic tie-downs are included with this trike cover.

May 3, 2011

Do I Need a Motorcycle Cover?

A motorcycle dust cover keeps dirt and dust off your bike.

A motorcycle dust cover keeps dirt and dust off your bike.

One of the questions we hear motorcycle riders ask is, “Why do I need a motorcycle cover if my bike is stored in the garage?”

If you keep your motorcycle outside, the reasons for a cover are more obvious: protection from rain, dew, dirt, dust, and other elements. But if your motorcycle is pampered enough to earn a spot in the garage or even in the house, you might think you can get by without a cover. But a motorcycle cover still serves an important purpose, even if you store your bike indoors.

Dust and Dirt Protection

After washing and waxing your bike, you’ll want to keep it clean with a motorcycle cover. Dust and dirt can build up on your bike if you don’t protect it. When the garage door opens and closes, it stirs up dust that will settle on your bike, so it’s especially important to keep your motorcycle covered in the garage. During winter storage, a motorcycle cover will keep your bike clean and ready to ride when spring comes again.

Moisture Protection and Humidity

The more humid the environment where you live is, the more breathable your motorcycle cover needs to be. The higher the humidity, the more moisture that builds up underneath the motorcycle cover. With a breathable indoor motorcycle cover (such as 100% cotton), the moisture can escape easily without causing rust or other damage. The cotton cover keeps dirt and dust off your bike but allows condensation to evaporate easily.

March 1, 2011

Protecting Your Motorcycle from Humidity in the Garage

For indoor storage in high humidity areas, a cotton motorcycle dust cover offers maximum breathability.

For indoor storage in high humidity areas, a cotton motorcycle dust cover offers maximum breathability.

One of the best ways to protect your motorcycle from humidity in the garage is to use a breathable motorcycle cover. Mold and mildew thrive in moist, humid conditions, and when humidity gets trapped under your motorcycle cover, it creates prime conditions for the growth of mold and mildew.

To prevent this, you need a cover with a good ventilation system that allows condensation to evaporate before it causes damage to your bike or cover.

Motorcycle covers vary in their level of breathability. The most breathable covers are cotton dust covers, which are designed for indoor storage only. Lightweight covers are not as breathable as cotton, but they provide protection from rain and moisture. Full storage covers that are waterproof must include a ventilation system in order to allow the cover to breathe.

The cover should be long enough to reach at least halfway down the wheels, but there should be a few inches, but there should be a few inches of space between the bottom of the cover and the ground. The extra space makes the cover more breathable.

After you wash your bike or ride in the rain, make sure the bike dries completely before installing the cover. For extra protection in areas with high humidity, you may want to consider using a desiccant to absorb moisture under the cover. If you store your cover in a humid garage, we recommend a cotton dust cover for maximum breathability.

January 4, 2011

Choosing a Motorcycle Cover

There are different types of motorcycle covers available. Which one you need depends on how you plan to use the cover.

What Type of Motorcycle Cover Do I Need?

A travel motorcycle cover packs down into a size that is slightly larger than your hand.

A travel motorcycle cover packs down into a size that is slightly larger than your hand.

For Travel:
A travel motorcycle cover is light enough to pack into a small bundle that takes up minimal space in your storage bags, yet it still provides full protection from rain and UV rays. It also makes your bike less conspicuous for thieves. Thread a lock through the grommets on the cover for even more peace of mind.

For Indoor/Outdoor Storage:
A fully lined motorcycle storage cover is thicker than a travel cover and provides more protection. The cover is lined with 100% cotton for a baby-soft interior that cradles your motorcycle’s paint and finish. It also comes with a heat-resistant lower panel that allows you to install the cover even before the bike cools down. Hot pipes and engine parts will not melt the cover material.

Because of the thickness of the lined storage cover, it packs down into a larger size than the travel cover, but if you have enough room in your saddlebags, the cover could be used on the road as well.

For Indoor Storage:
A motorcycle dust cover is the way to go when you only need to use the cover for indoor storage. This 100% cotton cover is completely breathable to protect your bike from moisture caused by humidity in the air. It keeps dust, dirt, and grime off your bike, keeping it in prime condition.

What Size Motorcycle Cover Do I Need?

If the cover doesn’t fit right, it won’t provide the level of protection that your bike needs. A motorcycle cover sizing guide will help you find the right size cover for your bike. It’s also a good idea to measure the length of your bike to make sure the cover will be long enough to fit.

If you have questions about what size motorcycle cover to get—including questions about whether the cover will fit over saddlebags, fairings, backrests, and any aftermarket accessories or modifications you’ve made—don’t hesitate to contact customer service. One call could save you a lot of hassle in the long run.

October 19, 2010

Motorcycle Cover Installation

This motorcycle cover includes heat shields for protection from hot pipes.

This motorcycle cover includes heat shields for protection from hot pipes.

Installing a motorcycle cover is simple, but there are a few things you need to be aware of, such as snag points, hot pipes, and proper fit. The following instructions will help you learn the proper way to install a motorcycle cover.

  1. Read all instructions included with the cover before installation.
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  3. If your motorcycle cover includes a heat resistant lower panel, you can install the cover immediately after riding. However, waiting just 5 or 10 minutes can greatly increase the life of the cover.
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    If the motorcycle cover does not include heat shields, wait until the pipes have a chance to cool down before installing the cover. The cover can melt on the hot pipes if installed too soon after riding.

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  5. Locate the front tag of the cover, indicating the portion of the cover that goes over the front of your motorcycle.
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  7. Drape the front of the cover over the front of the motorcycle.
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  9. Pull the cover down over the windshield and handlebars, taking care not to let the material catch on sharp points. Mirrors, muffler ends, shifters, brakes, foot pegs, and antennas are potential snag points that can accelerate the wear on your cover or even puncture it. Avoid these snag points as you install and remove the cover.
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  11. Tuck the front of the motorcycle cover down over the front wheel. The cover should reach past the centerline of the wheel.
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  13. Drape the back of the cover over the seat and rear of the motorcycle. Avoid snag points as you pull the cover down over the sides and rear of the motorcycle. The cover should be long enough to reach past the centerline of the rear wheel, and the elastic hem should fit snugly around the bottom of the motorcycle.

If your motorcycle cover includes grommets, you can use a bike lock to secure the cover underneath the motorcycle. The grommets also allow you to tie down the cover in case of windy conditions.

August 31, 2010

Motorcycle Cover Buying Guide

A lined motorcycle cover provides weatherproof protection for outdoor storage.

A lined motorcycle cover provides weatherproof protection for outdoor storage.

A motorcycle cover is a simple and inexpensive way to keep your bike clean and safe from the damaging effects of the environment. Whether you keep your bike inside or out, a quality cover can protect it from dust, moisture, scratches, and other hazards. Travel motorcycle covers keep bird droppings off your paint job and help prevent your bike from getting stolen while you’re away from home.

  1. Choose a cover type.
  2. Decide whether you need an indoor or outdoor motorcycle cover. An indoor cover, also known as a dust cover, is less expensive than an outdoor cover. It provides protection from dust, dirt, and debris, and the lightweight material (usually 100% cotton or a poly/cotton blend) allows the bike to “breathe” and keeps moisture from getting trapped next to the bike.

    Outdoor covers come in a variety of styles and levels of protection, including lightweight travel covers, lined waterproof covers, and collapsible shelters. Travel covers fit easily in your on-board storage for use on the road; however, they are not as thick or protective as a lined cover. For home storage, a lined motorcycle storage cover or a collapsible shelter provides the most protection against moisture and sun damage.

    Whichever type of cover you use, make sure it is breathable or includes vents to allow moisture and condensation to escape. If moisture is trapped beneath the cover, it can damage your bike and encourage the growth of mold and mildew.

  3. Measure your bike.
  4. Get the dimensions of your motorcycle by measuring from the point furthest forward to the point furthest back. Note that accessories such as luggage, seat rests, and windshields may affect the way the cover fits. Check with the manufacturer before purchase if you have any questions about the fit.

  5. Check the sizing chart.
  6. Find the right size cover for your motorcycle by checking the sizing chart. Also make sure the dimensions of the cover are large enough for your bike. If your motorcycle is in between sizes, choose the larger cover for a better fit. Note that the cover is not designed to reach all the way to the ground, but it should come down at least halfway over the tires. The extra few inches of clearance allow the bike to breathe.

June 16, 2010

Dust, Travel, or Storage Motorcycle Cover?

Dust covers for motorcycles provide indoor protection.

Dust covers for motorcycles provide indoor protection.

When it comes to choosing a motorcycle cover, there are several things to consider before deciding which type of cover you need. Are you planning to store your motorcycle indoors or outdoors? Will it be exposed to the elements or sheltered in a carport or garage? Do you plan to carry the cover on your bike to use on the road? Do you want the ability to secure the cover with a lock?

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Indoor or Outdoor Storage

For indoor storage, a motorcycle dust cover is all you need. This light cotton material is breathable for protection in moist or humid conditions, and the soft material won’t scratch your bike. Use a dust cover when weather protection is not a factor.

For outdoor storage, you need protection from the weather with a lined motorcycle storage cover. The thick, water-resistant material is tough enough to hold up under regular exposure to rain, snow, UV rays, and other outdoor stresses. The more exposure your bike will have to the elements, the more protection you need from your cover. Make sure the cover includes a venting system to prevent moisture damage.

Travel Covers

If you plan to take your cover with you on the road, you’ll want to look for a travel motorcycle cover. These covers are lightweight and compact for easy on-board storage without filling up your saddlebags. Made of a thinner material than outdoor storage covers, they provide water-resistant protection for use on road trips or just around town.

Motorycle Cover Locks

You can reduce the chances of your cover or bike being stolen by locking the cover to your bike with a cable lock. Some motorcycle covers include reinforced grommets at the hem that allow you to slip a lock under the bike. A motorcycle cover lock also secures your cover in strong winds.

March 31, 2010

Do I Need a Motorcycle Cover if I Store My Bike in the Garage?

Protect your bike from dust and dirt with a motorcycle dust cover.

Protect your bike from dust and dirt with a motorcycle dust cover.

If you store your motorcycle inside a garage or shed, you might not think it’s necessary to protect your bike with a cover. But if you want to keep your bike clean and ready to ride, you’ll at least want to protect it with a motorcycle dust cover, if not a more heavy duty storage cover.

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You’d be surprised at how much dust and dirt becomes airborne every time the garage door opens and closes. That dust and dirt settles in hard-to-clean places on your bike. If you want to keep your motorcycle in the best condition possible, a simple dust cover can keep your bike looking sharp and ready to ride.

One of the benefits of a motorcycle dust cover is that it’s more breathable than a waterproof or water-resistant cover, so any moisture that gets underneath the cover can easily evaporate before it can cause damage to your bike.

Another advantage of covering your bike is to keep it hidden from prying eyes. A thief can spot your bike even in the short time it takes to open and close the garage door. Your bike is less likely to get stolen if it’s kept under cover.

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