Protect your motorcycle cover
from UV damage.

Even though your cover is pre-treated with a UV coating, the quality of the UV protection (as with any other motorcycle cover) will fade over time. Just like your motorcycle needs a fresh coat of wax to protect it, your motorcycle cover needs a fresh coat of UV inhibitors to keep your cover fully protected from sun damage.

As the UV coating blocks the UV rays as part of its job, the UV rays slowly break down this protective UV coating. To ensure that your motorcycle cover is blocking as many UV rays as possible, you need to reapply the UV coating on a regular basis.

To prolong the life of your motorcycle cover, we recommend applying a UV-blocking fabric spray to the cover once or twice per year. How often you need to reapply the UV inhibitor depends on how much your cover is exposed to the sun. The more sun exposure your cover gets, the more often you will need to apply a fresh coating of UV-blocking spray.

Some UV fabric protectors may actually harm your bike cover. Never use sprays that contain harsh solvents or additives, such as ScotchGuard. Only use an approved UV fabric spray, such as 303 Fabric Guard.

FAQs on material thickness for boat covers, jet ski covers, motorcycle covers, ATV covers, and golf cart covers.

What determines the thickness of a cover?

“Denier” is the term used to describe the thickness of a material. The thicker the cover material, the higher the denier.

Are thicker covers better?

Thicker covers are better for outside storage. They’ll stand up better under the wear and tear of rain, snow, sun, and the elements. For inside storage in protected areas, thinner storage covers work just fine.

What is the recommended denier for indoor and outdoor storage covers?

For outdoor storage covers, a thickness of 300-600 denier is generally sufficient. For indoor storage covers, a thickness of 150-300 denier provides adequate protection.

What about breathability?

The thicker a storage cover is, the more difficult it is for air to flow through the cover. Without adequate venting, a thick storage cover will trap condensation inside the cover, possibly resulting in moisture damage. Most manufacturers include a venting system to make a thick cover breathable. The vent allows air and moisture to escape from underneath the cover while preventing moisture from entering.

How much does a quality storage cover cost?

The higher the denier, the more you should expect to pay. If your motorcycle or boat is in a fairly protected area, you may be able to get away with a thinner, lower cost cover. If you store your motorcycle or boat outdoors, invest in a thick, high quality storage cover with vents. It will cost you a little more up front, but the quality of protection will save you money in the long run.

The material for your motorcycle storage cover is a huge factor in determining the quality of the cover. In order to pass the storage cover test, your motorcycle cover should include heavy duty material, heat shields, and a scratchproof lining.

Motorcycle Storage Cover with Heat Shields

Heavy Duty Material

If your motorcycle storage cover can’t stand up to the beating of wind, rain, and snow exposure, you’re going to end up replacing your cover every few years. Better to buy a durable cover up front than to buy cheap motorcycle covers and keep replacing them. You’ll save money in the long run and get better protection for your bike.

A heavyweight material or a double layer of material (soft lining covered by an outer protective shell) gives you the best protection. If the material is too thin, it will tear more easily and wear out faster. The outer shell is often made of polyester or a poly nylon blend.

Heat Shields

With heat shields, you can cover your motorcycle right away after riding. You don’t have to worry about forgetting to cover your bike later after it cools down. The lower portion of this type of cover is heat-resistant and won’t melt on hot pipes. Heavy duty polyester works well as a heat-resistant liner.

Scratchproof Lining

The inside lining of your motorcycle cover should be soft enough to protect the finish on your bike and windshield. A soft, scratchproof lining like 100% cotton will baby your bike through the winter months or just overnight. Some storage covers also come with extra-thick lining in the windshield panel for added protection.