Best powersports vehicle covers according to redditors

buy this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Dowco-50003-02-Guardian-WeatherAll-Motorcycle/dp/B0022ZN6WU/ref=sr_1_1/152-6141901-6891552?ie=UTF8&qid=1478295086&sr=8-1&keywords=dowco+motorcycle+cover

You're kidding, right? Throw it on the ground and shake a rattle can over it for 30 seconds and come back in 15 minutes when it's dry, that's too much work compared to your bike getting hit?

Edit : Just go buy this instead : Reflective motorcycle cover - $19

By heavy duty, what do you mean? Is it an Almax or Pragmsis because if it isn't I strongly suggest to get one if you are leaving it outside.

Invest yourself in a decently alarmed disk lock, perhaps two if you are worried as well as a cover as that way the scrotes don't know if it's a Lexmoto or a brand new bike.

Make sure your motorcycle is insured to be kept on the road, it'll protect you if it is stolen.

Is there anywhere on your new property where you can install a ground anchor, even if it's at the front it'll still work and it's actually tethered so they can't lift it into a van which honestly takes less than a minute with enough of them.

Varying on your price range, here are some options:

• Almax chan + Anchor
  
• Alarmed Disk lock (Chosen with chain as the disk lock was only £7 less)
  
• Standard motorcycle cover
  
  Location really shouldn't change the risks, it's not like London so I wouldn't worry too much. However, this is the standard required for a piece of mind at this point.
  
  
  
  EDIT: I remembered trackers See here They're expensive but if you're bike cost you a fair whack then it's worth it. EDIT 2:Sweet Jesus that is really expensive

I use a Dowco WeatherAll cover, it's been great so far. Dowco makes a couple of cheaper models, but I have no experience with anything aside from the one I linked.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000HS1356/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495463584&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=dowco+sport+motorcycle+cover&dpPl=1&dpID=417wUgxK-6L&ref=plSrch

Yup. The only problem is taking the cover with you.

I use a thin half-cover like the one below when I'm touring. It squishes down about the size of a fanny pack. Can easily fit in most tank or tail bags.

https://www.amazon.com/Nelson-Motorcycle-Cover-Silver-Medium/dp/B000GTV7IO/

I bought this for my bike: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0142IHKX0/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_HF4sDbE2X61YD

I'm sure it won't last forever, but it keeps the bike dry during storms and it clips around the wheels so it stays on in wind no problem. I don't cover the bike if it's already wet because I don't know how breathable the cover is, but if the bike is dry and I know it is going to rain I cover it up.

You might want to consider something like this, kinda pricey, but it may be worth it if moisture is something that concerns you greatly.

https://www.amazon.com/Zerust-Protection-Motorcycle-Corrosion-Prevention/dp/B001I7UC02

I live in an apartment with no garage, but a pretty big driveway.

I bought one of these:


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00RN90EIE/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1505678956&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=bike+shield&dpPl=1&dpID=512lNOctguL&ref=plSrch


It was pretty expensive ($300) but I have been really happy with it so far

Cheap one from amazon. The first one lasted a year. The new one (different brand) seems heavier duty so maybe it will last longer. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07586M9QW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_CYGWHv76wDcD2

Not to rain on your parade, but for only $2 more you could have yourself a proper cover: http://www.amazon.com/Nelson-Rigg-MC-904-04-XL-All-Season-Motorcycle-X-Large/dp/B000GU3KHO/

Currently using Favoto Motorcycle Cover its on the affordable side, been keeping my bike dry even in rainy strong winds outdoors https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D741PVK can’t say much for durability because I’ve only had it for week but it does come with lifetime warranty which is always a plus.

Late to this thread, I've found these used for a good price and they're really convenient to use if you have the room, just ride up, get off, flip over:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZHB22O/ref=psdc_404643011_t5_B00RN90EIE

Another maker, more expensive is the Bike Barn.

[Dowco Sport](Dowco 50124-00 Guardian WeatherAll Plus Motorcycle Cover, Black - Sport https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HS1356/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2jqhybA3R5WQJ) is the best cover in my opinion for storage inside or outside a residence.

For use while commuting to work or just a dust cover i'd suggest this Nelson Riggs

I use the Dowco to cover the bike outside my apartment, and the Nelson when i'm commuting to work because it compresses into a tiny little bag and fits in a small backpack.

My Dowco cover works perfectly fine on my bike.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GU5IH4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

theres 2 holes on the middle lower bottom that you stick the lock through.

Im a huge fan of this: Dowco Guardian Weatherall Plus

It's weatherproof, has a vent, pockets under the cover for alarms, and a heat shield so you can put it on immediately after riding.

I used this for the last 3 years, worked well https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VXK3ZA8/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A20KO674Z5KLVG&psc=1

Not truly waterproof, but kept the bike decently clean.

• Sena headset. Bluetooth connection to you phone for directions, music and phone (be careful with the last)
  
• tank bag
  
• motorcycle cover - lightening deal for next 30mins
  
• battery tender & quick connector
  
• box of earplugs

I use a BikeShield: https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Shield-Standard-Motorcycle-Shelter/dp/B00RN90EIE

You can lock it as well.

Dowco Guardian

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HS1356/

So far I've had it for 6 months and it's holding up great. Waterproof and it fits perfectly. We had a nasty wind storm with 40-60mph gusts and it didn't get knocked over either.

Here's an anti-recommendation: These cheap covers are great as indoor dust covers when a bike or scooter is in storage, but are terrible for outdoor use.

Meh, I disagree with the pressure washer. I've never had any issue getting even the toughest grime off my bike with a bit of baby soap and a regular kitchen sponge with the scrubby side. Get a box of those magic erasers to get the little black spots off your exhaust if it's aluminum, they do wonders (good for frame grime too). One eraser will last you like a year. I don't advise using these on ABS plastics though, they seem to leave a little residue, not sure if it's okay or not.

Especially if you keep up with it (give it a quick rinse about once a week), nothing should ever really be so stuck on that it takes more than a couple quick passes with the sponge to come off. A really deep cleanse takes no more than 30 mins, 5 more to dry it off (I use a leaf blower instead of a towel or a shammy, leaves no spots but makes my lazy gland happy).

Doubly so if you give it a good occasional wax. It's stupid easy to clean off if you wax it even twice a year. If that's your thing. I didn't used to care but I have a brand new bike with shiny plastics and all, so I figured I'd take good care of it. And I honestly spend less time now that I keep up with it regularly than I used to on the old bike where I'd just let it build up and build up.

That's all I really need, my wax + applicators, some rags, baby shampoo, kitchen sponge, a bucket, leaf blower. A micro fiber cloth with the windshield cleaner spray if you want to make it really pretty. Only thing I don't know about is chrome, but I hate the stuff ;)

I wholeheartedly agree with the bungee net though. Get 3, they're cheap. You'd be surprised how much shit you can jam in there, really. They come with hooks but I took mine off and just wrap it around the pillon and under the latches. A bungee net and a pair of ratchet straps and you can haul a stupid amount.

Dad and I both have this cover, it's pretty cheap: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0022ZN6WU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

but very rugged, holds up well to heavy storms. Bit bulky so it's not something I keep on my bike for every day carry, but it has a strap to wrap underneath and covers the bike top to bottom. I suspect Dowco makes one for every bike.

Get a tire flat kit. And extra CO2 cartridges. You'll thank me later. They're only like $30 and will fit under most seats along with your tool roll (I would recommend building your own roll even if hte bike comes with one. Japanese bikes especially have notoriously cheap tools in those rolls and you don't want to rely on a cheap tool in an emergency. I just swap the cheap tools into my garage for my good ones). Should last you several tire plugs. I got the kind with the sticky rope as well as some of the mushroom caps, has a little razor blade, the sticky rope doesn't need you to mix anything with it. It has a little t-handle thing to round out the hole and a punch with an eye on the end to push the stick rope in, and a razor blade to clean it up.

Get a little water proof bag and put important documents in it and store under your pillon. I carry my registration in my jacket pocket but those days where I go without or forget for whatever reason, it's good to have copies of that and insurance on the bike. I also keep a spare house key in there.

Get a little box of assorted fuses while you're at it. And some crush washers for your oil pan (you are using a fresh washer each oil change aren't you? ;) )

In my saddlebags, I perma-carry extra layers of everything, spare t-shirt and underwear, gloves, waterproof over-gloves, wet weather over-gear (frog toggs), a knife, can of beans, windshield cleaner and rag, owner's manual, sunscreen, painkillers, cold-weather layers, maybe a bottle of water.

I tend to over-prepare, but then again, I've never gotten stuck despite numerous breakdowns (yep, even on my brand new bike). And honestly the stuff I mentioned here really isn't that expensive, probably $100-200 for everything.

I've used a Nelson Rigg cover for all my bikes. Sold my ST1300 this Summer as well but kept my Falcon Defender cover. I have the Large and it's far too big for my FZ. That Dowcover you're looking at seems to be a similar product in construction. I love my cover.

Just last week I picked up the Nelson-Rigg UV-2000 half cover in Medium and its been working great keeping dew, rain, and sun in the summer off the bike. Fits the FZ perfectly.

I just recently got this one for my R1150R with top and side cases and windscreen and I'm pretty happy with it.

> what kind of cover are you using?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NNON7U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Covers are good, but buy relatively cheap ones. If someone wants to have a look-see, they will have to take time to look under it, or cut it - Which should tip you off someone might be interested, and to possibly upgrade/implement some security measures. Disc lock? Probably just another deterant, just do NOT forget it's on there - bad things happen XD
This is the cover I got for my Rebel 500 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07D741PVK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Has the added holes at the front, if you ever want to chain it down.

If you can get a cover that's reflective then it would help keep temp down a bit.

Example https://www.amazon.com/OxGord-Solar-Tech-Reflective-Motorcycle-Cover/dp/B00O4LE0QG

Yeah man, just moved into a place with no garage or cover and was agonizing over how to keep my Monster from being an easy target. Found an article by a guy who used to steal bikes for a living. Said those disc locks are toys, the built in steering lock just takes a few firm kicks, and if nothing else two big dudes can just pick a bike up. He recommended the lock below, and make sure its through the FRAME (not swingarm, tire comes off quick) and anchored to something truly stuck in the ground. I've got mine on a big utility pole. Keep the outside of the cover dirty, but feel free to brush out/rinse the inside every once in awhile. If you can, find a place out of view of the main road but under lighting, or consider installing an outdoor solar powered/motion activated light (can be found for like $10-$15)

Kryptonite Chain and Lock:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001SMUB7G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_4ZSXAb9EF18YA

Motorcycle Cover: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B018ODQK8U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_l3SXAbXD7J9QG

Also interesting to note, this once-thief said don't bother with GPS trackers. Apparently very few idiots steal and keep a bike. For the most part they'll find the tracker during teardown or damage the bike so badly you don't want it back anyway.

Cheers

Nelson-Rigg Deluxe Motorcycle Cover, Weather Protection, UV, Air Vents, Heat Shield, Windshield Liner, Compression Bag, Grommets, Large fits Sport Bikes and Small/Medium Cruisers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GU5IH4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cMVdzb57FHN73
I had nelson plastic cover at first but its not that good
So i decided to get this one
V7 is small size

I have this cover. It has vents and heat shields on it so I cover the bike as soon as I park it. Currently living in the Baltimore/DC area so humidity is pretty outrageous but I have yet to have any issues with condensation.

I bought this one and it's terrible. Ripped in many places in just months.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B011KPU2F6

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001I7UC02/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Would something like this work?

Oxford stormx medium size. Covers my sv650 well with a little room to spare. I truly recommend it, soft heat resistant (150C) inside really good. about £50 but well worth it

see here

I picked up this on Amazon for my Street Triple, it fits really well and is pretty nice quality (sport size): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NNON7U/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got this cover last week for my FJ-09 and it has been great so far. Waterproof, heat shields in exhaust area, solid reviews and $80. It stayed on the bike in gale force winds and a downpour with no trouble last weekend. Bike was bone dry when I checked it in the morning after the storm and the cover didn't show any signs of coming loose or shifting on the bike.

I really like this Dowco cover I purchased a few years ago. Has always done a great job I believe. I will say after the rain is over if I can, I will take my cover off to let the bike air out better as there is still condensation on the bike after rain.

https://www.amazon.com/Dowco-50003-02-WeatherAll-Waterproof-Motorcycle/dp/B0022ZN6WU/ref=pd_cp_263_4?pd_rd_w=zlTpM&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=5H84D0772Z0ZXRPZW3HJ&pd_rd_r=23fbb995-7e25-11e9-b9be-2339e3b9437a&pd_rd_wg=QiFaP&pd_rd_i=B0022ZN6WU&psc=1&refRID=5H84D0772Z0ZXRPZW3HJ#customerReviews

Did you ever look at something like this? Ppl seem to love them and I think they would fit the screen no problem

https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Shield-Standard-Motorcycle-Shelter/dp/B00RN90EIE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1525627485&sr=8-3&keywords=bike+shield&dpID=512lNOctguL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

or

http://www.thebikebarn.net/model_standard.html

or

http://www.cycleshell.com/

I got the Classic Accessories 73867 MotoGear Deluxe Motorcycle Cover, Sport for mine. Bikes in the garage at home but I use it every time a commute to work. Had it for about a year and a half so far, no issues.

Any good suggestions for a Honda Grom rain cover?

Something like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKTX56Q/ref=psdc_404643011_t4_B073XD3XJ1

I have this one by Nelson Rigg.

Pros: Cheap for a name brand cover. The compression bag that it comes with for storage is just awesome, you can very quickly stuff the cover in the bag and reduce its mass to the size of a softball, this is very handy for carrying on the bike. It has large heavy duty nylon reinforced rings on the lower side to bungee the cover on the bike and heat resistant lowers to protect from exhaust heat, which both seem to work in my experience.

Cons: None that I know of, however I cannot say much about the durability of the cover other than it looks and feels well-built and that Nelson Rigg products are generally tough. I have had it maybe 5 months but have only used it about 6 times on trips, I do not use it / store it outside on a daily basis.

Make sure you get one the right size. A little bigger if you plan on having side/top cases on the bike. When in doubt, go for the bigger size.

You really get what you pay for. The $20 ones are terribly flimsy. Best one I've found is the Dowco Guardian ones:
https://www.amazon.com/Dowco-50124-00-Guardian-WeatherAll-Motorcycle/dp/B000HS1356/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1480537808&sr=1-1&keywords=guardian+bike+cover

Motorcycle Cover,WDLHQC 210D... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PV81BFN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I have this one, it kinda sucks. It's as wet und er r the cover as it is on top, not due to leaks. But condensation. Look for ones with felt like material on the bike side of the cover, it helps with that. Or a breathable fabric one, its just water, and if you let it get in and out easily, it wont turn into a swamp in there and rot it out.

As far as fitment goes, universal works great, just check the measurements,the one I linked fits like a glove, well, maybe grabs my mirrors a little tight.

I'm getting a cover asap.
I have no idea of the size I should get tho.

I found this on amazon

They recommend a size regarding the cc but I have a dual spor, and even tho it's only a 250cc it end up being pretty big with the fenders and mirrors.
Should I get a large or an Xlarge?

For reference, my bike is one of these:
2007 Super Sherpa

I have this one. It's pretty heavy and well made, IMO. The silver bottom is heat-resistant so you can put it on a still-warm bike, and it has a plastic vent over the seat area to give it airflow.

My YBR has much the same issue. In the warmer months, she would start on the button in a fraction of a second. I found when we had a few rainy nights and the damp on the bike chilled the engine components, she would take between 1-2 seconds to turn over and even then, the smell from the automatic choke wasn't pleasant - it was definitely compensating for being a cold start. This obviously requires more juice from the battery as well, so the cold and the (relatively) small battery combined made it difficult.

I got me a rather expensive bike cover online to help insulate and protect the bike from the elements as it got further into winter. I didn't want her rusting or getting wet - I'm quite keen to keep the YBR - so it seemed a good investment. Unless it's a silly cold night, the bike now starts on the button every time in that same fraction of a second that was in the summer. It also protects the various parts against the elements which I would always recommend.

So that helps for sure. Get a cheaper cover if you don't want to fork out the £££ for the StormEx, but a lined/insulated cover definitely helps in the early mornings.

Going back to the battery needing extra oomph to cold start, riding 15 minutes isn't really enough to boost that battery charge. You need to get the revs nice and high and warm that engine up. You will put more energy back into the battery that way and I think that combined with a cover will sort you out. Certainly did for me. If you're daily commute is always going to be 15 minutes then take the bike out later in the day when it's not so cold and give it a run up a ring road or something, get those pistons working.

The extra hastle of putting an insulated cover on every night/taking it off every morning is definitely worth it.

Protip - the StormEx (if you are tempted) is one hefty bugger of fabric, so be careful when pulling it over number plates, wingmirrors, indicators etc!

Edit: Just realized you already have a cover and you live in Cardiff. I use my cover all the time, even if the bike is already wet. It keeps it drier than if you wouldn't and leaving rainwater on the bike overnight to chill the components is not good, especially on such a small machine. My covers purpose isn't so much to keep the rain off, but keep it a bit more insulated than if it were out in the open. I live over the bridge in Bristol so conditions are very similar for you and I.

When I first moved here all I had was my motorcycle and I never had trouble finding shaded parking. Even so, for 20 bucks you can get a cover. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0142IHKX0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_w9jozbS9EN956

I bought the sport Dowco cover off Amazon and the fit is very good. The material feels very rugged and it's waterproof. It also comes with a little bag so you can roll up the cover and transport it. A bit pricey but I recommend since my bike is stored outdoors.

Link to product.

This is the one I got.... could prolly could have gotten the small but I settled with med Nuzari Waterproof Polyester Outdoor Motorcycle Cover, Medium - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018ODQK8U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_SgPazbWHMP2QW

I lived in a ghetto apartment complex and that is exactly what I did. I ran the chain through the frame and around a big pipe that went through the ceiling and floor. Then I parked my car in front of it so that no one could wheel it out even if they did break the chain and lock. But it was just an old GS500. If I had a late model sportbike I doubt it would have gone a week without getting stolen.

https://www.amazon.com/XX6-SS-Disc-Lock-Alarm-Motorcycle-Stainless/dp/B002VR5LLI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499878417&sr=8-1&keywords=xena+alarm

https://www.cyclegear.com/accessories/stockton-721-security-chain-and-lock

https://www.amazon.com/XYZCTEM-Season-Waterproof-Motorcycle-Lockholes/dp/B0142IHKX0/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1499878506&sr=1-1&keywords=motorcycle+cover

any one ever use THIS one? looks promising.