Ride under cover! | MCN’s guide to the best pop up motorcycle shelter for your trusty two-wheeler

No garage or shed to store your motorcycle? If you’ve got the spot, we’ve got some pop-up motorcycle shelter ideas that might solve your problem of how to best store your bike outdoors.

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A basic throw-over motorcycle cover offers limited protection for your bike. It doesn’t handle extremes in weather very well and doesn’t leave much to the imagination of the opportunistic thief.

A pop-up motorcycle shelter, on the other hand, takes things up a notch by being more protective from the weather and potentially more secure than just a bike cover.

Motorcycle shelter_open

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Features of a good pop-up motorcycle shelter

Space to breathe

One big advantage of a shelter is that it doesn’t cling directly to your bike and trap moisture like a cover does when you park your bike wet. The air can still circulate in a shelter, letting the moisture in those hard-to-reach parts dry off. 

That helps prevent long-term damage to parts like chains, fasteners, or callipers. These will rust, corrode or seize up over time if not stored properly or maintained regularly.

In contrast, a pop-up shelter covers your bike without making direct contact, allowing moisture to evaporate after a wet ride. This means your bike stays dry and protected.

Shelter from the storm

Pop-up shelters provide a stable barrier that won’t flap around in the wind and rain, preventing scratches and paint damage that can occur with moving covers. Talking of paintwork, the heat of direct sunlight will transfer to your paintwork through a clingy cover. However, your bike will be more protected under a shelter and looking its best when you’re ready to ride.

Motorcycle shelter_open

Step up in security

Worried about your bike outdoors when you’re indoors? Many pop-up shelters are lockable and the frames are designed to be secured to the ground, adding an extra layer of protection. Ok, so it’s not Fort Knox, but with your bike attached to a good quality ground anchor and sturdy bike locks inside the shelter, and your motorcycle becomes much harder to just grab and go. 

Most bike thieves are opportunists so keeping your bike in a locked shelter keeps your wheels away from prying eyes and out of easy reach. This can significantly reduce the chances of it being stolen on a whim.

Easy and portable

These shelters are easy to use. They can be set up and taken down quickly and easily. If you just need a temporary storage solution, or you need the flexibility of moving frequently, a pop-up motorcycle shelter offers the convenience you need. They are lightweight and portable and are designed to make your life easier while keeping your bike safe from the elements outdoors.

Motorcycle shelter on grass

The best shelters are built with durable materials that withstand extremes in weather, and the added security features can help prevent opportunistic theft.

This motorcycle shelter from Armadillo uses a sturdy metal frame and 600D waterproof cover to protect the bike from rain and wind.

It has a locking mechanism on the frame to prevent it from being opened (additional padlocks needed) and comes with anchor bolts to fix to the ground for extra security. It comes in three sizes to cater for a range of bikes.

Size: (large) 345cm (l) x 137cm (w) x 190cm (h)

Pros

  • Easy to assemble and use - roll in/roll out
  • Easy to open and close
  • Shelter can be locked shut and permanently bolted to the ground
  • Waterproof material keeps your bike completely covered from rain, wind, frost etc
  • Rigid metal rust-proof frame keeps the shelter propped up 
  • The large size will accommodate big bikes

Cons

  • Water can collect on top after heavy rain
  • Some have replaced supplied nuts with nyloc nuts for extra grip and sturdiness
  • The large is quite large so make sure you have the space for it
Sizes available Small, medium, large
Dimensions (large) 345cm (l) x 137cm (w) x 190cm (h)
Dimensions (small) ‎270cm (l) x 105cm (w) x 155cm (h)
Frame Metal
Covering 600D waterproof fabric
Weight 10kg
  • Folds open and closed for easy access
  • Stores motorcycles freely without material contact
  • Sturdy metal frame
  • Two security locking mechanisms (requires padlocks, not supplied)
  • Can be permanently fixed to concrete floor (expander bolts included)
Price: $189.99
The Vevor motorcycle shelter from manufacturer Mophorn operates with the rear section of the frame lifting off the ground completely and the bike riding in, then the shelter folds back over the bike to cover it.

This one is described as waterproof, UV resistant and will protect the bike from snow and dust as well. The frame is galvanised steel and the cover uses a 600D oxford fabric cover with a waterproof lining.

Size: 270cm (l) x 105cm (w) x 155cm (h)

Pros

  • Material is thick and seams are double stitched
  • Recommend fastening to the ground
  • Relatively easy to put together
  • Can be padlocked

Cons

  • Instructions are not great but easy enough to put up
  • Water can collect on top
Overall size 106"(270cm)x41"(105cm) x 61"(155cm)
Ride-in height 50"
Frame material  Galvanized coated steel poles
Material Black Oxford 600D
  • Will fit standard and some larger motorbikes
  • Weatherproof and hard wearing
  • Suitable as a permanent or temporary fixture
  • Folds open and closed for easy access
  • 600D waterproof cover
  • Sturdy metal frame
  • Store motorcycles without material contact
  • Security locking mechanisms (requires padlocks, not supplied)
This folding cover gets mixed reviews (as they all do) but those who like it really seem to like it. It's almost three metres long and 1.7m tall and the manufacturer says it is large enough to fit virtually all bikes.

It sits over the bike and the frame spans bring the cover over the top and secure at the back, from the bike’s perspective and protects the bike from rain, sunlight, dust and debris.

Size: 295cm (l) x 105cm (w) x 170cm (h)

Pros

  • Easy to assemble (but instructions are not great)
  • Light and smooth to open
  • Can be anchored to the ground and padlocked

Cons

  • Holes for padlock are quite small - might have to improvise
  • Some parts were missing on delivery
  • Different opinions on quality
Dimensions Width 105cm x Length 295cm x Height 170cm
Ride-in height 155cm
Weight 24kg
Colour Grey
  • Fits most standard bikes (check measurements before buying)
  • Can be anchored to the ground and padlocked
  • Ride in / ride out as covers open and close easily
  • Material is waterproof and won't crack or fade in sunlight
This shelter gets pretty good reviews online and comes with galvanised steel framework so you'll never need to worry about it getting rusty. It comes in kit form and should be simple to assemble and the cover is made in 600D canvas with breathable mesh vents in the roof. The manufacturer describes it as 'massive', saying it will fit all conventional bikes.

Size: 270cm (l) x 105cm (w) x 157cm (h)

Pros

  • Easy to put together
  • Bigger than some of the others
  • Decent quality materials

Cons

  • Need to bolt it down other wise it will move in wind
Size 270*105*157CM
Weatherproofing Fully Waterproof and UV resistant features 600D oxford
Frame Galvanized Coated Steel
Covering 40gsm polyester mesh
  • Protects from rain, dust and debris
  • Folds and retracts hassle free
  • Easy and fast to open and close
  • Floor Mount Base plate can be used to fix the tent in place permanently

Alternatives to pop-up shelters

Here’s an option which may be suited to you if you have the space (and budget) and want something bigger, more permanent, and more secure. Will fit all your kit, cleaning materials, tools etc.

If you don't have a shed but you have the space for one, this secure option from Asgard is a top choice. It's got reinforced and galvanised metals in all the right places, robust anchor points and drill and pick resistant locks. There are hidden vents to allow fumes and moisture to air out.

Pros

  • Police approved and Loss Prevention Certified
  • Extra-large vents allow moisture and fumes to escape easily from the inside
  • Hidden ventilation in the roof to help keep condensation to a minimum
  • Fixing bolts to anchor the shed to the ground
  • Can add a gutter kit and collect rainwater straight from your shed into a water butt and wash your bikes post-ride with rainwater

Cons

  • More expensive than other shelters
External Height: 2032mm (6ft 7ins)
Width: 1580mm (5ft 2ins)
Depth: 2740mm (9ft 0ins)
Door Aperture: 1690mm (5ft 6ins) x 1420mm (4ft 7ins)
Weight: 294kg (46.4 Stone)
Internal Height To Apex: 1950mm (6ft 4ins)
Height To Eaves: 1760mm (5ft 9ins)
Width: 1460mm (4ft 9ins)
Depth: 2620mm (8ft 7ins)
Material Metal
  • Secure Design Offering Motorbike Storage
  • Rust Resistant Galvanised Steel Walls
  • Large Double Doors for Easy Access
  • 5-Point Door Locking System – with Pick and Drill Resistant Properties
  • Accredited by the UK Locksmiths Association
  • 10-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
  • Includes Heavy-Duty Metal Floor
Best for workplaces, collections and garages
Price: £3,922.00 (ex. VAT)
If you have motorcyclists at the workplace and want something substantial in the way of motorbike shelter then Shelter Store offer galvanised or powder-coated options in different sizes and colours. With anti-climb roof and frame ends and clear polycarbonate panels, this solution is something that would take up more space but offers some great outside shelter from our unpredictable weather.

Pros

  • Includes assembly bolts, expanding foundation bolts for concrete plinth and arrangement drawing for assembly
  • No-crawl-under perimeter
  • Hot dipped galvanised or polyester powder coated to BS EN ISO 1461:1999 standard finish
  • Shelter comes with adjustable overground fixing feet
  • Single units can be placed alongside or opposite each other to form larger motorbike storage areas
  • Sizes to accommodate from 4 bikes up to 12 bikes

Cons

  • Expensive for individuals but good value for businesses

How MCN tests products

At MCN, each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of bikers… because we are one. We regularly test and review all motorcycle kit and accessories. We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.

If you can’t see a review against the motorcycle shelters on this page, it’s because we haven’t personally tested them yet. We’ve included them because we think they would be useful for our audience based on their specs and features, and based on recommendations from other bikers and our own research. Rest assured, though, we will be bringing you reviews as they’ve been tried and tested by our team.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

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