Keep it under wraps! Best motorcycle covers for indoor and outdoor use, tested by MCN

Updated: 27 January 2025

Not everyone feels that motorcycle covers are essential. After all, aren’t bikes supposed to be pretty weatherproof already? However a cover can be really useful for a number of reasons, whether you are lucky to enough to have a locked garage to park your bike in, or if you need to store it outside.

Why do I need a cover for my motorcycle?

There are lots of reasons for having a motorcycle cover. A cover can keep the wind, rain, and leaves off it so that you won’t need to clean your motorbike the next time you come to ride it.

It will also keep the prying eyes of bike thieves away – research has shown that the simple act of covering a bike makes it less likely to be stolen. That’s the reason the Met Police often say ‘lock, chain, cover’, because these three things together are most likely to put off anyone keen to nick a bike.

If you keep your bike in a garage, a cover will protect your bike from picking up scratches as you move past it or stop dust from settling in every nook and cranny between rides. It will also protect the paint and plastics if any sunlight can get to your bike where you store it.

Here are MCN’s picks of the best covers for motorcycles.

Our deals and clearance top picks

What to look for when buying a motorcycle cover

If you are lucky enough to have a garage or workshop to keep your bike in, then a more simple dust cover can help to keep it clean and tidy ready for your next ride, without having to keep the rain and wind away from it.

If you’re looking at an external cover, then breathability, to allow any built-up moisture to escape, will help enormously. You’ll also want to find a nice, soft liner to prevent damage to the bike’s paint or finishes if the wind gets up, and a slot for a chain or lock is also useful.

For an inside dust-cover, you want material that’s as soft as possible, to again prevent damaging the bike, though movement is less likely indoors.

Best outdoor motorbike covers

R&G Adventure Motorcycle Cover

Expert rating:

4.0

Price: £59.71 (was £64.99)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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Tested by Michael Neeves for three years

"It was only after buying a scooter that I became a bike cover connoisseur. I’ve used thin, cheap and cheerful ones in the past, but they can rip easily when the wind gets underneath, but this R&G cover is different.
"Made from sturdy waterproof material with belly straps and an elasticated hem, it uses up more space under the seat when you’re storing it, but the reward is a snugger fit. Even after being left outside in the elements, my Yamaha TMAX still looks like it’s been kept in a garage and after three years of service the cover is still in perfect condition."

The R&G Adventure cover is designed primarily for adventure bikes but that makes it big and roomy enough to fit over pretty much anything in a pinch. But there are other fits available designed for other styles of bike, from scooters to sports bikes and cruisers.

Pros

Highly durable
Snug fit gives more coverage

Cons

Doesn't pack down as small as other options

Water resistance

5.0
Heat resistance

5.0
Abrasion resistance

4.0
Ease of use

5.0

Size	266 x 112 x 173 cm

Weatherproof cover
Front and rear chain loops
High visibility reflective logos
Clear PVC rear window allowing the number plate to be visible, with internal 'curtain' enabling it to be covered if desired

Favoto Motorbike Cover

Expert rating:

4.0

Price: $44.08

View Offer

Tested by Ben Clarke for 3 months

"These bike covers from little-known American brand Favoto often drop to silly prices in Amazon sale events and so we thought we’d get hold of one to see if it’s any good. I got the XXL (245cm) option and it’s the right size for the Triumph Scrambler 400X I’m currently testing.

"I was immediately impressed by the front and rear clips to fix it over the bike as I’ve never got on with the under the belly fasteners you get on many covers. It seems really robust and has weathered a few blustery storms without tearing so far, plus you get a UV reflective layer for sun protection.

"On the flipside, some customer reviews on Amazon say it’s shredded in bad weather. That hasn’t been my experience despite the cover being used through some nasty storms but the bike lives in a sheltered location behind a wall.

"At full price I’d say it’s worth buying, but in Amazon sales these sometimes drop under a tenner!"

Pros

Incredible value, especially in sales events
Robust fabric and strong seams
UV-resistant layer under the waterproof membrane
Front and rear fitment clips
Holes for feeding through a modest security chain

Cons

A bit shapeless and baggy in places
Some customer reviews claim it shredded in severe weather (not my experience)
Security chain holes aren’t big enough for big chains

Water resistance

5.0
Heat resistance

3.0
Abrasion resistance

4.0
Ease of use

5.0

Construction	Oxford fabric with double stitched seams
Size	As tested: 245x105x125cm (other sizes available)
Fitment clips	Front and rear

Two lock loops
Reflective strips
UV layer

Other outdoor motorcycle covers to consider

Oxford Stormex Cover

Price: £59.99

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

View Offer

The Stormex from Oxford will protect a bike from rain, sunlight, snow, and dust. It's fully waterproof with externally-bonded seams and has a soft lining to protect the bike's finishes. There's a belly strap to stop it from riding up and a window at the front for a solar-powered battery charger. There's also a window at the rear for the number plate, though this can be covered.

The Stormex gained a Recommended award from our sister publication RiDE when the magazine tested covers.

They said: "The all-singing, all-dancing Oxford Stormex cover is the highest scorer in our test. While the Stormex is a little cumbersome to get on and into place, at least at first – which hits its ‘ease of use’ score – it offers serious protection against the elements. The material proved water, abrasion and heat resistant, and should last a good few years."

Pros

Has a pocket to keep your padlock from sitting on the ground
Made from really sturdy and protective material
Clear panels for numberplate display and solar battery chargers

Cons

One of the pricier options

Water resistance

5.0
Heat resistance

5.0
Abrasion resistance

5.0
Ease of use

3.0

Sizes	L 203cm, 229cm, 246cm, 277cm
Weight	2519g

Tough outer protects against weather & knocks
Soft, heat resistant lining protects against scratches
Reflective panels increase visibility at night
Strategically positioned holes facilitate the use of a lock
Lock pouch helps to keep your padlock off the ground

Oxford Aquatex Cover

RiDE Best Buy

Price: From £16.06

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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The Oxford Aquatex is a waterproof and heat proof cover that comes in eight different sizes so you can probably find a version to fit whatever bike you have. Our sister title RiDE Magazine made the Aquatex their best buy in a cover group test. They said:

“Stocked widely by motorcycle dealers all across the country, this is a lightweight, low-priced and highly effective cover that’s easy to put on and take off. It proved to be completely waterproof and heat resistant in our test, with the only reservation being some moisture forming on the inside of the cover, making it cling to the bike when wet.

“The Aquatex probably won’t last a lifetime, but it’s convenient to use, will protect your bike and is well priced – hence it being awarded our Best Buy triangle.”

Pros

Very reasonably priced
Lightweight and convenient
Completely waterproof

Cons

Moisture formed on the inside of the cover

Water resistance

5.0
Heat resistance

5.0
Abrasion resistance

2.0
Ease of use

5.0

Sizes	L 203cm, 229cm, 246cm, 277cm
Weight	409g

Double stitched nylon for strength and durability
Complete exterior and interior protection
Stores away compactly when not in use

Oxford Rainex

RiDE Recommended

Price: From £35.59

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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Oxford’s Rainex is the UK firm’s mid-priced bike cover offering, with more weight, substance and features than the Aquatex. It comes recommended by sister title RiDE and earns a coveted RiDE Triangle. They said:

“There’s a soft heat-resistant liner, taped seams, and a front window to house a solar battery charger. The fabric proved completely waterproof, but failed the highest heat-resistance test – the iron melting completely through at 200°C.

“Similar in use and performance to the GT Moto cover, but the Oxford did better in the abrasion test making it our pick of the two.”

Pros

Soft liner protects your bike
Can be used with a solar battery charger
Proved to be completely waterproof

Cons

Failed the heat resistance test

Water resistance

5.0
Heat resistance

3.0
Abrasion resistance

4.0
Ease of use

3.0

Sizes	L 203cm, 229cm, 246cm, 277cm
Weight	2395g

Hard wearing and tear resistant construction
Bonded seams
Handlebar air vents to prevent condensation
Soft lining helps prevent paintwork scratches
Adjustable belly strap holds it in place
Heat resistant internal lining material
Strategically positioned holes for a chain
Clear panel for use with a solar charger

Best indoor motorbike covers

Oxford Dormex indoor cover

Expert rating:

4.0

Best indoor motorcycle cover

Price: From £18.90

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

View Offer

Tested by Commercial Content Editor Adam Binnie

"Even indoors your bike needs protection, particularly if it's going to spend the winter months parked up collecting dust.

"Available in four sizes to fit machines from 203cm to 277cm in length, the Dormex is Oxford's best-selling indoor cover, costs less than £20, and has a RiDE Recommended triangle."

"It's made from a soft, breathable material, which means good airflow and a reduced chance of rust and rot setting in. A strap under the bike keeps it locked in place and it looks really smart."

"Downsides? The elasticated hem can be a bit clingy, so you need to be careful not to catch sticky-out indicators or pillion pegs - you can't whip it off like Tom Cruise unveiling his Kawasaki GPZ900 in Top Gun. A velcro flap to run trickle charger cables through would also be nice, but that's nit-picking."

"Otherwise it's a solid and good value alternative to the old, painty dust sheet you were thinking of using. Just don't put it on your bike while it's hot or just after washing it."

Pros

Allows airflow through, which helps to prevent rust
Looks smart on the bike
Reasonably priced

Cons

The elasticated sections mean you need to be careful of indicators and footpegs

Protection

5.0
Fit

4.0
Ease of use

3.0

Sizes	L 203cm, 229cm, 246cm, 277cm
Weight	620g

Breathable membrane that allows the air to constantly travel through
Elasticated bottom and belly strap to allow a snug fit
Comes with carry case, to store away compactly when not in use

Richbrook Indoor Cover

Expert rating:

5.0

Price: £46.00

richbrook.co.uk

View Offer

Tested by MCN Editor Emma Franklin

MCN Editor Emma Franklin describes it as, "The nicest indoor cover I've used." This indoor cover features super-stretchy lycra and satin fabric and 'clings' to the contours of the bike to protect against dust and UV rays. It's breathable so any moisture can escape easily and the soft material means there's no risk of damage to your bike's paint. MCN Deputy Editor Emma Franklin described it as; "The nicest indoor cover I've used." It comes in black and red and a range of sizes.

Pros

Breathable so any moisture can escape easily
Soft material means there's no risk of damage to your bike's paint

Cons

Indoor use only

Protection

5.0
Fit

5.0
Ease of use

5.0

Size	Model specific
Weight	Model specific

Designed in the UK
100% protection against UV damage, dust and other pollutants

Frequently asked questions

What size cover do I need?

The size of cover you need to buy will be determined by the size of your motorcycle. Covers are usually listed with several measurements of length, width at the front and rear, and height at the front and rear. You will need to measure your bike and make sure that you choose a cover that is slightly larger to allow for you to stretch it over.

What rules do I need to be aware of?

If you are storing your motorcycle on a public road, the law states that your number plate must be visible so it would be best to chose a cover that has a clear window to display this.

Can I leave a cover on my bike permanently?

It depends on the quality of cover that you chose. Some covers will be more breathable than others and allow airflow through to the bike. If however the cover you have is not breathable enough, you may find that moisture builds up, which means corrosion could be an issue. It’s best to check periodically, but better still, ride regularly!

How MCN tests motorcycle covers

At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles in order to provide you with opinions and evaluations you can trust, alongside news of the most significant developments in motorcycling safety gear. We want you to stay safe, enjoy your riding and hopefully look great while doing so!

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. To make it onto this list, motorcycle covers must have been used for months by our team of experienced testers, show no major flaws, and protect the motorcycle, as well as offering decent value for money.

Each of our expert reviewers tests their cover for a variety of things, both subjective and objective. Factors assessed include how easy it is to put over the bike, whether it is waterproof, is it breathable, does it protect the paintwork, how heavy they are and if they include details such as belly straps, chain eyelets and clear panels for solar charging or displaying your numberplate.

However, we also assess how they fit over the bike, their perceived build quality and whether they have weatherproof capabilities.

If you can’t see a review against a motorcycle cover on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These covers will only be included if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve put it to the test.

Here’s a brief run-down of the star rating system we use, and what each score means:

1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A cover with a single star rating has fallen below the expected standard and should be avoided.
2 stars – Basic performance in this area or overall. A cover with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level and there is room for improvement. It might be lacking safety features, be poorly built or far too expensive to recommend.
3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A cover with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
4 stars – A product has performed over and above the accepted averaged in this category or overall. A helmet with a four-star rating has surpassed expectation and delivered in a particularly impressive way.
5 stars – A cover has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A product with a five-star rating has delivered to the highest possible level, impressing the tester with its performance. We would happily spend our own money on it.

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

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