Whether you’re a motorcycle enthusiast or a casual cyclist, keeping your two-wheeled vehicle in top condition is essential.  Motorcycles and bicycles usually see less use in fall and winter, so careful storage is necessary. An easy, effective way to ensure this is by investing in a quality cover. Motorcycle and bicycle covers offer more than just protection from rain–they shield your ride from a range of possible hazards that could lead to wear and tear or costly damage. There are many benefits to using a cover for your motorcycle or bicycle making a quality cover a smart choice for every rider.

Protection from the Elements 

The most obvious benefit of a motorcycle or bicycle cover is protection from the elements. Weather can be unpredictable, and prolonged exposure can wreak havoc on your bike’s appearance and functionality. Protection from rain and snow is a top priority due to the corrosive effects of moisture. Even if your bike has anti-rust treatments, repeated exposure to moisture can weaken the metal over time. A cover acts as a waterproof barrier, keeping your bike dry. Snow and ice is another problem for bikes, introducing moisture into delicate parts like gears, chains, cables, and brakes. Rust forming on cables and mechanical parts can degrade the performance and safety of your bike. 

It’s not just in the fall and winter that having a bike cover is important. UV Rays and sun damage can happen at any time of year. While it’s true that higher temperatures cause plastic or rubber components to fail earlier, UV rays can be present even at cold temperatures, so it’s important to keep your bike covered if it is exposed to direct sunlight during storage. Wind, dirt and debris are present year round, which can scratch paint and make maintenance more difficult. Dirt can stick to existing lubrication on a bike, contaminating surfaces and eventually working their way into bearings and mechanisms causing costly and labor intensive repairs. A cover helps keep your ride clean and dust-free, reducing the frequency of washes and upkeep.

Prevents Rust and Corrosion

As mentioned, moisture is the leading cause of rust on metal surfaces. Rust can damage important parts of your motorcycle or bicycle, such as the chain, gears, and frame. A cover acts as a first line of defense, stopping rain, snow, or condensation from seeping into these components and causing corrosion.

Additionally, covers help block salt and other corrosive elements found on winter roads or in coastal areas. Without a cover, your bike is exposed to these harmful substances, which can accelerate the rusting process. Our bicycle covers and motorcycle covers include VCI rust protection technology for an extra edge in rust protection. VCI rust protection is effective–according to Future Market Insights, the market size for VCI packaging market is projected to grow to $1.4B by 2033 due to the widespread use of VCI packaging in various industries.

Extends the Lifespan of Your Motorcycle or Bicycle

It’s always best to store your bike indoors so that temperature and humidity levels are more stable. A cover is beneficial whether in or outside. If you must store your ride outside, a cover helps protect your bike from weather, rust, and UV damage, extending its lifespan. This means fewer repairs, less frequent part replacements, and, ultimately, more years of enjoyment from your bike or motorcycle.

Paint fading, seat damage, and rusted components all contribute to the aging process of your bike. With regular use of a cover, these problems are minimized, helping you maintain your bike’s aesthetic appeal and performance for longer. Bicycles don’t require any maintenance at the end of the season beyond lubrication, cleaning and adjustments, or replacement of worn or broken parts. It can be stored hanging or parked on the ground. Motorcycles can use a couple of extra steps to help winterize them. Adding quality gasoline and fuel stabilizer ensure that any gas in the tank doesn’t go bad during extended periods of storage. Critter-proof your bike by covering up the exhaust pipe and any vulnerable areas of the bike. Raise the rear wheel off of the ground with a stand to preserve the tires during the off-season.

Security and Theft Deterrent

While a cover doesn’t provide the same level of protection as a lock or alarm system, it does offer some level of deterrence to potential thieves. A covered motorcycle or bicycle is less visible, reducing temptation for opportunistic theft. 

Keeps the Bike Clean

Keeping your motorcycle or bicycle clean can be time-consuming, especially if it’s frequently exposed to outdoor elements. Dirt, dust, bird droppings, tree sap, and other debris can accumulate on the surface, making regular cleaning necessary. A cover helps to protect against these elements, reducing the need for constant washes and detailing. This means you can spend more time riding and less time cleaning!

Convenience and Portability

One of the best things about motorcycle and bicycle covers is their convenience. Most covers are lightweight, foldable, and easy to store, making them a perfect accessory for riders who frequently travel or park outdoors. They can be quickly packed into a saddlebag, backpack, or car trunk, ensuring that you always have protection for your vehicle no matter where you are.

If you live in an apartment or don’t have access to a garage, a cover is especially valuable as it offers the next best thing to indoor storage. Even if you do have a garage, a cover provides additional protection from dust and potential scratches from other objects in the space.

Helps Maintain Resale Value

If you ever decide to sell your motorcycle or bicycle, having kept it covered and well-maintained can boost its resale value. Potential buyers will appreciate a bike that’s been protected from the elements and is in excellent condition. Scratches, faded paint, or rust can detract from your vehicle’s value, but using a cover can help prevent these issues.

Affordable Investment for Long-Term Protection

Compared to the cost of repairing weather-related damage or replacing rusted parts, investing in a high-quality cover is an affordable solution. Whether you own a high-end motorcycle or a basic commuter bike, a cover is a low-cost way to ensure long-term protection. A motorcycle or bicycle cover is more than just an accessory; it’s a practical tool for preserving the life, appearance, and performance of your valuable equipment. By protecting against weather, rust, UV rays, and dirt, a cover reduces maintenance, extends your bike’s lifespan, and even offers some security benefits. Whether you park outside year-round or simply want to keep your vehicle in top shape, a quality cover is an investment worth making for any rider.

If you have questions about VCI solutions for motorcycle or bicycle storage, we can help.

Contact Zerust for information on VCI products to help with car rust prevention by emailing us or calling (330) 405-1965.

Additional Resources:

Volatile corrosion inhibitors (VCI) packaging Market Snapshot (2023 to 2033),  July 203,  Future Market Insights

More Blog Entries:
How to Decide Which Bicycle Cover You Need, March 15, 2024, Zerust Products Blog