Indoor vs outdoor motorcycle covers at a glance

Step 1: where will the bike sit?

Outside, even some of the time: you need a waterproof motorcycle cover, not a water-resistant one. On our Bodyguard Waterproof Motorcycle Cover, TourTitan Waterproof Motorcycle Cover and AdventureX Waterproof Motorcycle Cover, every seam is electronically sealed, air vents limit moisture build-up, and large reinforced grommets take a cable lock so the cover cannot simply be pulled off. The Bodyguard and AdventureX add an elasticized hem and an underbelly strap with side-release buckles to hold them in wind.

In a garage or shed: an indoor cover keeps off dust and debris. The Premium Indoor Motorcycle Cover is the heavier one, in heavy-duty water-resistant polyester. The Nylon Motorcycle Storage Cover is thin and light, mainly for dust. The Universal Motorcycle Indoor Storage Cover, in UV-treated nylon, also shields paint from sun through a window.

Know the limit: none of the three indoor covers is waterproof. The Premium Indoor and Nylon pages do not recommend them for outdoor use, and the Universal page says not to use it outdoors in heavy rain.

Step 2: what kind of bike is it?

Our full covers come in universal sizes by bike type, not by brand. The Bodyguard, Premium Indoor and Nylon covers share three sizes: Medium for sportbikes, hyperbikes, scramblers and standards; Large for cruisers, baggers, bobbers and large sport bikes; X-Large for full-dress tourers without a rear top box (with a rear hook-and-loop opening for dual antennas). A tourer with a top box takes the TourTitan, our largest cover, which also fits Harley trikes. An adventure or sport-touring bike takes the AdventureX, cut for long suspension, tall windshields and rear luggage boxes. A Can-Am Spyder RT has its own Can-Am Spyder RT Waterproof Cover, sized by model year. Our Can-Am Spyder and Ryker cover guide shows which cover fits your model and year.

Motorcycle cover size chart: which cover fits your bike

The model examples come from the fitting guides on our product pages (for the Medium, Large and X-Large rows, the Bodyguard guide). The indoor covers use the same size names, so check the guide on the page of the cover you pick. These are examples, not a complete list; if your bike is not here, send us its make, model, year and luggage.

A sport tourer with a top case and side cases usually fits the AdventureX. If your top box is bigger than typical aluminium adventure cases, ask us about the TourTitan.

Winter storage: which cover for a Canadian winter

In a garage, an indoor cover is all you need. If the bike will spend the winter outside, use a waterproof cover at the very least, and read our guide to outdoor motorcycle storage in Canada before you decide: it compares a cover with a fold-up shelter such as our Pro-Shelter Garage, and it has the full checklist for getting the bike ready. For the battery side of storage, see our battery maintainer guide.

Covers on the road and on a trailer

Touring and overnight stops: the Bodyguard, AdventureX, Premium Indoor and Nylon covers roll into an included compression tote that fits a tour trunk, saddlebag or backpack. With the Bodyguard's aluminized panels you can cover the bike as soon as you reach the motel, without waiting for the exhaust to cool. The Travelex Motorcycle Half Cover is a lightweight option: a waterproof half cover for the essential parts of the bike, with a soft lining near the windshield and peg straps to hold it in wind, and it folds into its own bag.

Trailering: our motorcycle covers are made for parking and storage. None of them is described as built to stay on at highway speed on an open trailer, the way our trailerable snowmobile covers are. On an open trailer, we suggest you tow the bike uncovered and put the cover on when you arrive. To keep ratchet strap hooks off your paint and chrome, use Vehicle Soft Loops at the tie-down points.

What to look for in any motorcycle cover

• Waterproof for outside: sealed or taped seams, not just a coated fabric.
• Vents: trapped moisture is what leads to rust and corrosion under a cover.
• A strap under the bike as well as an elastic hem, so wind cannot lift it.
• Heat panels if you cover the bike right after a ride.
• A soft lining where the cover touches the windshield.
• The right size for your bike type and luggage, not the biggest one available: a cover that is too big is harder to keep snug in wind.

You can compare every option in our motorcycle covers collection.

Questions riders ask us

Can I use an indoor cover outside?

We do not recommend it. Our indoor covers are not 100% waterproof. If the bike sits outside, choose the Bodyguard, TourTitan or AdventureX.

My bike has a top box. Which size do I need?

For a full-dress tourer with a top box, the TourTitan. The X-Large Bodyguard is for full-dress tourers without one. For an adventure or sport-touring bike with cases, the AdventureX.

Can I put the cover on while the bike is still hot?

With the Bodyguard, yes: its aluminized panels protect the cover from hot engine parts. The TourTitan has aluminized bottom panels for the same reason, and our Premium Indoor and Nylon covers have heat panels too.

How do I stop the cover from blowing off?

Use the underbelly strap as well as the elastic hem, and pick the right size. Owners of the Bodyguard on Yamaha V-Star cruisers tell us the elastic hem, the strap under the bike and the buckle keep it secure.

Is the Travelex half cover enough for storage?

It is a half cover, not a full one. It is best for short stops and travel; for longer storage outside, use a full waterproof cover.