Should You Cover a Motorcycle in the Winter?

So finally, winter is here, and it’s time to store the motorbike in the garage, and that’s why the question arises, should you cover a motorcycle in winter?

If you’re preparing your motorcycle to store in the winter, you should cover it; it doesn’t matter where you’re storing the motorbike. And to protect your motorbike from various problems, you need to store the motorcycle with a reliable cover. 

Let’s consider what it means and what you can do about it. 

While writing this post, I leave no stone unturned so you can know everything about covering the motorcycle in winter. 

Should You Cover a Motorcycle in the Winter?

Winter is around the corner, so you need to be extra careful when storing the motorbike for longer. Now the question arises, should you cover a motorcycle in the winter? 

If you’re preparing your motorcycle to store in the winter, you should cover it; it doesn’t matter where you’re storing the motorbike. And to protect your motorbike from various problems, you need to store the motorcycle with a reliable cover. 

However, if you’re storing the motorcycle, you should always choose a reliable cover that can restrict moisture and dust. 

Why Should You Cover Your Motorcycle in the Winter? 

Indeed you should cover your motorcycle in the winter to avoid any problems; now the question arises, why should you cover your motorcycle in the winter? 

Covering the motorcycle comes from protecting the motorbike from moisture and dust by restricting it from coming into contact with it, as dust and moisture, when combined together, can form gunk on the motorbike chain and wires. 

Because of gunk, the chain and wires’ health decreases drastically, which decreases the lifespan of your motorbike chain and wires. 

Should You Cover a Motorcycle in the Garage Too?

So far, you understand that you should cover your motorcycle in the winter when storing it to protect your motorcycle from dust and moisture. Now the question arises, should you cover a motorcycle in the garage too? 

If you don’t have a dust-proof and moisture-resistant garage, then you would have to cover your motorcycle in the garage too. Most of the garages don’t have a system that restricts the entry of dust and moisture; thus, it’s better to cover your motorbike in the garage too. 

Covering your motorbike effectively in the garage would protect your chain and wires further from gunk formation. 

Should You Choose a Thick Cover? 

Indeed covering the motorbike with a cover can protect your motorcycle from the chain gunk formation. Now the question arises, should you choose a thick cover? 

If you’re planning to store the motorbike in the winter, you should always go with the thick cover, which isn’t only waterproof and dust resistant but also provide protection. These covers will protect your motorcycle chains and wires from gunk and maintain your motorbike’s internal wires and system in a fresh condition. 

Also, it would be best if you choose a UV lightproof cover which will restrict the entering of the UV rays from the cover. 

Can You Leave the Motorbike Outside with a Cover? 

So far, you understand that you should always choose a thick cover to store the motorbike in the winter. Now the question arises, can you leave the motorbike outside with a cover? 

You can actually leave the motorbike with a cover, your motorbike cover should be thick enough, waterproof, UV-proof, and dust-proof. However, don’t forget to put antifreeze fluid or stabilizer in the gas tank to protect your gas from becoming ineffective. 

Ensure you always connect the motorbike battery with the motorbike maintenance when leaving the motorbike for more than 2.5 months. 

Does Cover Offers Protection? 

Indeed you can leave the motorbike with the thick cover while storing it. Now the question arises, does cover offer protection? 

A reliable and thick motorbike cover always offers your motorbike better protection from UV rays, snow, and moisture which can create numerous problems for your motorbike. However, the effectiveness of your motorbike cover also depends on the way you cover your motorbike. 

For example, storing the motorbike with a reliable cover with a small opening then your motorbike cover won’t be adequate and doesn’t cause any protection to your motorbike. 

Should You Also Cover Your Motorbike Tires? 

So far, you understand that motorbike covers offer protection but only in some cases. Now the question arises, should you also cover your motorbike tires? 

It would be best if you also cover your motorbike tires with the same cover while storing them. It’s because UV rays, when coming in contact with your motorbike tires, can make the rubber dry out, which makes them brittle, or worse, it may cause breakage in the motorbike tires. 

Not only does this offer protection to your motorbike tires, but it also protects your motorbike chains and wires from rusting and dust by closing all possible openings. 

Should You Choose a Thick Cover for UV rays? 

Indeed it would help if you covered your motorbike tires with a thick cover for maximum protection. Now the question arises, should you choose a thick cover for UV rays? 

You should always choose a thick cover, especially if you’re storing the motorbike outside. Storing the motorbike outside leaves, it exposed to harmful UV rays, which can cause your motorbike paint to fade. 

Not only this but covering your motorbike also offers protection to your motorbike’s natural polish. 

Do You Need to Cover Your Motorcycle When it Rains? 

Protecting the motorbike from rainwater can be a crucial factor in extending the lifespan of a motorbike. Now the question arises, do you need to cover your motorcycle when it rains? 

You don’t need to cover your motorcycle when it occasionally rains because rainwater doesn’t harm your motorbike surface, especially if it rains less frequently. But it would be best if you cover your bike when it’s raining every day, and you don’t have a garage to store the motorbike. 

Covering the motorbike when it’s raining will protect the motorbike from rusting and any motorbike paint problems.

What if You Don’t Cover Your Motorcycle When it rains? 

Indeed you don’t need to cover your motorbike if you’re parking it in your motorbike garage. Now the question arises what if you don’t cover your motorcycle when it rains? 

Suppose you don’t cover your motorbike when it’s raining. In that case, all rainwater will start to enter the internal motorbike parts, which could cause rusting on the motorbike surfaces. It would be worse if there were paint-peeled spots on your motorbike.

From the peeled pain spot, the humid air and water will interact with the motorbike iron, causing rust on the overall motorbike surface. And if rust occurs, it spreads across all motorbike internal parts making your motorbike crap. 

Additionally, the engine rusting would cause multiple complications in the motorbike engine, like ignition problems, thus it’s better to protect your motorbike from rusting. 

If you own a garage then you should read my previous post where I discussed how can you protect your motorbike by storing it in the garage, CLICK HERE to read.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict:

Should you cover a motorcycle in the winter? If you’re preparing your motorcycle to store in the winter, you should cover it; it doesn’t matter where you’re storing the motorbike. To protect your motorbike from various problems, you need to store the motorcycle with a reliable cover. 

Covering your motorbike also offers your motorbike better protection from moisture in the rain. And that’s why you should always go with the cover when storing the motorbike outside.