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How to Pick the Ideal Motorcycle Cover
In the past decade the motorcycle industry started rapidly flourishing and today, a lot of people have come to the realization that driving a motorcycle is much more affordable and to some extent more efficient than driving a car. If you’re one of the people who have just recently got themselves a brand new motorcycle, you should know that you need to adequately protect it.
Some owners are fortunate enough to own a garage and have their motorcycles sheltered safely in there, but a lot of people that don’t have one rely on covers for motorcycles. A motorcycle cover is one of the cheapest, yet most important motorcycle accessories that protect it from dust, rain, heat, UV rays and thieves. It’s basically a small investment for your big investment.
You can find many different types of covers for motorcycles online, from local sellers, at bike stores, etc. However, not all types of motorcycle covers are appropriate for certain motorcycles. That being said, here are a few things to consider before investing in one.
First and foremost, decide on what type of protection your motorcycle needs. Does it need rain, tree sap, snow, bird dropping, sun fading, falling mulberries or rust and corrosion protection? If you store it indoors, it may require a dust cover. With that said, choose a cover that’s designed for the type of protection accordingly. Some covers are designed with a single layer of plastic, while others have five layers of cloth with an inner layer fleece to protect the bike’s finish and an outer waterproof layer.
Next, consider the local weather conditions. If your climate is windy, a secure fastener system can be something worth considering. One of the easiest straps to fasten and remove are elastic straps, but hook-and-look fastenings are better at securing the cover. Belly straps are another popular fastening method that you might consider. If the weather is rainy, a waterproof cover is a must-have.
But besides offering optimum protection, the cover should be also easy to clean. Moreover, a lot of covers come with antimicrobial properties to reduce the odds of mould, fungi and mildew gaining a hold of the cover during rainy seasons. But even if the cover has those properties, regular cleaning is still highly recommended to remove debris or dirt where mould can grow.
And last but not least, consider the size and whether it fits your bike. The cover should fit snuggly over the bike. One way to ensure this is to buy model specific covers. But if you’re buying a universal model, the best way to ensure the cover fits properly is to ensure it doesn’t touch the ground while still covering your entire bike. That way, moisture won’t be able to wick upward and damage your bike.