The Ultimate Guide for Picking the Ideal Motorcycle Cover to Prevent Condensation
Motorcycles, like other precious possessions, require particular care and protection. Whether it’s from harsh weather conditions, dust, or harmful UV rays, your motorcycle needs a reliable shield. A motorcycle cover serves as this shield, providing the necessary protection. However, one issue that often plagues motorcycle owners is build up of condensation under the cover, which can lead to corrosion and rust. This comprehensive guide aims to help you select the best motorcycle cover to stop condensation, ensuring the longevity of your prized ride.
Understanding the Issue: Stop Condensation
Motorcycle cover condensation is a phenomenon that occurs when a motorcycle is left in storage, especially during colder months, and covered with a non-breathable cover. This creates an enclosed environment where warm, moist air can get trapped. In scientific terms, this is a classic example of the water cycle in action, specifically the step of condensation.
Here’s how it works: During the day, the temperature rises and the air around the bike becomes warmer. This warm air can hold more moisture than cool air. When you cover your motorcycle, this warm, moist air gets trapped under the cover. As the temperature drops at night, the trapped warm air cools down. However, cooler air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air, causing the excess moisture to condense into tiny droplets.
These droplets can then attach themselves to the cooler metal surfaces of the motorcycle. If left unchecked, these droplets can accumulate and lead to rust, corrosion, and mold, which can damage the motorcycle over time. Condensation can lead to several issues, including:
- Rust and corrosion: When water condenses on your bike’s metal parts, it can cause rust and corrosion over time. This damages the bike’s appearance and can even affect its performance.
- Mold growth: The moist environment under the cover can promote mold growth, especially on non-metal components.
- Fuel breakdown: Water vapor can enter the gas tank and mix with the fuel, causing it to break down and negatively impact the bike’s performance.
The Role of Motorcycle Covers
Motorcycle covers protect your ride from various external conditions, including dust, rain, snow, and harmful sun rays. A high-quality cover can also help prevent condensation by allowing airflow and reducing moisture buildup. However, not all covers are created equal, and choosing the right one requires careful consideration.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Motorcycle Cover
When selecting a motorcycle cover, keep the following factors in mind:
- Material: Look for a cover made from breathable, waterproof, or water-resistant materials. This will allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
- Fit: The cover should fit well over your motorcycle, covering about half to three-quarters over the wheels. This allows space between the ground and the cover for air circulation.
- Vents: High-placed vents can allow warm air to escape and pull cool air in from the bottom, reducing condensation.
- Design: Some covers are designed with cool air design principles, allowing 3-8″ of space between the ground and the cover for cool air to enter.
Types of Motorcycle Covers: Indoor Vs Outdoor
When it comes to motorcycle covers, there are two primary types: indoor and outdoor. As the names suggest, these are designed for different usage scenarios and have distinct features.
| Aspect | Indoor Motorcycle Covers | Outdoor Motorcycle Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Usage Location | Garage or indoor spaces | Outdoor parking |
| Primary Purpose | Protect against dust, scratches and minor bumps | Protect against rain, snow, UV rays and harsh weather conditions |
| Material | Lighter, softer materials | Robust, weather-resistant materials |
| Weather Resistance | Not designed for harsh weather conditions | Built to withstand rain, snow, UV rays and other outdoor elements |
| Condensation Prevention | Helps prevent condensation due to temperature fluctuations and humidity changes | Helps prevent condensation through breathability and moisture evaporation |
| Durability | Lower durability due to lighter materials | Higher durability to withstand outdoor materials over time |
| Protection Level | Protects against dust, scratches and minor contact | Provides comprehensive protection against various weather-induced damage |
| Features | Focuses on indoor storage needs, often with soft lining | Designed to withstand outdoor challenges, may include secure fits, locks, and tie-downs |
Top Picks: Best Motorcycle Covers to Stop Condensation
After considering these factors, here are some top picks for motorcycle covers that effectively prevent condensation:
Oxford Stormex Motorcycle Cover
This cover is both tough and durable, capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions. The cover is breathable and comes with a soft inner area to protect your motorcycle’s paint job. Its main features include:
- Heat-Resistant Lining: The inner lining is heat-resistant, allowing you to cover your motorcycle immediately after a ride without worrying about the heat damaging the cover.
- Breathable Material: The Oxford Stormex is designed to be breathable, which helps to prevent condensation build-up that could lead to rusting or corrosion. This is especially important if you plan on storing your bike for extended periods.
- Security Features: The Oxford Stormex cover has strategically positioned holes that can accommodate a lock and chain, allowing you to secure your bike while it’s covered. Additionally, it has a solar panel pocket for charging devices.
- Adjustable Belly Strap: This strap, located in the middle of the cover, ensures a secure fit and keeps the cover in place even during windy conditions.
You can check out the Prices here.
Tourmaster Elite Motorcycle Cover
The Tour Master Elite Motorcycle Cover is a premium-quality, waterproof cover designed to provide exceptional protection for your motorcycle. Its construction involves high-quality 300 Denier Carbolex®, ensuring durability and resistance against harsh conditions. The seams of the cover are double stitched and taped, offering an extra layer of security. Some of the features include:
- Fully vented cover design allows moisture evaporation and prevents condensation.
- Aluminized heat panels protect from hot bike parts, reducing heat-related damage.
- Elasticized bottom and quick-release lower strap for easy and secure fitting.
- Reinforced front-wheel button hole for a locking device.
- Soft protector fabric for windshield and tail section, ensuring delicate parts are safe.
You can check out the Prices here.
Nelson Rigg Deluxe All Season Motorcycle Cover
The Nelson Rigg Deluxe All Season Cover is a top-rated motorcycle cover due to its comprehensive features and reliability. This cover is water-resistant, making it suitable for all-season use, and is lightweight, making it easy to handle and store. Its construction includes a ventilation system that helps to prevent the build-up of condensation, thereby preserving the condition of your motorcycle. Some of the main features include:
- Includes soft windshield liner for scratch protection.
- Features elastic bottom and grommets for secure fitting.
- Packed in compact compression bag for easy storage.
- Available in different sizes for various motorcycle types.
- Ideal for light outdoor weather conditions and temporary storage.
You can check out the Prices here.
Seceles All Season Heavy Duty Motorcycle Cover
The Tour Master Select Motorcycle Cover is a lightweight, high-quality cover designed for superior protection of your motorcycle. Made from 300 Denier Carbolex material, it’s 100% waterproof and features double-stitched seams for added durability. The cover is fully vented to prevent condensation buildup and comes equipped with aluminized heat panels to guard against heat damage. Some of the features include:
- Upgraded with 4 high-visibility reflective strips (2 front, 2 back) for easy visibility in the dark.
- 2 reinforced lock holes (front and back) for convenient and secure motorcycle locking.
- Double-stitched elastic band at the bottom ensures a snug fit.
- Constructed from 300D premium nylon oxford material for enhanced waterproofing and durability (3600 Pa water pressure).
You can check out the Prices here.
At XpertRider, Mike shares his expertise on the latest motorcycle technologies and products, offering in-depth reviews and comparisons to help riders make informed decisions when it comes to gear and accessories. His goal is to provide riders with the information they need to make the most out of their riding experience and stay safe on the road.
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