If you have to keep your pride and joy outside, one of the best ways to keep it looking good, and also to help prevent it being stolen is to put a cover on it.

Now you could just use one of your mothers old duvet covers, an old piece of tarpaulin with dried on concrete or a nice protective purpose made cover. This cover is made by a company called Protectorl, and they produce motorcycle covers of 5 different sizes and types so whether you have a moped or a fully dressed Goldwing they produce a cover that fits.

Motorcycle covers are spilt mainly into two types, the colour fast canvas type that can be put over a hot exhaust and won't melt but is more expensive than the supported PVC type with a soft inner fabric that is cheap but you have to wait for the bike to cool down. (Protectorl also now produce 2 different sized dust covers.)

The one I have here is the colour fast canvas type and is of the largest size. It easily fits over my Triumph, even with the panniers fitted. The bottom of the cover has eyelets that allow you to anchor the cover in place to prevent it blowing off and it sits in place nicely. The canvas is very rough and great care must be taken so that your bikes paint work is not scratched.

The other type of cover is the supported PVC type, this type is cheaper to buy and has a nice soft inner fabric that won't damage your paint work. The only thing to watch out for is that hot exhaust's and PVC don't get along too well and if you place this type of cover onto a hot exhaust's you will end up with a melted mess on your exhaust. You must wait for the bike to cool down before fitting a PVC cover. This cover has also got the eyelets at the bottom like it's canvas cousin and is elasticated instead.

There's very little more you can really say about motorcycle covers, If you need to be able to put your cover on over a hot engine, then make sure you spend the extra and buy a canvas one, if that's not a problem, then you can save some money and get the nicely lined supported PVC type. At the end of the day these covers do what they say, they cover your bike from the elements & prying eyes and if tied down correctly don't blow away and are reasonably priced.

Good Points
  Can be put on straight away, without damage from a hot engine.
  The dye won't run when wet.
  Scuff-proof.
  Easy to clean.
  Waterproof.
  Welded Foam interior.
  Frost resistant.

Bad Points
  Expensive (cheaper makes available)

How much?
  From £40

Available from
  Most motorcycle dealers.