Size an outdoor motorcycle cover by straight-line measurements of length, width, and height, then round up to the next size when you’re between sizes.
Getting the cover size wrong means either a flapping, moisture-trapping bag or a stretched-out shell that exposes your paint. The right way to size an outdoor motorcycle cover takes about ten minutes with a tape measure, and it comes down to three straight-line measurements matched against the brand’s chart. Skip the guesswork and you’ll likely buy twice.
How to Measure Your Motorcycle for a Cover
Measure the bike in a straight line across its longest and widest points—never follow the body contours. The bike should be on its side stand with the handlebars straight, which is how it will sit under the cover. You need three numbers: length from the front tire to the rear tire or rear fender, width at the widest point (often the handlebars, mirrors, or fairing), and height from the ground to the tallest point, which is usually the windshield or mirrors.
For height, measure to the tallest of the windshield, mirrors, or handlebars.
Factors That Change Which Cover Size You Need
Accessories change the footprint, and ignoring them is the most common sizing mistake. A tall windshield, mirrors, saddlebags, top boxes, and sissy bars all add width or height, so include them in your measurements. If you store the bike with a top case attached, measure with it on, per MYCOVER’s guidance.
- Mirrors and windshields often set the height and front width.
- Saddlebags and top cases set the rear width and can add 2–4 inches.
- Sissy bars add rear height that a standard-size cover won’t clear.
Fit targets are similar across brands: the cover should sit slightly larger than the bike, with a few inches of ground clearance so air can circulate under the hem and moisture doesn’t pool.
Motorcycle Cover Size Chart
Size charts vary by brand and bike class, but the ranges below reflect common outdoor cover dimensions from current charts. Always compare your measurements to the specific brand’s table before ordering.
| Cover Size | Typical Length | Typical Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | 74–92 inches | 650cc–1100cc standards without windshields or accessories |
| Large | 80–98 inches | Sport and standard bikes up to 1300cc, often with fairings |
| XL / XXL | 88–111 inches | Large touring bikes, cruisers with saddlebags, dressers |
| XXXL | 116+ inches | Full-dress touring bikes with top cases and fairings |
| Sportbike (SP) | Varies | Short, low fairing bikes like the RevZilla WeatherAll Plus SP |
| Adventure Touring (AT) | Varies | Tall, narrow ADV bikes with high windshields |
| Cruiser (CR) | Varies | Wide, low bikes with apes and saddlebags |
When a bike falls near a size boundary or carries accessories, multiple fit guides say the same thing: size up.
Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
The most common error is measuring along the bike’s curves instead of straight across. A tape following the fuel tank’s contour adds several inches that don’t exist in a straight line, pushing you into a size that flaps in the wind. The second error is ignoring what sticks out: a mirror or top case that turns a medium bike into a large footprint. A cover that’s too short exposes the front fender or rear wheel to rain and UV, while one that’s too tight risks abrasion marks where the fabric rubs the paint.
Another frequent miss is assuming the bike’s registration documents settle it. They help, but accessories still need manual verification. When you’re ready to buy, a solid roundup of tested outdoor motorcycle covers will show which brands hold up in weather and which sizes run small.
If you’re between sizes, the larger cover wins. A loose fit with good hem clearance beats a taut fit that traps moisture or rubs a hole through the fabric.
References & Sources
- RevZilla. “WeatherAll Plus Cover Dimensions.” Size and dimension chart for motorcycle cover models by class.
- RevZilla. “Tourmaster Motorcycle Covers Sizing Chart.” Fit ranges and class-specific size recommendations.
- Nelson-Rigg. “Motorcycle Covers.” Fit guidance for universal-fit covers and measurement instructions.
FAQs
Should a motorcycle cover touch the ground?
No. A cover should sit a few inches above the pavement, roughly 3–6 inches, so air circulates under the hem and moisture doesn’t wick up from the ground. A cover dragging on the concrete traps dampness against the bike and speeds up paint and chrome deterioration.
Will a cover fit a bike with saddlebags if I use the base model’s size?
Frequently not. Saddlebags, top cases, mirrors, and tall windshields can each add several inches to the bike’s width or height. Measure the bike with those accessories installed, exactly as you store it, and compare those numbers to the cover chart before ordering.
Do motorcycle cover sizes run the same across all brands?
No. Each manufacturer builds to its own pattern, so a large from one brand can differ from a large in another by several inches. The size label is only a starting point; the dimensions on that brand’s chart are what determine the fit.