motorcycle being washed

Get the Edge In Motorcycle Storage with VCI Protection Covers

When do you put away the motorcycle for the year? For those fortunate to live in a warm climate, riding season never ends, but if you live in the north, ice on the road means it’s time to put the bike away. Riders understand the danger of ice, so when ice forms on roadways, this is the cutoff of riding season. The most determined riders report riding into early winter, even using knobby tires to ride on light snow. For the average motorcycle rider that wants to enjoy the late fall scenery,  good winter gear means you can ride comfortably into 30°F temps. Not all riders want to be on the bike late in the fall and in winter, so feel free to pass on the winter riding gear if this isn’t your speed. What all riders should invest in is a good quality motorcycle cover with built in VCI protection, especially if you ride in the winter.

Why Use A Motorcycle Cover With VCI Protection?

Winter riders know that road salt is a threat to motorcycles, creating a corrosive solution that works it’s way into the nooks and crannies of the bike. If this is allowed to sit on the bike in storage, it can lead to rusting on the chain and other vulnerable areas of the bike. Painted surfaces, stainless and chrome are more resistant to rusting, and those are the areas that are easier to wipe down and keep clean. For the mechanical bits and hardware that may be uncoated, these areas are more prone to rust. However, the problem is not just limited to winter riders! In early spring, it’s time to dust off the motorcycles and go for a ride when the temperatures are warming. However, there is a lot of residual salt on the road that may not have had the chance to become washed away. For this reason, the same steps to to prevent against rust should be applied, whether in winter or early spring.

Steps to Prevent Rust On Your Motorcycle

motorcycle wheel being cleaned with pressure sprayer

  1. After riding, briefly rinse the motorcycle with cold water to remove road salt residue. Use caution with pressure washers, as they can force water into seals and mechanical components and cause damage.
  2. Try rinsing with a mixture of baking soda and water as this can neutralize salt’s corrosive effects.
  3. Use a mild soap, or a dedicated motorcycle cleaner to clean the bike. A large sponge works well to clean large areas such as handlebars, fuel tanks, seats, and fenders. For wheels and mechanical components, a soft bristle brush is effective.
  4. Clean the chain with a chain brush or dedicated chain cleaner and soap or degreaser.
  5. After bike parts are clean and rinsed off, use a chamois cloth and a leaf blower or fan to help dry off the bike quickly.
  6. Apply protective coatings such as detailing spray and chain wax or lubricant to displace water and minimize rust.
  7. Once bike is dry, place in storage location and cover with a Zerust Motorcycle Cover. Our patented anti-corrosion technology is built right into the zip-up enclosure to keep your cycle in showroom shape.

How a Heavy Duty Motorcycle With VCI Protection Can Help

Our motorcycle covers include VCI protection built into the inside of the cover, and last for up to 5 years. This invisible vapor protects metal surfaces from corrosion yet leaves no trace behind, evaporating once the cover is removed. Our covers come in 2 sizes, regular and large, and lined and unlined. This covers Harleys, cruiser bikes, sport bikes, and even large touring bikes. If you prefer a lined cover for a more substantial feeling and additional protection against scratches, we have you covered. Both our lined and unlined motorcycles offer the same patented VCI protection to give you the extra edge against rust, effortlessly. These anti-rust covers are also great for snowmobiles, during summer storage! For storage beyond motorcycles, we also offer bicycle covers, car covers, and vapor capsules for boats.

Contact Zerust for information on motorcycle covers and motorcycle rust prevention by emailing us or calling (330) 405-1965.