Clamshell Motorcycle Covers: A Superior Level of Protection
When you are deciding what you are going to cover your motorcycle with there are two main styles to choose from. Fitted motorcycle covers that go over your bike, essentially a fitted tarp where the more deluxe versions have a felt lining and motorcycle clamshell covers also known as motorcycle storage pods, motorcycle shelters, and motorcycle tents. We are going to take a deeper look into why clamshells are the best cover for your bike and what to look out for when choosing a motorcycle clamshell cover.
If you are someone who is meticulous about motorcycle storage you know that motorcycle covers are not ideal for either long term or short term storage due to many reasons. To list a few from our other blog: you can’t park with hot pipes under them, they scratch paint, and they are frustrating to pull on and off. Plus they tear, rip and fall apart quickly.
The design of a clamshell cover has lots of blatant benefits and some more subtle ones that you might not have considered when storing your motorcycle. Below are some key benefits when using a clamshell motorcycle cover. Along with some insider tips on what to look for when purchasing your motorcycle storage pod.
Clamshell Covers Key Benefits
• Superior Protection: Clamshell motorcycle covers are fully enclosed by a metal frame and a weatherproof material as a cover. They shield your motorcycle from rain, snow, hail, dust, UV rays, and even falling debris. (No portable shelter will stop a falling tree, though.) This robust protection also lowers the risk of petty theft and vandalism.
• Ease of Use & Convenience: Unlike fitted covers that can be a struggle to put on and take off, clamshells are designed for quick and easy deployment. Simply fold them open, park your bike inside, and close it up. This convenience saves time and effort, making regular use more likely.
• Park with Hot Pipes: More than one bike has burned down because someone covered it too quickly with a fitted cover. Clamshell motorcycle tents allow you to pull in park and stow away instantly. Make sure you don’t forget to cover your bike.
• Enhanced Security: The enclosed nature of a clamshell provides an extra layer of security against theft and vandalism. The cover itself can be locked. It also deters casual thieves, and the enclosed space makes it harder to access and tamper with your motorcycle.
• Portable Long-term Storage: Clamshells can be used in various settings, including garages, driveways, and with your motorhome or trailer. Bolt it to your driveway, to a plywood motorcycle floor, or to the dirt. Setup takes about 20–30 minutes.
• Durability: The metal frame of your motorcycle clamshell cover can last for well over 10 years. The weatherproof cover typically lasts 3–4 years in full sun, depending on how harsh your conditions are, and longer with a Double Duty UV cover over it. Speedway sells replacement covers, so when the cover wears out you replace just the cover, not the whole shelter.
Things That Annoy Us About Clamshell Bike Covers
The biggest problem with covering your motorcycle with a clamshell is the price. They are not cheap, but you get what you pay for and that’s a better shelter. And when you compare it to the value and joy your hog brings you, it is a drop in the old bucket.
Some of the frustrations are they are not a 100% secure shelter. If someone wants to get to the bike it’s not going to stop them. Heat trapping can also be an issue, so make sure you keep your vents open. And they do require some maintenance to keep them in good working condition.
Part of the maintenance includes replacing the cover every few years (covers typically last 3–4 years in full sun) and dealing with any rust spots. The quality of your shelter is all in the frame, and the metal they used.
Motorcycle Clamshell Covers Offer the Best Protection
If you love your motorcycle and want to keep it clean, and in the best condition possible to protect your investment, a motorcycle clamshell pod is going to be the next best thing to keeping your motorcycle in the garage. It is essentially a pop up motorcycle shed that gives you superior protection than just a cover and still allows you to ride in and ride out. To learn more, read our side-by-side of the pros and cons of shelters, pop-up tents, sheds and covers. Used to ride with a CycleShell? See our CycleShell alternative page: customers have kept their old CycleShell floor in our Touring Shelter.
Clamshell Motorcycle Cover FAQ
What is a clamshell motorcycle cover?
It's a steel frame with a fabric cover that opens and closes over your bike like a clamshell. You ride in, close it, and the cover never touches the bike. People also call it a motorcycle storage pod, shelter or tent. Ours uses a 600D urethane-coated polyester cover with taped seams.
Is a clamshell cover better than a regular motorcycle cover?
For a bike stored outside, usually yes. A fitted cover sits on the paint, can scratch it, and has to wait until the pipes cool. A clamshell holds the cover off the bike, so you can park with hot pipes and close it right away. The catch is price: a clamshell costs a lot more than a fitted cover.
How long does a clamshell motorcycle cover last?
The steel frame can last well over 10 years. The fabric cover usually lasts 3 to 4 years in full sun, and longer with a Double Duty UV cover over it. When it wears out, you replace only the cover. Speedway's frame has a 10-year warranty for the original owner.
Can you lock a clamshell motorcycle shelter?
Yes. The cover locks closed with a padlock, and the padlock is sold separately. Locked and closed, the bike is out of sight and harder to tamper with. It won't stop someone who is set on getting to the bike, so think of it as a deterrent for casual thieves.
How do you set up and anchor a clamshell shelter?
Setup takes about 20 to 30 minutes. On concrete or asphalt, bolt it down with the anchor bolts that come in the box: 6 for the Sport and Touring, 8 for the Deluxe. On grass, gravel or dirt, build a wood base first and fix the shelter to that.
Which size clamshell shelter fits my motorcycle?
The Sport ($429.95) fits sport bikes, standards, scooters and mid-size cruisers. The Touring ($490.95), our best seller, fits baggers, full-dress tourers and big cruisers. The Deluxe ($574.95) fits trikes, Can-Am Spyders and Rykers, or two bikes side by side. Not sure? Measure length, width and height with mirrors and windshield on.
