The Ultimate Guide to Waterproofing Your Motorcycle: Seat Covers & More

Summary:

• The foam in your motorcycle's seat is vulnerable to water damage. Use marine-grade vinyl seat covers from Luimoto for better protection than what most OEM seat covers offer.
• To protect electrical components, apply dielectric grease on spark plugs and ensure all wiring is well-insulated to prevent water damage.
• Regularly inspect and lubricate key components like bearings, chains, and sprockets to protect them from rust and ensure smooth operation.
• Ensure lights and indicators are sealed properly to maintain visibility and safety in wet conditions.
• From engine to exhaust, each part of your motorcycle requires specific care for waterproofing—don't overlook any area to keep your ride in top shape.

Most motorcycles are tough enough to take a little rain—but water still isn’t your bike’s best friend. In fact, a bike that’s left out in the elements repeatedly can begin to show signs of wear more quickly than you might think, and these can even impact performance and safety if left unchecked for too long.

We’ve always used marine-grade materials in our motorcycle seat covers, so we know a thing or two about how to keep water away from your bike. Let us show you the areas (including the seat) you’ll want to waterproof before street-parking your ride in rainy environments so that you can keep it in the best possible shape.

Seat & Upholstery

Your bike’s seat foam plays a critical role in keeping you comfortable while riding—but absorbing water can cause your seat to lose its firmness and shape. Prolonged exposure to the elements can lead to even worse things—like mold and mildew growth, or the foam breaking down entirely.

Steps for Waterproofing

• Get a better seat cover. Our premium aftermarket motorcycle seat covers are made from marine-grade vinyl (the same stuff fishing boats use to keep water away from sensitive parts and systems). They offer substantially better protection from light to moderate rain than most OEM seat covers.
• Use our Luimoto Weather Protector for full waterproofing if your ride is parked in the elements for days on end. This will help prevent trace amounts of water from leaking through the stitching, which is a concern in all motorcycle seat covers that have stitches or embroidery of any kind.
• Don’t forget your passenger. Your passenger seat has foam that needs protecting as well—not only can wet foam impact the experience of anyone you’re riding two-up with, but if it starts to deteriorate, the damage can spread to your seat too. Shop passenger seat covers here.

Wheels & Tires

While the wheels and tires of your bike are designed to handle wet conditions, proper maintenance and care can extend their life and maintain performance. Spoked wheels can be particularly prone to rusting, so a little extra care here can go a long way.

Steps for Waterproofing

• Polish your spokes every few rides to keep them shiny and prevent dirt buildup. You can either use metal polish and an old t-shirt or a bit of WD-40 and an old rag—nothing too fancy needed.

Electrical Systems

Wiring and electronics are tucked under the fuel tanks in most motorcycles, where water won’t reach them (to upgrade your fuel tank for extra traction, try installing Luimoto tank grips). That said, water and electricity do not mix—so you’l want to take a few steps to prevent these parts from getting wet.

Steps for Waterproofing

• Use dielectric grease on spark plugs and wires to prevent moisture intrusion and misfiring.
• Regularly check and clean the battery terminals, and consider a waterproof battery cover to protect against corrosion.
• Ensure all wiring is properly insulated and housed within waterproof casings.

Controls & Instruments

These parts usually don’t need extra waterproofing unless your bike is in a major state of disrepair. Run a quick check of the following to make sure:

Steps for Waterproofing

• Use sealants to make sure the speedometer, tach, and other guages are moisture-proof—this will prevent fogging and electrical issues.
• Regularly apply a protective lubricant to the brake and clutch levers to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.

Engine & Exhaust

Water won’t usually make its way into your engine unless the bike is submerged or left in torrential rain for long periods—but if it does, you’ll face costly repairs and reduced performance.

Steps for Waterproofing

• Install a water-resistant air filter cover to prevent moisture from getting in.
• Apply a high-temperature, rust-resistant coating to your exhaust pipes to protect against corrosion.

Storage Compartments

Protecting your belongings from water damage is as important as protecting the bike itself. Most saddlebags are designed to keep out water, but not all of them—and even so, it’s best to take precautions.

Steps for Waterproofing

• Use waterproof covers or liners to keep the insides of your saddlebags dry and safe.
• Consider purchasing aftermarket bags or panniers that are specifically designed to keep water out.

Bearings & Joints

These critical components need to stay lubricated and rust-free for optimal performance. You’ll want to check them around the same time you change your bike’s oil, especially if you street park it.

Steps for Waterproofing

• Regularly inspect and grease bearings to ensure water resistance.
• Use waterproof grease to maintain functionality and prevent corrosion in suspension joints.

Chain & Sprockets (Chain-Drive Bikes Only)

A rusty chain can compromise your bike's performance and safety.

Steps for Waterproofing

• Regularly apply a high-quality, water-resistant chain lubricant to protect against rust and keep your chain running smoothly.

Lights & Indicators

Ensuring visibility in all weather conditions is a must for safe riding. Your lights and indicators should be just fine in the rain, though—unless the seals or gaskets securing them have come loose, which can expose the wiring they use to moisture and cause electrical problems.

Steps for Waterproofing

• Ensure all lights and indicators are fitted with proper seals and gaskets to prevent water ingress.

Waterproofing the Parts of Your Bike that Need it Most

As you can see from the above, most parts of a motorcycle are meant to hold up in the rain—even over fairly long periods of time. As long as you treat the chrome (and other metal components that could corrode), make sure the seals protecting your electronics are in place, and take steps to prevent your seat foam from getting repeatedly soaked, your ride should be all right in all but the most extreme environments.

Your seat is absolutely essential for riding your bike, and one of the first areas you should invest in when taking steps to help protect it from the elements. Explore our premium seat covers made from marine-grade materials below, or place a custom order with Luimoto here.

• Rider Seat Covers
• Passenger Seat Covers

Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Waterproofing

How is a Luimoto seat cover better than my OEM cover?

Luimoto seat covers are crafted from marine-grade vinyl—the same material used on commercial fishing boats to protect electronics and heavy equipment from water damage. These covers provide superior protection against water, UV rays, and wear—helping your seat remain dry and stay in good shape for longer.

How does chain rust impact my bike’s performance?

Rust on the chain eventually leads to increased friction, reduced flexibility, and the potential for the chain to snap. This not only compromises the smoothness of your ride but can also pose significant safety risks. Regular lubrication with a water-resistant product is crucial to prevent rust and maintain optimal performance.

Are Luimoto’s Tank Grips waterproof?

Yes—our tank grips use the same marine-grade material as our seat covers, and adhere via 3M so that you can count on them to stay in place even when riding or parking your bike in wet areas. Find tank grips for your bike here.

Can Luimoto install a seat cover on my bike for me?

Yes—for an additional charge (plus the costs of shipping), Luimoto can install your seat cover for you. Our fees are:

• Rider Seat Covers: $50
• Passenger Seat Covers: $35
• Large Seat Covers: $60

You can also learn how to install the seat cover yourself by checking out our installation guide.