Nothing feels like a road trip in the sun with your hitch bike rack strapped to the rack, awaiting adventure. But while you’re having fun, your motorcycle may be taking a beating not from the road but from the sun.
Just as our skin requires protection from harmful UV rays, so does your bike. Exposure to the sun while on a rack is NOT kind all kinds of damage will happen, with faded paint, cracked rubber, brittle plastic, etc. And the worst part? Most riders don’t know until it’s too late.
But don’t worry. A few simple steps will protect your bike from sun damage and ensure it looks and operates like new, even during the hottest summer months.
What Sun Can Do to Your Bike
You may be thinking, Well, “It’s just sunlight, what’s the big deal?” Well, here’s what extended exposure can do:
Dissolve the paint and decals on your bike frame
Dried and cracked rub tyres ups, tyres and saddles
Plastic parts weaken, particularly around brakes and shifters
Cause rust on bolts and metal parts (if heat and moisture are involved)
Effectively dry out brake and gear cables, reducing performance
The more time it spends in the sun, the quicker these issues begin.
Why Bikes on Racks Are More Vulnerable
As your bike travels on a rack whether it’s up on the roof of your car or hitched to the rear it’s subject to full-on sunshine, wind, dust and road heat.
Rooftop racks are directly under the sun and heat of the car roof
Hitch racks sit near hot tailpipes and radiate road heat
Bikes often bake in the sun for hours when parked
Even when you’re moving, the wind doesn’t cool the bike, it dries it out faster.
So, let’s talk about solutions.
How to Safeguard Your Cycle from Sun Damage
These tips are simple to implement and won’t break the bank — but they will save you over time.
Use a UV-resistant Bike Cover
This is your bike’s best friend. A good cover provides protection from light sun, dust, and even light rain. Choose “UV-resistant” and ensure the cover fits your bike snugly so it doesn’t flap around or rip in the wind while driving.
Apply UV-Protectant Spray
You can think of this as sunscreen for your bike. It is specially designed for bikes or outdoor gear, creating a creative layer of paint, plastic, and rubber. If your hitch mount bike rack is always out in the open, reapply every few weeks.
Remove or Cover the Saddle
Bike saddles suffer the brunt of the sun’s rays since they’re typically made of foam, leather, or synthetic materials that dry out and crack under heat. Try to remove the saddle when you travel, or consider a small cover or even a bandana to protect it.
Regularly Wash and Wax Your Motorcycle
Clean bikes last longer. Dust, sand, and bugs can damage the paint when baked in the sun. A quick rinse and wipe-down after a ride (especially in wet or dirty conditions) and a layer of bike wax will help protect the frame.
Park In the Shade Whenever Possible
It sounds obvious, right? But it’s easy to forget when you’re stopping for lunch or overnighting. Park under trees or airports, turn your vehicle with your bike facing away from the sun and do whatever you need to do.
Apply Frame Protection Film or Tape
They are clear, adhesive films designed to shield your bike from scratches and protect paint from UV rays. They are nearly invisible and easy to apply, especially around high-impact or sun-exposed sites.
If you use your bike to get where you need to go, use it.
If you’re not riding, take it off the rack. Leaving it in full sun all week accelerates wear and tear. Even putting it under a garage or shady area for a few hours is helpful.
Extra Tips for Long Trips
Bring a microfiber towel for cleaning dirt and insect splatter
Check tyre pressure heat can cause them to overinflate
Weekly Inspect cables and grips
[Use chain lube that’s formulated for dry, hot weather
Final Thoughts
Your bike is an investment it deserves some TLC. Sun damage is insidious, but protecting your bicycle doesn’t have to be done in each state. Small, smart moves covering it, using UV spray and keeping it clean can go a long way
So go ahead,
For that summer ride, hit the road, park by the beach, and don’t let the sun steal your bike’s shine.
