Storing your motorcycle properly is crucial to keep it in top condition year-round. Whether you’re preparing for winter or just need temporary storage during the off-season, finding the right storage solution is essential. Self-storage units offer a safe and convenient option to protect your bike from weather damage, rust, and wear. Motorcycle storage needs vary depending on the season. In the colder months, it’s important to keep your bike sheltered from snow, rain, and cold winds.
Using a climate-controlled self-storage unit helps maintain the bike’s condition and prevents damage from freezing temperatures. In warmer seasons, protection from excessive heat and UV rays is just as important. Using a self-storage unit ensures that your motorcycle stays secure and out of harm’s way. These units offer space to store additional gear like helmets, jackets, and tools. Many facilities provide 24/7 access and security features to give you peace of mind.
By following a few simple steps—cleaning the bike, disconnecting the battery, and covering it properly—you can ensure that your motorcycle remains in perfect shape, no matter the season. Choose a self-storage solution to keep your motorcycle safe, well-maintained, and ready to ride when needed.
Important Motorcycle Storage Essentials
If one of the above situations matches your current scenario, then we highly recommend booking a self storage unit for your bike. Not only will your bike be safe and protected from harmful elements, but motorcycle storage will also provide additional safety measures that you wouldn’t have been able to ensure at home.
Size
The perfect self-storage unit will measure 5×10 sq ft. This size will be enough to store your bike, your helmet, your jacket, and any other accessories you might have. For multiple bikes and more accessories, you’ll need a larger storage unit measuring 10×10 or 10×15 sq ft.
Before storing it
This will be one of the essential parts of the process. If you bring your bike in good condition, it’ll remain in good shape for all the time it is stored. So, implement the following tips before you take your bike to the unit:
Empty the fuel tank
If your bike is going to be left unridden for more than three months, it is a good idea to empty the tank and leave the bike in a dry environment so that everything evaporates out of it. This leaves the insides of the tank dry which wards off any possible damage. If you don’t do this, the gasoline can degrade.
If you do visit the facility regularly, though, you can add a fuel stabilizer in the gas tank and ride the bike around for a few minutes to get it circulating.
Over-inflate the tires
The tires of the bike can suffer permanent damage due to being propped in one position only.
Hence, prop the bike on its center stand if it has one. This will balance its weight. Or, you can over-inflate the tires so that even if it gets a soft spot due to loss of air, the damage would be repairable.
Pull out the battery
The battery is always active when it’s connected to the bike. So, it’s best to pull it out before storing so that it does not drain and die. Put it on a mild trickle charge or lender, so it does not lose its charge entirely.
If you have a Lithium battery, its important to keep it charged, so it does not drain. If it does drain, then it might never charge again.
Cover it up
Spread tarp or a bedsheet over the bike to protect it from dirt and dust. Also, even though pest and rodent control is implemented, you can stuff the exhaust pipe with a tape or a plug over the opening to tighten things up at your end.
It is always good to be thorough with vehicle storage practices. The above motorcycle storage tips will keep your vehicle in tip-top shape and ensure that whenever you do pull it out of the unit, you have a happy and memorable ride, just like in the old times.
Final Words
In conclusion, proper motorcycle storage is essential to protect your bike from seasonal wear and tear. Using a self-storage unit provides a secure and convenient solution, keeping your motorcycle safe from harsh weather, temperature fluctuations, and damage. Whether it’s cold winters or scorching summers, self-storage helps maintain your bike’s condition throughout the year.
Additionally, storing your gear and accessories alongside your motorcycle adds convenience and organization. By taking simple precautions like cleaning, covering, and disconnecting the battery, you can ensure your motorcycle stays in optimal shape while in storage. Choose a self-storage solution to keep your bike ready to ride, whenever you need it, and ensure its longevity for years to come.
FAQs
A. Indoor storage is ideal for winter. Consider a garage, shed, or self-storage unit to protect against cold and moisture.
A. Use a breathable, waterproof cover to prevent condensation buildup and moisture damage in humid conditions.
A. Yes, a cover protects your bike from dust and accidental scratches even when stored indoors.
A. Yes, but use a UV-resistant cover and park in a shaded area to prevent sun damage.
A. Clean it thoroughly, top off fluids, disconnect the battery, and use a cover to ensure it’s protected during long-term storage.
A. Self-storage offers security, protection from the elements, and peace of mind, especially during harsh seasons.
A. Keep your bike off the ground using a center stand or a motorcycle jack to avoid flat spots on tires.
A. No, instead, add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from degrading and damaging the engine.
A. It’s good to check it every few weeks to ensure no issues like battery drainage or tire pressure loss.
A. Yes, a full tank prevents moisture buildup inside the tank. Just make sure to add a fuel stabilizer.
