Home > Storage Resources > Easy Tips for Motorcycle Storage
Is there anything better than the feeling of cruising the open road? When you own a motorcycle, there’s a sense of freedom that comes from going for a ride. However, motorcycle riding is often at the mercy of the weather. If you’re looking to store your motorcycle to keep it safe during the late fall and winter months, it can be challenging to know what steps to take.
If you’d like to learn more about motorcycle storage, you’re in the right place. Join us as we share helpful tips on how to store your motorcycle. That way, when you’re ready to hit the open road again, your bike will be ready for the journey.
Before you put your motorcycle into storage, it’s important to give it a deep clean. Wash your bike thoroughly to get all the dirt, bugs, and grime off the frame. Once it’s completely dry, apply a quality wax to the painted and metal surfaces to protect them from moisture and corrosion. This is also a great time to clean and lubricate your chain.
To prevent corrosion and damage to the fuel system, you shouldn’t leave the tank empty. Instead, add a quality fuel stabilizer to the tank, then fill it completely. A full tank minimizes the air space where condensation can form and cause rust. If possible, use fuel with the lowest ethanol content you can find, as ethanol can attract moisture. After adding the stabilizer and fuel, run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the treated gasoline through the entire system.
Before putting your motorcycle in storage, it’s crucial to change the oil and filter. Used oil is filled with contaminants that can corrode the internal parts of your engine over the winter. Even though your motorcycle won’t be running, fresh oil ensures the parts inside your engine are well-lubricated and protected from damage.
The best way to ensure your battery survives storage is to use a battery tender, or smart charger. A tender monitors your battery and provides a slow, steady charge to keep it at an optimal level without overcharging. In fact, Harley-Davidson recommends using a tender if a bike won’t be ridden for more than two weeks. If a tender isn’t an option, you can disconnect the battery. To do so safely, always remove the negative terminal first, then the positive. Store the disconnected battery in a cool, dry place off of concrete floors.
When a motorcycle sits in one spot for months, the weight can cause flat spots to develop on the tires. To prevent this, first inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Then, use a center stand or paddock stands to lift both wheels off the ground. If you don’t have stands, move the bike slightly every month to rotate the tires and change where the pressure is applied.
Finally, cover your motorcycle with a quality, breathable cover. This protects your bike from dust and debris while allowing moisture to escape, preventing rust. To prevent pests from making a home inside your bike, plug the exhaust pipes and air intakes with steel wool or a plastic bag. For storage periods longer than six months, you may also want to consider “fogging” the engine cylinders with a special oil to prevent internal corrosion.
If you’re trying to find the best motorcycle storage option near you, Store Here Self Storage has got you covered. Our storage facilities across the country are equipped to store your motorcycle in a clean and secure storage unit. That way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your bike is protected. At Store Here, we’re not just about protecting your belongings; we’re about supporting our communities. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the Huntsman Cancer Institute to help fund vital cancer research. Whether you need to store your motorcycle for a long or short period, our self storage is one of the safest options. Contact our expert team today to learn more about our motorcycle storage services.
About Huntsman Cancer Institute
Store Here Self Storage is proud to support Huntsman Cancer Institute in their mission to advance cancer research, improve treatment, and bring hope to patients and families. Together, we stand with those affected by cancer and believe in a future free from its burden.
