Did you know that properly storing your motorcycle can greatly extend the bike’s life? Well kept motorcycle storage can also help ensure that your bike will be fit to ride whenever you decide to ride it this year.
Wondering how to store a motorcycle, and where to find vehicle storage units? Let’s review.
Change the Oil and Fluids
Prior to storing your motorcycle, it’s important that you check on the fluid levels. If they’re low, fill them up to capacity. Doing so helps prevent oxidation and corrosion over time.
From there, you should consider getting an oil change. Motor oil contains contaminants which need to be frequently cycled, otherwise, you may have to deal with issues in the spring, including but not limited to:
- Acid corrosion
- Rust buildup
- Engine byproducts
Be sure to also check the brake fluid and the clutch coolant. Finally, if you live somewhere that experiences cold winters, you should add antifreeze. Once you’ve topped off your fluids, take your motorcycle for a quick spin to circulate them.
Stabilize the Fuel
Similarly, gasoline left to oxidize breaks down over time. Oxidized fuel can morph into gummy debris that settles in the fuel tank, and clogs up the fuel system and carburetor. If that happens, it’ll be a challenge to start the bike up again come springtime.
According to the Family Handyman, After any more than three months in storage, fuel is less likely to properly ignite due to chemical reactions within the fuel and the evaporation of some volatile components. Adding a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank can help prevent oxidation, which in turn keeps the fuel fresh and effective months down the road.
Disconnect the Battery
When it comes to motorcycle winter storage, disconnecting the battery is one of the most critical steps you can take, particularly if you live in a cold area.
Why? Because a motorcycle battery needs to be used frequently. Left alone for months at a time, it can weaken or become obsolete. And, in harsher climates, the battery is left vulnerable to the cold weather of the winter months and could potentially freeze or crack.
To protect your battery, it’s important that you remove it from the motorcycle and store it separately. Consider storing it in a warm, dry place to prevent cracks or leaks, and then connect it to a trickle charger.
If you prefer to leave the battery in the motorcycle, it’s advisable to take it out for a spin at least one time per month. Doing so will help extend the battery’s life.
Clean Your Motorcycle
Do you plan on storing your bike away for a long-term period? If so, it’s especially important that you rigorously clean your motorcycle before storage. This can help prevent rust on the metal and cracks in the seat leather.
Cleaning steps include:
- Wash and dry it
- Wax the bike to repel moisture
- Add a leather or vinyl dressing to the seats
Once you’ve completed this process and you’ve put your bike away in storage, place a sock or rag within the exhaust pipe to prevent animals or pests from getting in.
Fill the Tires
Want to avoid flat tires? Then fill them to their maximum tire pressure. Changes in temperature, particularly over a long period of time, will cause the tire’s air pressure to wane.
In addition to this, an issue that frequently pops up with long-term bike storage is flat-spotting. When this happens, the tires flatten over time because of prolonged contact with the ground. To avoid this, either take the bike out for a spin once a month, put it on a lift, or simply remove the tires.
Cover the Bike
Invest in a high-quality motorcycle cover. Avoid plastic tarps or other cheap options, which can cause scratches on the paint. A top-notch cover can help prevent:
- UV rays
- Dust
- Dirt
- Moisture
- Scratches
When searching for the proper cover, remember that it’s important to find one that is breathable so as to stop mildew.
Store the Bike in a Proper Place
Now that you know how to prepare a motorcycle for winter storage, you actually have to pick a place to keep it. When it comes to long-term storage, typically you’ll have one of two options:
- A dedicated bike parking space
- A storage unit
If you must choose between the two, we suggest you opt for the second choice. An enclosed unit not only adds security for your motorcycle, it also protects it from the elements.
Wondering what the best storage unit size for motorcycles is? A 5’ x 10’ unit provides plenty of space for an average bike. This makes it simple to get the bike into and out of your unit. Additionally, it gives you extra room to put all of your motorcycle gear.
Price Self Storage Motorcycle Storage
Want to free up additional space in your garage or driveway? Need a place to keep your bike for a longer period of time? Then you should partner with the right storage facility.
Enter Price Self Storage. Our mission is to help you live a life uncluttered!
We do that by providing our customers with more than a dozen convenient locations, affordable prices, helpful features, and a range of differently sized units. Whether you want to store just one bike or an entire fleet, we’ve got the space you need!
Interested? Give us a ring today to find out more.
Sources:
AMSOil. Motorcycle Winter Storage: How to do it Right. https://blog.amsoil.com/how-to-winterize-your-motorcycle/
Continental. Flat spots from long-term parking and storage. https://www.continental-tires.com/car/tire-knowledge/tire-damage-age-repair/flat-spotting
Family Handyman. What to Know About Fuel Stabilizers. https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/what-to-know-about-fuel-stabilizers.
