Here's a Tip
If you are not going to ride you motorcycle during the winter or are planning to store it for long periods of time, self-storage facilities have the space for you. If you own a motorcycle, you know how important it is to keep your motorcycle safe and out of harm's way-especially during the off-season. Motorcycles that are kept outside or even under carports can be exposed to inclement weather and harsh, extreme temperatures.
They can even become damaged by hail, strong winds, and strong thunderstorms. Even worse, they are easy targets for motorcycle thieves and vandals. Even the casual motorcycle rider will need a safe and secure place to store their bike when not in use. A motorcycle self-storage unit is the ideal solution. With convenient, drive up spaces, you can store your motorcycle safely for the winter, yet still return on nice days to ride it!
1 Choosing the Right Motorcycle Storage Unit
A motorcycle can fit in any traditional unit measuring 10 feet deep of more, preferable an outside unit / drive up access. You’ll want to ride it in for easy handling and if you plan to take it out from time to time or run the engine to keep all the internal parts working properly.
When considering storing your bike at a motorcycle storage facility, look for one that has climate controlled units. You don’t want the temperature to change drastically from day to night. Changing temperatures can cause damage to many of the parts on your bike, including: rubber gaskets, plastic seals, fuel lines, and even the leather on your seats.
Learn More2 Protecting your Motorcycle During Storage
Here are a few steps you must take in order to protect your motorcycle during storage, especially if you will store it for the winter months:
Go For a Ride
Run the motorcycle for at least 30 minutes to get it to optimum temperature
Add a Stabilizer
Add some type of fuel stabilizer in the gas tank and top it off with gasoline
Oil Change
Change the oil, do it while it is still hot to get rid of a lot of the junk accumulated during your riding time
Thorough Wash
Wash it and wax it is possible, this will protect your paint
Lube the chain
3 Taking your Motorcycle out of Storage<When the nice spring weather hits, resist the urge to take your bike out of storage quickly. Instead, plan a weekend to get your bike ready for the new riding season.
If you used a fuel stabilizer, your fuel should be in good shape.
Open the filler cap and look inside for any type of gunk accumulation.
Oil Change
If you didn't change your oil before storage, now is the time to change the oil and the filter.
Double Check
Check the batter leads for corrosion and reattach it to your bike.
Learn More
When the nice spring weather hits, resist the urge to take your bike out of storage quickly. Instead, plan a weekend to get your bike ready for the new riding season.
If you used a fuel stabilizer, your fuel should be in good shape.
Open the filler cap and look inside for any type of gunk accumulation.
Oil Change
If you didn't change your oil before storage, now is the time to change the oil and the filter.
Double Check
Check the batter leads for corrosion and reattach it to your bike.
4 Motorcycle Storage Units are Flexible
Many motorcycle storage facilities across the country have flexible storage fees and contracts. Determine how long you will need storage and plan accordingly. Discuss flexible contracts with your facility.
Once the container has been dropped off for you, you can start loading it. Whether you do it yourself or hire someone else is completely up to you, so it gives you plenty of options for getting the container packed on your own schedule and within your budget. A lot of people who use portable storage companies like the option of putting things in the container at their own pace. They do not have to rush the way they might have to if they rent a moving truck, and they can also take their time unloading once they arrive at their new location. It is a winning situation on both ends of the move, making it a popular choice for many people.
Learn More