This Motorcycle Storage Guide is an essential resource for those who are planning to store their beloved bikes during the off-season or while relocating. Storing your motorcycle appropriately not only guarantees its longevity, but also keeps it in perfect shape for when you're ready to ride again. In this guide, we'll cover the full spectrum of motorcycle storage needs, from pre-storage preparations to maintenance during long-term storage.
You'll learn valuable tips on cleaning and protecting your bike before storage, as well as crucial maintenance steps such as fuel system upkeep and battery care. Furthermore, we'll discuss tire maintenance techniques that prevent damage during prolonged periods of non-use.
Short-Term Motorcycle Storage
Before storing your motorcycle for a few weeks, it is important to clean the bike thoroughly and check all fluid levels, as well as empty any compartments or saddlebags and cover it with a protective covering. These include cleaning the bike thoroughly, emptying all compartments and saddlebags, covering it with a protective cover, changing the oil and filter, and checking all fluid levels.
Cleaning Your Motorcycle Before Storage
Before storing your motorcycle short-term, give it a good cleaning. This will help prevent dirt buildup that can cause corrosion or damage over time.
Emptying Compartments and Saddlebags
Remove any items from the compartments and saddlebags, as they may attract pests or create unpleasant odors during storage.
Using a Protective Cover During Short-Term Storage
A high-quality motorcycle cover will protect your bike from dust accumulation while allowing moisture to escape. Ensure that the cover is breathable yet water-resistant for optimal protection.
Changing Oil and Filter Before Storing
- New Oil: Perform an oil change prior to storage so contaminants don't sit in the engine for extended periods of time.
- New Filter: A fresh oil filter helps maintain proper lubrication throughout the entire system.
Short-term motorcycle storage requires proper preparation and care to ensure the bike is in optimal condition when it's time to ride again. To maximize protection against corrosion, long-term storage should include additional steps such as waxing and lubricating components of the motorcycle.
Long-Term Motorcycle Storage Preparation
For long-term storage, additional preparation is needed to keep your motorcycle in good condition, such as cleaning and waxing it, lubricating chains and controls, and applying rust inhibitors inside the exhaust system. This includes thorough cleaning followed by wax application, lubricating chains and controls, as well as applying rust inhibitors inside exhaust systems.
Thoroughly Clean Your Motorcycle Prior to Long-Term Storage
A clean bike is less likely to suffer from corrosion during extended periods of storage. Use a motorcycle-specific cleaner and make sure all dirt and grime are removed before proceeding with the next steps.
Applying Wax for Added Protection Against Corrosion
To further protect your motorcycle's paintwork, apply two coats of high-quality automotive wax. This will create a barrier against moisture and help prevent rust formation on metal surfaces.
Lubricate Chains and Controls on the Bike
Lubricating the chain, cables, levers, switches, and other moving parts ensures smooth operation when you're ready to ride again after storing your bike for an extended period.
Use Rust Inhibitors Inside Exhaust Systems
Spray a suitable rust inhibitor product into the exhaust system's interior surfaces to minimize potential damage caused by moisture accumulation during long-term storage.
For extended storage, it's essential to take care of your motorcycle with activities such as washing and waxing the bike, greasing up chains and controls, plus using rust preventatives in exhaust systems. Additionally, fuel system maintenance is also essential when storing bikes over a prolonged period of time; this includes draining fuel tanks completely and utilizing stabilizers for ethanol-based fuels.
Fuel System Maintenance for Storage
When storing your motorcycle long-term, it's crucial to protect the fuel system from potential damage caused by ethanol. Ethanol can cause corrosion and other issues if left untreated during extended periods of storage. To prevent these problems, follow these steps:
- Drain the fuel tank completely when storing bikes long term: Before putting your motorcycle in storage, drain as much fuel as possible from the tank. This will help minimize any potential damage due to ethanol content.
- Use proper fuel stabilizers for ethanol-based fuels: If you cannot drain all the gasoline from your bike's tank, consider using a fuel stabilizer. These products are designed specifically for gasoline containing ethanol and will help keep your engine safe while stored away.
To ensure optimal performance and a long lifespan for your bike, it is important to take care of its fuel system. By following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way towards maintaining a healthy bike even during extended periods of storage.
It is essential to properly maintain your fuel system when storing a motorcycle for an extended period of time. To guarantee the battery stays in optimal shape, extra steps should be taken during storage like detaching connections and taking out batteries if required.
Battery Care During Motorcycle Storage
Taking care of your battery is crucial when preparing your motorbike for an extended period without usage. Disconnecting batteries will help prolong their lifespan; removing them entirely might be necessary depending on how cold temperatures get within specific regions where these vehicles are being stored at any given time throughout the year-round seasons.
Disconnecting Battery Terminals While in Storage
To maintain the health of your motorcycle's battery, it's essential to disconnect the terminals while storing it. Removing the terminals while in storage can help to maintain battery life and ensure it stays charged for a longer period. Simply loosen and remove both positive (+) and negative (-) cables from their respective terminals before storage.
Removing Batteries Altogether Based on Climate Conditions
- If you're storing your motorcycle in a region with extremely cold temperatures, consider removing the battery altogether to protect its lifespan.
- Store the removed battery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Use a quality battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep it fully charged during storage periods.
Paying attention to proper battery care during motorcycle storage helps ensure that you can quickly get back on the road once riding season returns. Remember, disconnecting the battery terminals or removing the battery altogether can help prolong its lifespan and keep it in good condition.
It is important to take the necessary steps for battery care during motorcycle storage, such as disconnecting and removing batteries based on climate conditions. Tire maintenance before storing your motorcycle is also key; adjusting tire pressure and using stands or pads can help avoid flat spots.
Tire Maintenance for Storage
Proper tire care is crucial when preparing your motorcycle for long-term storage. Before storing your bike, it's essential to take steps to ensure that your tires are in top condition.
Checking and Adjusting Tire Pressure Before Storage
Before storing your motorcycle, make sure to check the tire pressure. It's essential to maintain the recommended pressure levels as specified by the manufacturer. However, slightly reducing air pressure during storage can help prevent flat spots from developing on your tires.
Using Stands or Pads to Avoid Flat Spots on Tires
- Maintenance stands: Using maintenance stands is an excellent way to keep weight off of your tires while in storage. This helps avoid flat spots and prolongs their lifespan. If possible, use both front and rear stands for optimal support.
- Padded surfaces: Another option is placing a padded surface like foam mats or carpet remnants beneath each tire. These materials provide cushioning that prevents direct contact between hard surfaces and tires, thus minimizing potential damage due to prolonged compression.
In addition to these measures, it's also important to regularly inspect stored motorcycles' tires for any signs of wear or damage throughout their time in storage so that they're always ready when needed again.
Ensuring your tires are in good condition before putting away the motorcycle is essential for avoiding any problems while it's not being ridden. To guarantee a safe and secure storage solution, it is best to choose an experienced provider such as Neighbor for storing your motorcycle.
Cities That will Require Motorcycle Storage During Winter Months
Conclusion
Proper motorcycle storage is essential to keep your beloved bike in top condition and ready for the next riding season, whether you're storing it short-term or long-term. Taking the necessary steps, such as cleaning, fuel system maintenance, battery care, tire maintenance, and choosing a reliable storage provider like US Self Storage, can make all the difference.
Here are some motorcycle storage tips to help you prepare your bike for winter storage:
- Clean your motorcycle thoroughly, including the tires, rims, and chain.
- Top off the fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from breaking down.
- Remove the battery and store it in a warm, dry place. Alternatively, use a battery tender to keep it charged while in storage.
- Check the tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended level.
- Store your motorcycle inside a storage unit to protect it from the elements and potential theft.
- Invest in a good motorcycle cover to keep your bike clean and dry.
- Store any leather items, such as seats and riding gear, in a plastic bag to prevent them from drying out.
- Refer to your bike's service manual for any additional storage instructions specific to your model.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your motorcycle is properly stored and ready to go when the riding season starts again. Don't forget to check your motorcycle insurance policy to make sure it covers your bike while it's in storage.
For more information on self-storage options near you, visit usselfstorage.com.
