If you need to put your motorcycle away for the season or won’t ride it for a while, it’s important to do more than just park and forget about it. How you store a motorcycle can greatly affect its condition and how well it runs later. Careful storage protects your bike from damage, saves you money on repairs, and helps it last longer. Think of this as giving your motorcycle some care before its rest.
This simple guide covers what you need to know-from picking a location to getting your motorcycle ready-so your bike stays in good shape, whether stored for a few months or for a year. We’ll cover why storage matters, where to put your motorcycle, and easy steps to prepare it, so you don’t face any problems when you start riding again.
Why It’s Important to Store Your Motorcycle Properly
Leaving a motorcycle outside or ignoring it for months can cause many problems. Like any machine, motorcycles need attention-even when not in use. Knowing the risks and rewards helps you keep your bike safe and working well.
If you don’t store your motorcycle the right way, it could break down sooner and end up costing you more to fix. Doing things the right way is worth your time and helps you enjoy riding without trouble.
Problems with Bad Storage
- Rust and Corrosion: Moisture can cause rust on the frame, engine, and exhaust.
- Electrical Issues: Humidity and wetness can damage electronics and seals.
- Paint and Plastic Damage: The sun fades paint and cracks plastics and rubber.
- Damage from Temperature: Extreme heat or cold can ruin fluids and tires.
- Pest Infestations: Mice or bugs might chew through wires or nest inside parts.
- Fuel Problems: Gas can go bad, causing blockages and making the bike hard to start.
- Dead Battery: Batteries lose charge and won’t start the bike later.
- Flat Tires: Tires can get flat spots and may not be safe to ride on.
What You Gain with Proper Storage
- Stops rust, keeps parts working, and saves your paint and plastic from damage
- Means fewer repairs when you take the bike out again
- You’ll be able to ride right away-no emergency fixes needed
- The bike is safer to use and more fun to ride
When to Put Your Motorcycle Into Storage
- Most people store their bikes for the winter, especially where it gets cold and snowy.
- If you won’t ride for more than a month or two-due to vacation, work, or health-it’s smart to store it properly, no matter the season.
Picking the Best Place to Store Your Motorcycle
Where you keep your bike is just as important as how you get it ready. Try to find a place that keeps it dry, clean, and safe. Base your choice on your budget, how much space you have, and how long you’ll store your bike.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor (garage, shed, storage unit) | Keeps bike safe from weather, better security, keeps out pests | Might not have access, could cost money |
| Outdoor | Free if using your driveway or yard | Bike is exposed to rain, sun, snow, and theft; needs a good cover |
Should You Use a Storage Unit?
Yes, a storage unit is a good choice if you don’t have a garage. Storage units protect against weather and theft. Most bikes fit in a 5’x10’ unit. Look for extra security features like cameras or gates, and ask about any special rules for storing vehicles.
Other Storage Choices: Sheds, Carports, Shops
- Sheds: Secure, private, but need good airflow to avoid moisture buildup.
- Carports/Awnings: Protect from rain or sun above, but sides are open-always add a cover.
- Dealership Storage: Some shops store motorcycles for a fee and may add maintenance; good for peace of mind but can cost more.
Main Steps to Get Your Motorcycle Ready for Storage
Once you have chosen a place, you need to prepare your motorcycle. Following these steps will prevent most common problems when you bring the bike out again.
Clean and Wax
- Wash off dirt, bugs, and road salt-these can ruin paint and metal.
- Dry the bike fully, then put on a layer of wax to protect the paint.
- If you have leather seats, use a conditioner to stop them from cracking.
Fluids-Change or Check
- Old fluids can turn corrosive and ruin internal parts.
- Change the oil and filter-fresh oil protects your engine during storage.
- Check and replace coolant and brake fluid if needed.
Always follow your motorcycle’s manual for the correct fluids and steps.
Fuel System Care
Modern gas often contains ethanol, which attracts water. This can lead to rust and gunk.
Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. Run the engine for a few minutes so it gets through the whole fuel system.
It’s safest to store your bike with a full gas tank to prevent rust inside the tank. For some older bikes, draining the tank might be better-check your manual.
Lubrication
- Spray lubricant on any exposed metal to stop rust.
- If your bike has a chain, clean and lube it. Riding for a few miles before lubing helps the lubricant go deeper.
- If you have a belt drive, check for wear and adjust the tension.
Tire Care
- Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure to avoid flat spots.
- Putting cardboard, carpet, or plywood under the tires gives a little extra protection if you want, but it’s not absolutely needed for new tires.
- Raise the tires off the ground using stands if you can. This is the best way to prevent flat spots during storage.
- If you can’t lift the bike, move it sometimes to change the spot where the tire touches the ground.
Battery Care
- Batteries lose charge when sitting, especially in the cold. If possible, connect your battery to a battery tender (trickle charger) to keep it charged.
- It’s usually not necessary to remove the battery if the bike is inside. But if you want to, you can take it out and store it in a dry place, still attached to a tender.
- You can also just disconnect the negative (black) cable to stop it from slowly draining.
- Replace or keep a spare battery for your key fob if your bike is keyless.
Block Off the Exhaust and Air Intake
- Stuffing plastic bags into the exhaust and air intake holes keeps out mice and bugs. Secure them with rubber bands and remember to take them out before riding!
- Spraying some lubricant into the exhaust ends also helps keep away moisture.
Cover Your Bike
- Always use a breathable, fitted cover (not plastic or tarp) to keep off dust and prevent moisture from getting trapped underneath.
- For outdoor storage, your cover should be waterproof and strong enough to handle rain or snow.
Tips for Storing Your Motorcycle Over Winter
Cold weather brings extra problems like freezing, rust, and rodents. A few extra steps will make sure your motorcycle is safe until spring.
Winterizing Your Motorcycle
- Clean, wax, and change fluids as above-use winter oil if your manual recommends it.
- Make sure your bike’s coolant has enough antifreeze.
- Keep the battery on a tender and check tire pressure often.
Can You Store a Motorcycle Outside in Winter?
- Indoor storage is best, but if you must keep your bike outside, use a cover made for outdoor use (waterproof and tight).
- Try to find a spot that blocks wind, rain, and snow as much as possible.
- Lift the bike off wet ground with stands if you can, and check the cover occasionally to make sure it’s still secure.
Winter Storage Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t start your motorcycle once in a while unless you plan to ride it for long enough to heat it up fully. Just idling can cause water to collect inside the engine and exhaust.
- Cheap plastic covers or tarps can trap water and cause rust.
- Forget battery care and you’ll need a new one in spring.
- Don’t leave exhaust/air intake open; mice love to make nests there.
Keeping Your Motorcycle Safe While Stored
Theft or accidents can still happen, even while your motorcycle is parked. A few easy steps will protect your ride until you use it again.
Preventing Theft and Accidents
- If in a garage, use a strong lock and consider a garage door opener with rolling codes for extra security.
- Disc locks (some with alarms) or tough chains make your bike less tempting to steal.
- Make sure your insurance stays active while your motorcycle is stored.
- If parked in a shared spot, make sure it’s out of the way so cars or people don’t knock it over. Use a stand or wheel chock to keep it steady.
- If it’s outdoors, stay away from big trees that could drop heavy branches.
- Don’t park on soft ground-your kickstand could sink and the bike could fall.
Getting Your Motorcycle Ready to Ride Again
When you’re ready to ride after storage, take a little time to check everything over. This ensures your first ride back goes smoothly.
What to Do Before Riding Again
- Remove the cover and anything blocking the exhaust or air intake.
- If you took out the battery, put it back and reconnect. If you used a battery tender, unplug it.
- Check all the fluids, topping off as needed.
- Check tire pressure and look for cracks or dry spots.
- Test the brakes, lights, turn signals, and horn.
- Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, listening for anything strange.
- Take the first ride slowly and carefully. If anything feels wrong, stop and check or ask a mechanic.
Motorcycle Storage: Common Questions
Storing a motorcycle brings up some common concerns. Here are answers to the questions people ask most:
Should I Start My Motorcycle During Storage?
Do not start it every few weeks just to “warm it up” unless you are riding for at least 15-20 minutes. Short runs do more harm than good because they can cause water to collect inside the engine.
What Happens If I Leave My Motorcycle Outside Without Protection?
Leaving your motorcycle out in the open leads to faster wear. Paint fades, rubber and plastic can become brittle, metal parts rust, and pests can move in. Uncovered, your bike is also an easier target for thieves.
Should I Cancel My Insurance While the Bike Is Stored?
No. Even if the bike isn’t being ridden, you should keep full insurance. It covers theft, vandalism, fire, and weather damage.
How Much Will Storage Cost?
Prices depend on where and how you store the bike. A 5’x10’ storage unit often costs $60-$70 per month, but this can change depending on your area and storage features. Dealership storage usually includes extra care or service, so it might cost more.