Motorcycle Storage Tips for Offseason and Long-Term Storage
Whether you’re putting your motorcycle away for the winter or simply need a place to keep it between riding seasons, proper storage can help protect your bike and keep it in good condition. Before storing your motorcycle for an extended period, taking a few preventive steps can help prevent common issues like battery drain, stale fuel, flat-spotted tires, and unnecessary wear.
Choosing the right self storage unit is just as important. Here’s what to know before putting your motorcycle into storage.
Prep Your Motorcycle Before Storing It
A little preparation before storing your motorcycle can go a long way toward protecting its condition and making it easier to get back on the road when you’re ready to ride again. Start by thoroughly cleaning your motorcycle to remove dirt, road grime, and moisture that could contribute to corrosion over time. Once it’s clean and completely dry, consider taking care of a few important maintenance tasks:
- Protect the fuel system: If your motorcycle will be sitting for several months, add a fuel stabilizer to a full tank of gas and run the engine briefly to circulate the treated fuel. Always follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for long-term fuel storage.
- Change the oil: Change the oil and filter before storage. Used oil can contain contaminants and moisture that may contribute to corrosion when left sitting for extended periods.
- Check the tires: Inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure to reduce flat-spotting and periodically check them during storage.
- Protect the battery: Disconnect the battery so that it’s not losing its charge while sitting in storage.
- Use a motorcycle cover: Cover your bike with a breathable motorcycle cover to protect it from dust and debris while allowing moisture to escape. Avoid plastic tarps or other materials that can trap condensation.
Taking these precautions before putting your motorcycle away can help minimize maintenance issues and make your next riding season a little easier.
Choosing the Right Storage Unit Size
Finding the right storage unit size is important to ensure your motorcycle fits comfortably without taking up more space than necessary. For most standard motorcycles, a 5x10 storage unit provides enough room to park your bike while leaving some additional space for a helmet, riding gear, and other accessories. If you’re storing multiple motorcycles, a trailer, or additional equipment, a 10x10 storage unit may be a better fit.
Not sure which size you need? Our self storage unit size guide can help you find the right fit for your motorcycle before you reserve a unit.
Drive-Up Access Makes Motorcycle Storage More Convenient
When choosing a storage unit for your motorcycle, convenience matters. Drive-up access allows you to pull your vehicle directly up to your unit, making it easier to load, unload, and retrieve your motorcycle without navigating interior hallways or elevators. Be sure to check the facility’s vehicle storage requirements and make sure your motorcycle meets any applicable access or storage guidelines. If your bike will sit for an extended period, these vehicle storage tips most owners overlook can also help.
Find Convenient Motorcycle Storage at mystorage
Whether you’re looking for motorcycle storage during the winter or need additional space between riding seasons, mystorage offers convenient self storage locations throughout Virginia. With facilities in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Newport News, and other Hampton Roads communities, finding the right location for your motorcycle is easy.
Our month-to-month rental options also provide flexibility, so you can rent a storage unit for as long as you need without committing to a long-term lease.
Taking the time to prep the bike properly and choosing a unit with the right size and access setup will make the difference between a bike that starts on the first try in spring and one that needs a shop visit before it’s back on the road.