Introduction
As a beginner, learning how to store your motorcycle correctly is a foundational skill.
Whether you’re preparing for the winter season or taking a hiatus from riding for a few months, proper storage is essential for protecting your bike from weather damage, corrosion, and battery drain. Those who neglect these maintenance and care steps often need to spend extra money in expensive repairs, including the additional downtime when you’re ready to ride again.
Here are some steps that riders can take to prepare their motorcycle for storage.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Location. Location. Location.
Choosing the right storage location is the foundation to keeping your motorcycle safe and sound. The primary goal here is to protect it from extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, and theft.
Indoor Storage Is Best
Storing your bike in-doors such as in a garage or shed is the best option as it’s protected from direct exposure to the elements (rain, snow, UV rays, etc.). Leaving your bike exposed to outdoor weather can deteriorate your tires over time (they crack and split), damage your paintjob, and even crack various rubber seals on your bike. There are also some nifty shed options on the market.
Outdoor Storage
If you lack an indoor space, there are other ways to mitigate damage although they are not as ideal. One option is to purchase a high-quality motorcycle cover, especially the ones designed to be both waterproof and breathable to prevent condensation buildup. Don’t use tarps or plastic sheets as these are poor quality, can rip easily, trap moisture, and promote rust.
Safe Transport and Remote Storage
If you’re leaving for an extended time, remote storage is also an option. If you need to move your motorcycle to a different location, consider professional transportation (or just get a buddy to ride with you and double up after the dropoff). This is particularly relevant if you’re making a long-distance trip or taking your bike with you to a new storage location (i.e., moving).
Using a company that provides motorcycle shipping services is a great option as they offer enclosed shipping which shields your bike from weather and road debris while ensuring it arrives in pristine condition.
Storage facilities are fairly secure but one downside is the self-storage units typically do not have electrical power, which means you’ll have to figure out an alternate solution for your motorcycle battery.
Step 2: Clean Your Motorcycle Thoroughly
Once you’ve figured out where the bike will be stored, it needs a thorough cleaning. Dirt, bugs, and grease left on your bike for extended periods can cause corrosion or staining. It’s a good opportunity to also do a post-season detail on your bike.
Cleaning your motorcycle isn’t rocket science, but it does require diligence:
Wash and Dry Completely
Use an automotive detergent formula to clean every part, including hard-to-reach areas around the chain and under the seat. After washing, dry the bike fully with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots or rust. A leaf blower will make this a very simple job.
Apply Protective Wax
Waxing or ceramic coating painted surfaces (e.g., fuel tank, fairings) adds a layer of protection from moisture and dust. This is especially important if you’re storing the bike for several months. It’ll also make the bike easier to clean the next time around.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Apply chain lube and grease to any exposed metal parts, such as the footpegs and levers. This prevents rust during storage.
Inspect for Damage
Do your checks while you’re cleaning and look for any signs of leaks, wear, or parts that need replacement. It’s best to address these issues now rather than discover them during the next riding season.
Step 3: Change the Oil and Top Off Fluids
Changing your oil before storage will help protect the longevity of your engine as old oil can contain moisture and contaminants that cause internal engine corrosion if left sitting for long periods.
Oil Change
Fresh oil reduces the risk of rust forming on internal engine components. It’s recommended to do an oil change even if you’ve done one recently, but skip this at your own discretion.
Top Off Coolant and Brake Fluid
Top off your coolant level and brake fluid to appropriate levels to prevent seals from drying out and cracking while the bike is stored.
Fuel Considerations
Add a fuel stabilizer to the tank if you expect to store the motorcycle for three months or less. This keeps the gasoline from breaking down and clogging the fuel system.
Step 4: Fill the Gas Tank or Drain It Completely
Alternatively, you can decide to drain the tank completely to prevent fuel degradation which is common when motorcycles sit for extended periods. Depending on how long you plan to store your bike, take one of these two approaches:
Short-Term Storage (Less Than 3 Months)
Fill the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer. This prevents condensation inside the tank and keeps the fuel fresh. Start the bike and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the system.
Long-Term Storage (Over 6 Months)
If you expect the bike to sit for a long time, it’s better to drain the gas tank entirely. Old fuel can leave behind varnish-like deposits that clog fuel lines and injectors, leading to starting issues later.
Step 5: Disconnect or Maintain the Battery
Your battery will continue to discharge if left connected. It’s one of those most common problems riders encounter after long storage periods (same goes for cars). You can avoid this by taking a few preventative steps.
Disconnect the Battery
If you plan on storing your motorcycle for several months, disconnect the battery and store it separately in a cool, dry place. This prevents parasitic drain from onboard electronics.
Use a Battery Tender
Connect the battery to a trickle charger or battery tender. These devices maintain the battery’s charge without overcharging it and it’ll be ready to rock during the next riding season.
Check for Corrosion
It’s best practice to inspect the terminals for signs of corrosion, cleaning the connections as necessary.
Step 6: Elevate the Tires or Move the Bike Periodically
If left for too long, bikes can form flat spots on the tires which impact its handling and performance. We mention this just as a point of diligence but tires are pretty hardy and flat spots are technically only an issue when a bike has sat for years, at which point a rider should consider changing the tires anyway.
Elevating the bike with a stand keeps the tires off the ground, reducing the risk of flat spots. It also relieves pressure from the suspension system. If you don’t have a stand, simply ensuring that the tires remain properly inflated will prevent issues the overwhelming majority of the time.
Step 7: Cover the Motorcycle Properly
As we mentioned, a motorcycle bike cover goes a long way (no, not a bedsheet). Even indoors,, dust and moisture can accumulate on your bike so use a cover to add an extra layer of protection.
A cover that fits your bike snugly is recommended to prevent dust from infiltrating and getting inside.
Step 8: Inspect the Motorcycle Before Riding Again
When it’s time to take your bike out of storage, perform a full inspection to make sure everything is in good working order. Check your tires, test your brakes, start your engine, and enjoy the next riding season.
Conclusion
Storing your motorcycle properly as a beginner isn’t difficult, but it does require some attention to detail. By following these steps, you’ll maintain your bike and keep it in great shape, ready for your next ride, whether that’s in a few weeks or next season. A little preparation now can save you from expensive repairs and frustration later.