Motorcycle Storage
Winter Motorcycle Storage: A Checklist
Vehicle Storage Overview
Choosing a Storage Unit for Your Motorcycle
Indoor motorcycle storage – preferably climate controlled units – will protect your investment far better than an outdoor or covered parking space. It’s not only more secure, but also less susceptible to elements such as wind, snow, rain, sun, dirt and pests.
- Small is Fine: A 5x10 unit should offer plenty of room to store your bike
- Stay on the Ground: Choose a ground-level unit for easy in and out access
- Make it a Drive-Up: Pick a drive-up storage unit with wide driving aisles so you have simple loading and unloading
- The Closer the Better: Find a location that’s either near your house or close to your favorite riding area
Winter Motorcycle Storage Checklist
There are precautions you should take to ensure your vehicle is in the same condition as when you left it. Below is a checklist of recommended actions before storing your motorcycle, regardless of the type of storage you choose:
- Motorcycle Storing Checklist
- Change the oil and replace the filter
- Clean the carburetors of gunk
- Fill your tank and add fuel stabilizer
- Fill all fluids like brake, coolant and clutch, if applicable
- Wash it and let it sun-dry
- Remove the battery and place it on a trickle charger
- Load it up and take it to your storage unit
- Cover your muffler with exhaust plugs
- Use an off-ground stand
- Cover the bike with a fitted motorcycle cover
It’s a good idea to stop by the unit every month or so and connect the battery, remove the exhaust plugs and start it up. After you let it run for a bit, let it cool, replace the exhaust plug, remove the battery and place it back on the charger. Brief monthly visits such as these will save you both time and money down the road.
Ride Ready Checklist
- Check all fluid levels, including engine, coolant, brake, and other applicable fluids
- Add fluid with new, unsealed bottles of the same type
- Add a bit of oil to your spark plug ports
- Check your chassis for damage
- Check your tires for pressure and wear
- Reconnect your battery and check all lights
- Take it for a spin in a parking lot to get reacquainted- your bike probably misses you
- Give your storage facility notice of lease cancellation
When in doubt, it doesn’t hurt to consult your local motorcycle mechanic before taking it back on the road.
When it’s time to put it back into storage, give us a call to reserve your unit!