Motorcycle: Uncover the Secrets of Storing Your Motorcycle Safely
Owning a motorcycle is a thrilling experience, but proper care and maintenance are key to ensuring its longevity and performance. One of the most important aspects of motorcycle ownership is storing it correctly. Whether you’re putting it away for the winter or simply need to park it for an extended period, understanding how to store your motorcycle safely can prevent costly repairs and ensure it’s ready to go when you need it. In this guide, we’ll uncover the secrets of motorcycle storage, covering everything from preparation to the best storage practices, troubleshooting, and tips to ensure your bike remains in top condition.
Why Proper Motorcycle Storage Matters
Storing your motorcycle properly is essential to maintaining its mechanical integrity and appearance. Harsh weather conditions, dirt, moisture, and even rodents can cause significant damage to your bike if it’s not stored correctly. With the right storage methods, you can protect your motorcycle from corrosion, flat spots, battery drain, and other issues that might arise when it’s left idle for too long.
Whether you’re storing your motorcycle for the winter or for a few months, this guide will ensure that it stays in excellent shape. Let’s dive into the steps you need to take to store your motorcycle safely.
Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Your Motorcycle Safely
1. Clean Your Motorcycle Thoroughly
Before you store your motorcycle, take the time to clean it properly. Dirt, debris, and grime can lead to rust and corrosion over time if left on the bike. Here’s how to do it:
- Wash your bike: Use mild soap and water to remove dirt, grime, and salt. Make sure to clean all parts, including the frame, wheels, and undercarriage.
- Dry thoroughly: After washing, dry your bike completely using a microfiber towel to avoid water spots and moisture buildup.
- Apply a protective coating: After drying, apply a protective layer of wax or motorcycle-specific polish to the metal parts to help prevent rust.
2. Change the Oil and Top Off Fluids
Old engine oil can become thick and sludge-like if left for too long, which can damage the engine when the bike is started again. Before storing your motorcycle, it’s crucial to:
- Change the oil and oil filter to ensure that clean oil is circulating when you restart the bike.
- Check and top off the coolant and brake fluid levels to ensure the bike is in optimal condition.
3. Fuel Stabilization
Fuel can degrade over time, leading to gumming in the fuel system and potential damage to the carburetor or fuel injectors. To prevent this, add a fuel stabilizer to the tank before storing your motorcycle. Here’s how:
- Fill your gas tank to about 95% full, leaving some room for expansion.
- Add the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer, as per the instructions on the bottle.
- Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes to ensure the stabilizer circulates through the fuel system.
4. Protect the Battery
The battery is one of the first components to fail when a motorcycle is stored improperly. To prevent this, follow these steps:
- Remove the battery: If possible, take the battery out of the motorcycle and store it in a cool, dry place. This helps prevent it from freezing or losing charge.
- Use a battery tender: If you prefer not to remove the battery, use a battery tender or a trickle charger to keep the battery charged while the bike is in storage.
5. Elevate Your Motorcycle
When your motorcycle is in storage, the weight of the bike can cause flat spots on the tires if it’s left sitting in one position for an extended period. To avoid this:
- Use a motorcycle stand to elevate the bike off the ground. This will take the weight off the tires and help preserve their shape.
- If you don’t have a stand, try using a set of blocks or rolling the bike slightly to change its position every few weeks.
6. Cover Your Motorcycle
While it may seem like an extra step, covering your motorcycle is essential to protect it from dust, moisture, and environmental factors. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a high-quality motorcycle cover that is designed for the specific weather conditions in your area. A breathable cover will prevent condensation from forming underneath it.
- If storing your motorcycle outside, make sure the cover is weather-resistant and has a secure fit to prevent it from being blown off by wind.
7. Find a Suitable Storage Space
Choosing the right storage space for your motorcycle is just as important as preparing it for storage. Ideally, you should store your motorcycle in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space. Here are some options:
- Indoor storage: The best option is storing your motorcycle in a garage or shed, as it offers protection from the elements and reduces the risk of theft.
- Outdoor storage: If you don’t have an indoor space, choose a covered, sheltered area where the bike is protected from direct sunlight and precipitation.
- Storage units: If you don’t have the space at home, renting a storage unit can be a great alternative. Look for one that has climate control and adequate security features.
8. Check on Your Motorcycle Periodically
Even if your motorcycle is stored for an extended period, it’s a good idea to check on it every few weeks. During these checks, you should:
- Inspect the bike for any signs of moisture or leaks.
- Check the tire pressure and adjust if necessary.
- Run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the oil and keep the battery charged if it’s connected to a trickle charger.
Common Motorcycle Storage Problems and How to Solve Them
1. Flat Tires
If you notice that your tires have developed flat spots after long-term storage, it could be due to improper elevation or lack of movement. To fix this:
- Check the tire pressure regularly and inflate the tires as needed.
- If the tires are severely damaged, replace them before riding again.
2. Corrosion or Rust
Exposure to moisture and humidity can cause rust to develop on the motorcycle’s metal parts. To prevent this:
- Ensure your motorcycle is clean and dry before storage.
- Consider using anti-corrosion sprays to protect exposed metal parts.
3. Dead Battery
A common problem with motorcycle storage is a dead battery. If you didn’t use a battery tender or removed the battery before storing, you might find your bike won’t start. To avoid this:
- Use a battery tender or trickle charger to maintain the battery charge.
- If the battery is dead, you can try jump-starting it or replacing it with a new one.
Conclusion: Keep Your Motorcycle Safe and Ready to Ride
Storing your motorcycle properly is crucial for keeping it in top condition, whether you’re storing it for a season or just a few months. By following the steps outlined in this guide—cleaning the bike, changing fluids, protecting the battery, and finding a safe storage location—you can rest assured that your motorcycle will be ready for the road whenever you are.
Remember that regular maintenance and checks are key to preventing problems and extending the life of your motorcycle. If you’re looking for more tips on maintaining your motorcycle, visit our maintenance guide for additional advice.
For more information about motorcycle storage options, you can also visit Motorcycle.com.
This article is in the category Safe Driving and created by MotorBikePassion Team