The Ultimate Guide to Long-Term Motorcycle Storage
When you don't want to expose your motorcycle to the elements or have it take up space in your garage, self storage is a viable option to keep it in excellent condition until you're ready to ride again. Long-term motorcycle storage requires meticulous planning. Whether you're storing your bike for a few months or the entire winter, our comprehensive guide will help you keep your ride ready to go when you're set to head out on the road again.
1. Fuel System Care
To extend the shelf life of your fuel, add a fuel stabilizer and keep the tank filled, preferably with ethanol-free fuel. By doing this, you stop the fuel from deteriorating and creating problems for your fuel system. Take a quick ride after applying the stabilizer to let the stabilized fuel flow through the system. Draining the carbs will give the motorcycle an additional layer of protection if you plan to store it for more than four months. When storing for longer than six months, lubricate the cylinders by taking out the spark plugs and filling each one with a tiny bit of oil.
2. Battery Upkeep
If you leave your battery alone, it may degrade. To keep your battery charged, connect it to a battery tender or trickle charger. To avoid having the charger on constantly, which could potentially destroy your battery, think about using a charger with a winter mode or setting it on a timer. By doing this, you can be sure that long-term motorcycle storage won't stop your battery from being strong and ready to use.
3. Fluid Changes
Change all of the fluids in your motorcycle, including the oil, before storing it. Old fluids may include contaminants that, in time, could lead to deterioration or corrosion. Maintaining fresh fluids helps protect the engine and other components.
4. Cleaning and Lubrication
Thoroughly clean your motorcycle to get rid of any debris, grime, or road salt that might lead to rust. Make sure the bike has dried completely after cleaning. Give the chain extra care by lubricating and waxing it to prevent rust and maintain its condition during long-term motorcycle storage.
5. Keeping Your Motorcycle Covered
Buy a breathable, high-quality cover for your motorcycle. Cheap tarps don't offer enough protection and can harm the paint on your bike. A good cover will let air flow, keeping moisture and dust out and preventing rust and condensation.
6. Indoor Storage
Store your motorcycle indoors whenever you can. For the best weather protection, choose covered parking or indoor storage units. If storage indoors isn't an option, find the best protected outside location and cover your motorcycle there. Some storage facilities offer covered breezeways for easy parking.
7. Guarding Against Tire Damage
Place cardboard, plywood, or carpet squares under your bike's tires to avoid flat spots and tire problems. This will separate your tires from the cold, hard ground. However, the best technique to avoid tire damage during long-term motorcycle storage is to completely lift the bike off the ground using supports.
When storing your motorcycle for an extended period of time, there are a few crucial precautions you should take to keep it safe. By sticking to these rules, you can make sure that your bike remains in excellent condition and is prepared for riding when you take it out of storage. See you on the road!
