How to Store a Motorcycle for Winter

A motorcycle is a great way to get around during the spring and summer. But as the days get shorter and colder, it is time to start planning on storing your motorcycle for the winter. Your motorcycle was an investment, and therefore is valuable to you both monetarily and sentimentally. In order to keep it running smoothly for next year’s riding season, it is essential that it is stored correctly during the off-season.

8 Tips for Storing a Motorcycle for Winter

1. Check Your Manufacturer Approved Instructions

First and foremost, refer to the manufacturer approved instructions for any information on storing your motorcycle. Different models of motorcycles may require different care and referring to the instruction manual will ensure your bike receives the care it needs.

2. Wash Your Motorcycle

To prevent the finish on your bicycle from corroding during the winter, ensure it is completely clean before storage. To wash your motorcycle, use a cleaner and sponge designed for cleaning a motorcycle. Allow the motorcycle to dry then apply a fresh coat of wax.

3. Change the Oil

Before putting your motorcycle away for storage, change the oil. During the long winter the oil can go bad, and it is better for the bike if new oil is sitting inside as opposed to old.

4. Clear out the Gas Tank

Just like with the oil, allowing gas to sit in your motorcycle all winter long can damage your bike. If you do not have much gas left in your tank, consider taking it for one last ride to use up the gasoline. If you’d rather save the gas for your car, it can be siphoned out.

5. Remove or Charge the Battery

Leaving the battery inside of your motorcycle all winter long without any care can kill the battery. Instead, plan on charging the motorcycle periodically throughout the winter or attach it to a trickle charger to keep the battery from dying.

6. Elevate Your Motorcycle

During the winter, the constant weight of the motorcycle on the tires can cause flat spots to form. To prevent this from happening, either elevate your motorcycle or plan on driving it around every few weeks to rotate the tires.

7. Always Use a Motorcycle Cover

A motorcycle cover will help to keep your motorcycle in the best shape possible. When purchasing a motorcycle cover, choose one that will fit your bicycle snuggly.

8. Store Your Motorcycle in a Temperature Controlled Location

The best place to store your motorcycle over the winter is in a location free from fluctuations in temperature. Unfortunately, the garage and basement are prone to fluctuations in temperature and are therefore not the best locations. If you’re unable to store your motorcycle inside of your home, consider a storage unit that can control the temperature.

Store Your Motorcycle with Find Self Storage!

Find Self Storage has climate controlled storage units in Alexandria, LA at Lodi Rd and Windermere Blvd, Leesville, LA, Carrollton, TX, Dallas, TX and Plano, TX. Our storage facilities offer a variety of sizes of storage units available for rent, including a vehicle storage option. Reserve your storage unit with Find Self Storage today!