Need to Store Your Motorcycle? Here's How

Whenever you are looking into potential storage space for your motorcycle, it is important to take a few key factors into account. Chief among these factors are:

• Security: Any quality storage facility should maintain thorough security measures around and throughout the premises. At a minimum, a storage facility should feature 24/7 surveillance and protected access measures that prevent non-customers from entering the storage area.
• Location: Whenever possible, choose a storage location that is close or easily accessible to you, especially if you plan to visit it frequently. Whether this factor is important for you depends largely on the reasons you are storing your motorcycle. For example, if you are using a storage unit in lieu of a garage, it will be more important to find a closer storage space, but if you store your motorcycle for the winter, it may be less important. 
• Size: Make sure your storage space doesn’t have too little or too much space. If you have a storage unit with too little space, you may damage your motorcycle or additional items in the unit. Or, you may run out of space, and the storage space will not be as valuable to you. Meanwhile, if you get a storage unit that is too large, you will likely be spending more money than you need to on the square footage. 
• Cost: This factor should be balanced with the previous three. While it is important to compare costs with other available storage spaces, a less expensive unit is probably not worth it if it is unsecured, inconvenient to access, or unsuited to your needs.

Once you have chosen your storage location, it will benefit you to prepare your motorcycle properly for storage, especially if you plan to store it over a long period of time or during cold weather. A few of the most important steps you should take include:

• Fill up on fuel and fuel stabilizer. This will prevent damage to the engine over time. 
• Refill any low fluids, such as oil, coolant, and brake fluid.
• Disconnect the battery to prevent damage over time. 
• Take your motorcycle out for a drive every once in a while if possible. This can reduce battery drainage, slow tire degradation, and improve lubrication. 
• Spray your exhaust pipes with WD-40 to guard against rust.
• Apply lubricant to the chain and cables. 
• Wash and wax the motorcycle and apply leather conditioner where applicable. 
• Cover the motorcycle with a canvas to keep dust out of the engine and exhaust pipes. 
• Check the tire pressure and use a stand to keep weight off the tires.

People may choose to store their motorcycle for any number of reasons, with some of the most common being:

• They need to store it during the winter months. 
• They don’t have a garage or other means of storage on their property.
• They rarely use it. 
• They are taking a vacation.
• They are being deployed to the military. 
• They have suffered an injury that prevents them from riding.
• They need somewhere to keep it during a move.

There are many vehicle storage options with a wide array of unit features available, and therefore it is important to assess your available resources and storage needs to determine which option will be best for you. The following are some commonly available vehicle storage options offered by storage facilities:

Indoor Parking

Indoor parking options allow you to park your motorcycle as you normally would in any indoor parking structure, but you will have the added benefit of a reserved space and additional security features. Indoor parking also protects your vehicle from the elements.

Outdoor Parking

Outdoor parking options allow you to park your motorcycle as you would in any parking lot, but you will have the added benefit of a reserved space and additional security features. 

Climate-Controlled Unit

Climate-controlled units can be great for motorcycle storage as they can prevent long-term damage from the cold. 

Outdoor Unit

Traditional, outdoor storage units provide more security and privacy than reserved parking spaces, and are typically less expensive than climate-controlled units.

Motorcycle owners are as unique as their needs, and therefore there could be any number of reasons that someone may choose or need to store their motorcycle. However, some individuals may find themselves in need of motorcycle storage options more often than others. These individuals include:

• Seasonal bikers;
• Military personnel;
• Renters;
• Frequent travelers;
• Mechanics;
• Automotive restoration enthusiasts;
• People with limited space;
• People who are in the process of moving;
• Beneficiaries of inheritance (with the inheritance, in this case, being a motorcycle);
• People who work in the vehicle dealership industry.

It is important to note, however, that if you are still uncertain, it will be in your best interest to contact promising storage facilities in your area to ask them what options are available for motorcycle storage.