How to Store Your Motorcycle When You’re Not Using It

Motorcycle storage isn’t just for occasional riders — it’s a practical solution for many different types of motorbike owners. Some reasons you may want to store your bike include:

• You ride mainly in the warmer months and need a safe place to store your motorcycle during the off-season, especially if you live in a climate with a harsh winter.
• You’re in the military and need a safe place to store your bike while stationed abroad or away from home.
• You live in an apartment or home with limited storage space or no garage/parking spot.
• You travel often and prefer to keep your bike in storage rather than leave it parked unattended.
• You’re a mechanic or hobbyist working on multiple bikes or long-term restoration projects and want to use a storage unit to keep your projects organized and out of the elements. (Remember, you’re not allowed actually to work on your motorbike inside of a storage unit!)
• You’re in the middle of a move or renovation and want to keep your bike safely stored during the transition to prevent damage.
• You’ve inherited a motorcycle and need a place to store it temporarily while you figure out what to do with it.

Before you store your motorcycle, you should carefully evaluate several important considerations to ensure your bike remains safe, easily accessible and well-maintained.

Security

Security is paramount, especially if you’re going to store your bike for an extended period of time. While keeping it inside your garage is better than parking it on the curb, it’s hard to beat a reputable storage facility equipped with security measures to prevent theft and damage. Look for facilities that offer 24/7 surveillance and secure gated access. If you’re storing a valuable or rare bike, renting an indoor unit rather than an outdoor parking spot is well worth the cost for peace of mind.

Location and Accessibility

If you’re storing your bike for an entire season (e.g., winter), the price and availability of a storage unit may be more important priorities than the location. However, if you plan on accessing your bike while in storage, choosing a facility close to home or on your regular route is smart. Be sure to consider the access hours — some facilities offer 24/7 access, while others have limited hours.

Storage Unit Size

If you go with an indoor storage unit, make sure it’s large enough to store your bike and easily move in and out to avoid accidental damage. For a single motorcycle, a 5’ x 10’ unit typically offers enough room, but if you plan to store gear, tools or other equipment alongside it, you may want a slightly larger space, such as a 10’ x 10’ unit. You can use a size guide to help you estimate the amount of space you’ll need.

Climate Control and Weather Protection

Motorcycles, especially those with intricate electrical components or valuable custom parts, can be sensitive to extreme weather conditions. If you’re storing your bike in an area prone to temperature swings, humidity or harsh winters, a climate-controlled unit is worth the investment. These units maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels, helping to prevent rust, corrosion and moisture buildup that can damage your bike’s interior and exterior. This is especially true if you’re planning on storing your bike long-term.

When it comes to storing your motorcycle, you have several options, each with its own set of pros and cons. Understanding your storage needs and the resources you have will help you choose the best option for your bike.

At Home (Garage/Driveway)

Storing your motorcycle at home is the most convenient option, especially if you have a garage, backyard or shed. Still, it doesn’t protect your bike from extreme temperatures or humidity changes. Plus, motorcycles can take up valuable space that you could use to store other items or transform into a home gym, game room or other recreational area. If you store your bike at home, consider using a high-quality motorcycle cover and adding security measures like a lock or alarm to safeguard your bike.

Covered Self-Storage Parking Spot

A covered parking spot at a self-storage facility offers a reserved space that shields your motorcycle from direct exposure to rain, sun and snow. While it doesn’t provide the full enclosure of a storage unit, it offers more protection than outdoor parking. These spots are often more affordable than enclosed storage, making them a good option for short-term or seasonal storage. Additionally, you’ll still get to take advantage of the storage facility’s security features, including surveillance and gated access.

Uncovered Self-Storage Parking Spot

An uncovered parking spot at a self-storage facility is a budget-friendly option for storing your motorcycle. You’ll still benefit from added security measures like gated access and video surveillance, but your bike will be fully exposed to the weather. This is a fine option if you only need short-term storage and don’t mind covering your bike to protect it from the elements. For longer-term storage, however, you might want to invest in a covered parking spot or indoor unit.

Indoor Self-Storage Unit

An indoor storage unit offers the highest level of protection, giving your bike complete shelter from weather and theft. Many facilities have units with drive-up access, which are first-floor units that allow you to pull right up to door, making it easy to load and unload your bike. If you’re storing your motorcycle long-term, or if you have a vintage or high-value bike, a climate-controlled unit is your best option. These units regulate temperature and humidity levels, preventing damage from extreme heat, cold or moisture.

Once you know where you’re storing your bike, it’s important to properly prepare (winterize) your motorcycle, especially for long-term or cold-weather storage. This will help prevent damage and ensure your bike is ready to ride when you take it out of storage. Here are some tips you shouldn’t skip out on:

• Fill Up on Fuel and Add a Fuel Stabilizer. Before storing your motorcycle, top off the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer. This prevents moisture from accumulating in the tank and protects the engine from damage caused by stale fuel.
• Refill Fluids. Check all the fluids in your motorcycle, including oil, coolant and brake fluid, and refill them as needed. Clean, topped-off fluids help prevent corrosion and maintain the health of your bike’s engine and systems while it’s not in use.
• Disconnect the Battery. Disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place to avoid battery drain during storage. Alternatively, use a trickle charger to maintain the battery’s charge if you plan on storing the bike for an extended period.
• Take the Bike Out for a Ride Occasionally. If it’s possible, ride your motorcycle every once in a while when it’s in storage. Even short rides help keep the battery charged, slow tire degradation and keep the engine and transmission lubricated.
• Protect the Exhaust Pipes From Rust. Spray the exhaust pipes with WD-40 or another rust-preventative spray to protect them from corrosion. This simple step can help prevent rust buildup, especially if you’re storing the bike in a humid environment.
• Lubricate the Chain and Cables. Apply lubricant to the chain, cables and any moving parts. This will prevent rust, keep things running smoothly and reduce wear and tear on these components while the bike is in storage.
• Clean and Wax the Motorcycle. Thoroughly wash your motorcycle to remove dirt and grime, then apply wax to protect the paint from corrosion. If your bike has leather components, apply a leather conditioner to prevent cracking during storage.
• Cover the Motorcycle with a Canvas. Use a breathable canvas cover to keep dust out of your motorcycle’s engine and exhaust pipes. Avoid using plastic covers, as they can trap moisture and lead to rust or mold.
• Check Tire Pressure and Use a Stand. Ensure your tires are properly inflated before storing your bike. To prevent flat spots from forming, use a motorcycle stand to lift the bike off the ground and take the weight off the tires.

Ready to find a storage unit for your motorcycle? Explore nearby facilities using our Storage Locator. For other storage and organization tips, visit our blog.