As the weather gets colder and riding becomes less enjoyable, it’s time to get your motorcycle ready for winter. By learning a few easy winter storage tips, you can keep it secure and in good shape all season long. That way, when spring comes, it will be ready to ride again.
Why Motorcycle Winter Storage Matters
Storing your bike correctly in winter helps shield it from cold, moisture, and wear, so it’s usable in the coming season.
Defending Your Motorcycle From Harsh Weather
Temperatures below freezing, humidity, and road salt can cause serious harm to a motorcycle. If it remains outside all winter, snow and freezing rain can cause it to rust, corrode, or damage the battery. Fuel lines could also freeze or crack, and the tires can lose air.
Indoors vs. Outdoor Motorcycle Storage
When it comes to storing a motorcycle during winter, keeping it indoors gives the best defense as it helps keep it away from bad weather, pests, and moisture. It also maintains a more stable temperature. However, if you plan to store your motorcycle outside, you’ll need to take additional precautions by using a strong, weatherproof cover and applying extra moisture resistance.
How To Store a Motorcycle During Winter
Before the cold season hits, decide where you’ll keep your bike.
Storage Unit
Many riders may wonder, “Can I park a motorcycle in a storage unit?” The answer is yes! A personal storage unit is one of the most secure and convenient places to store your motorcycle during the winter. It can shield it from snow and rain, which can cause rust or other harm.
Garage or Shed Storage
Storing your ride in your garage or shed is an easy and convenient option when you have the space for it. Being close by, you can easily check on it during the winter to see if it’s sheltering well away from the elements. However, before you decide on garage and shed storage, ensure the area is dry, clean, and free from pests.
Outdoor Covers and Shelters
In the absence of indoor space, outdoor covers and shelters can help keep your bike secure during the cold months. A strong, weatherproof cover shields it from snow, rain, and wind. Choose a breathable cover so moisture doesn’t get trapped underneath, which can lead to rust. You can also use a small outdoor shelter or tent for additional cover.
Clean and Prep Your Bike
Dirt, salt, and grime can slowly deteriorate your motorcycle if left on over the winter. Before storing it away, give it a thorough wash to remove any debris that could cause rust or corrosion. When you’re done cleaning, wax the painted areas to add layer of defense. You should also make sure your ride is fully dry afterward, including the small parts like the chain and wheels, so moisture doesn’t cause harm during storage.
Maintain Fuel and Fluids
Keeping your bike’s fuel and fluids in good shape over winter helps maintain the engine and makes it easier to start in spring.
Fuel Stabilizer
When a motorcycle sits for months, the gas in the tank can go bad and cause engine problems. Thankfully, a fuel stabilizer can keep the gas fresh all winter. To use it, pour the appropriate amount into your tank and run the engine for a few minutes to allow the additive to mix with the fuel. This will stop buildup and keep your engine clean.
Oil and Coolant
Before storing your ride for the winter, check the oil and coolant to keep the engine in good shape. Old oil can collect dirt and corrode parts over time, so it’s smart to change it before storage. Coolant also helps keep the engine from freezing in cold weather, so make sure it’s filled to the correct level and in good condition.
Battery Care Tips
Taking care of your bike’s battery during cold weather keeps it charged and ready to go when riding season starts again.
Disconnect the Battery
Before storing your motorcycle for winter, it’s a good idea to disconnect the battery. When a battery remains connected and unused for months, it can slowly lose its charge or become damaged. Disconnecting it will help keep the battery healthy and ready to use in the spring.
Battery Tender
Using a battery tender is an easy way to keep your ride’s battery charged while it’s in storage. It gradually provides the battery with enough power to stay fully charged without overcharging. This helps prevent the battery from dying during the cold months. Simply connect the tender to your battery and plug it in. When warm weather comes, your bike will be ready to start up without any additional work.
Cool, Dry Place
When storing your bike’s battery for the winter, it’s important to keep it in a cool, dry place. A spot that’s too cold can cause the battery to lose power, while a damp area can lead to rust or corrosion.
Choose a location that maintains a steady temperature and is dry, such as a shelf in your garage or a climate-controlled storage unit. Although modern batteries are less likely to lose charge on concrete, it’s still best to place them on a shelf or mat for added defense.
Tire and Suspension Prep
Getting your tires and suspension ready for cold weather helps shield your motorcycle from harm and keeps it secure to ride in the spring.
Inflating the Tires
Before storing your ride for the winter, make sure the tires are properly inflated. Cold weather can cause tire pressure to drop, potentially leading to flat spots or premature wear if the vehicle remains stationary for an extended period. Check the recommended tire pressure in your owner’s manual and use an air pump to bring the tires to the proper level. This maintains the rubber and keeps the tires in good shape during storage.
Motorcycle Stand
Using a motorcycle stand during storage is a smart way to secure it. When it sits in one position for too long, the tires and suspension may suffer. A stand lifts the bike slightly off the ground, taking pressure off the tires and keeping them in good shape. It also helps it stay steady and balanced while in storage.
Move or Roll Your Bike a Little
If you don’t have a motorcycle stand, it’s a good idea to move or roll your bike a little every few weeks during the winter. This keeps your tires from sitting in the same spot for too long, which can cause flat spots or uneven wear. Gently rolling the bike a few feet is enough to shift the pressure on the tires and shield them. It also provides a quick opportunity to check for any leaks or issues in storage.
How To Winterize a Motorcycle
By winterizing your ride step by step, you keep it secure during the cold months and prepare it for spring.
Inspect Your Motorcycle Thoroughly
Before storing your motorcycle, it’s smart to give it a thorough check. Look closely for oil leaks so you can fix small problems before they get worse. Don’t forget to test your brake fluid to make sure your brakes will still work well when it’s time to ride again.
You should also check all the lights to be sure they work properly. Finally, tighten any loose bolts or screws to keep everything secure. Taking a few minutes to handle these small details now can save you time and stress later.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Lubrication is one of the most important steps to keep your bike in good condition during winter. When it remains stationary for months, moisture can accumulate on the chain, cables, and other moving parts, potentially leading to rust and wear.
To help prevent this, apply grease to these areas before storing your ride. It creates a thin, insulating layer that keeps parts smooth and working properly. Be sure to cover spots like the chain, clutch cable, and kickstand pivot, since these can stiffen or rust if left dry.
Cover Your Motorcycle Correctly
Using a breathable cover is a simple yet essential way to keep your motorcycle secure during the winter. A breathable cover allows moisture to escape, preventing rust and mildew from forming. At the same time, it keeps out snow, dust, and pests, so your bike stays clean and dry all season long. And if you store it indoors, a cover can still be useful as it gives an additional layer of defense from scratches, accidental bumps, or changes in temperature.
Outdoor Winter Storage Solutions for Motorcycles
Outdoor storage can keep your ride secure during the cold season if you use the appropriate cover and take steps to shield it from the weather.
Weatherproof Covers and Shelters
If you don’t have space to keep your bike indoors, you can still secure it outside with the appropriate gear. Invest in a high-quality, weatherproof cover or shelter designed to withstand winter weather. A good cover should be water-resistant to keep out rain and snow, but also breathable so moisture doesn’t get trapped inside. This is important because trapped moisture can turn into condensation, which can lead to rust and other problems.
Defending Against Moisture and Pests
Moisture and pests can cause serious problems if you store your motorcycle outside during winter. It’s possible for moisture to accumulate inside the cover, corroding the metal parts and electrical systems, which can make it more difficult for your bike to operate in the spring. At the same time, small animals like mice may try to stay warm by crawling into exhaust pipes or under the seat.
Whenever possible, place desiccant packs or other moisture absorbers near areas that collect dampness. This helps keep the inside of the cover dry. You can also seal off any openings, like the exhaust pipe, with tape or special plugs to keep critters out.
When It’s Time To Ride Again
Getting your ride ready after the offseason makes sure it’s reliable to use and in good shape.
Battery Reconnection and Tire Check
When spring finally arrives, it’s time to get your bike ready to ride again. Start by reconnecting the battery or removing it from the battery tender if you used one during winter. Next, check your tire pressure and adjust it to match the manufacturer’s recommendations to make sure your bike handles well on the road. Take a few minutes to inspect the tire for any cracks, flat spots, or other signs of wear.
Test Ride and Inspection
Before you head out for your first ride of the season, take time to give your motorcycle a full safety check. Go through the lights, making sure the headlights, brake lights, and turn signals work properly. Test the brakes to be sure they feel strong and respond quickly. Check all fluid levels, including oil, coolant, and brake fluid, and top them off if needed.
Make sure your controls, like the throttle, clutch, and handlebars, move smoothly without sticking. Once everything looks good, take a short test ride around your neighborhood. This helps you feel how it handles after sitting all winter and gives you a chance to catch any small problems before hitting the open road.
Find the Ideal Motorcycle Storage Unit With Compass Self Storage
Proper bike winter storage maintains it so it’s ready to ride when spring comes. With the correct care, you won’t have to worry about rust, wear, or repairs after the cold months. Thankfully, a secure, climate-controlled storage unit from Compass Self Storage keeps your motorcycle dry throughout the winter. With easy month-to-month rentals, convenient access hours, and locations across the country, it’s effortless to find the perfect space for your bike.
Reserve your motorcycle storage today and let us keep your ride secure this winter.