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Motorcycle Storage

Motorcycle Storage: Protecting Your Ride During Downtime

Motorcycling offers unmatched freedom and excitement, but sometimes, your bike needs storage. Proper motorcycle storage is essential to maintain your bike's performance, value, and longevity, whether due to seasonal changes, travel, or a lack of riding opportunities. If you store your motorcycle correctly with modSTORAGE, it will be ready to hit the road whenever you are.

Why Motorcycle Storage is Crucial

Motorcycles are susceptible to damage from the elements, disuse, and improper storage. If your bike isn't stored correctly, rust, battery discharge, and fluid degradation are common problems. To preserve it, you must protect your motorcycle from moisture, temperature fluctuations, and pests. Thoughtful preparation and attention to storage details can prevent costly repairs when you're ready to ride again.

Steps to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Storage

Proper preparation ensures your bike remains in top condition during its time off the road. Here's what to do before you store your motorcycle:

Clean Your Bike Thoroughly

Exterior Cleaning: Wash off any dirt or grime, and apply a coat of wax for extra protection against corrosion.

Mechanical Care: Clean and lubricate the chain and inspect air filters and other internal components to prevent buildup.

Fuel System Maintenance

Fuel Stabilizer: Fill the tank and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation. Run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the stabilizer throughout the system.

Change the Oil and Filter

Old oil can contain contaminants that damage the engine. Change both the oil and filter before storage.

Battery Care

For short-term storage, disconnect the battery. Please remove the battery and use a trickle charger to maintain its charge for long-term storage.

Tire Pressure and Storage Positioning

Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure to prevent flat spots. If storing for extended periods, consider using a stand to remove the pressure from the tires.

Protect Against Pests

Plug any openings, such as the exhaust pipe, to prevent rodents from entering your motorcycle.

Cover Your Motorcycle

Even if your bike is stored indoors, a breathable cover will keep dust, dirt, and moisture off it.

Choosing the Right Storage Solution

Where you store your motorcycle is just as important as how you prepare it. There are various options available, each with its benefits and drawbacks:

Indoor Storage

Best Protection: Indoor storage protects against the elements, temperature changes, and theft. Climate-controlled units are ideal for long-term storage and high-value motorcycles.

Outdoor Storage

Cost-Effective: Outdoor storage is more affordable, but it requires a high-quality cover to protect the bike from rain, sun, and wind. A covered parking spot offers extra protection.

Specialized Motorcycle Storage

Many facilities offer motorcycle-specific storage solutions with added security features and maintenance options. Look for facilities that provide 24/7 access, insurance, and climate control.

Legal and Insurance Considerations for Motorcycle Storage

Understanding the legal and insurance aspects of motorcycle storage is vital to avoid potential issues down the road:

Review Storage Contracts

Ensure that the storage agreement covers liability for theft or damage. Check for clauses on access, duration, and termination.

Insurance Adjustments

Discuss storage with your insurance provider. Some companies offer discounts for motorcycles in storage but confirm your coverage for fire, theft, and other risks.

Local Regulations

Check for local zoning laws or HOA rules that could affect where and how you store your motorcycle.

Maintaining Your Motorcycle During Storage

Regular maintenance while your bike is in storage can help avoid damage and make reactivation smoother:

Battery Maintenance

Use a trickle charger or battery tender to keep your motorcycle's battery in good condition. For long-term storage, consider removing the battery entirely.

Fuel System Care

If using a fuel stabilizer, run the engine briefly to ensure it's fully circulated. In some cases, draining the carburetor (for older bikes) can prevent clogging.

Tire Care

Inflate the tires to prevent flat spots. Elevate the bike on stands to relieve pressure on the tires and suspension.

Lubrication

To prevent rust, apply a light coat of lubricant to the chain and other moving parts. Then, regularly check for signs of damage.

Pest Prevention

Securely cover any openings to deter pests from home inside your motorcycle.

Retrieving Your Motorcycle from Storage

When it's time to get back on the road, ensure your motorcycle is ready by following these steps:

Inspection and Cleaning

Begin with a visual inspection to check for signs of rust, corrosion, or pest activity. Clean off any dust or dirt.

Battery Reinstallation

If you removed the battery, reinstall it and check its charge before starting the bike. If the battery was left on a trickle charger, ensure it's in good condition.

Fluid Check and Replacement

Check all fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid) and replace any degraded ones. Inspect the fuel condition—if the bike is stored for a long time, the fuel may need to be replaced.

Tire Inspection

Check the tire pressure and inspect the tires for signs of wear or damage. Inflate to the recommended levels and replace tires if needed.

Control and Brake Check

Test the throttle, clutch, and brake systems. Check for smooth operation and inspect brake pads and fluid levels.

Test Ride

Before embarking on a long ride, take your bike for a short test ride to ensure it handles well and all systems function.

modSTORAGE: Motorcycle Storage Done Right

Proper motorcycle storage preserves your bike's physical condition, value, and performance. Whether you're storing your motorcycle for the winter, a long trip, or simply due to a lack of space, taking the time to clean, maintain, and store it correctly will ensure it's ready for the road when you are. By following these storage tips and choosing us here at modSTORAGE, your motorcycle will be protected from damage, and you can enjoy many more miles of thrilling rides.

For more expert tips on motorcycle storage, check out our blog for additional insights and recommendations. For motorcycle storage, contact us, or reserve motorcycle storage online with us at modSTORAGE today!

Contact us to reserve motorcycle storage online at modSTORAGE today!

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