You’ve spent a sizable chunk of change on your new motorcycle—anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000, according to GQ. Now it’s time to find the perfect place to store it.
Unfortunately, not every motorcycle rider has the means or the access to store their bike in a garage. And though outdoor motorcycle storage may sound like a short drive to theft, weather-related damage, or other mishaps, there are ways to store your motorcycle safely (sans garage).
Top Solutions for Outdoor Motorcycle Storage
If you don’t own a garage, protecting your motorcycle from the outdoor elements, like rainfall, pollution, intense heat, and other damage-causing agents (i.e. hail, extreme wind, etc.), is critical.
Without a weather-proof garage to safeguard your motorcycle, you’ll need to think outside the box (aka the four walls of a standard garage). For example, you can invest in one (or more) of the following storage solutions: a quality motorcycle cover, a motorcycle shelter, a carport, and/or an awning. Each offers different levels of protection and convenience.
Remember: the elements are a motorcycle’s greatest enemy.
Prolonged exposure to rain can lead to rusting, damaged electrical components, or [worst-case] compromised brakes or a malfunctioning engine.
On the other end of the weather spectrum, prolonged sun exposure can lead to faded exterior paint and a deteriorating plastic dashboard.
Rain or shine, your motorcycle needs protection during storage.
Quality Motorcycle Covers
Made from durable materials like polyester or nylon, these motorcycle covers offer protection from harsh weather conditions and debris. Motorcycle owners like yourself will have the choice of heavier, weather-resistant covers (ideal for long-term outdoor storage) and lightweight travel covers.
Remember: don’t choose just any motorcycle cover. For a snug fit and maximum protection, choose a cover specifically designed for your motorcycle’s make and model. Without the right cover, you run the risk of rust forming on critical components, like fuel lines.
Customized Motorcycle Shelters
A motorcycle shelter is a collapsible structure constructed from durable and weather-resistant materials like metal or PVC-coated fabric. Unlike a motorcycle cover, a shelter doesn’t fit snugly over your motorcycle. Instead, this storage solution functions like a tent, offering protection against the elements without even touching your bike.
Because a motorcycle shelter resembles a camping tent, you can expect a similar set-up time. For beginners, the set-up should take around half an hour.
When selecting a motorcycle shelter, make sure it’s spacious enough to accommodate your motorcycle and has a ventilation system to prevent mold, mildew, or rust from forming. Some dealerships can even manufacture a custom motorcycle shelter based on your bike’s measurements.
While these shelters offer some protection against the elements, more extreme weather conditions could compromise your motorcycle shelter. For example, if not properly staked into the ground, strong gusts of wind could knock over the shelter, exposing your motorcycle to airborne debris and rain.
Utilizing Carports and Awnings for Your Motorcycle
For motorcycle owners with more generous budgets, carports and awnings are a more reliable storage solution. When storing a motorcycle outdoors, the structures shield your motorcycle from both direct sunlight and rain, preventing costly damage.
Though these structures offer overhead protection, they do leave the sides of your motorcycle exposed to threats like sideways rain or wind-carried debris. To maximize protection, still invest in a quality motorcycle cover. That way, your bike will remain protected from threats at all angles.
Keep in mind that since an awning or a carport is considered a permanent structure, you might have to obtain a building permit to install a carport or awning on your property. Contact your municipality to find out more about potential fees and the necessary steps to take.
Alternative Indoor Storage Options for Motorcycles
Outdoor storage might not be an option for you. For example, the process of obtaining a permit to install an expensive awning or carport might not be worth the headache. Or maybe the risks of storing a motorcycle with only a cover or motorcycle shelter are too difficult to overlook.
In either of these cases, you may feel at a loss. Rest assured, storing a motorcycle in a garage you own isn’t the only indoor storage option available.
Explore other indoor storage options, such as the following:
- Using shed storage
- Borrowing space from friends, family, or neighbors
- Renting a traditional storage unit
- Dealership storage programs
Each of these options can provide added protection from the elements and potential theft, ensuring your motorcycle remains in optimal condition (more specifically, rust-free).
Let’s delve deeper into each of these alternative indoor storage options and how they can help keep your motorcycle safe and secure (without the need for a garage of your own).
Shed Storage Solutions
Shed storage is a more affordable alternative to constructing an awning or carport of your own.
Garden or work sheds can provide adequate protection against the elements and potential theft, as long as you lock the entrance and use a motorcycle anchor to secure your bike.
Note: Sheds and motorcycle shelters are two different motorcycle storage options. Unlike motorcycle shelters, sheds are typically larger structures that are meant to house various items, whereas motorcycle shelters are built specifically for motorcycles.
When selecting a shed for motorcycle storage, consider the following factors:
- If it’s spacious enough to accommodate your motorcycle
- The overall cost and ease of installation
- Whether it has proper ventilation and insulation within the shed to help maintain the motorcycle’s condition
When storing your motorcycle in a shed, it’s recommended that you still purchase a motorcycle cover for added protection (especially when storing for the long term or over the winter months).
Because your motorcycle will be housed in a shed–which yields its own protection benefits–you won’t need to purchase an expensive, heavy-weight cover. A lightweight cover will more than suffice.
Borrowing Space from Friends or Family
Borrowing space from friends, family, or even your neighbors for motorcycle storage can be a cost-effective solution if you don’t have a garage.
If you choose to store with a neighbor, you’ll enjoy the convenience of having your bike stored within a short-distance, at all times. With this option, you won’t need to drive out to the traditional storage facility located 15 minutes away every time you want to take your motorcycle for a ride. To find motorcycle storage options in your very own neighborhood, check out Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace.
If you choose to store your motorcycle at a friend’s, it’s important that you openly communicate your needs and discuss an agreement with them. In doing so, you can establish a mutually beneficial arrangement, such as paying rent or returning the favor in some way.
Renting a Storage Unit
Renting a storage unit for motorcycle storage is a secure storage option for both long-term and seasonal storage, especially if it’s a climate-controlled storage unit.
Most motorcycles fit perfectly in a 5’x10’ unit
Dealership Storage Programs
Motorcycle dealerships have programs that provide winter and long-term storage options for motorcycles, often with added maintenance services.
By utilizing dealership storage programs, you can:
- Safeguard your motorcycle from harsh weather, potential theft, and damage
- Benefit from expert maintenance services
- Have a hassle-free storage solution that guarantees your bike remains in pristine condition during the offseason or long-term storage.
Maintenance Tips for Outdoor Motorcycle Storage
Regardless of the storage solution you choose, you must follow proper maintenance practices to ensure your motorcycle stays in top condition while stored outdoors.
Regular cleaning and inspection, proper battery care, and fuel management can help prevent rust, corrosion, and other damage caused by exposure to outdoor elements.
The following maintenance tips can keep your motorcycle running efficiently and looking great, even when stored outdoors for extended periods.
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
When cleaning your motorcycle, make sure to follow these steps:
- Inspect the bike for any signs of wear and tear.
- Ensure all essential components, such as brakes, tires, the chain, and derailleur, function properly.
- Lubricate the bike’s chain.
- Apply grease to any moving parts to ensure everything is functioning optimally.
In addition to regular cleaning and inspection, there are other ways to treat rust on your motorcycle frame.
- Use a rust remover or rust converter to stop the rust from spreading.
- Use a degreaser and a light scouring pad to gently scrub away any surface rust.
- Apply a rust inhibitor or protective coating to prevent future rust formation.
These simple steps can help prolong the life of your motorcycle and keep it looking its best.
Proper Battery Care
When storing your motorcycle outdoors, disconnect the battery when not in use to prevent it from draining. Moreover, using a battery tender can help maintain the battery’s charge level without overcharging it.
By disconnecting the battery and using a battery tender, your motorcycle’s battery stays in optimal condition during storage, allowing you to enjoy a smooth ride when it’s time to hit the road again.
Fuel Management
When storing your motorcycle outdoors for extended periods, you should:
- Use fuel stabilizers to prevent fuel-related issues and keep your motorcycle running efficiently
- Empty the fuel tank if your motorcycle has to be stored for an extended period
- Incorporate a fuel stabilizer into the empty tank to further protect your motorcycle during storage
By implementing proper fuel management practices, you can ensure your motorcycle remains in top condition during storage. These maintenance tips, combined with the right storage solution and taking care of your gas tank, will keep your motorcycle protected and ready for your next ride.
Final Thoughts on Renting a Storage Unit for Your Motorcycle
Not having a garage shouldn’t hold you back from buying a motorcycle.
If you aren’t able to capitalize on free storage options (storing with friends or family), storing your motorcycle in a standard 5’x10’ unit will only cost you around $60-$70 a month–a small price to pay for motorcycle longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storing Your Motorcycle Safely
Check out common questions motorcycle riders ask when learning about how to store a motorcycle, with or without a garage.
What happens if you leave your motorcycle outside without using any storage solutions?
Leaving your motorcycle outside without proper storage can damage vital electrical components due to prolonged exposure to the sun and rain. Intense heat can also cause the seals of switches and sensors to go bad.
Is it OK to store a motorcycle in a storage unit?
Putting a motorcycle in a storage unit is OK since it will protect it from inclement weather and prevent theft or vandalism. It’s safer than leaving it parked in the driveway, too.
Is it better to store a motorcycle with a full or empty gas tank?
It is better to store a motorcycle with a full gas tank, as empty or slightly filled tanks are more prone to condensation and rust formation. Topping off the tank and adding a fuel stabilizer will also help prevent the gas from deteriorating.
How do you store a motorcycle in the winter?
To store your motorcycle for winter, you should:
- Wash and dry it to prevent rust and corrosion
- Fill the fuel tank so condensation doesn’t form
- Check and replace fluids to ensure that the engine is running properly
- Pump up the tires to prevent flat spots from forming
- Plug the pipes so debris doesn’t get in there
- Remove the battery so it doesn’t freeze
- Wax and lubricate the chain to help repel water
- Use a motorcycle storage cover and keep your bike in a well-ventilated area to maintain good condition and security
