6 Tips for Keeping Your Motorcycle Safe in Long-Term Storage
First of all, you must know that storing your motorcycle away for an extended period of time is nowhere like simply parking it in your garage. Doing it properly can mean a world of difference to its condition when you decide it’s time to take it back on the road. So no matter the reason, it would be best to stow your bike the right way. If you don’t know how to, this article will greatly help.
1. Clean Your Bike
It’s not that hard to ensure your motorcycle’s safety in long-term storage, and there aren’t many things to do. A great way to start is by cleaning your bike. Give it a thorough wash and make sure all the dirt, mud, and bird droppings are all wiped out. Some may see these things as nothing serious. Still, in reality, when left unattended, they can damage the paint, leading to corrosion. That’s not something you’d want to see after a long time of leaving your motorcycle. After a good wash, leave it under the sun to dry before putting it in for long-term storage.
2. Change the Fluids
Fluids keep your motorcycle working properly. However, if they get drained or dirty, you may notice some problems with your ride. This is why it’s important to check and refill all your bike’s fluids, including engine oil, gasoline, coolant, and brake fluid, before long-term storage. If it’s been a while since your last oil change, consider changing it prior to storing it long-term. But if you’ve changed it just recently, you can just top it off to a substantial amount. The same goes for other fluids. They’re all equally essential. But don’t forget to refer to the owner’s manual to get everything correct.
3. Cover Your Motorcycle
Whether you plan to put your bike in your garage, shed, or storage unit, always remember to cover it appropriately. This will be the first line of defense against not just the elements but also critters and stray animals that could damage your bike. In addition, seal off any holes on your ride, such as the exhaust pipe, with rubber plugs or old newspapers so that small creatures like rodents and insects can’t get in. This will guarantee that your motorcycle is in top shape once you use it again.
4. Disconnect the Battery
Another crucial thing you must do when planning to keep your motorcycle in long-term storage is to disconnect the batteries. Why? This is so you can avoid “parasitic discharge” and conserve energy. Nevertheless, take note of this: even if you have cut off the battery, it can still lose its charge over time. So you’ll still need to replace it eventually. However, suppose you’re only setting aside your vehicle for a couple of months. In that case, there’s a different option for you – connecting the battery to a battery tender. It automatically recharges the battery when it runs low on power. This will help keep it charged without you having to look after it constantly.
5. Lift the Tires Off the Ground
Here’s a fact that you might not know. Wear and tear in your motorcycle’s tires doesn’t only occur when it runs on the road. In fact, it may deteriorate faster when unused for ages. They lose air pressure by themselves after some time. When that happens, there is no longer any support for the tire, meaning it now carries all the weight. This can possibly result in a permanent flat spot on the rubber or internal structural damage, which may cost you some repairs. Troublesome, right? Luckily, you can prevent this, so there’s nothing to worry about. How do you do it? Elevate your tires and take the load off of them using either a service stand or everyday items like hollow blocks and milk crates. It’s that simple. What’s more, you’re also easing up the burden on the suspension system. Two birds with one stone.
6. Find the Best Storage
Perhaps the most important part of all this is, without a doubt, where you plan to store your motorcycle. Everything you do will be of no avail if you don’t find yourself a secure storage. Fortunately, you have a lot of choices.
Parked in the Driveway
This one is the easiest and cheapest. However, it’s also the least secure. You might need a good quality motorcycle cover that protects your vehicle from the elements. You can also pair it up with a motorcycle canopy for improved safeguard.
Family and Friends
There might be someone close to you who has space on their property. Try asking them, and they might be happy to help.
Store Inside Your House
Yes, you can very well store your motorcycle inside your home. Look for an area that’s rarely used and set it up there. You’ll never stress about safety knowing your vehicle is inside your very own home.
Rent a Storage Unit
When there really is no space anywhere else, you can always rent a storage unit near you. Just make certain that you choose a reputable storage company.
Conclusion
Long-term storage of motorcycles has, generally, no issue. But that’s only because people know and do what they have to do. Remember these tips to guarantee that nothing goes wrong with your vehicle.