Motorcycle owners and riders of all skill levels understand the importance of keeping their bikes in the best possible shape, especially if they need to be put away for some time. Storing a motorcycle is a delicate balancing act between protection from the elements, security, and regular maintenance.
You’ll find no shortage of solutions available for motorcycle storage, but the best choice will depend on factors like the value of your motorcycle, the weather in your area, and the length of time you plan on storing it. In this article, we’ll go over several of these solutions to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Indoor storage
Motorcycles tend to be more delicate than larger, sturdier vehicles like boats and RVs, so they require more protection from the elements when being stored. Renting a storage unit or using your own garage or shed to keep your motorcycle out of the weather all come with their own pros and cons; let’s take a look at each.
Storage units
Renting a storage unit to keep your motorcycle safe and protected comes with many benefits beyond a dedicated space. Storage facilities often have robust security to keep your unit protected from any potential intruders, and depending on the unit size you choose, you can also store other motorcycle accessories that you may not be using while your bike is in storage.
A 5×10 storage unit will often be large enough to fit a single motorcycle along with several accessories and pieces of gear. If you’re storing multiple motorcycles, consider a 10×10 or 10×15 unit. You should also consider whether you want to use an indoor or an outdoor facility; an indoor facility is more difficult to load and access, but is more likely to have built-in climate control to keep delicate mechanical parts from rusting.
Benefits of a storage unit
| Facility Features | Motorcycle Storage Benefits |
|---|---|
| Security | The best-quality self-storage facilities have a dedicated security staff monitoring the units, as well as strong locks to prevent intruders from breaking in. |
| Convenience | Storage units are often accessible 24/7, even when the office is closed, so you can check in on your motorcycle whenever it’s convenient for you. |
| Climate control | Storage facilities with climate-controlled units provide a consistent temperature and humidity range, protecting your motorcycle from any extreme weather conditions. |
Motorcycle garage storage
If you have space in your home’s garage, you may be able to save money by keeping your motorcycle there while you’re not using it. This is often a more convenient solution, allowing you to check on your bike in the safety of your own home and make use of the space you already have. However, there are plenty of disadvantages that you should take extra steps to work around.
Tips for motorcycle garage storage
| Optimization Area | Best Practices |
|---|---|
| Optimize your space | Use motorcycle stands or lifts to store your bike and make use of vertical space. This can save horizontal space in your garage and keep your bike tires from unnecessary damage. |
| Improve security | Make sure you have a sturdy, high-quality lock on your garage to prevent any unwanted intruders, and consider a home security camera or an alarm system to further deter thieves. |
| Control pests | Seal any gaps or breaches in your garage walls and put out insect and rodent traps to prevent any pests from damaging your motorcycle. |
| Control the climate | Use a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture in the air during humid months and prevent rust, and use a heater to prevent any cold damage to your motorcycle during cold months. |
| Make your motorcycle easy to access | Organize the items in your garage so you can easily get to, take out, and put back your motorcycle when you want to ride it without having to move items out of the way. |
Motorcycle shed storage
If you have enough space in your yard, you may be able to either purchase a pre-made shed or build your own shed specifically to store your motorcycle in. Make sure your local HOA rules allow the kind of shed you want to put in before you commit to purchasing or building one, however. If it’s an option for you, consider the following when shopping or planning your build.
Motorcycle shed considerations
| Optimization Area | Best Practices |
|---|---|
| Size and organization | Make sure your shed is big enough to fit your motorcycle and accessories with enough room to move around, and organize the contents for easy access. |
| Weather protection | Choose a shed with a sturdy roof and weatherproof walls and ceilings to protect your motorcycle from the elements. Consider adding insulation for colder months. |
| Security | Choose a strong lock that’s difficult to pick or break, and consider security cameras and alarms to further prevent any intruders. |
| Ventilation | Make sure enough air can flow through your shed to prevent condensation and mold from growing on your bike or its accessories. |
| Accessibility | Make sure the shed is located in an easily accessible place in your yard, but also consider local HOA regulations and how they may limit where you can build it. |
Outdoor storage
If you own a motorcycle and don’t want to commit to an indoor storage option, or you just don’t have the space or funds, consider the outdoor solutions available. If your HOA allows it, storing your motorcycle in your driveway may be perfect for your needs, but you should consider investing in added protection to keep weather damage away. Otherwise, consider renting a motorcycle parking spot at a secure storage facility for added protection.
Secure motorcycle parking
Many outdoor vehicle storage facilities offer long-term parking spots for motorcycles, which are often more cost-effective than renting a fully enclosed storage unit. These facilities offer layers of security to prevent any unauthorized intruders from getting in. However, there are a few extra things to consider when parking your motorcycle outdoors.
What to look for in outdoor motorcycle parking
| Optimization Area | Best Practices |
|---|---|
| Designated parking spots | Make sure you have your own reserved parking spot for your motorcycle, even during peak seasons, so you can always find it and it won’t be damaged by other vehicles. |
| Enhanced security | The best outdoor secure parking facilities will have on-site security staff, robust monitoring, access control, and good lighting to catch potential intruders. |
| Covered parking | You’ll probably pay a bit extra for covered parking, but many owners find the price worth it to keep their motorcycle out of the rain, snow, or ice. |
Remember to pay your bike frequent visits to make sure it hasn’t sustained any weather damage, and consider investing in a motorcycle cover to further keep the elements away.
Choosing a motorcycle cover
Wherever you store your motorcycle, a high-quality cover will be a major step towards keeping it clean and undamaged. Covering your bike will protect it from dust, moisture, and scratches.
The first factor to look for is high-quality material. Seek out motorcycle covers made from materials like polyester, nylon or polyurethane-coated fabric. These materials are lightweight, yet provide ample protection from moisture and ultraviolet rays.
From here, look at different covers for different needs and choose the type that best fits your motorcycle.
- Indoor motorcycle covers are best for protecting your motorcycle from dust, dirt and scratches when storing it indoors (garage, shed, self-storage unit).
- Outdoor covers are best for protecting your motorcycle from harsh weather, including rain and UV exposure.
- Half covers only go over the top half of the bike, making them ideal if you regularly use your motorcycle and need to easily put on and remove it every day.
- Full covers go over the entire bike; while they’re more difficult to put on and remove, they’re ideal for longer-term storage.
- Lockable covers include built-in locks for added security against theft or reinforced grommets for you to use your own cable or disc lock on.
- Rain covers are made from waterproof materials for rainy conditions.
Make sure whatever cover you choose fits your motorcycle properly; if you choose a full cover, make sure it covers the bike from top to bottom without leaving any part exposed. Measure your bike to choose the correct size, considering the length from front to back tire and height from the highest point to the ground.
For the most secure fit, look for covers with elastic hems and tie-down straps that allow you to tighten them around the motorcycle with a minimum of trapped air. Some companies offer custom covers if you provide them with the dimensions of your motorcycle, but you can expect to pay more for these.
Here are a few more features to keep an eye out for when shopping for a motorcycle cover.
Motorcycle cover features
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Ventilation | Covers that allow some airflow will prevent moisture from building up on your bike’s metal parts and keep rust and condensation damage away. |
| Heat resistance | Heat-resistant covers are less likely to melt when in contact with hot parts of the motorcycle, and also prevent heat damage during warmer months. |
| Soft lining | A softer inner lining allows the cover to cushion your bike from any unwanted impacts and prevent any scratches on the paint. |
| Added security | Some covers come with their own locks; others come with reinforced grommets for you to supply your own trusted lock and further deter theft. |
In conclusion
As you’ve seen, there are plenty of reasons you might want to store your motorcycle and plenty of options to meet your needs. By now, you should understand what to look for and have an idea of the best solution for you, and the right motorcycle cover to match.
If you have the space or the funds, indoor storage may be right for you with climate-controlled units, extra garage space, or a dedicated shed. Otherwise, a secure parking lot or extra space in your driveway may be perfect for your needs while saving a little money.
No matter what you choose, look for a high-quality motorcycle cover to maximize protection and security, and take steps to prepare your bike for storage before putting it away.
Is a climate-controlled storage facility or a secure parking lot the solution you need? Storage.com can help! Check out our built-in search tool to find facilities near you with the features you require, or give us a call at (833) 372-9881 to speak with a storage expert and get personalized assistance.
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