- How Long Can a Motorcycle Sit Unused?
- How to Winterize a Motorcycle
- How to Store a Motorcycle for Winter
- How to Store a Motorcycle Outside (And When to Avoid It)
- How to Store a Motorcycle Inside
Depending on where you live in the U.S., the optimal time to ride a motorcycle changes. Rather than letting your bike sit exposed to the elements in between rides, it’s important to properly prepare your motorcycle for seasonal or winter storage.
Without this preparation, your motorcycle may not be ready to ride when spring arrives, and winter-related damage can become costly.
Below, we’ll walk you through how to store a motorcycle for winter. Whether you’re keeping your bike in a garage, parked outside, or in a storage unit, we cover how to winterize a motorcycle to keep it in good shape until it’s time to ride again.
How Long Can a Motorcycle Sit Unused?
A motorcycle can sit unused for up to a few weeks with minimal impact. However, motorcycles that haven’t run for several months or longer can have bigger problems. This is especially true during the winter, as the cold can exacerbate certain issues. Here’s what to expect:
- Short-Term Inactivity (A Few Weeks): If a motorcycle sits for two to three weeks, most everything will remain functioning. Just be aware that the battery can slowly lose charge over time, and fuel might begin to degrade.
- Long-Term Inactivity (Several Months): Over the longer term, bigger problems are more likely to emerge. Batteries can drain fully, fuel can break down and clog components, tires may develop flat spots, and ambient moisture can contribute to corrosion. These problems are more common during winter, when colder temperatures can compound the effects of inactivity.
Understanding how to winterize a motorcycle and following winter storage guidelines helps reduce these risks and keep spring startup simpler.
How to Winterize a Motorcycle
Below, we cover the basics every rider should follow when thinking about how to store a motorcycle for winter. Keep in mind these tips for how to winterize a motorcycle aren’t just for snowy climates: winterizing your ride is important no matter where your bike will spend the season, including mild-weather regions or indoor storage.
Clean Your Motorcycle Thoroughly
Cleaning your motorcycle before parking it for the winter helps remove dirt, road salt, and grime that can contribute to corrosion over time. Wash painted surfaces, wheels, and hard-to-reach areas. Once clean, dry all areas thoroughly with a soft cloth or an air blower.
Many riders also apply wax or a motorcycle-specific spray to painted and metal surfaces. This creates a barrier against moisture during storage and helps keep finishes looking their best. If you’re relocating, a thorough cleaning should be on your moving checklist when prepping your bike.
Protect the Bike’s Fuel System
Fuel can degrade when it sits too long, which is why fuel care is a key part of winterizing a motorcycle. To slow fuel breakdown during storage, add a fuel stabilizer and run the engine for several minutes to let it circulate through the system.
Take Care of the Motorcycle Battery
Batteries often fail during winter because they slowly discharge while sitting unused. To prevent loss of battery life, you can remove the battery and store it indoors. Another option is to leave it installed and connect it to a maintenance charger (a low-voltage charger that keeps the battery topped off during storage).
Whatever option you choose, make sure the battery is in a dry location with moderate temperatures. You should also check the charge every few weeks throughout the winter.
Check and Maintain Engine Fluids
Changing the engine oil is an important part of winterizing a motorcycle, as used oil contains acids, moisture, and other contaminants that can corrode the engine. Be sure to check coolant and antifreeze levels if your bike is liquid-cooled. Then lubricate cables, levers, and other moving parts according to your owner’s manual. This helps everything operate smoothly when riding season returns.
Prevent Tire and Suspension Damage
Tires can develop flat spots when a motorcycle sits in one position for too long. To prevent this, place the bike on a center stand or paddock stands that lift the tires off the ground when storing a motorcycle for winter. If that isn’t an option, inflate the tires to the upper end of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and rotate the wheels occasionally during storage. These steps help reduce long-term stress on tires and suspension components.
How to Store a Motorcycle for Winter
There are three main options for motorcycle winter storage: outside, in a garage, or in a climate-controlled storage unit.* Each option comes with different considerations. The best choice for you will depend on your space, location, and how long the bike will be stored.
How to Store a Motorcycle Outside (And When to Avoid It)
Outdoor motorcycle storage is sometimes unavoidable, but with a little planning, you can reduce potential issues.
Weather exposure is the biggest challenge with outdoor motorcycle storage. Use a high-quality, breathable motorcycle cover designed for outdoor use and secure it properly so wind doesn’t shift it. Help reduce the impact of damp conditions by elevating the bike slightly and placing a moisture-absorbing product (such as desiccant packs) nearby.
If you’ll be storing your motorcycle in your driveway, winterizing your driveway can also be a way to avoid some of the harsher conditions of winter.
Outdoor storage is best reserved for short-term situations and milder climates. If your bike will be sitting all winter, indoor options are usually preferable, especially in climates where temperatures stay below freezing for prolonged periods.
How to Store a Motorcycle Inside
Indoor storage is a better option than outdoor parking when winter conditions are unpredictable or very cold. Remember, even if you’re storing your motorcycle indoors, you’ll still want to follow the same winterization tips, since the vehicle will be sitting unused for several months.
Garages are great for motorcycle winter storage. Find a place where your motorcycle will be out of the way of most daily traffic and can stay dry for the winter.
For those looking for ideas on how to store a motorcycle without a garage, storage units are a practical alternative. They’re especially useful for apartment dwellers or those in urban areas without garages, offering a dry, enclosed space shielded from winter’s harsh weather and cold temperatures.
When choosing a unit, consider three motorcycle winter storage tips:
- Size: Most motorcycles fit comfortably in smaller units but make sure there’s enough room to move around the bike if needed.
- Access: Look for facilities with drive-up storage and controlled access.
- Temperature Control: Climate-controlled units are a good choice to help moderate temperature swings during winter.*
A Smarter Way to Store Your Motorcycle This Winter
From caring for your fuel system and battery to reducing corrosion and tire wear, proper winter motorcycle storage is important. Not only does it make a big difference when riding season returns, allowing you to get back on the road with fewer problems, it can also help keep your motorcycle in good condition for years to come.
If space at home is limited, CubeSmart self-storage can help. We offer storage options to fit a variety of needs, including climate-controlled units that work well for storing motorcycles and other vehicles.* Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
* Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
