How-To Store a Motorcycle for Self-Storage
Texas Mega Storage
September 6th, 2022
If you own a motorcycle, you know just how difficult it can be trying to find a place to store it when it’s not in use. Here at Texas Mega Storage, we understand your dilemma and want to lend a helping hand. Our units are ideal for motorcycle self-storage and so much more.
So, if the outside elements are putting your motorcycle at risk, read this guide to learn how you can put your ride in storage and enjoy peace of mind.
Things to Consider When Storing Your Motorcycle in a Storage Unit in Spring, Texas
Unlike a box of dishes or knickknacks, putting a motorcycle in storage requires some careful planning and preventative steps. Below, we discuss the most important aspects to consider before bringing in your motorcycle.
It Has to Run
Rules and regulations dictate that your motorcycle has to run before you can put it in a storage facility. It doesn’t have to look the greatest, but you need to be able to show that it’s in good, running condition.
You Have to Own It
The motorcycle you put in storage must be your own. You therefore have to show your vehicle registration and prove that it’s your motorcycle.
To help save time, remember to bring your motorcycle’s paperwork with you when picking out a storage unit.
Save the Tune-Ups for Home
Unfortunately, you can’t use a storage facility to work on your motorcycle. If you believe it needs some tinkering, try to take care of it before you bring it in. You don’t want to store a motorcycle that’s leaking fluids, for example.
Fill ‘er Up
You want your motorcycle to have a safe time in storage. One way you can ensure this is to fill up its tank before bringing it in. A fuel tank that’s sitting on empty or even has only a little bit of gas in it can cause the tank to rust due to condensation.
Moreover, it’s a good idea to use some fuel stabilizer, too, as doing so will prevent deterioration. So before you store your bike away, fill it up, add some stabilizer, and let it run for a few minutes.
Change Oil/Fluids
Oxidation and corrosion can quickly ruin a motorcycle in storage. However, you can effectively prevent these things from happening by taking the time to change out all of the fluids, including the oil. This has nothing to do with the storage facility; rather, it’s the contaminants in the oil.
If left unchanged, these contaminants can harm your engine. Don’t risk this happening to your prized possession. Change all of the fluids and give your bike a spin to allow the new fluids to circulate properly.
Don’t Leave the Battery Connected
This is a commonly overlooked step that needs more attention. If your motorcycle is going to be in self-storage for an extended period of time (over the winter, for example), it’s best to disconnect the battery.
You can opt to leave the battery connected as long as it’s fully charged, and you return once a month to let your motorcycle run for a few minutes.
Take Steps to Protect Your Motorcycle
Before storing your motorcycle in self-storage, it’s best to give it a bath and apply protective solutions, such as leather or vinyl treatment (if applicable) and wax. Furthermore, you want to make sure that no portions of your bike are wet, as this can lead to corrosion, mildew, or rust.
Lastly, most motorcycle owners who store their bikes in self-storage place a sock over their exhaust to keep pests and dust out.
Air up Your Tires
Filling up your tires to their maximum limit will help prevent flat tires during storage. Some motorcycle owners go so far as to remove their wheels altogether while their bikes are in storage. Doing this is an effective way to prevent a phenomenon known as “flat-spotting,” where your tires become flat after sitting stationary for a long period of time.
Cover Your Bike
You want your motorcycle to look just as nice as when you stored it. To ensure this, we recommend investing in a quality cover to place over it during its stay. You shouldn’t use a plastic tarp, however, as they can scratch the paint on your ride.
Another important factor to consider is the material of your motorcycle cover. You want to make sure it is a breathable material, as this will help prevent trapped condensation from developing under the cover.
What Size Should the Storage Unit Be?
This is a matter of preference, but there are some factors to consider. Do you plan to store additional items with your motorcycle? Are you storing more than one motorcycle? For a single motorcycle, a 5x10 storage unit should serve you well. You’ll still have some space for things like your helmet, and you’ll be able to walk around your motorcycle.
For two motorcycles, you’ll need at least a 10x10 storage unit or bigger. If you don’t want to manage more than one storage unit, a bigger single unit will afford you the space to store additional items and boxes comfortably.
Call Texas Mega Storage in Spring, Texas for Automobile Storage
Motorcycles are often very difficult to store in a garage along with your other vehicles. And if you’re like most people, your garage already has more stored in it than you’d like to admit. That’s where a self-storage facility comes in handy.
Rather than risk damaging your motorcycle, you can rest easy knowing that your ride is safe and secure in one of our storage units. And if you need to store anything else, we can help you make space in your garage by offering additional storage space for your various items.