Complete Guide to Storing Your Motorcycle
Properly storing your motorcycle during periods of non-use is essential to maintain its performance and extend its lifespan. Whether for winter or a prolonged period, adequate storage protects your motorcycle from the elements, rust, and other potential damage. In this article, we share practical tips to ensure your motorcycle is ready to ride when the season returns.
Why is Motorcycle Storage Important in Canada?
Motorcycle storage is crucial in Canada, particularly in Quebec, due to the harsh winter weather conditions. Protecting your motorcycle from the cold, humidity, and inclement weather is essential to preserve its engine and prevent rust or other damage. Reserving a space in a specialized storage facility ensures your motorcycle is kept in a controlled environment, safe from the elements. Proper storage not only keeps your bike in good condition for the next season but also extends its overall lifespan, ensuring it’s ready to hit the road again when spring arrives.
What is the Best Way to Store a Motorcycle During Winter?
The best way to store a motorcycle during winter is to place it in a clean, dry, and temperature-controlled environment, such as a storage unit with direct access. A heated space is particularly recommended to protect the motorcycle from freezing temperatures, which can damage mechanical and electrical components. Before storing the motorcycle, it is essential to properly prepare it for storage.
This includes a thorough cleaning to remove dirt, insects, and any debris buildup that could cause long-term damage. It's also important to add a fuel stabilizer to the tank to prevent the fuel from degrading and clogging the injection system or carburetors. The tires should be properly inflated to prevent flat spots, and it's advisable to lift the motorcycle on stands to reduce pressure on the tires.
Additionally, it’s recommended to disconnect or remove the battery and store it in a dry place, charging it periodically to prevent it from discharging completely. Finally, covering the motorcycle with a breathable cover protects it from dust while avoiding condensation that could cause corrosion. These steps ensure your motorcycle remains in good condition during winter storage, making it easier to restart in spring and prolonging its lifespan.
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How to Choose a Storage Unit for Your Motorcycle
Here are some tips for choosing a storage unit for your motorcycle:
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Book in Advance: Make sure to reserve your storage space as early as possible, especially if you have a sports motorcycle or a recreational vehicle. The most sought-after units, such as those offering indoor and secure storage, can quickly be taken.
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Compare Storage Unit Offers: Explore different storage facilities to see what options are available. Some warehouses offer heated storage units, ideal for protecting your motorcycle from extreme temperatures.
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Evaluate Storage Prices: Storage prices can vary depending on the size of the space, direct access, or additional features like heating. Compare prices to find the best deal that fits your budget.
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Prioritize Units with Direct Access: Units with direct access are convenient if you plan to access your motorcycle regularly during storage. This allows you to check the condition of your vehicle.
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Check Security: Ensure the storage facility provides a clean and secure environment with security measures like a personalized entry code. Secure storage is essential to protect your motorcycle from theft and damage.
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Choose a Warehouse with Professional Staff: The staff can make a big difference. Employees can advise you on the best practices for storing your motorcycle and assist you if needed.
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Opt for Indoor Storage: Indoor storage is highly recommended for motorcycles and other recreational vehicles as it provides additional protection against bad weather and harsh climatic conditions.
By following these tips, you will be able to choose the ideal storage space for your motorcycle, ensuring it remains in perfect condition throughout the winter storage season.
What Size Storage is Needed for a Motorcycle?
The ideal size of storage space depends on the type of motorcycle and any additional equipment you want to store with it. Generally, a 5x10 feet (about 1.5x3 meters) space is sufficient for most motorcycles, as it provides enough room for the motorcycle itself and some space for accessories like a helmet, jacket, or tools.
However, if you have a larger motorcycle, such as a Harley-Davidson with saddlebags, or if you want to store multiple motorcycles or other equipment, a 10x10 feet (about 3x3 meters) space might be more appropriate. A 5x5 feet (1.5x1.5 meters) space could suffice for a smaller motorcycle, but access and maneuvering might be more limited.
Guide to self-storage unit sizes
How Much Does Motorcycle Storage Cost?
The cost of motorcycle storage varies depending on several factors, including the size of the storage unit, the geographical location, and any additional services offered, such as climate control. On average, prices for a storage space suitable for a motorcycle (often a 5x10 feet unit) range from $125 to $150 per month.
In urban areas or areas with high demand, this cost can reach $200 or more per month. Facilities offering climate control, enhanced security, or 24/7 access may also charge a higher rate. For an accurate estimate, it’s best to contact local facilities to compare the prices and services offered.
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What Types of Vehicles Can Be Stored?
Many types of vehicles can be safely stored, depending on the needs and available storage facilities. For example, trailers often require a larger space with direct access storage to facilitate maneuvering. Dirt bikes and sports motorcycles are also ideal candidates for storage, especially when environmental factors like humidity or freezing can damage them during months of inactivity.
Snowmobiles and jet skis also require protection against harsh winter conditions, making indoor storage particularly recommended for these vehicles. Large recreational vehicles (RVs), such as motorhomes and caravans, can be stored in units specifically designed for them, offering both protection and accessibility. Finally, classic or vintage cars, which are often valuable and sensitive to temperature fluctuations, greatly benefit from indoor storage, sheltered from the elements and other potentially damaging factors.
Consequences of Not Storing Your Motorcycle
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Damage from Freezing: During winter, if the motorcycle is not stored in a heated storage space, freezing can cause damage to the engine, battery, and fluids, leading to costly repairs.
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Corrosion and Rust: Prolonged exposure to moisture, particularly during the winter months, can cause rust on the motorcycle's metal parts, affecting its durability and safety.
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Tire Deterioration: If the motorcycle is left stationary on a hard surface for a long period without proper storage, the tires may deform or crack, necessitating premature replacement.
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Dead Battery: Not storing the motorcycle with proper maintenance, such as disconnecting or maintaining the battery charge, can result in a complete discharge, rendering the battery unusable.
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Fluid Issues: The motorcycle's fluids, such as oil, fuel, and coolant, can degrade or freeze without proper winter storage, which can lead to mechanical problems upon restarting.
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Debris and Dust Accumulation: A motorcycle not stored in a protected space is likely to accumulate dust, debris, and even animal droppings, which can clog filters and other components.
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Electrical Issues: Humidity and extreme temperatures can affect the motorcycle's electrical system, leading to short circuits or a complete failure.
Storing the motorcycle in an appropriate space is essential to preserve its condition and avoid costly repairs.
5 Tips for Winter Motorcycle Storage
1. Reserve Your Storage Space in Advance
To ensure secure winter storage for your motorcycle, it's essential to reserve a storage unit well in advance. Demand can be high, especially in regions like Quebec, and finding the right space can become challenging if you wait too long. Booking early provides peace of mind and more choices in terms of storage size and price, allowing you to select the option that best suits your needs.
2. Choose the Right Size and Type of Storage
It's important to choose a storage unit that fits the size of your motorcycle and your specific needs. Whether you are storing a classic motorcycle, a snowmobile, or a jet ski, make sure there is enough space to accommodate not just the vehicle but also any additional equipment, like a motorcycle cover. Opting for storage with access can also be advantageous if you want to check your motorcycle's condition regularly during the winter.
3. Protect Your Motorcycle with a Quality Cover
Even if your motorcycle is stored in a secure location, using a motorcycle cover is still essential. A good cover protects your bike from dust, moisture, and fluctuating temperatures, reducing the risk of rust formation. This is particularly crucial for jet skis and other sensitive vehicles that require increased protection from moisture.
4. Prepare the Fuel Tank for Winterization
Before storing your motorcycle for the winter, it’s crucial to properly prepare the fuel tank. Fill it up to reduce air exposure and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent degradation. These measures are important to prevent rust formation inside the tank and ensure your motorcycle starts without issues in the next season.
5. Entrust Your Motorcycle to Professionals
For optimal storage, choose a facility with qualified and experienced staff. These professionals will handle your motorcycle with care and use the best practices to prevent damage. Whether it's a classic motorcycle or a snowmobile, entrusting your vehicle to experts ensures it will be well-protected and ready to hit the road as soon as good weather returns.
Storage Services in Canada
Make Space Storage offers heated and secure units, accessible 24/7, in a wide range of sizes. Our modern facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, ensuring maximum security with continuous video surveillance and fully fenced premises. Whether you need short-term or long-term storage, you can reserve your unit online or contact us directly to find the perfect solution:
Our services are also available in other provinces across Canada.
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