{"id":128536,"date":"2023-10-17T23:32:34","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T06:32:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=128536"},"modified":"2024-01-18T00:48:08","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T08:48:08","slug":"how-to-winterize-your-motorcycle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/self-storage\/how-to-winterize-your-motorcycle\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Winterize Your Motorcycle in Eight Easy Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"

Temperatures are dropping, and the days are getting shorter. These are clear signs that, on one hand, \u00a0pumpkin spice lattes will soon become the drink of choice for many of us, and, on the other hand, motorcycle enthusiasts need to think about winterizing their bikes.<\/p>\n

Properly storing your motorcycle during the winter months is crucial for its longevity and performance when riding season returns, whether you’re facing snow, ice or simply colder and wetter conditions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you winterize your bike:<\/p>\n

1. Find the right place to store your bike<\/strong><\/p>\n

Simply using a motorcycle cover won\u2019t cut it for the entire winter. Motorcycle covers are very useful to protect your bike during the riding season, but you need to find an enclosed, dry space to keep it for the four to five months you won\u2019t be able to take it out on the road. And many, if not most, rental apartments don\u2019t come with access to a garage. The next best solution is to rent a self storage unit<\/a>. Self storage units ensure just the right environment for motorcycle storage, and a 5\u2019x10\u2019 storage unit<\/a> is large enough for a standard motorcycle, with room to spare for tools and other belongings you might not need at home.<\/p>\n

Seeing as motorcycles have plenty of financial and sentimental value, the cost of renting a self storage unit is worth it. The monthly street rate for a 5\u2019x10\u2019 storage unit hovers around $80 at a national level, according to Yardi Matrix. However, prices in your area can be lower or higher, depending on where you live. For example, the same size of storage unit in Boston<\/a> will cost you a little above $140, while one in Indianapolis<\/a> can be rented for $60. Below, you can check out self storage prices and availability in some of the country\u2019s major cities:<\/p>\n

\nStorage units in Chicago<\/a>
\n Storage units in Los Angeles<\/a>
\n Storage units New York City<\/a><\/div>\n
\nStorage units in Houston<\/a>
\nStorage units in Phoenix<\/a>
\n Storage units in Philadelphia<\/a>
\n<\/div>
\nStorage units in San Antonio<\/a>
\n Storage units in San Diego<\/a>
\n Storage units in Dallas<\/a>
\n<\/div><\/div>\n

2. Change the oil and the filters<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now that you have found just the right place to store your motorcycle during the winter, it\u2019s time to prepare it for storage. Start by changing the oil and the filters. Used oil contains various particles and contaminants that can be harmful to the engine if left in the engine for extended periods of time.<\/p>\n

3. Top off the fuel tank<\/strong><\/p>\n

Putting your motorcycle in storage with its tank full of gas will ensure that your engine will run smoothly the following spring. This way, you are preventing condensation and, thus, rust from occurring on the inside of the fuel tank. Make sure you also add some fuel stabilizer to the gasoline. Run the engine for a few minutes, to make sure that the fuel stabilizer reaches the entire system.<\/p>\n

4. Lubricate the moving parts to prevent degradation<\/strong><\/p>\n

When a motorcycle sits unused for an extended period, its moving parts, such as cables and levers, \u00a0could seize due to rust or could become stiff and difficult to move. Pay extra attention to lubricating the moving parts in order to create a protective barrier that helps shield them from moisture, corrosion and other environmental factors. Protecting the moving parts of your motorcycle is very important in terms of safety, as they ensure the precise operation of controls, such as the throttle, clutch, or brakes.<\/p>\n

\"Person<\/p>\n

5. Give your motorcycle a good cleanup<\/strong><\/p>\n

You completed all the \u201cdirty jobs\u201d involving engine oil, lubricants, and fuel. So, it\u2019s time to clean up your bike thoroughly to remove dirt, grime, salt, and other particulates from the roads. Pay extra attention to the frame, exhaust, and wheels, as these areas are most susceptible to corrosion. After you clean the bike, you should also wax the paint in order to protect it during storage.<\/p>\n

6. Deal with the battery<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are two ways to protect the battery during long-term storage: disconnect it or use a battery tender to keep it charged throughout the winter. This ensures the battery remains in good condition and doesn’t lose its charge.<\/p>\n

7. Protect the tires<\/strong><\/p>\n

Make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended pressure before putting the motorcycle in storage. However, it\u2019s also important to keep the tires off the ground. This helps prevent flat spots from forming during extended periods of inactivity. Flat spots can result in an uneven and uncomfortable ride when you start using the motorcycle again. Lifting the tires off the ground also reduces the risk of tire degradation. Over time, tires in constant contact with the ground can develop cracks. To avoid such problems, consider using a paddock stand. These specialized stands lift the motorcycle off the ground by supporting it from beneath the swingarm or forks. Paddock stands are widely available, are designed for this specific purpose and can easily fit in a 5\u2019x10\u2019 storage unit.<\/p>\n

8. Perform periodic maintenance<\/strong><\/p>\n

Your motorcycle will be safe inside the storage unit, but it\u2019s recommended that you drop by every few weeks or so, to see with your own eyes that everything is in good order. Ensure the battery remains charged and that there are no signs of moisture or corrosion. Most self storage facilities have generous operating hours, with many even allowing 24\/7 access to renters, which means you\u2019ll be able to visit your storage unit whenever you have time, even in the evenings or over the weekend.<\/p>\n

Winterizing your motorcycle is a necessary step to protect your investment and ensure it’s ready to hit the road when the weather warms up. By following these steps and giving your bike the care it deserves during the off-season, you can enjoy a trouble-free riding experience for years to come.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Temperatures are dropping, and the days are getting shorter. These are clear signs that, on one hand, \u00a0pumpkin spice lattes will soon become the drink of choice for many of us, and, on the other hand, motorcycle enthusiasts need to think about winterizing their bikes. Properly storing your motorcycle during the winter months is crucial…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":166,"featured_media":128540,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25090],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-128536","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-self-storage","gallery-content-unit"],"yoast_head":"\nHow to winterize your motorcycle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Here's a step-by-step guide to help you winterize your bike, so that you can enjoy a smooth ride when the weather warms up again.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/self-storage\/how-to-winterize-your-motorcycle\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" 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