How To Keep Your Motorbike Safe in Self Storage
Matt Wallace
8 Minutes
June 7, 2023
Before self-storing your motorbike, it is essential to ensure that it is well-maintained and prepared for storage. This will help keep your bike running efficiently and guard against any potential damage caused by prolonged inactivity.
Here are some tips for keeping your motorbike safe in a self storage unit:
1. Clean Your Motorbike
Before storing your motorcycle, it is important to clean it thoroughly. This will help protect the exterior from any dirt or corrosion that may occur during storage.
After cleaning, ensure that all parts of the motorcycle are completely dry. A good tip is to use waxes and polishes that are anti-corrosion, this will add an extra layer of protection and avoid potential chances of attracting moisture.
2. Check the Fluids
Make sure all fluids are topped up before self-storing your motorbike. This will prevent any damage caused by low fluid levels. This will prevent rust from forming inside. However, if the tank of the motorbike is made of plastic, you should drain all the petrol to avoid deforming its shape with time.
3. Lubricate the Chains and Cables
Proper lubrication of all chains and cables will help to ensure that they do not corrode or become damaged during self-storage, this is even more important if you intend to store your motorcycle over the winter.
4. Check the Tyres
Make sure the tyres on your motorbike are inflated to their recommended pressure before self-storing it. This will ensure that the tyres do not become over-inflated or damaged during self storage.
A nice thing to do to guarantee extra protection for your tires is to keep the motorbike off the ground and you can do that by using stands or a layer of carpet on the floor of the unit. This will take the pressure of the tires off, ensuring logentivity and avoiding possible damages.
5. Avoiding Corrosion
It is important to use a protectant, such as WD-40, on any exposed metal parts of your motorbike before self-storing it. This will help prevent any rust or corrosion that could occur during self storage.
6. Protect the Battery
If you plan to store your motorcycle for more than a month, it is extremely important to remove the battery and put it back in when you decide to ride again, as keeping the battery in the motorcycle switched off for too long can cause it to stop working. A good tip is to use a maintenance charger and give it a few charges on the battery while it is away from the bike.
7. Keep It Covered
Even if you are storing inside of a self storage facility, is really important to cover your motorcycle so then you can avoid scratches, dust, dents and even bugs that can take up residence. You can use a proper cover or even a sheet or a blanket. Don't forget to leave a small space to make it breathable.
8. Don't Forget About the Insurance
When storing a motorcycle in a self storage unit or in container storage, it's important to consider insurance coverage to protect your valuable asset. While those facilities typically have security measures in place, such as surveillance cameras and gated access, they may not provide insurance coverage for the contents stored within the units, including your motorbike.
Motorbike insurance policies generally include coverage for theft, vandalism, and damage, but it's crucial to review your policy or contact your insurance provider to ensure that your motorcycle is adequately protected while in storage.
In some cases, you may need to add a specific provision or endorsement to your policy to cover the motorcycle while it is stored in a self-storage unit. Some insurance companies, such as Lexham Insurance, provide this type of coverage, but you'll need to call the company and let them know where the bike will be located. In addition, when purchasing insurance, it is important to inform the periods that you intend to store your motorcycle.
If you want to know more about insurance for self storage, you can read our article.
Conclusion
Following these simple tips will help to ensure that your motorbike is kept safe and in good condition while self-stored. With proper maintenance and preparation, you can be sure that your motorbike will be ready for use when you need it.
