Motorcycle Storage: What Every Rider Needs to Know Before Storing Their Bike

Motorcycles Suffer in Storage

A motorcycle stored improperly will have problems that compound quickly. A dead battery, gummed-up fuel system, flat tires, and chain corrosion are common outcomes of even one off-season of poor storage. The good news: it takes only an hour or two to store a bike correctly.

Storage Location

What You Need

• Dry space — moisture is the enemy of motorcycles in storage. A sealed, dry garage is essential
• Climate control is ideal but not required for short-term (under 6 months)
• If storing on a concrete floor, use a mat or plywood to insulate the tires from cold bleeding

The Motorcycle Storage Checklist

Fuel and Fuel System

• Add fuel stabilizer and run the engine for a few minutes to coat the entire fuel system
• For long-term storage (6+ months): consider draining the tank and carburetors/fuel injectors, or at minimum using a full dose of stabilizer
• Ethanol-blended fuel (E10 and higher) goes bad faster — this matters if you ride seasonally

Battery

Remove the battery and bring it inside (a temperature-stable location like a basement works). Put it on a battery tender. Alternatively, install a battery tender permanently and leave it connected — most modern tenders are smart enough to not overcharge.

Tires

• Check pressure and inflate to the recommended PSI
• Motorcycle tires develop flat spots faster than car tires — if storing more than 4 months, consider putting the bike on a rear stand that lifts both wheels off the ground
• If on the ground, rotate the wheels slightly every 2–3 weeks to prevent flat spotting

Chain and Drivetrain

• Lube the chain before storage — a dry chain will corrode and seize
• For chain final drive: apply a light chain lube and wipe off excess
• For belt drives: inspect for cracks and apply silicone lubricant to the belt
• For shaft drives: no chain maintenance needed, but check oil

Fluids

• Change the engine oil before storage — oil attracts moisture and combustion byproducts that accelerate engine wear
• Check brake fluid — DOT 3/4/5.1 absorbs moisture over time; consider a flush if due
• Coolant: check for proper antifreeze ratio for your climate

Fluids — Cage and Controls

• Lubricate all pivot points (brake and clutch levers, kickstands, center stands)
• Spray dielectric grease on electrical connections
• Apply chain lubricant or silicone to control cables

Pest Prevention

• Plug the exhaust with a rag or commercial exhaust plug — rodents love to nest in exhaust pipes
• Spray the engine bay with vinegar-based cleaner or pest spray, then wipe down
• Place dryer sheets or pest repellent near the bike

Getting the Bike Back Out

• Reinstall the battery (clean terminals first)
• Remove spark plugs and crank the engine a few times to blow out any cylinder condensation before reinstalling
• Check tire pressure and look for flat spots
• Inspect the chain tension and lube it
• Turn the fuel petcock to ON
• Give the engine a few minutes to warm up before riding — let it reach operating temperature throughout