Storing Your Motorcycle in a Self-Storage Unit
If you need a place to store your motorcycle for the winter and don't have your own garage, you have a few options. You could put it up in a friend's garage, though this might inconvenience your friend and you won't be able to keep a close eye on security. You could try storing it in your patio or on a porch, but this can get messy. What many people end up doing is renting a storage unit to store their motorcycle. This way, there's security to watch over it, and you can be confident that the shelter is dry and protected. Here are some tips to help you out if you decide to go this route.
Pay for climate control.
It does not usually cost too much more to rent a climate-controlled storage unit, and this will save you from a lot of worries. You don't have to worry about bike parts rusting because moisture levels are too high. Your components will last longer since your bike is not exposed to the harsh outdoor climate, so you'll end up doing fewer repairs and getting a better price for your bike if you ever decide to sell it.
Make sure you can drive into the unit.
When you go to look at a storage unit, make sure the one you're given is in a location where you can drive right in. This is a lot more convenient than trying to wheel your bike around a tight corner, and there's a smaller chance of bumping into something, too.
Change the oil once you're inside the unit.
It's always good to change the oil before putting a bike in storage so that dirty oil does not rest in the engine and gum up the parts. You may also want to clean the carburetor or do some other basic cleaning before closing your bike up in the storage unit. If you do this inside the unit, you won't have to drive the bike on the clean oil. Just make sure you put cardboard or some other protective barrier down so you don't drip oil on the floor of the storage unit.
Use your own lock.
Some storage facilities will supply locks, but, when you're storing something as valuable as a motorcycle, it's good to be extra cautious and use your own lock. This way, you're not risking someone else (an old renter of the unit, for example) having the combination or a key and being able to access the bike.