Indoor or Outdoor Self Storage: Motorcycle Edition

 Indoor or Outdoor Self Storage: Motorcycle Edition

A motorcycle is one of the best ways to experience the open road. More people than ever own a motorcycle, totalling 8.3 million in 2018. But, any experienced motorcycle owner will tell you that you can’t ride them year round. That means that for a good part of the year, you will need motorcycle storage. 

If you have space, you may want to keep your bike close to home, but storing your motorcycle at home can take up valuable room. Or, you may not have a good storage option available where you live. Luckily, there are many indoor storage and outdoor storage options available to keep your motorcycle safe and sound until it’s time to ride again. 

Indoor Motorcycle Storage

Storing your motorcycle indoors is a good idea if you live in a climate with harsh winters or unexpected weather. Here are a few options to consider: 

• Garage. If you have a garage at your home, it can seem like the most obvious place to park your bike. Your bike is protected and easily accessible, but it can take up significant space. Garages are also still susceptible to pests, and your bike could get damaged by other vehicles or items in storage. 

• Motorcycle shed. You can build your own motorcycle shed or purchase a prefab option. Your shed can be set up on your property, and it saves space in your garage. But, motorcycle sheds can be expensive to build or buy, and you need to have the space available. 

• Vehicle trailer. Some enthusiasts, especially those with multiple motorcycles, choose to purchase a towing trailer to store their bikes. These trailers make it easy to travel with your bike and still protect it from the elements. But, buying a trailer is a significant and costly investment, and many HOAs do not allow trailers to be parked in driveways for extended periods of time.  

• Enclosed storage parking. Many self storage locations offer enclosed parking spaces that protect bikes from the elements and save you room at home. 

Outdoor Motorcycle Storage

If you live in a more temperate climate, outdoor storage may be a good option for storing your bike. Here are a few examples:

• Driveway. You can always park your motorcycle in your driveway. This saves space in your garage and keeps your bike close. But, driveways are a prime location for theft, so you’ll want to invest in extra security measures. 

• Collapsible shelter. Collapsible shelters are available that function as a portable, pop-up motorcycle shed. They offer more protection than a driveway, but still less than a typical indoor storage option.

• Rented parking space. Many self storage locations offer long-term parking spaces for rent. They offer the security of a storage unit and the flexibility of outdoor parking. 

Motorcycle Storage Tips

Before storing your bike, you’ll want to prepare it for the time ahead. Here are few tips:

• Thoroughly clean the outside of your bike to protect the finish. Consider using a corrosion inhibitor to protect the surface from oxidation and corrosion. 
• Check your battery for leaks and fluid. 
• Fill your gas tank, and treat it with an additive to protect against potential problems from ethanol fuels. 
• Replace your engine oil. 
• Fill your tires with air. 
• Store your bike on the center stand or on paddock stands.
• Cover your bike with a waterproof cover. 

Self Storage with Iron Guard Storage

At Iron Guard Storage, we offer both indoor and outdoor self storage options for your motorcycle from enclosed parking spaces to open-air parking spots. Whichever you choose, you can rest easy knowing that your bike is protected and secure. We offer personal code access with an electronic gate and top of the line security. 

Contact us today to learn more!