Have you ever thought about the best way to store your motorcycle?
Let's take a look at how you can store your bike in a way that will
keep it looking good and running smoothly for years to come!

Hello, everyone!

This article will take a look at the topic of motorcycle storage.
Here, we will offer a few tips on how to properly store your beloved motorcycle to keep it in tip-top shape for longer.
Unlike a car, a motorcycle's tires, engine, and other parts are exposed and therefore directly affected by the elements—not just precipitation, but also temperature, humidity, and more.

How to store a motorcycle will vary depending on how long you want to store it; here, we divide them into short-term and long-term storage methods.
Make sure to use the right method for how long you would like to store your bike.

1. Important Storage Tips

A motorcycle's lifespan can vary greatly depending on how it is stored.

When considering how you will store your bike, keep the following in mind.

1.1 Avoid storing motorcycles where they will be exposed to rain

Moisture will cause metal parts to rust. If storing a motorcycle outdoors, cover it and protect it from any potential rainfall.

1.2 Consider maintenance when you store your motorcycle

Maintenance is also important to keep your bike's metal, resin, and rubber parts in good condition. Consider maintenance of your motorcycle when you store it, like applying rust inhibitor agents, oiling the chain, and so on. Gasoline and oil deteriorate over time and should be changed regularly.

Applying wax to your bike before storage is also helpful to prevent rust. (Except for surfaces with a matte finish)

1.3 Run your motorcycle on a regular basis

It is recommended to run a motorcycle regularly to prevent parts from sticking due to rust or other problems, as well as to eliminate moisture. If this is not possible, check your long-term storage options.

2. Short-Term Storage Methods

2.1 Use a cover to protect your bike from rain and UV rays

Rain can cause rust. Ultraviolet (UV) rays also accelerate the deterioration of bike parts. A bike cover will help to block both of these from harming your motorcycle. Covers can also protect against dust and theft, so even if you park your bike indoors or in a covered parking area, it's a good idea to use a bike cover! Just make sure to wait until your engine and muffler have cooled off before putting on a body cover.

2.2 Prevent moisture buildup

After it rains, moisture tends to accumulate inside body covers, so remove the cover and allow the motorcycle body to dry. Be especially careful with waterproof covers, as they tend to be poorly ventilated.

3. Long-Term Storage Methods

3.1 Wash your motorcycle

Leaving your motorcycle unwashed may lead to damaged rubber or other materials during storage, as well as rust on metal parts. Wash off any dirt or other unclean portions and thoroughly wipe your bike dry.

Please refer to the linked article below for more information on how to wash your motorcycle.

3.2 Greasing and waxing

After your bike has been cleaned, grease the chain and other moving parts.

Apply wax as well to prevent rust and stains.

For more information on care, refer to your motorcycle's owner's manual or contact your dealer.

3.3 Fill up the gasoline tank

Dew can condense inside the empty portions of a tank due to temperature differences and other factors, causing rust to form. For long-term storage, fill the tank fully with gasoline, filling gaps so as to prevent rust from forming.

Also, in the case of motorcycles with carburetors, the gasoline in the carburetor should be drained before storage, as the gasoline in the carburetor can deteriorate and clog the interior.

3.4 Remove the battery

Even while not in use, the motorcycle's battery can discharge on its own or otherwise run down. If you will be leaving your motorcycle unused for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the vehicle, fully charge it, and store it in a well-ventilated, dark place.

If the battery is to be left in the bike, the negative terminal should be disconnected.

3.5 Lift the tires

Tires can suffer from deformation if they are on the ground and holding up the weight of the bike in the same position for a long period of time. To prevent this, use a maintenance stand to store the vehicle in a position where the tires are lifted off the ground, or move the bike periodically so that the load is not applied to the same position on the tire.

4. Summary

In this issue, we introduced how you should store your motorcycle. When riding your bike after having stored it for a long period of time, make sure to inspect its parts based on how long you have stored it.

We hope this article will help guide you ensure you can enjoy a safe and long-lasting life for your Honda bike.

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