Where to Store Your Motorcycle: The Best Indoor & Outdoor Storage Solutions
Looking for a motorcycle storage option for your bike when it’s not in use? Depending on where you live, what kind of protection your bike needs, and how much you’re willing to spend, there are a variety of ways you can store your motorcycle. Below is a list of indoor and outdoor vehicle storage options to consider for your motorcycle!
Keep your motorcycle close to home—or in your backyard—with a motorcycle shed! With both pre-fab options available for purchase and DIY motorcycle storage sheds readily available online, storing your motorcycle as close to home as possible is easier than you think.
Pros
Can be set up at home, next to a garage, or in a backyard
Protects your motorcycle from the elements
Saves on space in your garage
Can be moved, if necessary
Cons
Pre-built motorcycle sheds can be expensive
May require city approval and/or HOA approval for construction
Requires maintenance to ensure rain, snow, and debris stay away from the bike
Before You Store
Buy a good lock to make sure no one is able to break into your shed
Ensure your motorcycle will fit before purchasing a pre-built motorcycle shed
Inside an Enclosed Vehicle Trailer
Photo via @humbermotorcycle
Storing a motorcycle inside a towing trailer in your driveway can be a good option because it saves on space inside your garage. Additionally, regardless of the climate, using a trailer will help keep your motorcycle protected from wind, rain, and snow and have it ready to ride whenever you need it!
Pros
Makes traveling with your motorcycles easier
Protects your motorcycle from the elements
Trailers with a ramp make storing your bike simple
Cons
Trailers can be expensive to buy and maintain
Some HOAs may restrict trailers from being kept in your driveway
Vehicle trailers are still exposed to theft, as is anything stored inside
Before You Store
Buy a tow lock and strong padlock to make theft more difficult
Ensure all fluids are topped off, especially when storing your bikes for an extended period
Remove the battery and attach to a trickle charger
The most convenient motorcycle storage option is in your own garage. By keeping your motorcycle in your garage, you limit the chances of weather-related damage, are able to keep your motorcycle warm during cold days, and can easily take your motorcycle out whenever the weather is nice. Storing a motorcycle in your garage is one of the best options for saving money, too!
Pros
Provides easy access to your motorcycle
Storing a motorcycle at home doesn’t come with additional costs
Secure option preferred by vehicle insurance providers
Protects your motorcycle from the elements
Cons
Takes up space, limiting how many vehicles you can store in your garage
Pests, dust, and damage from other vehicles are still a possibility
Before You Store
Remove your battery or connect it to a trickle charger while storing it
Add fuel stabilizer to your gas tank to keep fuel from deteriorating over time
Use a motorcycle dust cover to keep it safe from dust and pests
If you can’t store a motorcycle at home, storing your bike at a self storage facility is another great option. If you live in a part of the country that experiences winter, keeping your motorcycle in indoor vehicle storage may be one of the best ways to protect your bike.
Pros
Has good security features like video surveillance and electronic gate access
Storage facilities are located across the nation, making it easy to find vehicle storage in your area
Some indoor motorcycle storage options come with climate control
If you don’t want to give up space in your garage, and your HOA allows vehicles to be kept outside, your driveway is always a solution. Storing a motorcycle in your driveway is simple, comes without additional fees, and gives you the ability to use it without hassle. If you’re limited on driveway space, you can also add a driveway extension to ensure your motorcycle has a home out of the way of cars.
Pros
Keeps your motorcycle easily accessible
Allows you to keep an eye on your motorcycle
Makes it easy to do quick maintenance
Comes with no storage fees
Cons
Leaves your motorcycle exposed to the elements, pests, and potential theft
Single-car driveways don’t offer enough space for multiple vehicles
Before You Store
Buy a weatherproof motorcycle cover to protect from unexpected weather conditions
Buy a wheel lock if you intend to leave your motorcycle unused for extended periods of time
When space in your garage is limited, keeping your motorcycles covered without putting them in self storage is possible with collapsible motorcycle shelters. These shelters are perfect for keeping your bike at home and accessible when you want it.
Pros
Multiple sizes available to fit all kinds of motorcycles
More protection than left completely uncovered in the driveway
Perfect for intermittent storage needs
Affordable option for avid motorcycle riders
Can be moved to wherever you park your motorcycle
Cons
Not as secure as storing your bike in your garage or in a motorcycle storage shed
Still possible for weather conditions and pests to affect your motorcycle
Before You Store
Ensure you have enough space to set up your shelter
Add security features like wheel locks and disc locks on your breaks before leaving it outdoors
Many self storage facilities around the country offer secure outdoor vehicle storage that can accommodate all types of motorcycles. Though not as ideal as at-home storage or indoor self storage, this option is affordable and makes it easy for you to pick up and drop off your motorcycle.
Pros
Typically more affordable than indoor vehicle storage
May have covered outdoor storage options to limit exposure from rain, snow, or wind
Has good security features like video surveillance and electronic gate access
Many storage facilities are located throughout the nation, making it easy to keep your motorcycle nearby
Cons
Outdoor storage means your motorcycle is exposed to the elements and pests
Usually only good for fair weather or short-term motorcycle storage
Before You Store
Cover your motorcycle to limit its exposure to the elements
Update any insurance plans and make sure your motorcycle’s registration is up to date
Top off any fluids to ensure you can ride your motorcycle to and from the facility
Now that you know the most common indoor and outdoor motorcycle storage options, choosing the solution that suits your storage preference, location, and type of motorcycle will be easy. Need to store your motorcycle through the winter? Be sure to winterize your motorcycle properly before storing it!
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Need to store a motorcycle? Extra Space Storage has convenient storage facilities across the nation with outdoor, covered, and indoor motorcycle storage options available. Learn more about our small vehicle storage solutions and find cheap storage units near you today!