If you’re a motorcyclist, then you know that having a collection of motorcycles is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But, with great pleasure comes great responsibility—and that includes properly storing and protecting your motorcycle collection. Whether it’s for personal pride, financial gain, or simply the joy of collecting, your storage solutions can make all the difference.
Fortunately, there are plenty of great ways to store and protect your motorcycle collection without breaking the bank. With the right strategy and careful planning, you can keep your motorcycles safe and secure for years.
What to Consider When Storing Your Motorcycle Collection: Indoor vs Outdoor
When it comes to storing your motorcycle collection, there are a few key factors to consider. The most important decision to make is whether to store your collection indoors or outdoors. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to weigh them carefully before making a decision.
Indoor Storage:
The main benefit of storing your motorcycles indoors is the protection from the elements. By keeping your collection indoors, you can ensure that it is safe from weather damage, such as rain, snow, and wind. Additionally, storing your collection indoors will help to reduce the risk of theft and vandalism.
The downside to indoor storage is that it can often be more expensive than outdoor storage. Depending on the size of your collection, you may need to rent a storage unit or find another space in your home or garage to store your motorcycles. Additionally, indoor storage can be more labour-intensive, as you’ll need to regularly dust and clean your collection to keep it in good condition.
Outdoor Storage:
Storing your motorcycles outdoors can be a more economical option than indoor storage. If you have a garage or shed, you can keep your collection there without renting a storage unit. This can be especially beneficial if you live in an area with mild climates, as your collection will be exposed to less extreme temperature changes.
When considering outdoor storage, it’s important to ensure your motorcycles are properly covered and secured. Invest in a high-quality cover to protect your motorcycles from the elements, and make sure that your motorcycles are locked up securely to prevent theft or vandalism.
What to Prepare When Storing Your Motorcycle Collection
1. Rust Prevention
Rust prevention is an essential step when storing your motorcycle collection. Rust can quickly creep up on your collection, leaving it looking unsightly and potentially damaging its performance.
To prevent rust, you should clean and wax your motorcycles before storing them away, as this will keep moisture from settling on the metal and causing rust. Don't forget to ensure that the area you choose is a well-ventilated, dry environment.
2. Battery Care
If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you know that leaving your bikes unused for months on end can be a costly mistake. Not only can the tires deflate and the paint job starts to look a bit worn, but the battery can also suffer if it’s not properly cared for.
When a motorcycle battery is left to sit for an extended period of time, it can lose its charge, which can cause permanent damage and prevent the battery from charging fully. This can be a huge headache for motorcycle owners, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your bike’s battery while it’s not in use.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to make sure the battery is topped up with a trickle charger or battery tender. This will keep the charge in the battery and prevent it from losing its charge completely.
3. Tyre Care
When it comes to storing your motorcycle collection, tyre care is an important consideration. Keeping your tyres in good condition will not only ensure that your bikes look their best, but it will also help to extend the life of your tyres and reduce wear and tear.
First and foremost, you should always check the tyre pressure. Make sure that all of your tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. This will help to maintain the integrity of the tyres and ensure that the ride is smooth and comfortable.
Second, you should make sure that the tyres are clean and free from debris. This will help to prevent dirt and debris from building up on the tyres and causing premature wear. You should also check for any signs of damage, such as cracks or bulges, which could indicate a puncture or other issue.
Finally, you should store your tyres in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the rubber from drying out and cracking. If you are storing your motorcycles for a long period of time, you should also consider removing the tyres and storing them in a climate-controlled space.
The Bottom Line: Giving Your Motorcycle Collection the TLC It Deserves When in Storage
As a motorcycle enthusiast, you take great pride in your collection of bikes. However, when it comes time to store them away for the winter or any other reason, many riders don’t know the best way to protect their bikes.
Storing motorcycles correctly is essential to keep them running well and looking their best. So, take the time to give your bikes the tender, loving care they deserve, and they’ll reward you with years of faithful service.
If you’re in need of motorbike services in the UK, look no further than York Motorbikes. Our expert team is here to help you get the most out of your motorbike. Get in touch today to learn more about our services and how we can help you!