For many, owning a motorcycle is a matter of pride. Whether riding alone on empty roads on a beautiful evening or exploring cool spots in the city with your fellow riders, motorcycles offer a refuge from a hectic, occasionally-monotonous life.
And so, unsurprisingly, a crucial part of being a biker is looking after your motorcycle with utmost care and attention like you would any other precious possession. Since it is not always feasible or safe to store motorcycles outdoors, BuxBear brings you some valuable know-how on securely storing motorcycles in a storage facility. Read on!
Why store a motorcycle in a storage unit?
There are many reasons you might need to put your motorcycle in storage, and a storage unit is one of the safest, most convenient places to do it.
You may only ride regularly in certain seasons, for instance. For example, many motorcyclists tend to store their bikes during the cold winter months. If you don’t have spare garage space, storing a motorcycle in a storage unit is much better for the bike than leaving it parked in the driveway. It is safer from inclement weather and less likely to be stolen or vandalized than when it’s out in the open.
An injury might keep you off the bike for a time. Or the motorcycle itself may need repairs that you can’t immediately perform.
Or, take the case of moving. Often when you’re moving across cities or states, there is a time lag in your belongings making it to your final destination. You may have to transport cars, then come back for the bike, during which time you can’t leave it in a driveway or parking lot. Moreover, your homes may not be ideal for stationing your motorcycle. Besides being a possible eyesore, factors like the presence of young children and pets, with whom there is always the fear of the bike tipping over and causing injury, can create a hazard.
All these reasons aside, you may just want to store your motorcycle in a storage unit as a routine. Many self-storage units will allow easy access to your motorcycle, so it’s like extra garage space on-demand.
Benefits of storing your motorcycle
An essential but often overlooked detail when it comes to maintenance of motorcycles is protecting them against extremes in weather and keeping them generally clean. Be it the accumulation of ice or snow in the biting winters, the dirt and dust in the height of summer, or even the moisture from rainwater, storing your ride in a suitable facility can go a long way in preserving it.
Leaving your bike exposed to the elements for long periods can cause it to rust and decay its chrome parts, such as the engine covers, wheel spokes, mirrors, and fork legs. Storing it also means temperature control, the absence of which can wreak havoc with the battery (think hail, for example) and engine, with its oil losing its viscosity due to the cold. Moreover, the right storage facility will ensure access to an electrical outlet for easy charging when required.
What is the size of a standard storage unit?
A typical storage unit can easily fit a motorcycle built to standard specifications. The smallest appropriate unit will measure approximately 10x10 feet. Because most bikes measure in at 6 feet long and 4 feet high, you'll have more than enough room to accommodate ancillaries such as helmets, knee pads, bike stands, spare tires, and even frequently-used tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers. So you can rest assured that if you pick a reliable storage facility provider—like BuxBear—you will have nothing to worry about concerning space.
How do I pick the right kind of storage facility for my bike?
This process can be arduous, but it doesn't have to be. Factoring in a few non-negotiables could do the trick. To begin with, making sure the unit is large enough to accommodate your motorcycle is critical. As a motorcycle enthusiast, you obviously can't get enough of your bike rides and want your bike accessible at all times, so a convenient location will also make life easier.
If you're really specific about the conditions in which your vehicle is stored, look for facilities that offer temperature-controlled storage units, have plenty of ventilation, have charging stations, and have intelligent security systems or human employees to detect theft or trespassing of any kind.
Steps to take before storing your motorcycle
Taking a few simple measures before storing your motorcycle can be a game-changer in ensuring your vehicle's well-being.
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Swapping out stale engine oil for fresh oil right before storage will keep your engine squeaky clean.
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Don't forget to fill up your gas tank to avoid any condensation forming inside it (which can cause rust!)
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Add fuel stabilizer to prevent it from breaking down in your tank, leaving behind a stubborn residue that's difficult to clean.
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Blocking possible entry points such as open airboxes and exhaust pipes will ensure no insects get in.
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If you don't have access to a charger, fully charging the battery will also go a long way in preserving it.
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Last but certainly not least, using a well-fitted motorcycle cover will provide an added layer of protection against potential external causes of damage.
Protection against theft
Like any other collectible or vehicle, the cost of motorcycles can run high. A die-hard rider might spend their painstakingly-collected savings to splurge on the machine of their dreams. And the last thing they want is to lose that to robbery or other destructive activities that may render their bikes less valuable—or even damaged to the point of no return.
An adequately-equipped storage facility will ensure against this eventuality — such as a security system integrated with the best technology available, which will run interference against anything untoward happening to your vehicle.
Lower insurance rates
If you need that final push to put your motorcycle in a storage unit, consider this — reduced insurance rates. Some insurers will give you more competitive rates on your vehicle coverage if it is stored in such a facility instead of parked outdoors.
This is because, with such a secure storage arrangement, the vehicle is less likely to be adversely impacted by inclement weather and less prone to loss by theft or vandalism. Such a storage arrangement inspires confidence in insurers, resulting in lower deductibles for the insured.
Can you place a motorcycle in a storage unit? Absolutely!
Being a motorcyclist is a lifestyle most bike lovers swear by. So as a natural consequence, protecting this prized asset is a given. Any way you spin it, storing your motorcycle in a trusted storage facility — like those offered by Bux Bear—will serve your bike well in the long run.
With its conveniently located facilities with future-focused features, climate-controlled storage options, state-of-the-art security systems, and several perfectly suited options at the right prices, BuxBear is a no-brainer. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and book that storage facility for your favorite two-wheeled chariot!