Parking your motorcycle safely isn't always possible at home. If you don't have a garage or if you live in an apartment, your bike may not be safe. Exposure to the elements and thieves can pose a major risk. A self storage unit (such as those offered by Budget Rent-A-Space) can provide an alternative alternative to keeping the bike at home.
Tip #1: Check the Rules
Most storage units allow vehicle storage in their drive-up units, but you need to verify this first so you don't run into trouble down the road. Even if the unit allows motorcycles, they may not allow you to work or service the bike on site.
Tip #2: Park Responsibly
Another issue may be parking. If you are storing the motorcycle during the off-season, parking another vehicle won't be a problem. If you plan to garage the bike at the unit, you will need to arrange for parking the vehicle you arrive in on the days you take the bike out for a ride. Work with the storage management to find a parking solution that works. If your unit is large enough, you may be able to park your vehicle inside the unit when you take the bike out.
Tip #3: Insure for Storage
You are responsible for all items in storage. If there is a fire, theft or other event that damages your motorcycle, the storage unit company is not responsible. Check with your motorcycle insurance carrier to make sure that your bike is insured even when it's stored or garaged at a self storage unit. You may need to take out additional insurance, or add a rider onto your home or bike policy, to make sure it's covered.
Tip #4: Store Correctly
When storing for a month or longer, you will need to prepare the bike so it starts up like a dream when you come to retrieve it. A few pre-storage maintenance tasks to complete include:
Completely wash the bike and polish the chrome. Road dirt can eat away at the finish when the bike is stored.
Remove leather and cloth saddlebags and other accessories. Unless your unit is climate controlled, these items may become damaged. Leather can also attract pests.
Service the bike completely before storage. Lube it, check the fluids and top off the gas tank.
Add a fuel stabilizer if you won't be taking the bike out for more than a month.
Disconnect the battery or hook it up to a trickle charger so it doesn't completely drain during storage.
Make sure all agreements with the storage unit owners are in writing. Practice courtesy when bringing in and taking out your bike, and the unit will provide a safe alternative to home storage.
Share13 January 2015
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