How to Protect Your Motorcycle in Storage: Accessories Guide
Storage Done Right: Why It Matters
A motorcycle in storage is not simply a motorcycle that's not being ridden. It's a machine being subjected to humidity, temperature fluctuations, atmospheric corrosion, and mechanical deterioration caused by inactivity. Get storage preparation wrong and you'll spend your first spring rides dealing with the consequences — flat tyres, corroded brakes, seized cables, and degraded fuel systems. Get it right and the bike comes out of storage essentially as you left it, ready to ride.
Preparing the Bike for Storage
Fuel System
Petrol degrades over time — modern fuels containing ethanol are particularly problematic in storage because ethanol absorbs water from the atmosphere and separates from the fuel, leaving a corrosive layer in the bottom of the tank and carburettors. For storage longer than 4-6 weeks, either drain the fuel system completely or treat the fuel with a stabiliser product (such as Sta-Bil or similar) that prevents degradation.
For fuel-injected bikes, run the stabilised fuel through the system fully before parking — start the bike and let it idle for a few minutes after adding the stabiliser to ensure it reaches the injectors and fuel rail.
Engine Oil
Change the oil before storage, not after. Used oil contains combustion acids and moisture from normal operation. These continue attacking engine internals throughout the storage period. Fresh oil is a meaningful protective measure for any storage longer than a few weeks.
Battery
The most common consequence of poor storage is a dead battery. Batteries discharge slowly even when not in use, and deep discharge permanently reduces capacity. A battery tender (trickle charger) connected throughout storage is the correct solution — quality tenders like Optimate or CTEK maintain optimal charge level without overcharging. Alternatively, remove the battery and store it in a frost-free environment, connected to a tender.
Physical Protection
Motorcycle Covers
A quality breathable cover protects against dust accumulation and prevents direct UV exposure to plastics and rubber components. Breathable materials are essential — non-breathable covers trap moisture against the bike's surfaces and promote condensation corrosion. For outdoor storage, a waterproof breathable cover with anchor straps is necessary; for garage storage, a dust cover is usually sufficient.
Corrosion Protection
Apply ACF-50 or similar corrosion inhibitor to the bike's metal surfaces before storage. ACF-50 is particularly effective on exposed aluminium, bolts, and electrical connectors — it creeps into gaps and creates a barrier against moisture. Apply to the bike's frame, footpegs, levers, and any bare metal surfaces you can reach.
Protecting Tyres
Tyres sitting static on concrete over winter can develop flat spots — a hard set in the tyre from sustained contact with the cold floor. The solutions are either a paddock stand (which raises the wheel off the ground entirely), periodically moving the bike to change the contact point, or fitting tyre covers. Front and rear paddock stands are the cleanest solution and also protect the tyres from ozone cracking during extended storage.
Seat and Bodywork Protection
Seat covers during storage serve a different purpose from riding seat covers — they protect the seat material from UV damage and dust penetration rather than providing comfort. A breathable seat cover during storage maintains the seat's surface condition and prevents colour fade on coloured seat materials.
Plastic bodywork benefits from a light application of plastic protectant before storage — this prevents the brittleness that develops in plastics exposed to cold and UV cycling. Matte finish plastics require specific matte-safe products; standard polish-based protectants on matte surfaces create unwanted sheen.
The Storage Environment
Ideally, store your bike in a frost-free, dry environment with reasonable temperature consistency. Garages that are not frost-free in the UK can see temperatures of -10C or below during severe winters — at these temperatures, tyre compounds become temporarily brittle and rubber components (seals, cables) can be damaged. If your storage environment reaches these temperatures, extra care with protection products is warranted.
Desiccant packs placed near the bike help manage humidity in enclosed storage spaces. Avoid storing bikes near fertilisers, road salt, or other corrosive substances.
Explore our crash protection accessories and seat covers suitable for storage protection.