Not every rider uses the bike year-round. A work trip, a new baby, an injury or just a busy stretch can leave a motorcycle parked for weeks or months. Southern California has a mild climate, but that does not make storage risk-free. Fuel still ages, batteries still discharge and tires still sit on one spot. A bit of preparation keeps the bike ready to ride when you are.

Details vary by model, especially fuel systems and battery types, so the owner's manual should guide specifics. What follows is the general approach most owners and shops use.

Decide how long it will sit

The right plan depends on the time frame. For a few weeks, a battery maintainer and a full tank may be all you need. For a few months or longer, you need to think about fuel, oil, tires, pests and moisture. When in doubt, prepare for the longer period.

Step 1: clean the bike

Wash and dry the motorcycle thoroughly before storing it. Bug residue, road grime, brake dust and bird droppings can stain paint and corrode metal if left on for months. If you ride near the coast, rinse off salt residue. After drying, a light coat of protectant on bare metal and a lubed chain help guard against corrosion.

Step 2: deal with the fuel

Gasoline degrades over time. In a tank with room for air it can pick up moisture, and old fuel can leave varnish-like deposits that clog small passages in carburetors and injectors.

  • Fill the tank to reduce the air space where condensation can form.
  • Add a fuel stabilizer made for gasoline engines, following the directions on the label for the right amount.
  • Run the engine for a few minutes so the treated fuel reaches the carburetors or injectors, rather than leaving untreated fuel in the lines.
  • If the bike has a fuel petcock, check your manual on whether it should be closed during storage.

Fuel-related starting problems after storage are common. If the bike turns over but will not run well after sitting, a fuel system service can clean out the varnish and restore normal operation.

Step 3: change the oil

Used oil holds combustion byproducts and moisture, which can be harsh on internal parts when the bike sits. Many owners change the oil and filter before long storage rather than after. Run the engine briefly to circulate fresh oil, then shut it down.

Step 4: look after the battery

A battery slowly self-discharges, and the bike's electronics can add a small drain. A discharged battery can be permanently damaged, especially if it stays flat for a long time.

  • Connect a battery tender, also called a maintainer, designed for your battery type. Unlike a basic charger, a tender is built to hold the charge without overcharging.
  • If you cannot keep the bike near an outlet, remove the battery, store it indoors and keep it on a maintainer.
  • Before connecting anything, clean the terminals and check them for corrosion.

Step 5: protect the tires

A tire that sits in one position for months can develop flat spots, and low pressure makes this worse.

  • Inflate to the recommended pressure, or per your manual's guidance for storage.
  • If you have a front and rear stand, lift the bike so the tires are off the ground. Follow the manual on where it is safe to lift.
  • If you cannot lift the bike, move it a little every so often to change the contact point.
  • Keep the tires out of direct sunlight, and away from electric motors and other sources of ozone that can harden rubber.

When you pull the bike out of storage, inspect the tires for cracks, check the date code and decide whether they are still suitable. Old tires may look fine and still be past their best. If you need replacements, see our tire mounting and balancing service.

Step 6: choose the right spot and cover

A dry, enclosed space is best. Use a breathable cover rather than plastic sheeting, which traps moisture against the bike. Block exhaust openings with a rag or plug, with a visible reminder to remove it, to keep out rodents and insects. Remember to remove the reminder tag before starting up.

Waking the bike up

Before the first ride, repeat a basic safety check:

  • Inspect the tires, brakes and levers, and check the fluids.
  • Look for leaks and for any pest damage to wiring.
  • Check the battery, charge it fully and confirm the lights work.
  • Start the engine and let it warm up gently before you ride.

If the brake fluid is old or the brakes feel off after sitting, have them checked before riding. For riders in Rancho Palos Verdes and the surrounding hills, we have a page about motorcycle repair in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Need a post-storage inspection or help getting a stale bike running? Call (562) 542-7296 for a quote.