Store the bike dry, under a breathable cover, on a hard surface and away from direct rain. Check the battery regularly, keep the tank reasonably full, move the bike occasionally and inspect for corrosion. A weekly routine of ten minutes prevents most seasonal problems, and it costs less than the repairs it avoids.
Pick a place that can dry
A closed concrete room with no airflow holds moisture. A carport with a roof and open sides is often better because air moves. If the bike must be under a cover, use a breathable one and remove it on dry days.
Avoid storing on soil, wet grass or a damp floor. Moisture rises into the bike from below. A pallet, a rubber mat or a dry concrete slab reduces that path.
Clean and dry before storage
Wash the bike, rinse off salt and road film, and dry it thoroughly. Pay attention to the chain, the fork stanchions, the brake discs and the area under the mudguards. Dirt holds moisture.
Apply a protective film to bare steel and a light lubricant to the chain. Do not over-oil; excess attracts grit. Wipe the fork stanchions dry after any ride in rain so water does not sit under the seals.
Battery and fuel
A lead-acid battery self-discharges and can sulphate if left flat. Check the voltage periodically and use a suitable charger or maintainer. A lithium battery has different storage requirements; follow the manufacturer's guidance and do not assume a lead-acid charger is compatible.
A metal fuel tank is best kept reasonably full to reduce the air space where condensation forms. A plastic tank does not have the same rust risk, but fuel still degrades over time. Follow the owner's manual for long storage; some manufacturers recommend a fuel stabiliser.
Move the bike, change the contact points
Tyres develop flat spots when a bike sits for months on the same spot. Move the bike a short distance every few weeks, or use a paddock stand to lift the tyres. Check pressures before the first ride.
Brake discs can rust in humid air. A light film of rust on the braking surface usually clears on the first careful ride, but do not assume it will; test the brakes at low speed before joining traffic.
Mould, insects and covers
Mould on seats and fabric is a sign of trapped moisture. Clean it with a diluted mild cleaner, dry fully and improve airflow. Do not seal a damp seat under a cover.
Insects and rodents can make a home in airboxes and exhausts. Check the intake and exhaust openings before starting the engine after a long storage. A dry, clean storage space is the best deterrent.
Condensation inside the engine and exhaust
Short runs in humid weather are hard on an engine. The oil does not reach full temperature, combustion by-products and moisture stay in the crankcase, and the exhaust does not dry out. Over a rainy season of five-minute trips, that produces the grey emulsion sometimes seen under an oil filler cap.
If the bike is only used for short trips, take it for a longer ride occasionally so the oil reaches operating temperature and the exhaust dries. If it is stored, change the oil before storage and leave the engine alone rather than idling it in the yard.
The exhaust is a condensation trap. A stainless system can still corrode from the inside, and a chrome muffler can rust from within where the coating is thin. A short ride that heats the system fully is better than repeated cold starts.
Check the air filter housing for damp and insects, and make sure the drain tube is clear. A wet airbox can cause running problems that look like fuel injection faults. Dry it out before the first ride rather than after the engine stumbles.
The first ride after storage
Check tyre pressures, brakes, lights, chain tension and fluid levels before riding. Start the engine and let it idle briefly, then ride slowly and test the brakes in a safe place. Corrosion and stale fuel show up in the first few minutes.
If the bike has been stored for many months, a workshop check is a reasonable investment. A stuck brake caliper or a perished fuel line is easier to catch in a workshop than at the first junction.
Checklist
- Store on a dry, hard surface with airflow.
- Use a breathable cover over a dry bike.
- Clean, rinse and dry before storage.
- Check and maintain the battery with the correct charger.
- Move the bike or lift the tyres every few weeks.
- Test brakes and pressures before the first ride.
Questions
Can I leave a motorcycle under a tarpaulin all rainy season?
A non-breathable tarpaulin traps condensation. Use a breathable cover, or a roof with open sides, and check the bike regularly.
Should I drain the fuel tank for storage?
Not usually for a few months. A reasonably full metal tank reduces condensation, and stale fuel is easier to manage than a rusted tank. Follow the owner's manual for very long storage.
How often should I start the bike during storage?
Starting it briefly without riding can add condensation and drain the battery. A short ride that reaches operating temperature is better, or leave it off and maintain the battery.
