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Tips for storing your motorbike over winter

Tips for storing your motorbike over winter

Mehdi Punjwani
Written by  Mehdi Punjwani
5 min read
Updated: 12 Dec 2024

As the cold weather sets in, finding a safe place for your motorbike if you don’t plan on using it is essential.

Key takeaways

  • Storing your motorbike properly during winter protects it from damage and keeps it in great condition for when you take it out in the spring

  • You could consider keeping it stored in a garage or a storage unit, or keeping it under a cover or tarpaulin outdoors

  • Remember to keep up with maintenance during winter too - cleaning and drying your bike, changing fluids, disconnecting the battery and elevating tyres can help keep your bike in optimal condition

man on motorbike driving on the road

Where to store your motorbike over winter

Here are our recommended storage spots, depending on availability:

Garage

The best bet if you have the option is keeping your bike stored in your garage. It’ll ensure the bike stays protected from frost, rain and snow as well as keeping it safe from theft. Remember to use strong and secure locks on your garage and, if possible, install an alarm system.

Storage unit

If you don’t have access to a garage, renting a storage unit is a solid alternative. Many offer excellent security as well as climate control so you know your bike will remain in good condition.

Outdoor cover

If no indoor spaces are available, you should definitely consider a high-quality outdoor cover. Make sure it’s waterproof and weather-resistant, and that it fits snugly to your bike to prevent moisture causing rust or damage.

Tips for storing your motorbike over winter

Prepping your bike for winter storage is just as important as finding a good spot to keep it in while not in use - here’s how to make sure your motorbike stays in good condition during the off-season:

  • Clean and dry your motorbike

    Thoroughly wash away any dirt, grime or salt that might cause rust or corrosion, and make sure it’s completely dry as trapped moisture can cause damage over time.

  • Change the oil and other fluids

    Old oil can become acidic and cause damage to your engine when left for months, so changing it before putting your bike away will help prevent this. Remember to top up or replace other fluids like brake fluid and coolant to keep everything in good working order.

  • Disconnect the battery

    To stop your battery from draining during storage it’s good to disconnect it and store it indoors in a cool dry place away from sunlight, so it’s ready to go in the spring.

  • Run the engine

    Every month or so, you should reconnect the battery and turn the engine on for a few minutes to make sure everything stays operational.

  • Elevate the tyres

    Finally, using a motorbike stand or blocks to elevate your bike can prevent flat spots from forming in your tyres, which occurs when they’re kept on the ground for long periods of time.

How to insure your motorbike over winter

You can declare your motorbike as off-road with a SORN or Statutory Off Road Notice - this means you won’t be required to pay tax or insurance, but it also means you cannot use your bike at all.

However, we don’t recommend this as keeping your bike insured even in the off-season can help safeguard against unforeseen damage or theft that can occur even when the bike is in storage.

You may be able to adjust your policy to reflect the reduced risk during winter months, keeping key protection against things like theft or weather damage. Also make sure your policy has specific coverage for keeping your bike in storage to make sure you’re fully covered.

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