As the roads get frosty and the rain starts to pour, you might consider storing away your trusted motorbike or moped for sunnier days. While most bike owners in New Zealand are lucky enough not to have to deal with snow, the rain and frost mean that motorcycle storage can still be a concern. You want to make sure that your motorbike is not only protected from the elements but that it can also keep running after weeks in storage.
In this blog post, we go over the best ways to store your motorbike at home and what you should look for in motorbike sheds. Keep reading to learn the best ways to protect your valuable bike.
Motorcycle storage at home
Proper motorbike storage is essential to protecting your bike from weather damage, especially in the winter months. Storing your motorbike in a motorcycle garage can protect it from rain, wind, UV rays and moisture. Indoor storage with a lock also reduces the risk of your motorbike getting stolen or vandalised.
Keter's Connect Rolling System is ideal for storing all your mechanics tools in one place.
Motorcycle storage in your garage
Your first idea was probably to keep your motorbike in the garage, which can work if you have enough room. If you store your bike in a garage, you need to make sure there’s no risk of it being scratched by a car driving in, or any other sharp belongings.
Motorcycle covers for outdoor weather protection
If you don’t have any indoor storage options, a high-quality cover can provide extra protection against wet an cold weather. A good motorbike cover should keep your bike safe from harsh rain, snow, sun damage or dust. However, bikes stored outside can be at greater risk of theft or vandalism.
Motorcycles in sheds and shelters
Garden sheds are a great dedicated space to house motorcycles. They're a secure, long-lasting, durable option that protects bikes from the elements and potential theft. Lockable garden sheds are more secure than storing your bike outside and are a great option if you don’t have a garage.
Choosing a bike shed for your motorbike
When you’re choosing a bike shed for motorcycle storage, consider these things:
- Material: Wood, metal, and plastic are all popular options for bike sheds. Each material is durable and robust, with plastic being the most low-maintenance choice.
- Size: Do you want a small bike storage shed that fits only the bike itself? Or a bigger shed that fits your bike, maintenance tools, and any other outdoor belongings? Choose a bike shed that can adequately fit everything you need to store.
- Functionality: There are a few other features that bike sheds should ideally have – lockable doors to prevent thievery, ramp edging to make moving your bike easier, and built-in ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
Motorbike maintenance chart
We’ve made a handy chart to help you keep track of motorcycle maintenance – before and after storage – to keep your prized ride in top condition and ready to hit the road whenever needed!
Before stowing your bike in your motorbike shed, you might need to check and change the oil and filter, check and top off fluids, inspect tyres for signs of wear, and lubricate any moving parts.
| Maintenance task | Before storage | During storage | After storage |
| Changing oil and filter | ✔ | ||
| Checking and topping up fluids | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Inspecting tyres for signs of wear | ✔ | Periodically | ✔ |
| Lubricating moving parts | ✔ | ||
| Using breathable motorbike cover | ✔ | ||
| Elevating bike with stand or blocks | ✔ | ||
| Periodically checking tyre pressure | ✔ | ||
| Starting engine briefly | ✔ (if possible) | ✔ (if possible) |
Depending on how often your bike is used, you may also need to remove the battery and store it separately in a cool, dry place to prevent it from self-discharging beyond recovery. As you prepare your motorcycle for long-term storage, consider investing in a breathable motorcycle cover to protect it from dust and allow for air circulation.
- Elevating your bike using a stand or blocks can prevent tyre flat spots.
- While your motorcycle is in the bike shed, periodically check the tyre pressure.
- If possible, start the engine once in a while, and let it run for a few minutes to prevent oil stagnation and maintain battery health.
These steps will help your motorbike stay in ideal condition and give you a smooth ride whenever you're ready to hit the open road again!
Safely store your motorcycles in a trusted Keter motorbike shed
If you're looking for a bike storage shed range, consider Keter's resin shed collection. Our large sheds are offered in a wide range of size options that are perfect to store all kinds of vehicles from scooters to sports bikes!
Our modern storage sheds feature easily assembled pre-cut panels, lockable doors, and ventilation to keep your belongings dry. Plus, they're made from sturdy resin that protects against harsh weather and UV light. Explore our motorbike shed range and find the perfect storage space to keep your bikes in tip-top condition for years.
