Tips & News

Tips & News

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Motorcycle Winter Storage: How to Store Your Bike in the Cold

Storing your motorcycle for the winter is important. Here’s a simple guide to keep your bike in good shape when you can’t ride it.

Steps for Winter Motorcycle Storage

Clean Your Bike

    Wash and dry your bike well to remove dirt and bugs. This makes it easier to clean in the spring.

    Lubricate Moving Parts

      Oil all moving parts, like the chain and cables, to keep them from rusting. For long storage, put a bit of oil in the spark plug holes and turn the engine to coat the inside.

      Fill the Fuel Tank and Add Stabilizer

        Fill your tank to the top and add a fuel stabilizer. Take a short ride to mix it well. If storing for over six months, you can empty the tank and coat it with oil to prevent rust.

        Change the Oil

          After your final ride, change the oil and filter. Use oil meant for winter and add antifreeze to the coolant.

          Remove and Charge the Battery

            Take out the battery and store it in a stable-temperature place, or keep it in the bike and run the engine monthly. Use a trickle charger to keep it charged.

            Prevent Tire Flat Spots

              Lift the bike with stands to take weight off the tires. If stands aren’t available, fill the tires to maximum PSI and rotate them occasionally.

              Block Openings

                Cover the air intake and exhaust pipes to keep pests out. Use muffler plugs or plastic bags but remember to remove them before riding.

                Wax and Cover Your Bike

                  Wax the bike to protect from moisture. Spray metal parts with WD-40. Use a fitted motorcycle cover to shield it from dust and scratches.

                  Choose a Good Storage Spot

                    Store your bike in a dry place, out of the weather. If storing at home isn’t an option, rent a storage unit. At Downtown U-Lok, we offer car and motorcycle storage. If you have any questions about car and motorcycle storage, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help!

                    Top 7 Reasons Why People Use Storage Units

                    Have you ever driven by a storage facility and wondered what people stash away in those units? It’s a question that piques curiosity, and as it turns out, the reasons behind using storage units are as diverse as the people who rent them. Here are some common reasons why people use storage units:

                    Easing the Burden of Relocation

                      Moving is renowned for being a stress-inducing endeavor, regardless of the circumstances. Whether downsizing to a smaller home, staging a house for sale, or facing unexpected delays in closing dates, storage units offer a temporary refuge for belongings during transitional periods.

                      Creating More Space at Home

                        Our homes can sometimes be cluttered with belongings that we’ve accumulated over the years. If a person can’t decide if they want to get rid of the belongings, they can store the items in a storage unit for short- or long-term. Storing these items safely in a storage unit helps the person maintain an organized living space.

                        Safekeeping Vehicles in the Offseason

                          It’s not just household items that can be stored in storage units; vehicles like cars, motorcycles, and boats often hibernate in storage facilities during off-seasons. With robust gates and surveillance systems in place, car storage facilities offer a secure dry, indoor haven for your vehicle.

                          Facilitating Home Renovations

                            Home improvements can quickly spiral into chaos without adequate space to maneuver. Storage units offer homeowners a blank canvas by temporarily housing furniture and belongings during renovation projects, ensuring a seamless transformation.

                            Managing Estate Settlements

                              Dealing with the belongings of a departed loved one is a delicate and emotional task. Storage units provide a solution, allowing families to process their grief before sorting through cherished possessions.

                              Simplifying College Transitions

                                For college students, summer breaks present a conundrum: what to do with dorm room belongings? Storage units become a go-to solution, sparing students the hassle of carting belongings back and forth between home and school.

                                Organizing Business Inventory

                                  Entrepreneurs and small business owners often find themselves drowning in inventory as their ventures grow. Storage units offer an economical solution for organizing merchandise, whether it’s wine, dried goods, or other types of products.

                                  Storage units aren’t merely repositories for excess belongings; they’re versatile spaces that cater to the diverse needs and circumstances of individuals and businesses alike. So the next time you pass by a storage facility, remember that behind those doors lie stories of transitions, aspirations, and practical solutions to life’s myriad challenges. If you have any questions about self storage, please contact us and our team will be more than happy to help!