When it starts to get chilly in Texas and you feel the temperature drop, it’s time to seriously consider storing your motorcycle away for the winter. Winter months can be harsh and do expensive damage to your motorcycle so it’s important to have a plan in place to store your bike to keep it in the right condition. A motorcycle is a big investment and you want to make sure you can ride it again in the spring, so being able to winterize it and store it safely may be your best decision.
Reasons to Store Your Motorcycle
When it starts to get cold outside, you’ll find that riding your motorcycle is far less enjoyable. When you’re exposed to the wind created by riding on your motorcycle, the cold weather can feel significantly harsher. In fact, riding at just 25mph can make a 50° F day feel like 43° F! For this reason, most people find that they are riding their motorcycles significantly less or not at all during the Texas winter months. When this happens, it’s important to consider a storage plan.
Here are some reasons storing your motorcycle may be the best option for you.
- Reduce Rust
Ice and salt will eat away at your motorcycle so it’s essential to store it away from the elements including moisture. Parts that are susceptible to rust damage are: mirrors, exhaust pipes, forks and wheel spokes. - Protection
Having your motorcycle inside will keep thieves away who want extra parts or keep away exposure to vandals. - Lower Texas Insurance Rates
If you take good care of your bike and your insurance carrier knows you are taking the extra step to store it, they may reduce rates or deductibles. - Keep Battery Charged
If you store your bike where there is an electrical outlet, you can charge up your battery so you will be able to ride it on the first day of a new, warmer season.
Temperature Patterns in Central Texas
You may be wondering when the best time is to consider storing your motorcycle in Central Texas. When looking at temperature averages in Waco, Texas, the weather starts to cool into the low 60’s to high 50’s in November. Any resident of Texas will tell you that this weather is already becoming uncomfortably cool for Texans on a motorcycle.
With the added wind-chill effect mentioned earlier, November may be the ideal time to start investing in a storage unit for your Motorcycle. You can expect your motorcycle to be in storage until at least March. With your motorcycle in storage for about 5 months, it’s important to know how to properly care for it and store it so that it will be ready to go as soon as the weather starts to warm up again.
How To Winterize Your Motorcycle in Texas
- Clean it Up – Make sure that you use soap and water to clean your motorcycle of any dirt or debris before storage. Be sure to thoroughly dry it as well.
- Lubricate – Make sure that all moving parts have a fresh and light coat of oil on them to ensure they can withstand a cold and dry winter.
- Fill it Up – Your gas tank should be topped off to reduce moisture on the walls of the tank. Add fuel stabilizer and take it for a drive to let it blend in with the fuel.
- Change Oil – Changing your oil is essential since old oil can corrode the motorcycle engine components. While you are at it, consider replacing the filter and adding antifreeze to your coolant system.
- Keep Weight Off of the Tires – Using a motorcycle stand can take the weight off of the tires, increasing longevity. If you don’t have a stand, then fill the tires to maximum PSI and palace the bike on wood or carpet to keep it from being affected by the moisture of concrete.
- Prep the Battery – It’s best to take the battery out for longer storage in order to charge it. If you keep it on, be sure to stop by the unit and turn it on in order to charge the battery.
- Use a Motorcycle Cover – Below are some options to consider and can be potentially found on Google Shopping, local Central TX stores, or Amazon.
Best Motorcycle Covers
- XYZCTEM All Season
- $19.99
- Velmia Motorcycle Cover
- $49.99
- ClawsCover 87 Inch
- $25.99
Where to Buy Motorcycles in Central Texas
Harley-Davidson of Waco
Address: 4201 S Jack Kultgen Fwy, Waco, TX 76707
Phone: (254) 753-0393
Bell County Motoworks
Address: 3925 S General Bruce Dr, Temple, TX 76502
Phone: (254) 690-1901
Moto Psycho
Address: 704A E Veterans Memorial Blvd, Killeen, TX 76541
Phone: (254) 781-2222
Texas Motor Sports
Address: 899 W Central Texas Expy, Harker Heights, TX 76548
Phone: (254) 526-7800
Central TX Self Storage Facilities – Amy’s Attic Self Storage
Amy’s Attic Self Storage offers a safe storage environment for your motorcycle. Because our storage units are rented on a month-to-month basis, our storage services are ideal for motorcycle owners looking to store their beloved motorcycle for a few months at a time. With temperature-controlled units and awesome customer service, Amy’s Attic Self Storage has five locations across Texas ready to serve you. If you are interested in storing a motorcycle or have questions, then please contact Amy’s Attic Self Storage at 855-426-9728.
