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Posts Tagged ‘Storage’

It’s that time of year again, the nights are drawing in, the roads are covered with wet leaves and you’re starting to think a canoe would be more practical than a motorcycle right now. It may only be the start of winter, but we’ve already had floods and our first snow. As reluctant as you may be to admit it, it’s probably time to put the motorcycle into hibernation for the winter.

However, before you shut it away in the garage for the next few months, it may be worth taking a little time just making sure its comfy and more importantly, going to be good-to-go as soon as the weather picks up. Here are just a few simple tips to ensure that your motorcycle will be ready to go the second you are.

First up, take it for one last ride. Any niggling noises you’ve been ignoring or anything that doesn’t feel right should be addressed now. Once the motorcycle is warmed up, any condensation from the exhaust will evaporate too. On your way back top up the fuel tank. Half empty tanks are a great place for moisture to build up which coupled with any exposed metal could damage your bike. Once you’re back home, top the engine up with some fuel stabilizer and run the motorcycle for a few minutes to allow it to work its way round, even if your motorcycle doesn’t have carburettors, a fuel stabilizer will stop any compounds from the fuel tank breaking up and damaging your engine.

Changing the oil and filter is very important too; any acid compounds developed by the oil will need to be flushed out. As this oil will need to be drained before you next ride, it doesn’t need to be the most expensive oil on the market. Submerging some of the more sensitive parts of your motorcycle, like the bearings, in oil will help prevent corrosion. Remember that any excess oil has to be drained before starting the engine as too much oil can damage the engine just as much as too little oil. You will also need to top up the antifreeze. If you’re able; drain the float plugs. Alternatively, if a stabilizer is added to the fuel and run through the system this should work just as well. Before you put your motorcycle into storage, you will also need to lube the chain, if left; the chain can corrode and rust. Remember to keep any lubricants away from the breaks or tyres, assuming you want to stop without the aid of a tree next time you try to break. Any other exposed metal is going to need some WD40 to prevent any rust and corrosion.

It may sound obvious, but give the bike a good clean. This will enable you to notice anything out of the ordinary as well as removing any dirt or grime which could damage the motorcycle over the winter months, just remember not to put it away whilst it’s still wet. If there’s anything worth repairing or maintaining this is a great time to get it out of the way, so that in the spring the motorcycle will be ready to go as soon as the weather permits. Chances are with most motorcycles these days everything will be ok, but your motorcycle maybe close to a valve adjustment or something similar and now is a great time to get that done.

Next you’ll have to remove the battery, especially if your motorcycle is going to be left to brave the elements outside all winter. Batteries contain water which can freeze and expand, this can cause the battery to crack and once it melts it can then leak. If you can, leave your battery hooked up to a small charge for the winter. A battery tender will give it just the charge it needs without letting it over charge. If you leave your battery alone to stand in your bike all winter, you’ll have trouble even getting to the shop to buy a new one!

All that’s left now is to find somewhere nice and dry to store you motorcycle. Ideally your bike would prefer to be left in a garage but if that’s not possible try and make sure it’s covered. It is worth bearing in mind though, if its left with a cover outside, condensation could build up and you’ll have a very impressive pile of rust to take on your first ride out in the spring. If you’re going to have to leave your motorcycle outside make sure it’s secure and preferably out of sight. Nothing says challenge like an unattended motorcycle with nothing more than a glorified keychain round it. If you can, leave your motorcycle on a stand as this will take any weight from the suspension.

Well that’s it, time to relegate yourself to the car for the next few months. Next time you’re at a loose end on a bright clear Sunday afternoon, refrain yourself from taking your bike for a quick mid winter spin, you’ll only end up creating condensation in the engine, instead get on with a bit of routine maintenance.

Have you added the beauty of a leather bag to your motorcycle yet? When we talk about motorcycle accessories, the discussion cannot be complete without talking about motorcycle leather bags. The most professional riders specifically mention the importance of high quality of motorcycle leather bags to carry on long journeys. According to experts, one must buy great quality motorcycle leather bags to experience the joy of long drives on their motorcycles, while riding at high speeds.

Motorcycle leather bags are one of the most important motorcycle accessories to carry by a rider while riding. It is essential when the rider is riding their motorcycle on long rides, but it can also be great when riding around town. Motorcycle leather bags can provide shelter for personal belongings and some can even provide security, depending on the model. Also, motorcycle bags can be great in the event of rain, as the rider can quickly put their valuables into the bag.

Motorcycle riders can also use the motorcycle bag as a luggage storage space. These bags can be used to keep all of the motorcycle gear in one bag, properly securing them for safe and easy travel. They can be useful in large extent while journey long and cloths and other important stuff can be carried easily and the motorcycle apparel are also available in various sizes and in different material such as sissy bar bags, motorcycle saddle bags and leather tool bags and leather windshield bags

One of the best things about motorcycle bags is that they come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes so that the rider can personalize their bike, matching to their tastes and current bike designs. In addition to colors and styles, motorcycle bags are available in several fabric choices. Motorcycle riders will be able to find leather, vinyl, cotton and more when they are searching for bags.

So, when you are ready to consider a motorcycle bag for your bike, ensure that you choose one that is of high quality, one that has a lock to secure your valuables and one that has strength so that won’t sag when you fill it with your stuff. Also, choose the material that best suits the amount of riding that you do and the wear that you expect it to get. Ask questions of the salesperson so that you can best match your personal needs with the products that are available. With the amount of options available, you will be sure to find exactly what you are looking for.

If you are trying to find a storage unit for your motorcycle, there are a number of factors to consider. How often you use the motorcycle, its overall condition, and the weather conditions in your area are the most important things to think about. Outdoor motorcycle storage will be much less expensive than an indoor facility, but may expose your bike to vandalism and damage from the elements. Outdoor storage may still be acceptable if you will be riding the motorcycle frequently to keep it warm and running well.

Many indoor vehicle storage facilities also offer extra services that may be of particular use to motorcycle owners. There are often repair and maintenance stations available for customers to use in working on their vehicles. This can be a great help when your bike has mechanical problems and you can’t even drive it off the storage site. Instead of paying for a tow truck, you can simply fix the problem right then and there. Some high-end facilities may even have an on-site mechanic during business hours to handle any repairs that are too complex for the average hobbyist.

If you are not worried about damage or theft, outdoor motorcycle storage will be a cheaper and often easier option than using an indoor vehicle storage facility. If you have space in front of your home, you may even be able to park your bike right there during the off-season. Of course, parking is very scarce in some areas, especially if you live in an apartment. In that case, you can still park outside to save money, but you will probably need to take the bike down to a self-storage facility that allows motorcycle storage.

Indoor motorcycle storage will protect your bike from damage caused by insects or animals. If you must store your motorcycle outside, be sure to always use a protective cover to keep bird droppings and dirt off of the paint. Bird droppings may be especially harmful to your motorcycle’s exterior because of the way it can break down the paint.

Sun damage can ruin your motorcycle’s seats and tires, so indoor vehicle storage may be your only option in very hot climates. Sunlight exposure will make tires deflate and even crack in extreme temperatures. The seat of your motorcycle may also begin to crack or peel. Paint oxidation may be another consequence of excessive sun exposure. All of these things can drastically reduce the value of your bike, so indoor motorcycle storage rental may be worth the extra money if you have a classic model to protect.

Indoor storage units will also protect your bike from theft or vandalism. Classic motorcycles are a popular target for thieves, especially when they have been left in the same parking space for a long period of time. This makes it very obvious that nobody is using the bike and it may be unattended. Most indoor vehicle storage facilities have access gates to prevent access to the entire property, along with security guards, alarm systems, and video surveillance.

Outdoor storage requires more work to get ready because you must winterize the motorcycle before taking it to storage. If you are storing your bike in an indoor auto storage facility, it will not be subjected to the same extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Storing your bike indoors can also make it easier to do the actual winterizing work. Being able to work in warmth while staying safe from the elements will help encourage you to properly service and winterize your vehicle.

To properly winterize your bike for storage, you primarily need to be concerned with maintaining a charge in the battery. Like all batteries, motorcycle batteries tend to lose their charge when left unused for long periods of time. In fact, because motorcycle batteries are smaller than standard car batteries, if left alone throughout the entire winter it is possible that your battery charge could diminish to the point where it will be unable to even take a charge in the future.

You can purchase battery chargers to give your bike’s battery a low rate of charge periodically to keep it running. These types of chargers will turn themselves off to avoid overcharging your battery, and they can be permanently attached to the battery while the motorcycle is in storage.

You also need to be concerned about the possible deterioration of the fuel in your bike’s tank. Fuel stored in a motorcycle gas tank will deteriorate over time while the bike is in storage. This can cause a gummy build-up in not only your gas tank, but throughout the entire fuel system, which results in your bike being difficult, or even impossible to start. This can be avoided by properly winterizing your motorcycle before finding an outdoor storage unit.

When winter recedes and the trails and fields begin to thaw, the time comes to dust off your utility ATV and prepare it for a long, fun summer. Before you strap on your helmet, gather your friends and head to the trails, make sure that you properly inspect your ATV four wheeler to ensure that it is trail-ready. This way, you can remain safe and have nothing to worry about except pounding the trails.

According to the experts at All Wheels Auto Storage, an Atlanta, Ga., based company that provides utility ATV storage and maintenance services, there are several important steps you should follow to care for your ATV four wheeler. Follow these guidelines to keep your ATV in good condition, and you will be on the trails in no time:

Lubricate the joints – While you should lubricate all of the mechanical parts on your ATV, All Wheels recommends you pay extra attention to the pivot points, center and side stands and cables. If applicable, lubricate the drive chain, too.

Change the oil – Oil tends to degrade over time and can cause engine corrosion in your ATV. Drain the old oil, which could contain particles and debris, into a receptacle. Change the filter and add the appropriate amount of new oil. This way, you will have a clean supply of oil that can keep your engine running smoothly for the new riding season.

Replenish the vital fluids – Replenish any brake, clutch and hydraulic fluid that has evaporated over time or collected contaminants. Add a fresh tank of fuel, as well.

Recharge the battery – If you connected your ATV battery to a trickle charger to keep it alive during the winter, reconnect it to your ATV and check the charge. Be certain that the battery is fully charged before you take it to the trails. Add distilled water or battery acid as needed, or purchase a new battery.

Inspect the tires – Lydia McDonald, an ATV sales expert at Dynamic Motorcars, an ATV retailer located in Northeast Ohio, stresses the importance of properly inflated tires. “Tire inflation can be critical to a successful outing on your ATV four wheeler, since they are often ridden in rural areas and subject to un-groomed trails,” she says. Properly inflate tires, and inspect them for any cracks, weak spots or leaks before venturing out on a riding trip.

Check for rodents – McDonald recommends checking the filter box, exhaust and expansion chamber for mice and other small rodents. “It’s actually quite common,” she says. “Many people store their ATV in a barn or shed, and mice make themselves a nice little home in there during winter. You don’t want to be surprised when you start your ATV for the first time, so use a stick or coat hanger to probe the exhaust and other areas for vermin. Usually, they will just come out on their own.”

Prepare a safety kit – McDonald suggests putting together an emergency repair tool kit that includes a spark plug wrench, a spare spark plug and a can of fix-a-flat to mend any punctures your tires may suffer while on the trail.

Finally, before you get your helmet and go, make sure that you have adequate ATV insurance to protect your investment. An ATV insurance policy can protect your ATV four wheeler, as well as yourself, in the event of damages or an accident. Enjoy the great outdoors without the stress of worrying about whether your ATV is covered. Contact a Nationwide agent today for your free ATV insurance quote.

All terrain vehicles (ATV) are some of the most exciting vehicles you can ride. For all of the bad hype that they get about being unsafe, when you practices safe use of these vehicles, you can have the thrill of your lifetime riding out in the open across diverse terrains. Whether you own an ATV, rent or lease one, you may have need for self storage options for your ATV that keep it safe while not in use.

ATVs, by the definition of their name, are capable of doing some fantastic driving feats when you know how to control them. Many television commercials show professional stunt people doing some of the greatest jumps, twists and dives with their ATVs and subsequently landing safely on the ground. These inspiring few minutes on your TV screen can incite you to want to own an ATV of your own. Before you rush out to buy one though, you need to know that you can keep your ATV safe in self storage when it isn’t in use.

Keeping your ATV safe in self storage is virtually one of the best ways to make sure that your ATV doesn’t get damaged or stolen. Self storage for your ATV should take into consideration all of the factors that make you ATV safe. For example, there are many different types of ATVs. You shouldn’t look for self storage for any type of ATV other than the one you have.

When considering self storage facilities with drive up units, make sure your ATV will fit into the unit you’re looking at. A simple tape measure with sufficient footage can measure the front end of your ATV before you move it to the self storage facility and a measurement of the front door will help you determine if the unit is large enough before you sign a rental agreement. A word to the wise on drive up self storage units is that you should allow several feet in the front, back, sides and rear so that you are not scratching the paint or risking breaking off rear view mirrors or other customized attachments on your ATV.

The best way to find self storage that will keep your ATV safe is to start your search at home either in the yellow pages or on the Internet. Type in the search by your particular type of ATV and self storage and see what results you get back. You may be able to find reasonable self storage right in your own proverbial back yard. If not, don’t hesitate to have to drive a distance to get a good price and quality service. Remember that you are searching for self storage for your ATV, which means there’s some amount of time that you don’t need to use it or have access to it. So even if you have to drive 100 miles to find a great self storage facility for your ATV that has that just right price, go ahead and drive the distance knowing you’re placing your big toy in the safe keeping of a self storage facility until you need it again.

Keeping your ATV safe in self storage may be as simple as using word of mouth to find alternative storage options around your city or tri-county area. Many times auto shops and other mechanical type places will have room in their garage during the winter months when sales and repairs are slow and they will offer the space as storage for an ATV or other sport utility vehicle. This is a great way to store your ATV nearby if you plan to work on it during the winter such as reconditioning brakes or other parts of the system. Using local storage also means you don’t have to travel a great distance when you’re ready to use it. Local storage also allows for if you want to take your ATV out for that spontaneous pleasure ride and then put it right back into the storage.

Regardless of how long you need storage or the type of ATV you have, you want to keep your ATV safe in self storage that is reliable, predictable and reasonable and serves the needs you have for your particular ATV. This means don’t settle for a self storage facility that isn’t familiar with protecting ATVs just because it’s close or cheap since you may make a choice that you regret if something should bad happen to your ATV.