SELF STORAGE FOR YOUR MOTORCYCLE

Summer motorcycle riders will generally be out on their bikes from April through to September and place their bike in storage over the winter period. With the right gear, some are able to extend their riding season up until the heavier winter weather comes around. However, during this time the roads become salty with grit and non-treated roads become dangerous due to inches of snow or the risk of black ice. Very few motorcycle riders are able or willing to ride year-round in the UK.

WHY MOTORCYCLES NEED WINTER STORAGE

The worst enemy for motorcycles in the winter is not actually the cold snaps. It is the salt that is spread by the lorry-loads to combat the ice. Salt and grit can speed up corrosion and even get into the engine and other smaller areas of the bike.

Road salt and grit can destroy your paintwork because both are corrosive, anytime you take your motorcycle out on roads that have been treated, it will need a thorough clean when you return from your ride. Winter driving is often dangerous, and maintenance is so time-consuming that the only reasonable decision is to put the bike off the road until the worst of the winter weather is over.

HOW SELF-STORAGE BENEFITS MOTORCYCLE OWNERS

Free up Space in your Shed or Garage

Motorcycles are often stored in sheds and garages but when not in use or not going to be used for months at a time, they can take up a lot of space unnecessarily. Self-Storage Containers are a great way to Store a motorcycle all year round or for Storage during the winter periods.

For those already storing their motorcycle in the garage or shed more often than not the area can be tight which gives rise to potential damage such as tools scraping the paintwork or perhaps being knocked over by a member of the family trying to walk around the bike to reach that sledge stored away at the back.

With a dedicated Storage Unit from Top Box Self Storage your motorcycle, tools and riding gear can be kept together for better Organisation, Security and with 24-Hour Access you are able to gain entry to your motorcycle whenever required.

Extra Security with 24-hour Video Surveillance and always just One Key Holder

Motorcycles are expensive so they are not something you would want to have sitting in plain sight of passers-by should that be on your drive, in your garden or even in a shed as those can be easily broken into.

Most domestic properties do not have access to commercial-grade security such as constant CCTV Monitoring. These systems can require installation by costly security professionals who must ensure there is no potential privacy breaches such as recording your neighbours garden when installing.

As Self-Storage is commercial based and our Containers are in a dedicated site for Private Security, our CCTV Monitoring System is top of the range, which continually records and monitors every outdoor area of our site.

In addition to our 24-Hour Video Surveillance with offsite monitoring, we also have gated entry control and our site is fully surrounded by steel palisade fencing so the only people gaining access are those renting one of our Self-Storage Containers. At Top Box Self Storage we believe in peace of mind so we do not carry universal keys, this means that the individual renting the Container can be rest assured that there the only one with the key.

TIPS FOR MOTORBIKE STORAGE OVER THE WINTER

Before you place your bike into storage, changing out all the fluids would be beneficial before Storing. Replace the oil, brake fluids and top up with anti-freeze;
The bike should be thoroughly washed before putting it into Storage, especially if you have ridden the bike on roads treated by winter salt;
When the bike is dry, apply a coat of wax to protect the paintwork;
Use leather cleaner and conditioner on leather seating to protect it from cracking;
The chain should be cleaned and waxed, then a lubricant applied to the chain;
To avoid the battery damage from cold temperatures and little use, remove it completely;
Check tyre pressures to make sure they are at the factory recommended settings. It is also worth noting that when your bike is stored, it helps to have the wheels elevated off the ground to prevent bald patches on tyres. If you cannot raise the tyres from ground level, they could be rotated every few weeks to prevent one part becoming bald;
Use a breathable cover to insulate the bike from cold temperatures.

Finally……………

NOTIFY YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY WHEN YOUR BIKE IS OFF THE ROAD AND IN SECURE STORAGE

Insurance companies prefer their customers to take anti-theft measures and often discount motorcycle insurance when they know it is not sitting outdoors in plain sight. If it is located in a Secure Storage Container that protects it from theft and the elements, this could help with the insurance.

With less risk of an insurance claim, you could find there could be a good saving from notifying your insurance provider that your bike is off the road, located in Secure Storage and not back on the road until a specific date, when better weather approaches.

All our Self-Storage Containers at Top Box Self Storage are only accessible by one key holder, which will be the motorcycle owner. Our Facility has 24-Hour HD CCTV with Offsite Monitoring and 24/7 Access for Convenience.

There are No out-of-hours access charges so those who use our Self-Storage Containers for winter storage of motorcycles can access their units whenever they please. You can come by on your own schedule, rotate the tyres, turn the engine over, and carry out winter checks so your bike is in tip-top condition for when the better weather comes around.

If you are in need of Secure Winter Storage suitable for Motorcycles, contact us for information on our Facility and our Safe & Secure Storage Containers.