Should I use a plastic tarp to cover my motorcycle?

A plain plastic tarp can trap moisture against the bike and rub the paint. A breathable motorcycle cover that fits well is a safer choice.

Should I start the bike during storage?

Short starts that do not fully warm the engine can add moisture without burning it off. A battery tender and fuel stabilizer are usually better than occasional short starts.

How do I stop a stored motorcycle being stolen?

Layer your protection: a wheel or disc lock, a chain through the frame to a fixed anchor, a cover that hides the bike, and a spot that is visible and lit. No single lock stops a determined thief.

Storing a motorcycle outside: cover, security and prep

Q: Is it OK to store a motorcycle outside?

Yes, if you protect it from moisture, sun and theft. A garage is better, but a good cover, a dry surface, a stand and a well-prepped bike can handle outdoor storage for a season.

Storing a motorcycle outside is doable if you keep water off it, keep sun and debris away from it, keep it secured, and prep the fuel and battery before it sits. Most outdoor storage problems come from trapped moisture, a bad cover, theft and neglecting the battery. Get those four right and the bike will start and ride normally when you come back to it.

This guide covers what to do for outdoor storage. For a full cold-weather shutdown, see our guide to winterizing a motorcycle (or, if you plan to keep going, riding a motorcycle in winter), and for indoor options see where to store a motorcycle.

Is it OK to store a motorcycle outside?

Yes, but it is harder on the bike than a garage. Outdoors, the bike has to deal with:

Rain, dew and humidity, which promote rust and corrode electrical connections
Sun, which fades paint, cracks plastic and dries rubber and seat covers
Temperature swings, which cause condensation inside the tank and engine
Dirt, leaves, bird droppings and tree sap, which stain and etch paint
Theft and vandalism
Animals, such as mice looking for nesting spots in an airbox

Plan for each one. The longer the bike will sit, the more prep it needs.

Pick the right spot

Where you park the bike matters as much as the cover.

Choose a hard, dry surface such as concrete or pavers. Soil and grass hold moisture and let the wheels sink. If you must park on gravel or dirt, put a board or paving slab under the stand.
Avoid low spots where water pools.
Get it out from under trees that drop sap, branches or fruit.
Think about sun. Shade helps paint and plastic, but not at the cost of tree sap. A north-facing wall is often a compromise.
Park it where it can be seen, ideally lit and near a window or camera. Thieves prefer hidden bikes.
Check any rules. A home owners association, apartment complex or city may limit what you can store outside.

Choose a motorcycle cover

A cover is the biggest decision for outdoor storage.

Cover type	Good for	Watch out for
Breathable, water-resistant motorcycle cover	Most outdoor storage	A loose fit flaps and rubs the paint
Fully waterproof cover	Heavy rain areas	Can trap moisture if it does not vent
Plastic tarp	Emergency only	Traps moisture, rubs paint and blows around
Indoor dust cover	Garage use only	Not weatherproof

Look for a cover that:

Fits your bike's size, including bags or a windscreen
Has vents so moisture can escape
Has a soft inner lining that will not scratch paint
Has straps, elastic hems or grommets so wind cannot rip it off
Has a lock loop if you want to lock it down

Always put the cover on a dry, clean bike. Covering a wet bike traps water. Let the engine and exhaust cool first, because a hot exhaust can melt the cover.

Prepare the bike before outdoor storage

Wash and dry the bike

Dirt and bird droppings damage paint if they sit. Our guide to washing a motorcycle shows a safe method. Dry the bike completely, especially around the switchgear, mirrors and crevices.

Protect metal and chrome

After the bike is dry, apply a protectant made for motorcycles to unpainted metal, chrome and exposed fasteners. Use products made for the surface and follow their directions. Keep protectants off brake rotors, pads, tires and the drive chain.

Take care of the fuel

Fuel can degrade when it sits. Many riders fill the tank to reduce the air space where condensation can form, and add a fuel stabilizer, running the engine a few minutes so treated fuel reaches the fuel system. Follow the stabilizer maker's directions and your manual's advice. If you will leave the bike a long time, ask your manual or a shop about draining or running carbureted fuel systems dry.

Look at the oil

Used oil can hold contaminants. If the bike is due for service, many riders change the oil before a long sit rather than after, and our FAQ on changing motorcycle oil when the bike is not ridden explains why age matters as well as miles. Our guide to changing motorcycle oil covers the job. Check the owner's manual for what it says about storage.

Look after the battery

A battery slowly discharges while parked, and outdoor temperature swings do not help. Use a battery maintainer (a smart charger or tender) designed for your battery type, or remove the battery and store it indoors on a maintainer. Do not leave a standard charger connected unattended. Our guide to charging a motorcycle battery explains charger types. If the battery is old or weak, our guide on replacing a motorcycle battery tells you how.

Support the tires

Parked tires can develop flat spots or crack. Inflate them to the pressure in your manual or a little above it, as the manual allows, and if possible get the weight off by using a paddock stand or center stand. Rolling the bike a short way every few weeks changes the contact patch. Our tire pressure guide explains how to find the right pressure.

Lube and protect the controls

Check the cables and levers for stiffness. A little lubrication on cables and pivots helps stop them seizing from moisture. Our guide to lubing motorcycle cables shows how.

Block the openings

Mice and insects love exhaust pipes and airboxes. Many riders plug the exhaust outlet with a rag or cover made for the job, and attach a bright reminder tag to the handlebar so they remember to remove it before starting. Do not forget it. A blocked exhaust can cause damage or fire if the engine runs.

Secure it against theft

Outdoor storage makes theft the larger risk. Layer your security:

Chain or cable through the frame to an anchor that cannot be moved or cut easily, such as a ground anchor or a heavy fixed object.
Disc lock or wheel lock as a second barrier, with a reminder cable so you do not ride off with it on.
Cover that hides the bike's make and model.
Visibility and lighting. Motion lights and cameras help.
Alarm or tracker if your insurance or situation calls for it.

Our guide on preventing motorcycle theft goes deeper. No lock is theft-proof, so check what your insurance covers for a bike stored outside.

Check on the bike while it is stored

A quick check every few weeks catches small problems before they grow:

Lift the cover on a dry day and let the bike air out
Look for condensation under the cover
Check for leaks, rust, rodent signs or damaged wiring
Check tire pressure
Confirm the maintainer is still on and working
Look at the cover for rips or slipped straps

Getting the bike ready to ride again

Remove the cover, exhaust plug and any other blockers.
Check the tires for pressure, cracks and flat spots.
Check the battery, charge it and reconnect it.
Check oil and coolant levels, the brake and clutch fluid levels, and look for leaks.
Test the lights, horn, brake lever feel and throttle return.
Inspect the chain and cables.
Start the engine, let it idle and warm gradually.
Test the brakes at low speed before you ride out.

Our motorcycle pre-ride inspection checklist walks through this in order. If the bike sat a long time, is it bad to let a motorcycle sit explains what to expect.

Common mistakes

Using a plastic tarp that traps moisture
Covering a wet or hot bike
Parking on soft ground or under a sappy tree
Skipping a battery maintainer
Leaving the tank half empty for months
Forgetting to remove an exhaust plug before starting
Relying on a single lock

What does it cost?

The main costs are a decent cover, a battery maintainer, locks and fuel stabilizer. Prices vary widely by brand and bike size. A shop can also prep the bike for storage as part of a service. Varies by bike, region and shop.

When to see a mechanic

Book a shop visit if, after storage:

The bike will not start or runs rough after a fresh battery and fuel
You find rust in the tank, on brake rotors or on the chain
Rodents have chewed wiring or nested in the airbox
Fluids look milky, or you find new leaks
Tires are cracked or the brakes feel weak
You are not sure it is safe to ride

Our maintenance services page lists shops that do storage prep and recommissioning, and you can look up shops in your own city in the motorcycle repair directory.

Quick checklist

Pick a hard, dry, visible spot away from trees.
Use a breathable, well-fitting cover on a clean, dry bike.
Stabilize the fuel and keep the battery on a maintainer.
Plug the exhaust (and remove the plug before starting).
Use layered locks and an anchor.
Check on it every few weeks and inspect before riding.