Can a Motorcycle Stay Outside in the Winter?

Winter can be the game-changing aspect for you and your motorbike, especially if it’s about storing the motorbike. Now the question arises, can a motorcycle stay outside in the winter? 

Motorcycles can stay outside in the winter, but timing is crucial while leaving the motorbike outside because the longer you store the motorbike in the winter, the more your motorbike will have to suffer from problems. However, storing the motorbike under the shade can delay some of the problems. 

Let’s consider what it means and what you can do about it. 

While writing this post, I leave no stone unturned so you can know everything about staying on the motorcycle outside in the winter. 

Can a Motorcycle Stay Outside in the Winter? 

Winter is around the corner, and it can be a game-changing moment for you and your motorbike. And that’s why the question arises, can a motorcycle stay outside in the winter? 

The timing is crucial while leaving the motorbike outside because the longer you store the motorbike in the winter, the more your motorbike will have to suffer from problems. However, storing the motorbike under the shade can delay some of the problems. 

Store the motorbike inside the garage to protect your motorbike from all problems. 

Why Store the Motorbike Under Shade? 

Indeed you should store the motorbike under shade to minimize the side effects of winter. Now the question arises, why store the motorbike under shade? 

Experts always recommend storing motorbikes under the shade because of the harmful UV rays. The rays start to destroy the motorbike paint, and the highly humid air around your motorbike begins entering between the paint peel. 

Your motorbike paint will destroy further if rusting starts to occur, and that’s why experts always recommend storing the motorbike under the shade. 

Can an Empty Gas Tank Motorcycle Stay Outside in the Winter? 

So far you understand that you shouldn’t store the motorbike outside in the winter. Now the question arises, can an empty gas tank motorcycle stay outside in the winter? 

Storing the motorbike outside with the empty gas might be your biggest mistake which can destroy the motorbike internally. Empty motorbike gas tanks can contain traces of ethanol and water which could rust your tank and other internal parts. 

Not only this, the minute ethanol and water droplets will form ice crystals which could interface with the gas circulation of the motorbike. For proper gas circulation, it’s advisable to add antifreeze to the gas. 

For How Long Can You Store the Motorbike Outside? 

Indeed you shouldn’t store the motorbike outside in the winter. Now the question arises, how long can you store the motorbike outside? 

Timing is everything, and it’s also true for the motorcycle standing outside in the winter. Experts always recommend storing the motorbike not more than for 5 hours, as the longer you store the motorbike outside, the longer your motorbike will suffer from significant problems. 

However, if the outside temperature is not freezing, you can store the motorbike outside further. 

How Can Snow Harm Your Motorbike? 

The most significant disadvantage of storing the motorbike outside is the winter. But have you ever wondered how snow can harm your motorbike? 

Naturally, snow contains minerals or forms of salts, which can further harm your motorbike paint by causing rust. Also, snow contains 90% water which further boosts the internal rusting, which could destroy the motorbike engine. 

And that’s why experts always recommend storing the motorbike under the shade. 

How Can Rain Harm Your Motorbike? 

Just like the snow, the rain could be the biggest enemy of your motorbike, especially when it’s about storing it outside. Now the question arises, how can rain harm your motorbike? 

Rain could also be your biggest enemy when storing the motorbike outside because rainwater can enter between the narrowest space of the motorbike engine, and because of it, rusting would start to occur, eating your motorbike engine. 

Also, the rainwater will start to combine with the dust and grease, and that’s why experts never recommend storing the motorbike outside. 

Should You Cover Your Motorbike if Storing It Outside?

So far, you understand how rain and snow can both destroy your motorbike if stored outside. Now the question arises, should you cover your motorbike while storing it outside? 

Storing the motorbike only after covering it is one thing that can further save it from the attack of snow and rust. The cover creates a 3-D layer around your motorbike which restricts moisture entering in the form of rain and snow. 

However, your motorbike cover should be reliable and thick enough so no moisture can penetrate it. Always aim to go with two or more layers of motorbike cover to reduce the chance of rainwater or snow entering the motorbike. 

Once the snow and rainwater are restricted from entering the motorbike, there won’t be any rust in the narrower area between the engine and clutch plate. Also, your motorbike’s internal wires and chain would last longer for years as there will be no gunk formation. 

Some experts claimed that the thick motorbike cover further increased the temperature around your motorbike, thus preserving your motorbike gas tank from problems. 

Can You Store the Motorbike at Home? 

Indeed you shouldn’t store the motorbike outside when it’s winter, now the question arises, can you store it at home? 

Storing the motorbike at home provides the same environment as the motorbike garage. It protects your motorbike effectively from the attack of winter. 

While storing the motorbike at home, ensure it’s not near flammable substances or a source of the fire. You probably need an electric source to connect the motorbike through the motorbike maintainer, which will automatically charge the battery once it gets down. 

Where to Store a Motorcycle if You’re Unable to Find a Shed? 

So far, you understand that you can store the motorbike at your home in winter as long as your motorbike is surrounded by four walls. Now the question arises, where to store a motorbike if you cannot find any shed? 

Suppose you’re unable to find any shed for your motorbike. In that case, you should go with the temporary storage unit consisting of a tent that protects your motorbike from the attack of humid air and UV rays which can destroy the motorbike’s paint. 

You can find this temporary storage unit on an e-commerce website, but before choosing one, make sure the unit is made from high-duty material which can’t be torn easily. 

If you own a garage then you should read my previous post where I discussed how can you protect your motorbike by storing it in the garage, CLICK HERE to read.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict:

Can a motorcycle stay outside in the winter? The timing is crucial while leaving the motorbike outside because the longer you store the motorbike in the winter, the more your motorbike will have to suffer from problems. However, storing the motorbike under the shade can delay some of the problems. 

By covering the motorbike and following the winterization process, you can protect your motorbike effectively from the attack of winter.