Can You Store a Motorcycle in an Unheated Garage?

We all know how crucial motorbike storage is, especially when winter is around the corner. Even experts recommend storing the motorbike in the garage. Now the question arises, can you store a motorcycle in an unheated garage? 

Experts recommend ensuring that the garage is surrounded by insulation layers while storing the motorbike; otherwise, there won’t be any benefit in storing the motorbike in the garage. However, suppose your garage is in your home and is slightly warmer than the outer atmosphere. In that case, there won’t be any significant issue. 

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 storing the motorcycle in an unheated garage. 

Can You Store a Motorcycle in an Unheated Garage? 

Storing the motorcycle in the garage is undoubtedly crucial when winter is around the corner; now the question arises, can you store a motorcycle in an unheated garage? 

Experts recommend ensuring that the garage is surrounded by insulation layers while storing the motorbike; otherwise, there won’t be any benefit in storing the motorbike in the garage. However, suppose your garage is in your home and is slightly warmer than the outer atmosphere. In that case, there won’t be any significant issue. 

Even if your motorbike is slightly warmer than the outer atmosphere, then adding antifreeze fluid to the motorbike gas tank would be enough. 

What If Your Motorbike Garage is Unheated? 

Indeed things can work even if your motorbike garage is slightly warmer than the outer atmosphere; now the question arises, what if your motorbike garage is unheated? 

Here I’m expecting your unheated motorbike garage doesn’t provide your motorbike with a slightly warmer temperature than the outside. 

Suppose your motorbike garage is unheated or doesn’t have any insulation around the garage. In that case, your motorbike will suffer from all issues you otherwise will have to face when storing the motorbike outside. 

However, storing the motorbike in the unheated garage would be safe pain work from the attack of UV rays from the sun, but don’t expect anything more from the unheated garage. 

Without an unheated garage, chilled winter wind will enter your motorbike garage, which would start to boost the ice crystal formation of the ethanol in your motorbike gas. 

This ice crystal formation wouldn’t cause any significant damage at the beginning. Still, after some time, it would cause the bursting of motorbike fuel lines. 

Also, the wind contains a significant amount of moisture which starts to rust the motorbike’s outer parts or parts that don’t have any coat painting, such as motorbike chains. 

How Would Heated Garage Save Your Motorbike? 

So far, you understand how the unheated motorbike garage would cause some problems with your motorbike; now the question arises, how would a heated garage save your motorbike? 

A heated garage is meant by a garage that has an insulation layer around the motorbike, providing the garage a slightly warmer temperature than the outside. 

A heated garage or garage with an insulation layer restricts the entering of chilled winter wind, which brings moisture with it, thus protecting the motorbike from rust or corrosion. 

The insulated garage will ensure that there won’t be any harm to your motorbike for the storage period. 

Heated Garage or Unheated Garage; for a Short Period?  

Indeed a heated motorbike garage would be a lifesaver for your motorbike when it comes to storing the motorbike for a longer period. Now, which one would you choose for the shorter period of storage? 

If you want to store your motorbike at your friend’s place for only a few hours, then an unheated garage would not cause any significant damage to your motorbike. However, when it’s about storing the motorbike for more than 6 hours, you should always go with the heated garage. 

There won’t be any significant damage to your motorbike, even if the garage is slightly warmer than the outside.

What if You Don’t Have the Insulated Garage? 

So far, you understand that storing the motorbike for a short period in the unheated garage wouldn’t cause any significant damage to your motorbike. Now the question arises, what if you don’t have an insulated motorbike garage? 

Not everyone is lucky enough to have an insulating layer around every corner of the motorbike garage. If you don’t have an insulated garage, then it’s better to add antifreeze fluid to the motorbike gas. 

The antifreeze fluid in the motorbike gas tank will decrease the freezing pond of ethanol constituent in the gas, which is solely responsible for causing ice crystal formation. 

Suppose you want to plan to store the motorbike for a longer period and don’t have any plans to ride the motorbike anytime soon. In that case, it’s advisable to cover your motorbike chain with lubricant. 

The lubricant on the motorbike chain will create a 3D layer sound on the motorbike chain, which stops the accumulation of moisture on the chain, thus preventing the motorbike chain from rusting. 

Is Storing a Motorbike in an Apartment Good? 

Indeed you can save your motorbike from the attack of child wind to destroy the motorbike tank and chains. And that’s why many riders prefer to store the motorbike in an apartment, but is it actually good? 

Storing the motorbike in an apartment is relatively better than storing the motorbike in an unheated garage because most apartments are well-insulated and suitable for humans and machines. 

I’d highly recommend storing the motorbike in the apartment or in the house to save your motorbike from the attack of weather. 

Is Storing a Motorcycle in a Storage Facility Good? 

Opting for a storage facility to store your motorcycle can be a practical solution if you lack a dedicated space or garage. However, it is worth considering the pros and cons of this option.

Selecting a storage unit for your motorcycle offers advantages, especially when you lack a personal garage. Certain facilities provide temperature control and round-the-clock video surveillance, ensuring enhanced security. It is important to note that storing a motorcycle in a facility may be costlier than keeping it outdoors.

A storage facility safeguards your motorcycle against harsh weather conditions and may offer heat through external heaters. Nevertheless, it is important to be mindful of the cost and amenities provided by the storage facility. Not all storage facilities have heaters or 24/7 surveillance, potentially exposing your motorcycle to risks.

Ultimately, the choice of a motorbike storage facility rests with you. It is advisable to conduct thorough research and select a facility that offers the best services while considering your budgetary constraints.

Is Storing a Motorcycle Outside Good? 

Many riders choose not to store their motorbike in the garage or storage facility to save some bucks. But have you ever wondered why storing a motorcycle outside isn’t good? 

While it may appear cost-effective, storing a motorcycle outside can have detrimental effects on both the bike and its engine. In harsh winter conditions, leaving a motorbike outdoors can lead to the clogging of gasoline and coolant pipes. Moreover, prolonged exposure to sunlight can result in paint oxidation, leading to costly repairs.

For these reasons, experts consistently advise against storing motorcycles outside and instead recommend utilizing a garage for long-term storage.

Also, read my previous post where I discussed what’re some things you should do with your motorbike in winter. CLICK HERE to read.  

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict: 

Storing the motorbike in an unheated garage? Experts recommend ensuring that the garage is surrounded by insulation layers while storing the motorbike; otherwise, there won’t be any benefit in storing the motorbike in the garage. However, suppose your garage is in your home and is slightly warmer than the outer atmosphere. In that case, there won’t be any significant issue. 

Put some antifreeze liquid and cover the chain and wires with lubricating fluid to prevent rust while strengthening the motorbike in an uninsulated garage.