If you are not going to be able to ride your motorcycle for a couple of months, maybe because of the weather, or a military deployment or even a long vacation, there are steps you need to take to make sure your ride doesn't become damaged when it sits. We are going to assume you've found a safe, secure and clean area for your motorcycle. You want access to the facility in all kinds of weather as well as on-site management and
state-of-the art security.
You've picked FoxDenStore-It so you won't have storage unit issues. Now, make sure you don't have issues with your motorcycle or ATV when you come to pick it up.
Wash and dry the vehicle. Use a leaf blower, reversed vacuum cleaner or even a hair dryer to get all the moisture off. Dirt or dust sitting on the finish can cause corrosion; stray moisture will do the same thing.
Change the oil and change the coolant, if it's old. Use coolant for the lowest temperature that you can find. Replace the oil filter so it's not sitting with dirt and suspended carbon deposits. Fill the fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer - run the bike or ATV to circulate the fuel and stabilizer. Or, drain the fuel tank and slosh oil around in it to act as a moisture barrier.
Put a thin coat of wax on painted surface to protect the finish. Use a corrosion
inhibitor to protect plastic, metal, rubber, carbon fiber and anodized surfaces.
A battery tender is the best way to keep your battery in good shape. It should put enough charge in to keep the battery fresh until you need it. If you can't put a battery tender on, plan on making periodic trips to the storage unit to start and run the bike or ATV.
Mice and rodents can hide and nest in exhaust pipes and air filters. Cover all intake and exhaust areas with plastic bags and a few strategically placed moth balls can also keep rodents away.
Fully inflate the tires. Soft or flat tires can develop permanent flat spots. Storing on a stand is best - but if that's not an option slightly over inflate the tires and plan on moving the bike every so often.
Invest in a good, breathable cover that covers the bike or ATV completely. Using old bedding or plastic bags will trap moisture and dirt and cause corrosion.
When you are taking the bike or ATV back out here are some tips - take a flashlight to check behind body panels, inside luggage areas, storage areas, fenders and mufflers to make sure a stray rodent hasn't made a nest.
Make sure there aren't any puddles of leaked fluid under the bike or ATV that could indicate you had a seal issue while it was stored.
Check for corrosion or leaks on the battery. Check the fluid levels and change the oil. Yes, you did just change it - but oil sitting in temperature changes can separate or become waxy and the price of a few quarts of oil is worth not sucking that into your bike.
Pull and check the spark plugs. Check the tires and all rubber components – re-inflate your tires if necessary.