Motorcycle Winter Storage

motorcycle winter storage
winter storage for motorcycle

Motorcycle Winter Storage in Erie, PA

The summer months bring perfect weather for riding and adventure, but as the seasons change we have to think about winter storage for motorcycles. Winters in Erie can beautiful, but the freezing weather and harsh conditions can cause costly damage to your motorcycle. Simply parking in a garage won’t fully protect it. Winterizing your motorcycle by preparing the fuel system, battery, and components can help, but comprehensive motorcycle winter storage is the best way to shield your bike from cold weather damage.

That’s where KCT’s comes in. Our comprehensive motorcycle winter storage service, available from November through March for just $250.00 + tax, ensures your bike is well cared for during the off-season. We put in the work during the winter so that your ride stays safe and road-ready come spring.

What Our Motorcycle Winter Storage Includes:

  • Climate-Controlled Storage: We store your motorcycle in a climate-controlled environment to shield it from the stress of Erie’s freezing temperatures.
  • Fuel System Protection: Our team drains the carburetor and adds an ethanol fuel treatment to prevent sediment buildup and fuel contamination during motorcycle winter storage.
  • Battery Maintenance: Your bike’s battery is connected to a battery tender (trickle charger) to maintain its health and prolong its lifespan.
  • Spring Cleaning: Before you pick up your motorcycle in the spring, we’ll wash it, so it’s ready to hit the road immediately!
  • Winter Repair Incentives: Spend $1,500.00 or more on service or repairs during the winter, and your motorcycle winter storage is free! Payment plans are available to make it easier to get the work done.

Why You Shouldn’t Leave Your Motorcycle Outside During Winter

Leaving your motorcycle outside in Erie’s extreme cold is never advisable. Beyond the risk of physical damage from accidents like sliding cars or snowplows, several other common issues can arise:

  • Pitted Chrome Leading to Rust: Exposure to the elements can cause pitting in chrome parts, which can eventually lead to rust.
  • Dead Battery: Cold weather drains battery life, often leaving your bike with a dead battery come spring.
  • Fuel Contamination: Unstabilized fuel can contaminate your tank, lines, and carburetor.
  • Hardening of Plastic Parts: The cold can make plastic components brittle, increasing the risk of breakage.
  • Cracks in Leather and Fading: Leather seats and accessories may crack or fade due to cold weather exposure.
  • Dull or Faded Paint: Harsh winter conditions can dull your motorcycle’s paint, diminishing its appearance.

What Happens When You Leave Your Motorcycle Outside During Winter?

Leaving your motorcycle outside during the harsh Erie winter can lead to several serious issues, including:

  • Pitted Chrome Leading to Rust: Exposure to moisture and cold causes chrome to pit, which can lead to oxidation and eventually rust.
  • Fuel Tank Contamination: Without proper draining or fuel stabilizer, the fuel in your tank can separate and form sediment, leading to contamination of the tank, fuel lines, and potentially clogging the carburetors.
  • Dead Battery: Leaving the battery in your motorcycle without maintenance during the winter often results in a dead battery, requiring replacement or extensive recharging in the spring.

What About Using a Tarp or Storing Your Motorcycle in a Garage?

Thinking about at-home winter storage for your motorcycle? Even if you cover your motorcycle with a tarp or store it in a non-heated garage, you could still face many of the issues listed above. Here’s why:

  • Condensation Under the Tarp: Moisture can accumulate under the tarp, causing chrome parts to pit and rust.
  • Fuel System Issues: Without draining the fuel tank or adding a stabilizer, the fuel can separate, leading to sediment buildup that contaminates the tank, fuel line, and carburetors.
  • Salt and Moisture Exposure: When you pull your car into the garage, the heat from the engine can cause water and salt to vaporize and settle into the nooks and crannies of your motorcycle, leading to oxidation and rust.

Upgrade or Repair Your Motorcycle During Winter Storage

KCT’s offers a unique opportunity for those using our motorcycle winter storage service: you can have repairs or upgrades completed while your bike is in storage. Spend $1,500.00 or more on services, and we’ll waive your storage fee!

We also offer flexible payment plans tailored to the work being done, so you can spread out the cost. Our team will discuss all details with you beforehand, ensuring no surprises when you pick up your bike in the spring. However, space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot for winter motorcycle storage early.

Call us to make your reservation today!