Want to keep your dirt bike running like new for years?
Neglect is the number one killer of off road vehicles. Neglect while storage is cumulative and most riders don’t understand that while it’s sitting in your garage, damage is occurring week after week. It’s not until you pull it out to ride again that you find…
- Tires have developed flat spots
- Fuel has gone bad
- Components have warped or corroded
The best part? Dirt bike storage doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Just follow these simple steps…
What you’ll discover:
- Why Dirt Bike Storage Matters
- The Real Damage That Happens In Storage
- The Right Way To Store A Dirt Bike
- Common Storage Mistakes To Avoid
Why Dirt Bike Storage Matters
Riding dirt bikes isn’t cheap. The worldwide Dirt Bikes market was valued at USD 9.58 billion in 2024. Frames alone can cost you thousands of dollars to purchase and keep running. You’ll definitely want to protect your investment.
But here’s the problem…
Most people store their bikes wrong. They wheel it into the garage for the season. Chuck a cover on it and forget about it until spring. Then they ask why the tires are warped and fuel won’t fire.
These tips for storing your dirt bike cover the proper dirt bike storage process. Do it correctly and you can avoid hundreds of dollars in repair bills.
Pretty important, right?
The Real Damage That Happens In Storage
Let me tell you what happens to a dirt bike when it sits unused. Experts say you can leave a motorcycle sitting for roughly 30 days unused before issues start.
That means even a short period of improper storage can cause real damage.
Tire Warping & Flat Spots
Think of this as preventable damage. The weight of the dirt bike sinks into the tires when it’s left sitting in one location. Long story short:
- The rubber gets compressed in one spot
- A flat area forms where the tire touches the ground
- The compression becomes permanent if left too long
New tires can develop this condition as well. After a tire goes flat, it’s usually ruined.
Fuel Degradation
Stale fuel causes more bikes not to start after storage than anything else. Regular unleaded gasoline will deteriorate between 1–3 months if untreated. It gums up leaving varnish and restrictions throughout the fuel system. The fuel turns to gum and deposits in the tank. Eventually clogging jets and causing hard starting issues.
Suspension & Battery Issues
Parking your dirt bike with weight on the suspension for several months will deform seals unevenly. Batteries will also drain. Without a tender, you’ll return to a dead battery and corroded terminals.
The Right Way To Store A Dirt Bike
OK, now for the real deal. Here is the step-by-step method that works every time to keep every piece of your bike covered.
Clean The Bike Thoroughly
First thing’s first. Clean your dirt bike. Mud, dirt and old chain lube can retain moisture against the frame, promote rust and conceal damaged areas in need of repair.
Clean bike, dry thoroughly, apply light coat of corrosion protectant to metal surfaces.
Stabilise The Fuel
Either purge the fuel system or use a fuel stabiliser. The stabiliser route is best for most riders.
Stabilisers are simple to use and can keep your fuel fresh for up to two years. Simply add the recommended dosage to a full tank of fuel and allow the engine to run for 5-10 minutes.
Note: A full tank leaves less empty space for condensation. Less condensation results in less rust.
Get The Weight Off The Tires
This is the most important step for preventing tire warping.
You’ll want to raise your dirt bike up so the tires aren’t touching the ground. A good way to do this is with a good quality dirt bike stand that lifts both tires off the ground.
If you can’t get the tires off the ground, then:
- Inflate them to the maximum recommended PSI
- Place a piece of carpet or cardboard between the tire and floor
- Roll the bike a few inches every couple of weeks
The goal is to prevent constant pressure on one section of rubber.
Protect The Battery
Remove battery and store it someplace cool and dry. Plug it into a battery tender that will keep it charged without overcharging it. A decent tender is about $30-$50 and is worth it instead of buying new batteries every few years.
Plug The Exhaust & Airbox
Animals love dirt bikes in storage. Mice and bugs will gladly nest inside any cozy warm dark areas such as the exhaust pipe, airbox, and wiring harness.
Plug the holes with clean rags or exhaust plugs. Make sure you remove them before riding again!
Common Storage Mistakes To Avoid
Riders who’ve been around for years make these errors. These are the BIGGEST ones….
Storing The Bike Dirty
This happens way too often. Riders wipe out on their last ride so they just wheel the bike into the garage dirt side down. Dirt traps moisture against the frame and leads to rust. Clean the bike first.
Using The Wrong Cover
Cheap plastic covers seal moisture next to your bike. Moisture equals rust city. Get a breathable waterproof motorcycle cover. They’re pricey, but WAY better than a tarp.
Storing In A Damp Location
Where you keep your bike can have a bigger impact than you realize. Basement, uninsulated garages, and even outdoor spaces can be detrimental. Seek out a location that is dry, maintains a consistent temperature, and is out of direct sunlight.
If you don’t have anywhere ideal at home, look into renting a self-storage unit. Many have climate-controlled units that are perfect for dirt bikes.
Forgetting About The Bike
“Don’t ignore it and hope it goes away”. Periodically inspect your bike. Every couple of weeks give it a quick once-over. You can catch issues before they turn into costly repairs. Even if it’s only for 10 minutes.
The Bottom Line
One of the simplest methods of preserving your dirt bike is proper storage. It requires some time initially, but can save you heaps of cash and grief in the future.
To quickly recap:
- Clean the bike before storage
- Stabilise the fuel system
- Get the weight off the tires
- Protect the battery with a tender
- Seal off entry points for pests
- Pick a dry, stable storage location
By taking these steps your dirt bike will start right up whenever you remove it from storage. No warped parts, no costly fixes, no headaches.
