Top 10 Tips to PROPERLY Store Your Dirt Bike

Updated: 24.4.25

As a dirt bike owner, the off-season presents a key opportunity to protect and preserve your ride.

It’s tempting to just park it in the garage and wait until the next sunny day, but proper storage is essential for maintaining your bike's performance, reliability, and lifespan.

From thorough cleaning to strategic security, every step matters. Here are 10 expert tips to ensure your dirt bike stays in top shape while it's not in use.

1. Clean and Protect

Cleaning your motocross bike after a ride is about more than aesthetics. Proper cleaning protects against moisture, sunlight, and grime buildup.

Cleaning Process

Use a specialised cleaner and soft brush to scrub down mechanical parts where dirt collects. Removing this debris prevents rust and corrosion.

Drying Properly

Wipe down the entire bike using a microfiber towel. For hard-to-reach areas, compressed air or a leaf blower on low will do the trick. Make sure it’s bone dry before applying any protective treatments.

Protective Coatings

Finish with a corrosion inhibitor or light oil to coat metal surfaces. Think of it as armour that fends off rust during storage.

2. Change Fluids

Fresh fluids protect your bike’s internals while it's in hibernation.

Oil Change

Old oil collects contaminants over time. Replacing it before storage helps protect your engine's internal components.

Fuel Stabilisation

Add a fuel stabiliser to your tank if you're storing with fuel. It prevents fuel degradation and keeps your system clean for your next ride.

Lubrication

Don’t forget the moving parts. Lubricate cables, levers, and pivot points with high-quality oil to keep them rust-free and responsive.

3. Tyre Care

Tyres can develop flat spots during long periods of inactivity. Maintain proper pressure and elevate your bike off the ground when possible.

Tyre Pressure

Keep tyres inflated to the recommended PSI to prevent deformation and prolong tyre life.

Elevation

Use a stand, blocks of wood, or a tyre rack to lift the bike. This prevents pressure damage and keeps tyres from contacting cold concrete.

4. Battery Maintenance

Storage and Charging

Remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Hook it to a trickle charger to maintain voltage over time.

Battery Health

Check terminal condition and voltage levels with a multimeter. Catching corrosion early can save you from costly replacements later.

5. Cover the Bike

Protect your dirt bike with a breathable cover that shields from dust and moisture. Avoid plastic covers, which can trap humidity and cause condensation buildup.

Cover Choice

A fabric cover allows air to circulate while preventing dust and water exposure. Ideal for indoor or sheltered outdoor storage.

6. Choose the Right Storage Spot

Pick a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location — whether it’s a garage, shed, or storage unit.

Environmental Considerations

Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Fluctuations can damage rubber seals and other sensitive components.

DIY Storage Enhancements

Maximise your storage space with wall-mounted shelves, hooks for gear, or compact sheds like a MotoCabin unit.

7. Stick to a Maintenance Schedule

Even in storage, your bike benefits from regular attention.

Routine Checks

Inspect for corrosion, flat tyres, and battery levels every few weeks. Starting the bike periodically also helps keep systems lubricated.

Long-Term Prep

Rotate tyres to avoid flat spots and top off fluids if stored longer than 6 months. Reapply lubricant where needed.

8. Add Security Measures

Don’t overlook protection against theft. Use locks, chains, alarms, or ground anchors to secure your bike.

Extra Security

A layered approach — physical locks plus motion-sensing lights or alarms — gives peace of mind while your bike’s out of action.

9. Keep Documentation

Log any maintenance performed, including oil changes, battery tests, or tyre rotations. Your future self will thank you when it's time to ride again.

10. Pre-Storage Checklist

• ✔️ Thoroughly clean and dry the bike
• ✔️ Change oil and add fuel stabiliser
• ✔️ Lubricate key pivot points
• ✔️ Inflate tyres and elevate the bike
• ✔️ Remove the battery and use a trickle charger
• ✔️ Cover with a breathable fabric cover
• ✔️ Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
• ✔️ Use locks or alarms for added security
• ✔️ Keep a maintenance log

Follow these expert tips and your dirt bike will be primed and ready to roar back to life when the next season hits.