There’s nothing like the love of a motorcycle. The power behind it, how it feels when you hit the
open road, and the camaraderie it gives you with others on bikes. It’s understandable why you
want to protect it from the elements, but is putting it away for winter storage in an unheated
garage during the winters in Canada the best approach?
Protection From the Sun in Winter Months
One of the biggest benefits of keeping your motorcycle in a garage for winter storage is that it’s
protected from the sun. Leaving your motorcycle outside for long periods can expose it to UV
rays, significantly impacting the appearance and condition of motorcycles after prolonged
exposure, everything from causing paint to fade to damaging your tires. Keeping it sheltered,
including during the winter in a garage, prevents the sun from doing any damage.
Protection From Canada’s Inclement Weather
It’s no secret that winters in Canada can be brutal, but putting your motorcycle in a garage
protects it from inclement weather. No snow or rain will fall on it, and hail won’t pelt it and
potentially cause damage. Keeping it away from the wet weather could also help prevent the risk
of rust and corrosion. However, motorcycle storage in a garage doesn’t mean you should leave it
uncovered. Use a proper bike cover to protect it.
Cold Temperatures vs. Your Motorcycle
Temperature-wise, storing your motorcycle in an unheated garage is similar to storing it outside,
especially if it’s uninsulated. The cold weather can affect your motorcycle, from the battery to
the engine oil to the fuel. Yes, this is the case even if you don’t use the bike at all during the
Canadian winter.
The best thing you can do to prevent damage from cold weather is to read your owner’s manual.
Whether you have a Harley Davidson, a Honda, or another brand, It will give you specific
instructions on how to winterize your motorcycle to ensure no issues once you’re ready to hit the
road during spring and warmer riding season.
The Verdict
You can store a motorcycle in an unheated garage in the winter in Canada, but it’s an even better
idea to put it in a heated garage. A year-round indoor option is a great way to protect it from the
sun, damage from inclement weather, and anyone who sees a motorcycle sitting outside as a
target for theft. However, to prevent damage to your bike from the cold temperatures, you have
to do it the right way, which is according to the instructions in your owner’s manual.
Whether or not you’re going to be doing winter riding, clean your motorcycle. This should be the
case even if it’s going to be sitting in an unheated garage in the middle of a Canadian winter.
Don’t let smashed critters, salt, dirt, and other damaging filth eat away at its surface, and don’t
leave the fuel tank empty. Your motorcycle is one of your most beloved possessions, so it’s
important to treat it as such.
