Motorcycles are not only a fun, reliable mode of transportation; they are an investment worth protecting. Not everyone has a garage or indoor space to store a motorcycle. What motorcycle storage you choose plays a large role in your ride’s longevity and ease of use. If you’re shopping for the best motorcycle storage shed or the best outdoor motorcycle storage, you want three things: real protection from sun, rain and snow, a bike that’s easy to get in and out, and something you can lock.
Below we compare the three main options: a motorcycle shelter (a portable motorcycle garage), a motorcycle cover, and a motorcycle storage pod (the hard-shell, egg-shaped kind). We sell shelters, so we’ll also say where a cover or a pod makes more sense.
Best Motorcycle Storage Shed, Shelter, Cover or Pod: What to Consider
What are Motorcycle Shelters?
A motorcycle shelter is a dedicated, reinforced, structured space that is your bike’s home when not on the road. These can be made of many materials including steel, like a motorcycle storage shed, or canvas, like a motorcycle storage tent. How good a motorcycle shelter is considered depends on several factors like:
1) how well it shields your bike from the elements,
2) how is easy it is to get your ride in and out of it, and
3) how well it provides security from theft.
Shelters tend to be roomy and have extra space for storing riding gear along with your bike—which is great for staying organized! Many storage sheds have doors that can be challenging to navigate. A handful of motorcycle shelters are collapsible. Certain shelters are adjustable for different weather conditions. A few are easily portable. And some are just more stylish than others. They vary in price and dependability, but generally tend to be more expensive than motorcycle covers.
One shelter that is durable, dependable, designed for all weather protection, collapsible, portable, is easy to setup, and comes in several sizes for different sized bikes, or multiple bikes, is a clamshell motorcycle cover. If you want the most protection and ride-in, ride-out convenience, that’s the kind of motorcycle shelter to look at.
What are Motorcycle Covers?
Covers for motorcycles are cut and sewn fabric shapes that go over your bike snugly. They tend to be the cheapest motorcycle storage option but are also the least convenient. These work best when your bike is already parked in a protected area, like behind a fence, and just needs protection from the elements.
You will need somewhere to store your motorcycle cover when you are out on a ride. Specific covers perform better in all weather conditions. While some protect better from the sun than others. They can rip in high wind conditions or if they get caught on part of your bike. Yes, they do physically touch your bike, so it is not advised to put a motorcycle cover on a bike that has not cooled down yet. And hot tail pipes can burn a motorcycle cover on contact. But, covers do work well when you don’t have a lot of space and will extend the life of your motorcycle living outdoors while being budget friendly.
What are Motorcycle Pods?
Motorcycle pods are hard-structured, egg-shaped motorcycle storage containers. Heavy, tough, and all-weather approved, they often have hinges that allow you to open and close them. They come in limited sizes, but look sleek and modern. A few have speciality features like lights or battery chargers. They are the priciest option for motorcycle storage. And it is important to put some thought into the location of a motorcycle pod before placement as they can be challenging to move once installed and some need professional installation.
Motorcycle Storage Pros and Cons
Choosing the right protection for your motorcycle involves more than just price. Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of each motorcycle storage option:
Motorcycle Shelters Benefits and Drawbacks:
Pros:
- Best all-around protection: Keeps sun, rain, snow and dust off your bike, and it locks.
- Spacious: Accommodates multiple bikes, riding gear, tools, etc.
- Sturdy and durable: Built to withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Portable: Many models fold up for easy transport.
- Additional features: Ventilation, locking systems, floor mats, etc.
Cons:
- Requires assembly.
- Price: Compared to motorcycle covers, motorcycle shelters are a more expensive option. While offering significantly more features and protection, the initial investment might be a hurdle for some riders.
Motorcycle Covers Benefits and Drawbacks:
Pros:
- Affordable and readily available.
- Lightweight and easy to install.
- Variety of sizes and materials to choose from.
Cons:
- Limited protection:Primarily protect against sun, dust, and light rain.
- Touch your bike: if dirt gets on the inside of the cover and it rubs against your motorcycle, it can scratch your paint.
- Don’t shield your bike from wind, theft, or heavy weather.
- Can wear out or tear over time, especially cheaper ones.
Motorcycle Pods Benefits and Drawbacks:
Pros:
- Ultimate protection:Similar to shelters, offer all-weather protection and security.
- Sleek and modern design.
- Compact and some take up less space than shelters.
- Some models are pre-assembled.
Cons:
- Most expensive option, often double or triple the cost of shelters.
- Limited in size.
- May not fit larger bikes or multiple bikes.
- Can be difficult to move once anchored or installed.
- May require professional installation for some models.
Best Storage for a Motorcycle without a Garage?
If you don’t have garage space for your bike, motorcycle shelters are the best all-around option for riders who prioritize complete protection, space, and durability. But if you’re on a budget and only need basic protection, a motorcycle cover might suffice. Motorcycle pods offer the ultimate protection and sleek design, but at a premium price and with space limitations. Getting a climate-controlled storage unit is also a secure option, but this does remove your motorcycle from your home and makes it less accessible for daily driving and it can be pricey.
Remember: Consider your budget, storage space, riding habits, and the level of protection you need before making your decision on storing your motorcycle.
Why are Shelters the Best Motorcycle Storage Option?
Okay, let’s dig a little deeper into the claim that shelters are the best storage for a motorcycle using the example of Speedway Motorsports Shelters. These shelters come in several sizes and offer several advantages over motorcycle covers and motorcycle pods, depending on your priorities:
Shelters Compared to Motorcycle Covers:
- Superior Protection: Shelters keep sun, rain, snow and dust off the bike, and they lock.
- More Space: Easily store multiple bikes, riding gear, tools, and other items, while covers only fit your bike. Shelters also do not touch any part of your bike—so no scratches!
- Sturdy and Durable: Built on a steel frame with a heavy-duty fabric cover, so they outlast most covers.
- Additional Features: Ventilation, locking systems, floor mats, and other conveniences for a more complete storage solution.
However, keep in mind that shelters are usually a higher initial investment and require assembly. (But, setup takes at most 20 to 30 minutes and anchoring is easy with included bolts.)
Speedway Shelters Compared to Motorcycle Pods:
- More Affordable: While generally less expensive than pods, shelters still offer impressive protection at a lower price point.
- More Spacious: Shelters come in larger sizes, accommodating multiple bikes and extra gear, while pods are often limited to single bikes.
- More Portable: Many shelters fold up for easy transport, while pods are typically stationary once installed.
- Greater Customization: Shelters offer more flexibility in terms of size, style, and additional features you can choose from.
However, pods boast a sleek and modern design and some specific models are preassembled.
Motorcycle Storage Comparison Chart
Here’s a breakdown of key advantages:
Feature | Speedway Shelter | Motorcycle Cover | Motorcycle Pod |
Protection | All-weather protection | Limited protection | All-weather protection |
Space | Spacious | Fits one bike | Fits one bike |
Durability | Sturdy and durable | Can wear out | Sturdy and durable |
Features | Ventilation, locking, rubber floor mats, extra UV protection | None | Varies by model |
Price | $$ | $ | $$$$ |
Portability | Portable, folds up | Portable, lightweight | Stationary |
Customization | Many options | Limited | Varies by model |
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities and budget. If you want the most protection and room for the money, a Speedway Shelter is the one to look at. Storing it for the winter? Our motorcycle winter storage guide covers the prep. If design, ease of use, and a smaller footprint are crucial, a pod might suit you better. If you’re on a tight budget and only need basic protection, a cover might suffice.
What are you using to shield your ride from the elements?
Motorcycle Shelter vs. Cover vs. Pod FAQ
What's the difference between a motorcycle pod and a motorcycle shelter?
A pod is a hard-shell, egg-shaped box. A shelter like ours is a steel frame with a fabric cover that opens like a clamshell. Pods look sleek, but they usually cost the most, come in few sizes and can be hard to move once they're installed. A Speedway Shelter comes in three sizes and can be taken down and moved.
What features should I look for in a motorcycle storage shed?
Start with three: how well it keeps sun, rain and snow off, how easy it is to get the bike in and out, and whether it locks. Then check the inside size against your bike with the mirrors, windshield and tour pack on. Vents, a floor and room for your riding gear are worth having too.
What size shelter does my motorcycle need?
It depends on the bike. The Sport (108 x 43 in inside) fits sport bikes, standards, scooters, mid-size cruisers and dirt bikes. The Touring (136 x 54 in) fits baggers, full-dress tourers and ATVs. The Deluxe (138 x 78 in) fits trikes, Spyders, or two sport or two touring bikes. Some golf carts fit the Deluxe. Measure yours first.
Where can I store my motorcycle if I don't have a garage?
Usually right at home, in a driveway, yard or parking spot. A cover is the cheapest choice and works best where the bike is already sheltered. A shelter keeps it out of sight and lets you ride in and out. On grass or gravel, set a shelter on a wood base. A storage unit works too, but it can be pricey and the bike isn't at home.
Is a motorcycle shelter better than a cover?
For a bike that lives outside, usually. A cover touches the bike, can scratch the paint if dirt gets inside, can rip in high wind and shouldn't go on hot pipes. A shelter doesn't touch the bike, so you can ride in hot and close it up. A cover still makes sense on a budget or behind a fence.
How much does a motorcycle shelter cost?
A Speedway Shelter costs $429.95 for the Sport, $490.95 for the Touring and $574.95 for the Deluxe. Covers cost less but mostly guard against sun, dust and light rain. Pods usually cost the most. Every Speedway Shelter has a 10-year warranty on the frame for the original owner and 1 year on the whole shelter.
What’s the best motorcycle storage shed for outdoor use?
For most riders without a garage, a portable motorcycle shelter. It costs much less than a wood or metal shed, you ride straight in and out, and you can take it down and move it. A built shed gives you more room and security, but it costs more and takes longer to put up. Pods look sleek, but they usually cost the most and come in few sizes.
Are motorcycle storage pods worth it?
They can be if you want a hard shell and have a level spot where it can stay for good. The trade-offs are price, few sizes and how hard a pod is to move. If you might move, ride a bagger or a trike, or want to spend less, a shelter fits better.
what size do you recommend for a harley davidson freewheeler trike?
Definitely the Deluxe Shelter. It is designed for trikes.