For motorcycle enthusiasts, planning ahead on how to store your prized possessions is top of mind. Garages are the perfect solution for storing motorcycles, but what about those who lack one or those that are constantly on the move? Enter the motorcycle tent – the versatile answer to your motorcycle’s storage and camping needs. These shelters come in two distinct formats, each addressing unique requirements: storage tents and packing tents. Meaning, there are tents for storing motorcycles and tents for packing on motorcycles. This distinction is important as we get into the details of both types and help you determine which one you need for your trusty road companion.
Everything You Need to Know About Motorcycle Tents
Understanding the Duality of Motorcycle Tents
Storage Tents:
These are robust shelters that act as a dedicated garage substitute, providing a secure and weatherproof space for your motorcycle. Imagine a portable haven that can be set up at home, on camping trips, or even during long-term adventures. Storage tents are typically larger, heavier, and prioritize space to comfortably house your motorcycle and any essential gear. A good example of this is the Speedway Shelter shown here:
Packing Tents:
Designed for motorcycle camping adventures, these tents prioritize portability and multifunctionality. Often lightweight and compact, these easily fit in your touring motorcycle’s saddlebags. Motorcycle camping tents seamlessly integrate your motorcycle within the tent’s footprint, creating a minimalist yet comfortable, camping space to keep you, the rider, out of the elements while adventuring.
Storage Tents: Ultimate Protection for Your Motorcycle
Let’s take a closer look at motorcycle storage tents. The important features of these tents include:
- Being wonderfully weatherproof: Storage motorcycle tents prioritize protecting your motorcycle from the elements. They typically have outer covers fabricated of heavy-duty materials like UV-treated, waterproof polyester or fire-retardant 600D oxford cloth. These tents act as a complete shield against rain, snow, scorching sun, and even hail, ensuring your motorcycle remains safe from the ravages of weather.
- Built to last: Durability is a key feature for storage tents. Often constructed with a base frame of powder-coated or galvanized steel or high-grade aluminum which lends to superior stability against wind and harsh conditions. Look for tents with double-stitched seams and reinforced corners to prevent tearing and ensure long-lasting performance.
- Perfect sizing: Motorcycle storage tents come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different motorcycles and even trikes. Carefully measure your bike’s length, width, and height to ensure the tent provides ample coverage. And if you size up, and add extra access space around the perimeter, not only will maneuvering be easier, you will also have space to store your other riding gear.
- Security solutions: Most storage tents offer additional security features like lockable doors and reinforced tie-down points to deter theft and vandalism. This can be especially important if you’ll be storing your motorcycle for extended periods or in remote locations.
- Garage on the go: Storage tents are the perfect solution for those without a garage. They provide a designated and secure space for your motorcycle, protecting it from the elements and keeping it out of sight. These storage tents are also ideal for RV dwellers or moto enthusiasts who frequent campgrounds and rest areas, offering a convenient and weather shelter for their motorcycles.
Packing Tents: Lightweight Companions for Motorcycle Camping
On the other side of motorcycle tents are the very different motorcycle camping tents. Top features of this kind of tent include:
- Minimalism design: Packing motorcycle tents prioritize portability and weight savings. They are crafted from lightweight materials like water-resistant nylon or polyester and designed to fold compactly for easy storage in your motorcycle’s saddlebags. These tents are ideal for solo motorcycle touring adventures where space is at a premium.
- Convenient combinations: Packing tents are sleeping quarters for the rider. Some tents have designated areas for your motorcycle and enough additional space to accommodate other essential camping or riding gear. No one likes putting on a wet helmet or boots after a night of camping.
- Mobility features: Packing tents tend to be designed for quick setup and breakdown, allowing you to set up camp and be ready to rest in a matter of minutes after a long day on the road. Look for tents with color-coded poles and easy-to-assemble structures for hassle-free pitching.
Choosing the Right Motorcycle Tent: Tailoring to Your Needs
Now that you understand the two main categories of motorcycle tents, it’s time to consider the factors that will influence your choice:
Travel Style
Are you a full-time RV nomad who needs a semi-permanent storage solution for your motorcycle? Are you someone who hauls your bike for bike week vacations and needs a portable garage when you are staying in your toyhauler? Or are you a long distance tourer prioritizing a lightweight tent for camping convenience? Identifying your primary usage and the level of comfort you need will guide you towards storage or packaging tent options.
Solo or Group Adventure?
If you’ll be traveling alone, a combination packing tent might be sufficient. However, if you are part of a large group touring together or caravanning with other vehicles, you might want a large storage tent to accommodate multiple bikes or plan for each rider to have their own packing tent with a designated sleeping area.
Motorcycle Size Matters
The size of your motorcycle can influence your tent selection. Sport bikes require less space than cruisers or full-dressed touring motorcycles. Measure your motorcycle and choose a tent that provides ample coverage to avoid contact with tent walls.
Weather Conditions
Consider the weather conditions you’ll be encountering most often. If you are a tourer that primarily rides in fair weather, a basic tent to keep you out of mosquitos and morning dew is the way to go. However, if this is a storage tent, you may want a more durable solution suitable for all weather conditions– heavy rain, scorching sun, and snow. Look for a storage tent with a high waterproof rating and a sturdy frame to withstand winds.
Ventilation Considerations
Related to weather, proper ventilation is crucial with any tent, especially if it’s your sleep quarters. Look for tents with mesh panels or customizable vents that allow for air circulation to prevent condensation build up. Ventilation is not only the key to a good night’s sleep with a packing tent, it is also imperative to the health of your motorcycle with storage tents.
Budget
Motorcycle tents range in price depending on size, features, construction, and brand. Determine your budget and prioritize the features most important to you. There are high-quality tents available at various price points to suit most budgets.
4 Top Tips for Using Your Motorcycle Tent
- Secure Your Shelter: Use high quality tie down straps and secure them to sturdy ground anchors to prevent the tent from blowing away in windy conditions. For storage tents, find models that have features that make it easy to lock up your bike shelter to prevent theft.
- Location, Location, Location: When setting up your tent, choose a level, well-drained location away from low-hanging branches or potential hazards. You also want a setup spot that is easy to access so that it is easy to get your bike in and out.
- Maintain Your Tent: Clean your motorcycle tent regularly with a mild soap solution, be sure to rinse well, and allow it to dry completely before storing. This will help prevent mold and mildew growth and extend the lifespan of your tent. For storage tents in use all year, treating the fabric with a waterproof conditioning spray will help it last longer.
- Pack for the Unexpected: Anything can happen on the road. With camping tents, consider keeping a basic repair kit on hand in case of minor tears or rips in your tent. This will allow you to make temporary repairs and continue on your adventure.
Recommended Motorcycle Tents
With a vast array of motorcycle tents available, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. To simplify your search, we’ve curated a few popular options across storage tent and packing tent categories, catering to different budgets and needs:
Motorcycle Storage Tents Worth a Look:
Speedway Motorsports Shelters (Price starts at $429.95): With a unique clam-shell design, this is more than a tent, this is the ultimate motorcycle storage shelter. Durable, all-season dependability with powder coated, square steel frame and a heavy duty 600D waterproof urethane coated polyester fabric with fully taped seams. The frame requires no tools for assembly and is portable with the included carrying bag so it’s easy to set up anywhere. There are three different size options to choose from so you can be sure to get the right shelter to fit your wheels.
Rhino Shelters Cycle Pocket (Price $199.99): Kind of tent-like, this fully enclosed storage option is made of a single sheet of fire rated, water resistant polyester that has a zipper on three sizes. Just drive onto the base and zip the cover around your bike. They include desiccant bags to prevent moisture build up inside of the zipped pocket. Big enough to fit any size bike!
Quictent Motorcycle Shelter (Price $399.95): This shelter prioritizes durability with a UV-treated, water-resistant 600D oxford cloth exterior and a galvanized steel frame with round poles. Includes a TSA combination lock to ensure you can keep your ride secure. Only downside is that there is one size so this storage tent is best for smaller motorcycles or mopeds.
Best Motorcycle Camping Tents:
Lone Rider MotoTent (Price $599.00): Maximum comfort when camping on the road. Designed to shelter two riders, all riding gear– including a designed and protected space for your motorcycle! This camping tent is fully waterproof from roof to floor, has ample ventilation, massive storage areas, and color coded poles made of aircraft-grade aluminum to keep everything lightweight and easy to set up.
Abel Brown Nomad 4 Motorcycle Tent (Price $249.00): The original pole-less motorcycle tent. This ultra compact, yet comfortable option is perfect for those get-up and go trips where packing space is at a premium. The double waterproof Nomad 4 provides a 7 ft. x 3.5 ft shelter from a 3.5 lb package. No compromises to have a restful night on the open road with your motorcycle.
Wingman of the Road Goose (Price $428.00): More than just a tent, the Goose is an all-in-one motorcycle camping system. Made of durable canvas, this camping tent will last years on the road. And it’s made with biker’s needs in mind- breathable with two doors and two windows, everything has its place when stored away, and there are even helmet hooks under the rain fly on both ends to keep your helmet safe and dry.
Remember, these are just a few examples, and the ideal tent ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. By considering the factors mentioned earlier and researching available options, you’ll be well-equipped to select the perfect motorcycle tent for your next adventure.
Conclusion: A Motorcycle Tent = Your Versatile Companion
Motorcycle tents offer a valuable solution for motorcycle storage and camping needs. By understanding the two main categories – storage tents and packing tents – and considering the factors mentioned above, you can select the perfect tent for your motorcycle adventures. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time RV dweller, a motorcycle tent can provide your motorcycle with the protection and shelter it deserves, freeing you to focus on just enjoying the ride.
