Storage options for garaging trikes over winter
Dec
Trikes and UTVs are some of the most fun motorized vehicles adults can ride. It’s a simple fact that no two wheeled motorcycle can match a trike’s traction and power. However, with increased stability and force, comes a hefty price tag for the larger engines, parts, and more steel that goes into trike construction. In addition to taking care of your trike’s engine, keeping your chrome, paint, and leathers in good condition is worthwhile because not only does this maintain how your ride looks, but also helps retain its value. No one wants to see a trike left baking in the sun for years with UV rays damaging your paint and leather. Everyone knows that it just feels better to ride a well maintained machine. So, what is the best way to store your trike for ease of use and complete protection?
Trikes are different from their two wheeled counterparts in many ways. When it comes to considering your storage options, there are a few key differences. Trikes are considerably larger which means they have a lot more paint and chrome to protect and they take up a lot more dirt from the road. This means you need a larger shelter that is tailored to your trike’s size and shape.
Proper winter and summer storage is essential to reduce the wear and tear from the elements and petty theft. But what if you don’t have room in your garage or you live somewhere without permanent storage? We are going to break down the options you have for long-term secure outdoor storage for trikes.
Three Wheeled Storage Size Requirements
Motor trikes are the largest of all the motorbikes to store and generally will take up about the same space requirements of a small car. Making trike garage storage a costly option due to taking up a considerable amount of space.
Reverse trikes, like CanAm’s and other UTVs, are typically a little longer while having the same width wheelbase as traditional trikes. With some reverse trikes featuring a slightly longer wheelbase of about 60 inches give or take. Making trikes and UTVs some of the larger motorcycles to store.
Because trikes have three wheels, moving them around to park is more challenging. A two wheeled bike can rotate much easier and be maneuvered into tight storage spaces. Trike motorcycles storage generally requires a space they can be reversed into or parked head on directly.
Typical Size of Motorcycle Trikes Chart
|
Max Width / Wheelbase |
68 in |
|
Length |
105 in |
|
Max Height / Chair Height |
54 in |
|
Ground Clearance |
5 in |
Figuring Out Where to Store Your Three Wheeler
Indoor storage for a trike can be a little challenging at times due to their size and lack of portability. The first step is deciding if you want to store it at home or at a local storage facility. Our preference would be to self-storage. The biggest advantage being if you store it yourself, it’s close by so you can take your trike out for a ride when you please. Plus, your most prized vehicle is safest when it is in your possession. Call us old fashioned, but there is something comforting about having your ride close by for those perfect riding days and peace of mind.
Trike Storage Units
If you decide to store your motorcycle trike offsite, local motorcycle storage locations can be an expensive option because of the square footage required by the size of trikes. And it is not like you can just load it up in the back of your truck and drive it over. Storing a trike off site requires one person to drive it to the storage location, and a support vehicle to take the driver home.
These motor vehicle specific storage facilities do come with extra insurance to protect you from fires or floods. Some will also keep your ride on a trickle charger to help maintain the battery and some allow you to store fuel in the bike. General storage units are another option; these however typically require fuel not to be stored in the vehicle. And you’re going to need a full sized unit which is not cheap. Self storage units are also notorious for getting broken into and do not always have insurance in the case of theft.
Evaluating at Home Trike Storage Options
If you haven’t got a motorbike garage or your garage is overflowing, then there are several options to explore for temporary long term storage options. With a small amount of outdoor space at home it’s not that hard to create an adequate shelter for long term trike storage. These range in price and convenience, with some offering better storage conditions than others.
Motorcycle Trike Storage Shed
Building a shed big enough to store a trike is going to be an expensive undertaking. And time consuming. If you are looking at building a shed for your trike, considering all the trouble of potential permitting issues, we only recommend this option if you are a homeowner. For a structure to fit a trike, you are going to want to first consider pouring a concrete floor base to help keep the structure secure and to help prevent tire rot and excess moisture getting in. Also keep in mind you need enough room on the side of the shed to walk your trike in and out.
Premade plastic sheds are a cheaper option, but often not a good fit for three wheelers. While there are some good portable plastic sheds, getting one big enough to fit a trike both lengthwise and widthwise is expensive, and there is not much room to maneuver them through the door.
Storage Pods for Trikes
Motorcycle storage pods that are made of solid plastic, do not come in a large enough size to accommodate motorized trikes. Storage pods made of flexible materials that can be packed down and shipped are a great option for a portable storage option provided that the width is longer than the back wheelbase of your trike.
Speedway Motorcycle Shelters for Trikes
This design of trike storage is the most reasonable option on the market in terms of price and protection. The most important features for a trike shelter is protection from the sun, and extreme weather conditions, condensation, and theft. Plus the steel frame acts as a hard shell protecting the bike from falling branches or high wind debris. This storage option is the best shelter for trikes because the design ticks all these boxes an owner should be concerned about. Speedway Shelters are the original portable motorcycle bringing the market a cost-effective, portable solution to long term storage for trikes and motorcycles.
Trike Motorcycle Covers
Hot topic but, covers can do more damage than good. While they do a good job of protecting from the sun, the material lays flat on your paint, easily scratching it with road debris and dirt. They also lead to a high amount of condensation which can damage your leathers and lead to mold. Motorcycle covers are great if your budget is super tight and are definitely better than leaving your trike exposed to the sun and rain. Just make sure you take care when using and frequently lift the cover to allow it to breathe, and don’t park it somewhere that branches can fall.
Tarps for Trike Storage?
Covering your expensive trike with a tarp is our least preferred option. They are cumbersome to put over the trike and to store. While their worst offense is they do not allow the bike to breathe, so condensation gets built up and can mold or mildew. If you can avoid using a standard tarp, this would be a wise decision.
Long Term Trike Storage Maintenance Tips
If you are planning to store away your trike motorcycle for the winter, there are a few other things you should consider to keep your ride in optimum condition. There is nothing worse than getting a break in the weather to find your ride disabled. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way. If you are looking for an in depth look at motorcycle winterization click here.
Treat Your Tires
Trikes only have three wheels and losing one to a crack in the rubber cannot only be deadly, it can also be costly. Always treat your tires with some tire spray to keep them in good condition. Make sure they are at the manufacturer recommended pressure and avoid having them sit in the mud or standing water to help prolong their life.
Fuel Stabilizer
Adding some fuel stabilizer is a no brainer. But don’t forget to let the engine run a little after you add it so that it spreads throughout the whole fuel system, especially if you have older carbureted bikes.
Trickle Charger
Keeping your battery charged throughout the winter will not only help keep your battery ready for your next ride. It will also help to extend the battery life which saves you money in the long run.
Regular Check Ins
Prevention is the best cure, there is nothing worse than going to start up your bike for the first ride of the season to find something amiss. Check in on your bike every couple of weeks or once a month. Preferably, start the engine and let it warm up. This is the best way to ensure that your ride is always in working order.
The Best Trike Storage is Any Shelter
Proper storage for your trike is essential to maintaining its value and good looks. Figuring out the ideal storage solution for your trike is going to be different for everyone depending on your living situation and budget. Whatever you decide to do, the most important part of keeping your trike in top condition is to keep it out of the sun. UV rays will cause your bike paint to fade, oxidation, peeling, and cracking even just after a year left in the sun. Along with damage to your electronic screens and leathers.
For us, the best shelter is going to be inside a garage. But if you don’t have one or you don’t have enough space, a portable motorcycle garage, like Speedway Shelters, is going to be the next best bang for your buck. Speedway Shelters cover all the bases when it comes to being an ideal long term outdoor shelter that will fully protect your motorcycle from sun exposure, high winds, and petty theft. Protect your ride for years to come!
