There comes a time in every motorcyclist’s life that they regret and unfortunately it comes around once a year. Motorcycle storage can be a pain as winter rolls around, but you simply cannot get by without it. There are far too many risks when it comes to keeping you bike out on the road during winter.

Although it is not too much of a hassle finding motorcycle storage, it can be difficult putting it up for a few months. Even more frightening though is the fear that you bike will go in the storage unit in perfect condition and come out ruined. So what can you do to keep your motorcycle in perfect condition?

The first thing you will want to do is a battery charger. Whether you know it or not, your motorcycle will completely discharge after about two weeks. Therefore, if you leave it in storage for three or four months, you are going to have to buy a new battery. Why not save yourself the trouble so that you can get out on the road as soon as possible. Purchasing a battery charger that permanently attaches to your battery is convenient because it will recharge the battery when it is low and shut off when it is fully charged.

Another area of concern during the motorcycle storage season is your fuel. Over a certain period of time your fuel will become stale and begin to build up varnish. Luckily, there are a number of different fuel additives on the market that can help you prevent this. This way you can stabilize your fuel system and have your bike ready right when you take it out of the storage unit.

The next issue you have to be careful of is the temperature of the storage unit you are keeping it in. Because you store your motorcycle during winter, many storage areas become extremely cold. The result could be your bike cracking over time. While heated storage units are an option, the more plausible solution is to cover it tightly with something thick.

Not only is a cover smart for temperature reasons, but it can also keep it safe from anything building up or falling on it. While a storage unit is closed up, you can never be sure what is building up in it. Therefore, keep your motorcycle safe and covered.

The last piece of advice with motorcycle storage is to check it out thoroughly before taking it out of the storage. Make sure that your lights work, the brakes are working properly and all of your switches are working. In doing this, it will allow you to take your bike on the road following a grueling three month storage process.

So you’re ready to begin your motorcycle road trip, right? You’ve got your bike, got your friends, got your safety gear and your helmet, so you must be all ready to go. Before you hit the road, though, make sure that you are prepared for every eventuality. Your helmet protects your head, and your safety gear has most of the rest of you covered, but the fact is that you can never be too ready for what may happen out there, and this type of preparation involves a basic motorcycle repair toolkit, which should contain tools and motorcycle tie down straps, as well as a first aid kit. Read on to find out more about the items that these kits should contain.

Motorcycle Repair Toolkit
Many new, and some used bikes, actually come with toolkits, but you’ll want to make sure that you have one equipped with pliers, wire cutters, and various wrenches, (Including Allen wrenches.) as well as the proper types of motorcycle tie down straps in the event that you will need to tow your motorcycle.

Key Mechanical Spares & Lubes
Bringing along extra fuses, bulbs, spark plugs, and chain oil can help to make the difference between traveling securely and having to throw yourself on the mercy of the nearest overpriced service station.

Flashlight
Do you need a flashlight? Yes. It may seem like a silly thing to think about, but you’ll look even sillier when you’re trying to find your way in the pitch darkness using only the glare of your brightly colored Scorpion helmet as a light source.

Tire Repair Kit
Like it or not, blowouts are an all-too-common occurrence, and a flat kit which includes C02 cartridges for tire inflation, patches, and tools will help to get you on the road again.

Duct Tape
Unexpected mechanical failures or breaks can sometimes be held together with duct tape, providing a low-tech solution for potentially crippling problems.

First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is something you never want to be withoutРwhether its poison ivy or an ankle burn from an exhaust pipe, the clich̩ about an ounce of prevention is absolutely true. Rather than assembling your own supplies, an easier and more thorough solution is to purchase a pre-assembled kit, which will ensure that key items are not missing.

Adhesive bandages of various sizes

Triple-antibiotic ointment

Sunscreen

Lip salve

Antiseptic hand wipes or soap

Moleskin for blisters

Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine for nausea

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief

Diphenhydramine or fexofenadine for allergies

Moist towellettes for cleaning hands when restrooms aren’t available

Riding smart is more than choosing the right safety gear,it’s also about being prepared for every eventuality, and using these tips will ensure that you are.