Once road crews start salting the roads, most riders in Westerly, Stonington and Mystic are done for the season, and the bike needs somewhere to sit until spring. If the garage is already full, motorcycle storage outside the house is the next step. WES STOR rents outdoor vehicle spots for motorcycles at 7 Elmata Ave in Pawcatuck, CT, just across the Pawcatuck River from Westerly, RI and minutes off I-95. This guide covers what motorcycle storage costs, what the lot offers, how to get a bike ready for the winter, and how to reserve a spot.
Motorcycle storage near Westerly, RI: the price
Motorcycle spots at WES STOR start at $85 a month. That is the same standard rate as the other outdoor vehicle spots for cars, RVs, trailers, boats on trailers and jet skis.
- Type: outdoor vehicle spot
- Price: from $85 a month
- Lot: gated, well lit, with 24/7 video surveillance
- Access: 24/7 gated keypad entry for renters
- Availability: spots are open year round, not only in winter
Keep in mind that vehicle storage at WES STOR is outdoor only. In other words, there is no indoor or covered vehicle storage, so a good cover is part of the plan. The car and motorcycle storage page has the full details.
Why store a motorcycle off site for the winter
Of course, many riders keep the bike at home all year. Still, a few situations make an off-site spot worth it:
- The garage is full. For example, the car, the mower and the patio furniture already take every inch.
- You rent. Many apartments and condos in Westerly and Pawcatuck have no garage at all.
- You have more than one vehicle to store. Riders who also have a boat trailer, a car or an RV can keep them in the same lot.
- You want it out of the driveway. As a result, plowing and parking get easier all winter.
How to get a motorcycle ready for winter storage
A bike that sits outside for a few months needs some prep first. WES STOR does not service vehicles, so these steps are yours to do before you drop it off:
- Wash and dry it. First, get road salt and grime off the frame, wheels and chain.
- Fill the tank. Then add a fuel stabilizer and run the engine for a few minutes so it reaches the carburetor or injectors.
- Change the oil. Old oil holds moisture, so fresh oil is better for a long sit.
- Look after the battery. For instance, disconnect it, or take it home and keep it on a maintainer.
- Set the tire pressure. In addition, check it again when you pick the bike up in spring.
- Use a fitted, breathable cover. Because storage is outdoors, a cover keeps off rain, snow and sun while still letting moisture out.
Finally, follow the owner’s manual for anything specific to your bike. If you also store a car for the winter, the guide to winter car storage near Westerly covers the same kind of prep for four wheels.
Getting the bike back on the road in spring
When riding season comes back, a few checks make the first ride smoother. First, take off the cover and look the bike over for anything that changed over the winter. Next, reconnect or reinstall the battery and check the tire pressure again. After that, check the oil level, the brakes and the chain before you start the engine. Finally, let it idle for a few minutes before you ride out of the lot. Because the gate is open around the clock, you can pick the bike up early on the first warm morning without waiting for the office to open. In addition, you can keep the spot through the summer if that is easier than parking at home, since spots are open year round.
Where to keep the riding gear
Helmets, jackets, boots and spare parts do not belong outside. So if you have no room for them at home, a small drive-up unit works well. A 5×5 is $70 a month and a 5×10 is $95. For more on those sizes, see the guide to small storage units near Westerly.
Access, security and local staff
- 24/7 gated access: renters use a keypad at the gate any hour, any day, so a warm day in February is still a riding day
- Well-lit property with 24/7 video surveillance
- Office hours: a real person on site Monday to Friday, 9 to 4, not a call center
- Local ownership: family-owned since 1985
- Location: on the Connecticut side of the Pawcatuck River, a few hundred yards from Westerly, with renters from both sides of the state line
If you tow the bike on a trailer, the trailer can stay too. The guide to trailer storage near Westerly explains how that works.
How to reserve a motorcycle spot
To reserve an outdoor spot, call (860) 599-2730 Monday to Friday, 9 to 4, or send a message any time. After that, ride or tow the bike in whenever it suits you, since the gate is open to renters around the clock.
Motorcycle storage FAQ
How much is motorcycle storage near Westerly, RI?
At WES STOR in Pawcatuck, CT, motorcycle spots start at $85 a month. The facility is directly across the Pawcatuck River from Westerly.
Is the motorcycle storage indoors?
No. Vehicle storage at WES STOR is outdoor only, in a gated, well-lit lot with 24/7 video surveillance. For that reason, a fitted, breathable cover is the best protection.
Can I get to my motorcycle in the winter?
Yes. Renters have gated keypad access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can take the bike out on any day the roads are clear.
Where can I store a motorcycle for the winter in CT?
WES STOR in Pawcatuck, CT stores motorcycles outdoors from $85 a month. It is minutes off I-95 and close to Stonington, Mystic and Westerly, RI.
Do I need to winterize my motorcycle before storing it?
Yes, and the owner does it, since WES STOR does not service vehicles. At a minimum, wash the bike, add fuel stabilizer, look after the battery and use a breathable cover.