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As the Canadian riding season comes to an end, many motorsports enthusiasts will be starting the transition of putting away their summer toys and preparing for the snow to fall. Generally, the emphasis is on winterization and maintenance of motorcycles, off-road vehicles and watercraft. But what about your gear and accessories? More often than not, these items are an afterthought when it comes to off-season storage (if they’re thought about at all). However, proper storage can increase the longevity of the products that protect you and enhance your motorsports experiences.
Check Your Gear
The last thing you want to do is turn down a ride at the start of the season due to broken, malfunctioning, or out-of-date gear. The solution? CHECK YOUR GEAR NOW! Take the time to check all your gear before you put everything away for the off-season to ensure you’re ready to go when the first opportunity presents itself. By practicing this, you allow yourself plenty of time to research and purchase new gear during the off-season when the deals are hot!
Safety should be your number one priority. Items such as helmets, personal flotation devices (PFDs) and certain safety equipment come with production dates or expiry dates imprinted on them. It’s best to make sure you double-check all your gear before putting it away to avoid scrambling in the spring to replace an out-of-date, broken or malfunctioning part of your kit. Opening day of the riding season always comes sooner than we expect!
Storage
Riders often have a soft spot in their heart for certain gear and accessories because of memorable trips, styling or fit and feel over time. If you have a similar attachment to that ultra-comfortable helmet or those indestructible all-weather boots, proper storage of gear is crucial for longevity and functionality. You probably already have a storage cabinet or racking system where your gear rests during the off-season, but is it really the best place to keep everything?
Before packing everything away for the season, take the time to do the dirty work and clean everything well. By doing this now, you will save the time and hassle of wasting away warmer days. For best results, follow the cleaning instructions on the tags. This will prolong the life and performance of your gear and, in turn, allow you to spend more money on trips and fuel rather than gear upgrades!
The most important thing to remember when storing attire and equipment is to make sure it is in a cool, dry spot when left for an extended period. In other words, do not keep gear in your boat, garage or attic unless you want it to dry out or become moldy. Additionally, it’s best to keep any jackets and pants on hangers, with your helmets on a shelf with the scratch-resistant bag overtop. If this is not an option due to space restrictions (or you prefer to keep your gear together in a gear bag), make sure the bag is breathable (not plastic or cardboard) so that there’s no potential for condensation and humidity to form inside.
As a best practice, keep your gear on a rack or in a bag that does not require you to fold it. By folding things like riding jackets or PFDs and forcing them into small spaces, you can cause them to lose shape and even harm the built-in padding or flotation material. The same goes for boots and gloves; by storing them buckled or tied up, the form you have created through repeated use will remain constant and maintain shape throughout the off-season.
Conclusion
Gear and accessories are two of the most important aspects of the powersports we’ve grown to love. They provide safety and enhance the experience whether on the road, dirt, water or snow. By taking the time to thoroughly check over your gear before storage, you give yourself the necessary time to upgrade if needed. More importantly, you’re always prepared to ride when the first opportunity presents itself! By conducting proper checks and storage practices during the off-season, you will protect your investment and ensure that your gear will maintain the performance and protection expected for years to come.