Motorcycle Gear Storage: Leathers, Helmets and Kit Between Rides

The best way to store motorcycle gear is clean, dry and hung up. Put leathers on a wide hanger in a cool, dry, ventilated room under a breathable cotton cover, never a plastic bag. Keep helmets on a flat surface or rack, out of direct sun and away from heat.

This hub covers each piece of kit in short and links to the detailed guides.

Where each piece of gear goes

If you have the space, a rack, rail or locker that belongs only to your riding kit keeps it together and lets it air.

Storing leathers and race suits

Hang the suit so it keeps its shape: use a wide wooden, plastic or padded hanger. Pick a well-ventilated, cool, dry spot, and stay away from attics, cellars and long spells of direct sun or heat.

Cover it with breathable cloth such as a cotton sheet. Plastic covers are out because they dry the leather too much. Take heavy items out of the pockets, and remove pins, adhesive badges and tape.

For the full routine for track suits, including transport and between-event storage, read how to store motorcycle racing gear.

Clean and dry before you put it away

Gear packed away dirty can come out musty and smelly months later. After a dusty track day, spot-clean the shell with a soft cloth and mild soap, and skip harsh solvents. Take the armor out before any deep clean of the liner, then refit it.

Let a damp or sweaty suit air-dry at room temperature, away from direct sun and heat, and never in a dryer. Leather suits are not waterproof, so a rain-soaked suit needs a full dry before it goes in a cupboard.

The routine between events is in how to care for leathers between track days. For a full wash, hosob.com explains how to wash a motorcycle race suit.

Helmet storage

Set the helmet on a smooth, flat surface where it cannot roll off, and use its bag when you have it, as Momo Design's helmet care page advises. Do not leave it for long periods in direct sunlight or near a heater. When you clean the visor, keep petrol, glass cleaner and solvents away from it and its mechanism.

A helmet rack can go on the wall or stand in a corner.

Off-season storage

Over winter, hang jackets and trousers rather than folding them: creases held for months can turn into weak spots in the protective layers, a point Motorcycle News makes in its kit storage round-up. Some dedicated gear lockers add perforated doors for airflow and optional heaters to keep kit at a steady temperature.

On conditioning, the MotoSpeeds FAQ gives two intervals: "every few months" in one answer and every 6 to 12 months in another. Until the store settles it, ask which one applies to your suit.

Racing gear and track days

Racing gear has its own pages. Our guide to motorcycle racewear safety explains what each protector does, and the motorcycle track days hub covers what to pack for the day.

Keep the suit ready for the next ride

If you are replacing a suit, the MotoSpeeds leather race suits page lists the current range; the store's own advice is to hang suits on a wide hanger in a cool, dry place.

FAQ

What is the best way to store motorcycle gear?

Clean it, dry it at room temperature and hang it on a wide hanger in a cool, dry, ventilated place under a cotton cover.

Where can I store my motorbike gear?

Any dedicated corner, garage wall or shed works if it stays dry and ventilated: use a helmet rack, a clothes rail or hooks, and the floor or a low shelf for boots. Avoid hot attics and damp cellars.