Apt/Condo dwellers...where do you keep your bike?

dirtworldmx
Edited Date/Time 3/16/2021 6:00pm
Coming off the couch this year after a brief 30 year layoff. Bike shopping now, but where do I put it? Where do I keep my fuel, do repairs, etc? Share your advice...it's appreciated. I need some moto therapy ASAP!
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kieran_macca 3/14/2021 3:03am
3/14/2021 3:03am
When I lived in a 4th floor apartment in Auckland, NZ I rented a storage unit nearby to keep my bike and all my carpentry tools in. I actually did a full rebuild on the bike after a crank failure in the storage unit, had a little fold up table and everything I needed to carry out the build.
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quadzrulebro 3/14/2021 3:18am
3/14/2021 3:18am
Same here. I rented a tiny 5x10 storage unit.
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DK23
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DK23 3/14/2021 6:34am
3/14/2021 6:34am
I had a buddy with a garage and kept his beer fridge full. Depending on your friends, may be cheaper to rent a storage unit.
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blusmbl
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blusmbl 3/14/2021 7:51am
3/14/2021 7:51am
I lived in an apartment for about a year after breaking up with my last girlfriend but prior to buying another house. I rebuilt/restored a minibike inside my apartment, and all of my tools, supplies and fullsize bikes were in a storage unit 2 miles away. I'd work in there all the time, they never complained. Some storage unit facilities have bathrooms too, look for one of those. It beats having to hop in the truck and drive down to a gas station down the road to clean up or take a piss after skull crushing 15 Busch Lattes while rebuilding a motor.
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Undersprung
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Undersprung 3/14/2021 4:57pm
3/14/2021 4:57pm
I got a van and keep it all in there. It's basically our mobile garage between the MTB's and the dirt bike. Sometimes the moto comes inside for work but I can get most stuff done in the yard. It's not ideal and I believe it's a big part of why the sport struggled up until it got bailed out by a global pandemic. I'm smack dab in the middle of the millennial generation and most kids I went to college with were barely interested in owning a car let alone a dorky looking van just to ride a motorcycle. Couple that with most of us being stuck in the rental game without garages in bigger metroplexes/cities it's not hard to figure out why fun toys aren't high on the priority list.
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xrmark
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xrmark 3/14/2021 6:12pm
3/14/2021 6:12pm
I live in an apartment with no garage. I keep mine in the house, girlfriend hates it but she didn’t pay for it or the apartment haha it would be nice to have a garage. I would love a cool set up but for now this will do. It’s nice sometimes to work on it and watch tv haha not ideal but it’s doable! If anyone has a house for rent in the Elsinore area let me know lol


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sandtrack315
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sandtrack315 3/14/2021 6:16pm
3/14/2021 6:16pm Edited Date/Time 3/14/2021 6:17pm
I lived in Manhattan for a bit, no truck. Rented a Tacoma with zip car and kept my bike in my apartment on the 29th floor. Fit in the elevator perfect. I ended up getting a van and parking it way uptown. Van or storage is the way to go ha.


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Nairb#70
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Nairb#70 3/14/2021 8:16pm
3/14/2021 8:16pm
Storage unit works out OK but spend the exra $ on a 10'×10'. Its really worth it, especially to work on bike. Try for unit with driveway access.
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ninesevenfour 3/14/2021 8:36pm
3/14/2021 8:36pm
Assuming you have the means to haul, an enclosed trailer at an outdoor storage complex wouldn’t be a bad idea.

It will keep all of your bikes, parts and tools together and give you some flexibility on when and where you maintain your bike.
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Johnny Ringo
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Johnny Ringo 3/14/2021 8:53pm
3/14/2021 8:53pm
I did the storage unit game (I agree go 10x10 if affordable) and the enclosed trailer game for a while. It’s a grind, but what are you supposed to do, not ride?
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yzf162
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yzf162 3/14/2021 9:02pm
3/14/2021 9:02pm
10x30 storage unit. Have a full shop. It's a bit of a mess right now. But it's because i have to transfer units once a year to get a free month and the online pricing. Im paying 215.00 a month and love it.
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yzf162
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yzf162 3/14/2021 9:06pm
3/14/2021 9:06pm

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Yeti831
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Yeti831 3/14/2021 10:15pm
3/14/2021 10:15pm Edited Date/Time 3/14/2021 10:17pm
Honestly, when I had an apartment I kept my stuff at the parents house. Storage units in SD were very no go on having a bike and working on it on site. Not to mention 5x10s aren’t cheap there.

But I’m in SLC now and just closed on a house in Ogden with a massive garage so that’s out of the picture.

If you have a storage facility near by that isn’t borderline HOA levels of nazi, probably be your best bet if the price is good. Especially considering limited access and on site security systems.

I have a buddy who’s going to be moving in from SFV and he just turned the living room into a work shop for his 125 and pitter.

I don’t suppose your complex has enclosed garages for rent? It’ll add money but probably cheaper than getting a storage unit.
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EngIceDave
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EngIceDave 3/15/2021 1:28pm
3/15/2021 1:28pm
This was how I came up with the valet service idea, for folks like you or people short on time or mechanic skills.
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need2ride
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need2ride 3/15/2021 2:05pm
3/15/2021 2:05pm
I live in a condo/apt complex but I do have a garage. My issue is not having a spot to wash my bike. Havem't attempted to do it in front but I live in liberal land so cal so who knows who's going to complain about leftover dirt, blowing it off with my leaf blower or just starting her up afterwards. I had a 6x10 storage unit that fit 2 bikes, gear and most of the time would take 'em to a carwash bay for wash.
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Lightning78
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Lightning78 3/15/2021 2:05pm
3/15/2021 2:05pm
I used to live on the 4th fl? Or of a big apartment building when I first moved to socal and when I brought my bike from my parents house, I just rolled my 97 CR250 into the elevator and surprise surprise it barely fit but it was enough to get my bike into my apartment bedroom we both had to hit the car wash and completely clean our bikes before bringing them home… every single time I was young and having a blast back then riding
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JBecker 72
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JBecker 72 3/15/2021 2:11pm
3/15/2021 2:11pm
I have some really great friends that let my wife and I store our bikes at their house.
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EngIceDave
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EngIceDave 3/15/2021 2:39pm
3/15/2021 2:39pm
Now I am curious....

I know you all live in various areas, but what if I said that I will store your bike for you, bring it out to the track for you, set everything up and when done, I'll take it back and do any basic maintenance including wash and filter.


How much that worth to you, honestly?

All you'll need to do is show up and ride.

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spimx
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spimx 3/15/2021 2:54pm
3/15/2021 2:54pm
In college I lived in a first floor apartment for 3 years we had 5 bikes including a sport bike. My room mates also rode motocross. Which ever bike needed work was in the living room when it needed work. We had a bench grinder on out kitchen island and tools throughout the living room.

For 5 years I lived in a condo on the water in port Isabel. I had a reel nice front room with 2 bikes in it all my tools and everything to completely spec out the bike.

For the last year I've had my MX bike in a storage locker I have a work bench in there, it's refrigerated and has lights and an AC outlet. I've done a lot of work in there and the main problem is access to a sink/water and a place to use the bathroom. The storage unit people have left me alone completely and I never had a problem.

Dude buying a house is a pain in the ass right now
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TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 3/15/2021 4:16pm
3/15/2021 4:16pm Edited Date/Time 3/15/2021 4:22pm
Great answers in here. Very, very cool thread.

I don't have bike storage issues; but, I will say this...

Having a van is simply THE BEST. I got a Transit at the very beginning of the Zombie Apocolypse and it -always- has a bike...or 2...or 3...in it (I've ridden MORE during all this madness than I ever have. This directly due to knowing peeps in here!)

The "Valet Service" that Engine Ice Dave is talking about is something I actually do with my race & track bikes. They usually get taken care of by...and worked on by...the guys that built them. I know some folks will have comments on this; but, I keep bikes in 3 different locations and it's VERY convenient to be able to just pick them up...ride...and them drop them back off. I enjoy paying a really good builder/tuner for their expertise & I really enjoy the confidence of having someone WAY better than myself work on my bike.
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ninesevenfour 3/15/2021 4:19pm
3/15/2021 4:19pm
spimx wrote:
In college I lived in a first floor apartment for 3 years we had 5 bikes including a sport bike. My room mates also rode motocross...
In college I lived in a first floor apartment for 3 years we had 5 bikes including a sport bike. My room mates also rode motocross. Which ever bike needed work was in the living room when it needed work. We had a bench grinder on out kitchen island and tools throughout the living room.

For 5 years I lived in a condo on the water in port Isabel. I had a reel nice front room with 2 bikes in it all my tools and everything to completely spec out the bike.

For the last year I've had my MX bike in a storage locker I have a work bench in there, it's refrigerated and has lights and an AC outlet. I've done a lot of work in there and the main problem is access to a sink/water and a place to use the bathroom. The storage unit people have left me alone completely and I never had a problem.

Dude buying a house is a pain in the ass right now
one of those “rinse kits” and a few 5 gal. buckets would be a decent solution for your storage unit.
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xrmark
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xrmark 3/15/2021 5:00pm
3/15/2021 5:00pm Edited Date/Time 3/15/2021 5:01pm
EngIceDave wrote:
Now I am curious.... I know you all live in various areas, but what if I said that I will store your bike for you, bring...
Now I am curious....

I know you all live in various areas, but what if I said that I will store your bike for you, bring it out to the track for you, set everything up and when done, I'll take it back and do any basic maintenance including wash and filter.


How much that worth to you, honestly?

All you'll need to do is show up and ride.

I would pay for that service. I hate washing my bike and doing my filter. Ever since I was little I’ve never been a fan ha I’m terrible at pricing stuff out like that so you come up with a number
xrmark
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xrmark 3/15/2021 5:03pm
3/15/2021 5:03pm
need2ride wrote:
I live in a condo/apt complex but I do have a garage. My issue is not having a spot to wash my bike. Havem't attempted to...
I live in a condo/apt complex but I do have a garage. My issue is not having a spot to wash my bike. Havem't attempted to do it in front but I live in liberal land so cal so who knows who's going to complain about leftover dirt, blowing it off with my leaf blower or just starting her up afterwards. I had a 6x10 storage unit that fit 2 bikes, gear and most of the time would take 'em to a carwash bay for wash.
I have that issue. Were not allowed to use the hoses as we don’t pay for water. Neighbors are huge liberals too and complain all the time about my bike being inside. Landlord does not care one bit. But for washing I usually stop at the local self service car wash and give it a good wash. Costs about 6 bucks
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Spudnut
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Spudnut 3/15/2021 5:10pm
3/15/2021 5:10pm Edited Date/Time 3/15/2021 5:11pm
Does your apartment complex offer storage units/ garages on site? I keep mine at my dads but it kinda sucks when you wanna go hang in the shop and do a little work to the bike but have to drive 30 minutes, the extra time to just get to your bike and get to the track sucks also
Undersprung
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Undersprung 3/15/2021 6:02pm
3/15/2021 6:02pm
need2ride wrote:
I live in a condo/apt complex but I do have a garage. My issue is not having a spot to wash my bike. Havem't attempted to...
I live in a condo/apt complex but I do have a garage. My issue is not having a spot to wash my bike. Havem't attempted to do it in front but I live in liberal land so cal so who knows who's going to complain about leftover dirt, blowing it off with my leaf blower or just starting her up afterwards. I had a 6x10 storage unit that fit 2 bikes, gear and most of the time would take 'em to a carwash bay for wash.
Washing it is the worst part for me. Load up at the track just to unload at the car wash and then load up again when you're done. PITA but you gotta do what you gotta do I guess. I need to rig up a solar/electric power washer setup in my van so I can just knock out the wash at the track after riding for the day.
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brocster
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brocster 3/15/2021 7:53pm
3/15/2021 7:53pm
need2ride wrote:
I live in a condo/apt complex but I do have a garage. My issue is not having a spot to wash my bike. Havem't attempted to...
I live in a condo/apt complex but I do have a garage. My issue is not having a spot to wash my bike. Havem't attempted to do it in front but I live in liberal land so cal so who knows who's going to complain about leftover dirt, blowing it off with my leaf blower or just starting her up afterwards. I had a 6x10 storage unit that fit 2 bikes, gear and most of the time would take 'em to a carwash bay for wash.
xrmark wrote:
I have that issue. Were not allowed to use the hoses as we don’t pay for water. Neighbors are huge liberals too and complain all the...
I have that issue. Were not allowed to use the hoses as we don’t pay for water. Neighbors are huge liberals too and complain all the time about my bike being inside. Landlord does not care one bit. But for washing I usually stop at the local self service car wash and give it a good wash. Costs about 6 bucks
I am lucky enough to have a 2 car garage. Wife get half for her car and I get half for bikes and bicycles. Split the cases on the ole 125er a couple weeks ago. My issue is washing as I don’t have a yard or a driveway. However I wouldn’t want to drop that much dirt in my community anyway. That being said, I frequent the car wash in Elsinore on my way back over the Ortega. Nice to get home with clean bikes and if not I have to wait until after dark and hit the wash a couple miles away. Always crowded as hell during the day.

Did the storage unit deal for a bit back in Louisiana. Wasn’t terrible as there were no nazi rules and I could work on the bikes there but before that, always garaged.

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resetjet
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resetjet 3/15/2021 8:10pm
3/15/2021 8:10pm
yzf162 wrote:
10x30 storage unit. Have a full shop. It's a bit of a mess right now. But it's because i have to transfer units once a year...
10x30 storage unit. Have a full shop. It's a bit of a mess right now. But it's because i have to transfer units once a year to get a free month and the online pricing. Im paying 215.00 a month and love it.
I pay at least a full year. Then the price stays constant. Otherwise they jack it up after 3 months or so. Then when they do raise it speak to the manager and they will lower it, but its still more. This way you get a longer time between moves. Also if you reserve online vs in person you can get the new rate at the same company. The storage game
TXDirt
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TXDirt 3/15/2021 8:21pm
3/15/2021 8:21pm
There are a lot of these companies popping up. Basically it’s like Air BnB but for storage.

This is one but there are several companies providing a marketplace for storage. Weather it’s a garage for a car or attic space for you to store items. You can Google for more ideas.

https://www.spacer.com/garage-space-for-rent-near-me
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TXDirt
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TXDirt 3/15/2021 8:30pm
3/15/2021 8:30pm
These one has lots of opportunities as well. I can rent out someone’s entire garage. Pretty cool option. I’m sure you could work out being able to hook up a power washer as well. A lot of folks are looking for way to make ends meet. I think it’s awesome you could rent a garage. And the home owners are not going to mess with your stuff. It would be very secure.

https://www.neighbor.com/
xrmark
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xrmark 3/15/2021 8:52pm
3/15/2021 8:52pm
brocster wrote:
I am lucky enough to have a 2 car garage. Wife get half for her car and I get half for bikes and bicycles. Split the...
I am lucky enough to have a 2 car garage. Wife get half for her car and I get half for bikes and bicycles. Split the cases on the ole 125er a couple weeks ago. My issue is washing as I don’t have a yard or a driveway. However I wouldn’t want to drop that much dirt in my community anyway. That being said, I frequent the car wash in Elsinore on my way back over the Ortega. Nice to get home with clean bikes and if not I have to wait until after dark and hit the wash a couple miles away. Always crowded as hell during the day.

Did the storage unit deal for a bit back in Louisiana. Wasn’t terrible as there were no nazi rules and I could work on the bikes there but before that, always garaged.

That’s the wash I go to 👍🏻 The dollar one, the other one is pricey and usually packed haha

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