How to Keep Your Motorcycle Secure from Theft

Motorcycle theft is an unfortunate reality that many bike owners face. Statista reports that 54,736 motorcycles were stolen in the United States in 2022. California, Florida, and Texas reported the highest number of thefts, but the good news is that law enforcement agencies recovered 40% of the stolen bikes.

Motorcycles are often more vulnerable to theft than cars due to their size and portability. They are also easy targets because most are left unsecured or inadequately protected. However, there are several things you can do to reduce the chances of your motorcycle being stolen. Read on to learn how to avoid becoming a victim of motorcycle theft.

How are motorcycles stolen?

You need to know how motorcycles are stolen in order to protect your two-wheeler from theft. The most crucial point is that while bikes are stolen from the street, hotel parking, and other public places, most are stolen from the owners' homes. Most owners claim they rode their motorcycle home and stored it as usual, only to wake up and find the bike gone. If you have never encountered such a case, you might be asking how. Well, let's understand how motorcycle thieves operate.

Not all motorcycle thieves are the same. Some are opportunist thieves, and others are professionals. Opportunist thieves look for the easiest targets, such as when you park in a public parking lot, and your bike has little or no security.

On the other hand, there are professional thieves who are organized and target specific types of motorcycles. They work in groups and often have a van to transport the bike waiting nearby. They are more equipped to turn off basic security easily and whisk the bike away. Police believe they strip the motorcycle immediately when it gets into the van for easy transport and sale.

That said, thieves often target motorcycles that are poorly secured or appear to have minimal protection. Consequently, your bike needs multiple layers of security to deter thieves.

How to prevent motorcycle theft

Here are some of the best ways you can prevent motorcycle theft and keep your two-wheeler from ending up in the wrong people's hands.

Locks and chains

One of the most basic yet essential security measures is using high-quality locks and chains. These should be made from hardened steel, making it hard for thieves to cut using bolt cutters or saws.

The chain should be secured around immovable objects like a lamppost, pole, or dedicated motorcycle anchor. It should also be off the ground because leaving it on the ground makes it easier to cut using bolt cutters.

Disc locks

Disc locks are compact yet effective deterrents. They prevent the wheels from moving, making it difficult for a thief to roll the motorcycle away. Some advanced disc locks come with alarms that trigger when tampered with. For maximum effectiveness, use disc locks on both the front and rear wheels.

Handlebar and fork locks

While handlebars and forklocks are built into many motorcycles, they should not be your only line of defense. These locks prevent the front wheel from being turned, but seasoned thieves can sometimes bypass these locks easily. That said, combining handlebar locks with other physical deterrents can considerably slow down a thief.

Securing wheels

In addition to locks, wheel locks or clamps can make it difficult for a thief to roll your motorcycle away. Wheel locks are inexpensive yet powerful tools that immobilize your bike completely.

Install GPS trackers

Even with the above security measures, seasoned thieves can still get away with your bike. That's why you should install a GPS tracker to help locate your motorcycle if it is stolen. If you report the theft immediately, police officers can quickly get into action and locate the bike before the thieves get far.

Some trackers offer real-time location updates, geofencing, and notifications when your motorcycle moves unexpectedly. Ensure the GPS tracker is hidden in an area where thieves cannot easily find or remove it. Installing a GPS on your bike can also lower your insurance premium.

Immobilizers

An immobilizer prevents your motorcycle from starting without the right key or fob. Immobilizers act as a strong deterrent because even if thieves bypass physical locks, they cannot start the engine without the appropriate code.

Install alarm systems

Alarm systems are effective at drawing attention to theft attempts. Some advanced systems feature motion detection, which triggers the alarm if someone tampers with your motorcycle. This can be highly effective in crowded or public areas where thieves rely on anonymity to act. Ensure your alarm system has a sensitive yet not overly fragile motion detection system, as false alarms can be annoying.

Mark your motorcycle

Marking a motorcycle makes it less attractive to thieves. Marked parts are hard to sell because they are easy to identify and, thus, less attractive to steal. Marking your bike can be done with a simple UV pen from your local auto store or one of the most sophisticated systems, like Alpha Dot or Datatag.

Best practices for parking a motorcycle and deterring thieves

Where and how you park your motorcycle plays a significant role in its security. Even the best locks and alarms won't help if the location encourages theft. That's why even your motorcycle insurance rate is often impacted by where you park your bike. Therefore, here are a few tips to keep in mind when parking your motorcycle.

Park in well-lit spots

Always park in well-lit and populated spaces. Thieves are less likely to target motorcycles in places where they can be easily spotted. If parking on the street, aim for places near surveillance cameras or busy walkways. If parking at home, ensure the compound is well-lit.

Choose secure parking spots

Many businesses and office buildings have dedicated motorcycle parking areas that are usually more secure than general parking spots. Parking near walls, fences, or between other motorcycles can limit access to your bike, making it harder for thieves to maneuver.

Use public and private garages

When possible, park in a private garage, especially overnight. Public garages are more secure than open lots, and many offer motorcycle-specific parking with additional security measures.

Use a motorcycle cover

A motorcycle cover might not seem like a strong security measure, but it can deter casual thieves. Covering your motorcycle prevents opportunistic thieves from identifying the make and model they may specifically target.

Motorcycle covers also add an extra step for thieves, potentially making them move on to an easier target. Opt for a cover with lockable loops, which allow you to secure it to the bike and prevent quick removal.

Install surveillance cameras in your home

As mentioned above, most motorcycles are stolen from their owners' homes. In most cases, this is not a one-day job. Thieves might spot your bike somewhere and then follow you home to check if your two-wheeler is an easy target.

Surveillance cameras can help you spot thieves before they enter your home. Use CCTV with intrusion alerts to notify you when individuals appear before the CCTV camera.

Park your bike in a garage at home

If possible, park your motorcycle in a garage to deter thieves, especially if you live in high-risk areas. The goal is to make it hard for thieves to access your bike. The harder it is to access the bike, the less attractive it is to them. Make sure the garage door is well-locked, and the area is well-lit.

Conclusion

Securing your motorcycle from theft requires a combination of measures. You should use physical deterrents and electronic devices to make smart parking choices. In addition, stay vigilant of your surroundings, at home, or when traveling. While no system is foolproof, adopting a proactive approach to motorcycle security will help protect your investment and give you peace of mind.

Furthermore, consider getting comprehensive insurance to help replace your bike if it's stolen. As with auto insurance, adding comprehensive coverage to your motorcycle policy can protect your bike against theft.