If you own or are looking to buy a new motorcycle, you’ll definitely want to have its security and safety in mind. Especially when loads of motorcycles get stolen each year. Some of them attract more attention from thieves than others, so keep reading to find out more about how bikes get stolen and how to prevent it from happening to you.
How and when do bikes get stolen?
Let‘s start by saying that some motorcycles are stolen more often than others. For example, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Harley Davidson bikes are those that attract thieves the most. Typically because of their price range and quality. And with over forty thousand bikes being stolen each year in the US alone, the majority of burglaries happen right in front of owners – in the safety of their own home.
Whilst you’ll want to take extra precautions for your motorbike in public places, do not downplay the safety of your vehicle while it is parked right outside your driveway. The majority of burglaries happen on a person’s property simply because this gives time for a thief to get to know your security habits. Where you store your bike, how you protect it and how often you leave the house without it.
It’s also important to keep in mind seasonality. The majority of thefts occur during the summer months when it is the peak season for motorbike riders. Meaning, you may want to use layered protection (a mix of security options) during these months.
How to prevent bike theft?
So what should you do to keep your motorcycle safety in check? Over the past few years, there have been new state-of-the-art alarm systems created especially for motorbikes. According to Monimoto – a leading motorcycle security provider – a GPS tracker should be a prioritized security solution for all bike owners.
It’s one of the most reliable security solutions out there, but it is also very important to comprehend how these trackers work before purchasing them.
The device is pretty straightforward. You’ll have to attach a wireless tracker to a secure/hidden place on your motorbike and sync it with a portable key kob and your smartphone. This will give you the ability to always keep track of the whereabouts of your bike and also receive instant notifications if any suspicious movement is detected.
What you’ll find interesting is that satellite technology is used to power this GPS system. As a result, it does not need mobile data or WiFi to figure out where it is: a satellite sends a signal to a ground radar, which then sends it to your GPS device.
These trackers will function even in areas where phone service is poor. This is an extremely massive advantage in keeping your motorcycles safe, as you will always have a better chance to keep track of their whereabouts even in a case of theft. This smart tracker will also increase your chances of finding your motorbike and getting it back from thieves.
If you still think that your vehicle will never get stolen and a tracker is just not worth the money, consider another thing. Riders who use a GPS motorcycle tracker may qualify for discounts from some insurance companies. So, if you are looking for a good deal, this might be a good choice. In any case, some companies may require you to install insurance-approved trackers either way. So in my eyes, this is a win-win solution.
You should also know the main types of trackers: there are ones that rely on satellite technology. They can be a bit pricier, but they provide more security and therefore are worth the investment. There are also alarm trackers. Most of them alert you the moment your vehicle is moved by someone else. Lastly, there are wireless trackers. They continue to work even if the thieves cut the wiring, so this might be another great choice.
Other useful tips to secure your bike
During the peak season of bike theft, you might want to consider layering your security options and using not only a tracker but also a disc lock or padlock for at-home security.
Keep in mind that you’ll want to park your motorcycle in a well-lit area if that is possible. Even if you have a closed garage on your property it might be a good idea to install a ground lock for extra security. Ground locks are bolted to the ground and can ensure a padlock is safely secured to your bike. You can leave the padlock at home when going out for a ride as they tend to be quite heavy and bulky.
Another solution for that extra bit of protection would be any regular disc lock. These will make it nearly impossible for thieves to move your bike and they prevent tires from turning when the disc lock is in place.
Pairing a GPS tracker and a padlock or disc lock system would make for a fool-proof motorbike security solution.
Final notes
As you can see, motorcycles are being stolen very often, so you should never hesitate and protect yours at all costs.
The best way to do this is to get yourself a tracker, as trackers give you a better chance of finding your bike in an instance of theft. Also, do not forget to always lock your motorcycle, especially at home and during the warmer months of the year.
A smart GPS tracker can significantly increase your bike’s safety and also get you a better insurance deal in the long run.
It is also important to mention that when it comes to returning a stolen motorcycle to its rightful owner, the success rate is not nearly as high as it is when it comes to other vehicles. This is usually because bike owners use only physical security objects (padlocks) and therefore cannot track their bike once it is stolen.
Be sure to check out these new security tips online and take precautions to help prevent your bike from theft.
