8 Motorcycle Anti-Theft Tips

As a motorcycle rider, you are passionate about your bike, which is why you probably want to do everything in your power to make sure it isn’t stolen. The unfortunate reality is that motorcycles are stolen more frequently and less likely to be recovered than cars as they are often broken down and sold for parts. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), only 44 percent of stolen motorcycles were recovered in 2018, compared to 59 percent of stolen vehicles.       

While these facts can seem daunting, the good news is there are several things you can do to ensure motorcycle theft prevention. 

Why Motorcycles are More Likely to be Stolen

Before you explore the tips on how to prevent motorcycle theft, it’s important to know that there are many reasons why your motorcycle is more likely to be stolen than your car and why you need to take extra measures to protect it. These reasons include:

• Unlike a car, motorcycles can be moved into the back of a truck or van.
• Motorcycles have a substantial resale value, making them a more attractive target for thieves.
• Motorcycles have fewer barriers to thieves. For example, a criminal would have to break into your car through a window or door to get access.  

How to Prevent Motorcycle Theft

1. Be sure to lock your ignition

Your bike is more likely to be stolen when the ignition is off, but not locked. 

2. Secure your bike to an immovable object 

Consider using a chain to ether your bike to a nearby object such as a lamp post. If you are with other riders, consider chaining your bikes together, which makes it harder to move or separate them.  

3. Invest in a motorcycle anti-theft device

Whether it an alarm lock or a GPS tracking system, any motorcycle theft protection system will help to safeguard your bike. 

4. Consider a hidden kill switch

A kill switch would make it impossible for a thief to start your bike or hotwire it without hitting the hidden switch. 

5. Don’t put your motorcycle on display

Thieves may not target your bike if they don’t see it in the first place. Avoid parking your bike in front of your house uncovered. If you don’t have the luxury of parking in a private garage, then invest in a cover and park the bike behind another object, creating a physical barrier that makes the motorcycle harder to access. 

6. Be cautious about where you park while riding

Before you park your motorcycle anywhere, consider trying to find a parking space in a location with heavy foot traffic, in a well-lit area, or near a security camera. 

7. Don’t hide your keys anywhere on your bike

This tip may seem pretty straightforward, but you might be surprised to discover how common it is for riders to leave their keys on their bikes. Be sure to carry your keys with you at all times. 

8. Consider a bike that isn’t the most likely to be stolen

According to the NICB, the most commonly stolen motorcycle models are Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Harley-Davidson. Nearly one out of every five motorcycles stolen is a Honda.

While you are never entirely safe from motorcycle thieves, you should consider the above tips for motorcycle theft protection. 

If you are already in the unfortunate situation of being a victim of motorcycle theft, you might be wondering, “does motorcycle insurance cover theft”? You would need comprehensive insurance coverage to protect your bike if it got stolen. 

Make sure you have the right coverage to protect yourself in the case of motorcycle theft. Cost-U-Less offers several insurance options for all of your needs. Start your free California motorcycle insurance quote online or over the phone today.