Among the worst things any motorcycle rider can discover is that his or her bike has been stolen. The sense of loss and violation after such an event can be profound. You can reduce your odds of motorcycle theft by taking some simple steps to secure your motorcycle.
Motorcycles are stolen for quick profit or thrill, with some brands and models more valuable or exciting to steal. While professional motorcycle thieves might have a picky shopping list, the most popular targets—by far—are the easy ones. Don’t make your motorcycle an easy target.
A motorcycle that’s out of sight is out of mind. At home, park your bike in a locked garage. If that’s not possible, or you’re traveling, park your motorcycle so it’s not an easy target. Here are some tips on picking a parking spot:
As surprising as it might sound, some riders leave their motorcycles parked with the keys in the ignition in very public places. In the few moments it takes to pay for fuel, for instance, this provides a prime opportunity for motorcycle thieves. Always lock your ignition and steering head before leaving your motorcycle. Using an additional lock or locks provides further protection. Below are various types of locks, some featuring alarms and text message or email alerts.
Lock Type | Immobilize Wheel? | Attach to immovable object? | Ease of use | Weight |
Disk Lock | Yes | No | Easy | Light |
U Lock | Yes | Some models | Easy |
Light/medium |
Cable lock | Yes | Yes | Moderate | Medium/heavy |
Chain lock | Yes | Yes | Moderate | Medium/heavy |
It takes more than just buying good locks—you need to use them effectively, too. Here is a more detailed look at the locks mentioned above and how to properly use them:
Disk locks
U locks
Cable or chain locks
Theft prevention practices such as using locks makes your motorcycle a more difficult target. A cover hides your motorcycle and denies thieves the knowledge of your lock strategy.
Till next time, ride safe!