Your motorcycle gives you the freedom to hit the open road. Take precautions to protect your investment whether you drive down the street or across the country. Here are several motorcycle theft prevention tips you can take to secure your ride.
Understand Why Thieves Steal Motorcycles
Learning how to prevent motorcycle theft starts by understanding a thief’s behaviour. Thieves look for unsecured targets that are easy to move and sell. All types of motorcycles fit into this low-risk, high-reward category. Thieves can simply jump on your bike or load it into a van and drive away.
Choose Your Parking Spots Carefully
Thieves are less likely to steal a bike parked in a well-lit location filled with witnesses. So, park under a streetlight in an area with heavy foot traffic. If you must park in a low-lit or low-traffic area, opt for a space that’s in full view of a working security camera.
When you park at home, lock your motorcycle inside a shed or garage or obstruct your bike behind a wall. These tips make your ride more inaccessible to thieves. Then, remember to check your bike often.
You can also take precautions like disguising your bike. Cover your motorcycle with a loose tarp that conceals its true shape.
Make Your Motorcycle Stand Out
Give your bike a makeover that deters thieves. Apply neon pinstripes, attach a memorable sticker, or paint a unique icon on it. By differentiating your bike, you deter thieves from taking a recognizable machine that’s easily identifiable to police. As an added precaution, take a picture you can share in an emergency.
Turn Off the Ignition
A running bike is an open invitation for thieves. Always turn off your motorcycle and take the key with you. This practice is one of the motorcycle theft prevention tips you want to take even during quick errands.
Lock the Wheels
Make your bike nearly impossible to steal when you lock it. Whether you’re at home or on the go, use a chain or security cable to lock your motorcycle’s wheels or forks. You can attach your motorcycle and wheel lock to any fixed and stationary object, from a bike rack to a streetlamp. Or lock a group of bikes together when you ride with friends.
When selecting a wheel lock, choose one that’s secure and tight. It should be hard to cut off or remove by even the most skilled or ingenious thieves.
Install an Anti-theft Device
An alarm system offers an additional layer of protection for your motorcycle. Install an ignition lock or hidden kill switch that prevents a thief from starting your bike. Various stolen-vehicle recovery devices also protect your motorcycle. A GPS tracking system is another option that helps you find your bike in a hurry. You could also borrow a play from homeowners and utilize a sticker. Even if you don’t install an anti-theft device, place a device sticker on the motorcycle to warn off thieves who are looking for an easy target.
Watch for Thieves
Thieves don’t usually announce their intentions, but you can watch for common signs. Then, take precautionary methods that also keep you safe. For example, take care to avoid riding in high-crime areas, if possible. Also, be aware as you pull up to your house. Check for strange vehicles or anyone who looks out of place. If you do suspect you’re being tailed by thieves, ride around the block and try to lose or deter the potential criminals. Or drive to the police station if you do see a threat.
Prepare a Theft Recovery Plan
Despite your best efforts to learn how to prevent motorcycle theft, an enterprising individual may still take your bike. Be prepared with a recovery plan.
First, carry a copy of your registration in your wallet or purse, and store a copy in a safe place at home. This document can help the police recover your exact motorcycle. For safety, always store the title in a safe place at home and never with your bike since a thief could use this document to easily sell your motorcycle.
Next, frequently check the GPS tracker. Make sure it works properly and know how to use it. This simple device can save you and the police valuable time during the recovery process.
Finally, purchase adequate insurance. While motorcycle insurance doesn’t prevent theft, it does protect you from financial loss.
Your bike helps you explore the world and have fun every day. So, learn how to prevent motorcycle theft. With these motorcycle theft prevention tips, you protect your investment.
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