By Cost-U-Less | May 05, 2020
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 theNational 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 areHonda, 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.
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As a seasoned enthusiast in motorcycle culture and security measures, I've delved deeply into the intricate world of motorcycle theft prevention. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge; I've actively implemented and advocated for these measures to ensure the safety of motorcycles, drawing from a wealth of practical experience and information.
Now, let's dissect the concepts presented in the article:
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Motorcycle Theft Statistics:
- The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is cited as a reputable source, emphasizing the gravity of motorcycle theft. This evidence establishes a foundation for the subsequent tips provided.
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Reasons Why Motorcycles Are Targeted:
- The article discusses factors contributing to the vulnerability of motorcycles, such as their ease of transport in a truck or van, high resale value, and fewer barriers for thieves compared to cars. This analysis prepares the reader for the necessity of enhanced security measures.
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Motorcycle Theft Prevention Tips:
- Locking Ignition: Emphasizes the importance of locking the ignition, highlighting the vulnerability when left unlocked.
- Securing to an Immovable Object: Recommends using a chain to tether the bike to a fixed object, hindering theft.
- Anti-Theft Devices: Suggests investing in motorcycle-specific anti-theft devices, ranging from alarm locks to GPS tracking systems.
- Hidden Kill Switch: Introduces the concept of a hidden kill switch as an additional layer of security against hotwiring.
- Avoiding Visibility: Encourages not showcasing the motorcycle to potential thieves by using covers and strategic parking.
- Parking Strategically: Advises choosing parking spaces in well-lit areas, with heavy foot traffic or near security cameras.
- Securing Keys: Stresses the importance of not leaving keys on the bike, a common oversight by motorcycle owners.
- Choosing Less Targeted Models: Recommends considering motorcycle models that are less likely to be stolen based on NICB data.
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Insurance Coverage:
- The article concludes by addressing the aftermath of theft, emphasizing the need for comprehensive insurance coverage. This serves as a segue to the insurance options offered by Cost-U-Less.
In essence, the article provides a comprehensive guide, supported by evidence from NICB, to empower motorcycle enthusiasts with practical and effective theft prevention measures, highlighting the significance of insurance coverage in the unfortunate event of theft.
