Motorcycle Security Tips
Whether you’re buying new or used, your motorcycle is a big investment, and not only because of the price tag. Far more than just a form of transportation, your motorcycle is part of your identity. When you’ve been riding your bike for awhile, it becomes hard to imagine life without it.
The unfortunate reality is that motorcycles are often targeted for theft. They are easier to steal than other vehicles, being small and portable, and they have a high resale value. The good news is that you can reduce that risk by taking proactive steps to protect your motorcycle from theft. Read on to learn the best practices for keeping your motorcycle safe and secure.
Are you shopping for your first bike? Learning about motorcycle security is a great place to start. When you’re ready to take a look at some models, head to Motorcycle Maxx. We have over 300 new and used motorcycles in stock at our dealership in Lewis Center, OH.
Think Prevention
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that’s especially true when it comes to crime. While you should always report any vehicle theft to the proper authorities, the chances are slim that your stolen motorcycle will be recovered.
Deterrence is going to be your most effective strategy for preventing theft. The idea is to make sure that stealing your motorcycle is more trouble than it’s worth. The more difficult it is to steal your bike, the less likely it will be stolen, as the thief will most likely move on to an easier target.
Hide Your Ride
Whenever possible, park your motorcycle out of view of any potential thieves. Of course, a locked garage or shed is the safest place to store your motorcycle. Your next best option is a fenced backyard with a padlocked gate. If you live in an apartment complex, try to position your motorcycle in full view of any security cameras.
Keeping your bike covered is a great idea no matter where you’re parked. Your motorcycle’s shiny chrome can draw admirers even in the dark, and a cover will make your machine a lot less noticeable from afar. The hassle of removing the cover could cost a potential thief valuable time and draw unwanted attention, so a smart criminal is likely to move on to an easier target.
Lock Up
Locks, chains, and anchors are just as important as a visual deterrent as they are for actual physical security. Remember, the more challenges you put in front of a thief, the less likely they are to bother with trying to steal your bike. There are many different kinds of locks available, and it’s well worth it to employ several of them.
Steering locks prevent your bike from being steered, while disc locks prevent the wheels from turning. You can also get saddlebags with locks to secure your gear. Chains provide a bonus layer of protection, but make sure to attach your chains to a non-removable part of your bike.
Perhaps the best form of physical security is the ground anchor. A ground anchor is a set of solid metal loops that can either be permanently bolted to the ground or temporarily screwed into dirt. Needless to say, the ground anchor makes it much more challenging to lift your motorcycle into a van or truck and drive off with it.
Stay Connected
There are a wide variety of electronic security systems available for motorcycles. Alarms can draw attention to the theft and may scare off potential thieves, but experienced criminals may be skilled at disabling alarms. There are also tracking systems that can be used by law enforcement to retrieve your bike in the event of theft.
Protect Your Accessories
Your motorcycle itself may be well-protected, but how about your bike’s accessories? The best way to avoid finding your motorcycle stripped of all its removable parts is to simply bring them with you. Another option is to remove any accessories and store them in your locking saddlebags.
Stand Out
Customization may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about motorcycle security, but you might be surprised at the advantages that come with it. Thieves are less likely to steal a highly customized motorcycle, knowing it will be easier to identify on sight and in a sales listing. If your custom bike does get stolen, its unique features will give law enforcement a better chance of tracking it down.
Check In
Forced to park your motorcycle in a spot that isn’t ideal? Check on your bike occasionally, and keep your phone handy in case you see anything suspicious. If you happen to interrupt a theft in progress, don’t confront the thief yourself - call the police and let them handle the situation. Getting law enforcement on the case right away gives you a pretty good shot at recovering your bike with the least amount of friction.
We hope you come away from this guide with a rock-solid strategy for motorcycle security! Here at Motorcycle Maxx, we share your passion for motorcycles. We are proud to be Ohio’s #1 pre-owned motorcycle superstore, serving our community in Lewis Center, OH, and our neighbors throughout the Columbus and Cincinnati regions.
