7 Tips To Protect Your Bike From Motorcycle Theft

Motorcycle theft is something you should not take lightly. Today, this is especially true since the growth in motorcycles has led to growth with professional thieves that see motorcycle theft as an easy money making opportunity.

Florida, California and Texas see the highest thefts for motorcycles, but you should be concerned even if you don’t live in one of these states. Thieves can easily pop the ignition lock on your bike or simply load it in a truck in a matter of seconds. Your motorcycle is not safe anywhere even in your own garage where many motorcycles are reported stolen every year.

One thing is sure; it stinks to have some thug take your bike. There are many anti-theft products on the market to help you protect your motorcycle. But not one single product can secure your bike 100%. It is best to use a combination of common sense tactics and some anti-theft devices to deter criminals.

Here are some tips to get you going:

1.  Keep Your Bike Out Of Site

Making sure that your motorcycle is not seen around your home is one of the best ways to prevent it from being stolen. Even if you live in a great neighborhood, keep your garage door closed or your bike out of sight in the garage. When you come home on your motorcycle immediately park it out of sight even if you are going to ride it in 20 minutes. Also, always lock your motorcycle at home.

Here is an example of what can happen at your house.  We at Motorcycle-Financing-Guide.com have a good friend that parked his motorcycle in the driveway for 5 minutes while going inside to change clothes. In 5 minutes his bike was gone. Obviously the thief must have seen the motorcycle at his house way before the day it was stolen. Some thieves will watch your patterns for weeks before they take your motorcycle.

2.  Secure Your Steering Lock

The manufacturer of your motorcycle put a steering lock on the bike for a reason. Make sure you use it 100% of the time. This simple step can deter criminals or at least make their job harder.

3.  Use Multiple Locks

Your steering lock is a good deterrent, but you should also use a large u-lock to secure your forks and your disc brakes. Also try to secure your bike to a large sturdy pole. Make sure the pole is strong and sturdy and can not be easily broken. If you are traveling with friends lock your motorcycles together. Never let your lock rest on the ground or it could easily be broken.

4.  Get Anti-Theft Data Dots and Warning Labels

Data Dots are an anti-theft technology that thieves hate. This technology laser etches thousands of unique microscopic dots into your motorcycle only visible with a 50 X magnifier. Since these dots are hidden all over your bike it is very difficult for thugs to strip your bike and sell the parts.

5.  Use A Motorcycle Alarm

With today’s advanced technology there are many creative types of motorcycle alarms that can deter criminals.  For instance, the DeWalt Mobile Lock uses a combination of an alarm and GPS locator technology to protect your motorcycle.  There is also the Scorpio Sri-600 Motorcycle Alarm which is an ultra-compact 2 way FM paging security system designed specifically for the motorcycle industry.

6.  Don’t Store Personal Documents On Your Motorcycle

Getting your motorcycle stolen is bad enough, but getting your identity stolen is even worse.  Therefore, when you park your bike be sure not to store your title, driver licenses, credit cards, wallet, registration, insurance card or any other personal information on your motorcycle.

7.  Get Theft Insurance

There is nothing worse then losing your bike that you have an emotional attachment too.  But losing your bike without theft motorcycle insurance is even worse.  Don’t forget to ask your insurance agent for theft protection.

When it comes to motorcycle theft there is no doubt it is growing every year.  If you want to protect your bike your best alternative is using a common sense approach combined with the latest motorcycle alarm technology.