Protecting Your Ride: Top Tips for Motorcycle Security

Motorcycle culture is about more than just the thrill of the ride; it’s about safety, style, and freedom. Riders invest in premium clothing to protect themselves from accidents, but protection shouldn’t stop there. Just as your jacket protects you from road rash, your bike also needs strong protection from theft.

Why Motorcycle Security Matters

Motorcycles are highly stealable objects, and with a substantial resale value, they are very attractive targets for thieves.  Unlike cars, motorcycles can be easily loaded into a truck or a van and they usually have fewer barriers to bypass. 

Motorcycle theft is on the rise. In fact, from 2021 to 2022, a whopping increase of 7% in reported theft was recorded in the United States. That would give a monthly average of about 4,500 stolen motorcycles for the year 2022. 

Researching and investing in security measures can help you prevent your bike from becoming another statistic and give yourself peace of mind when you step away. 

Choosing the Right Gear

Disc Locks and Chain Locks

Disc locks and chains are one of the most common ways to secure your bike. A disc lock is super-easy to transport and use – it locks through one brake disc, preventing the wheel from turning.

When it comes to motorcycle security chains, make sure to keep their padlock off the ground to prevent thieves from smashing the lock. Front wheels are easy to remove and replace, while rear wheels are a bit tough, but if the chain goes through your bike’s frame, it will be more difficult to remove. 

Even though both measures can be effective in deterring a potential theft, they might not be enough to stop a determined, well-equipped thief from messing with your bike.

Motorcycle Covers

Covers are effective theft deterrents, especially if your motorcycle is parked out in the open. There are all-season covers that you can use even if it is snowing, raining, or when it is extremely hot. 

However, the cover won’t keep your motorcycle out of sight. You still need to consider other security measures that would require a lot more time for the thief to steal your bike.

Motorcycle Alarms and GPS Trackers

Motorcycle alarms are one of the top security measures when it comes to motorcycle safety. The audible alarm can scare off thieves and alert other people nearby. Make sure you go for an alarm with a built-in motion sensor and remote control features. 

Want to go a step further? Then an anti-theft GPS tracker is an option to consider. When other security measures fail, a GPS tracker will notify you of an attempted theft and help you track down your stolen bike.

Exploring GPS Tracker Options

Now the question is – which GPS tracker should you choose? The market is full of GPS tracker options with different features and price points. If you’re on the hunt for a tracking device for your bike, take into consideration these factors:

• Size: a small and discreet GPS tracker is better as it can be easily hidden and won’t be that visible to thieves.
• Simple setup: trackers can either be wireless or hardwired to your motorcycle’s battery. The installation of wired trackers can be a bit more complicated and sometimes they require a professional’s help, which will incur an additional installation fee. 
• Battery life: the longer the battery life, the better, as no one wants the inconvenience of having to charge or replace the batteries every few weeks.
• User-friendly app: an intuitive app makes it easier to monitor and track your vehicle, it also allows you to customize your settings, notifications, and alerts.
• Accuracy: reliable and accurate tracking is crucial for any GPS tracker. Look for trackers that use advanced GPS technology that allows you to track your vehicle in areas with poor reception.
• Additional fees: investigate if the tracker you choose doesn’t have any potential hidden fees, e.g. activation fee, phone application fee, and more. Some GPS trackers have a one-off purchase cost, while others require an ongoing subscription to maintain the availability of the service.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free GPS tracker, Monimoto’s GPS tracker is a perfect solution. You don’t need a professional to fit the Monimoto tracker, the device is wireless and ready to use out of the box, so you can easily install it yourself and transfer it from one vehicle to another. 

Featuring a small and waterproof design, and long battery life (up to 12-24 months), the device will alert you immediately via phone call of any suspicious activity. Then, you can start tracking your vehicle in real time through the Monimoto app. You can rest assured your motorcycle is secured and is being monitored closely, giving a layer of protection and peace of mind.

Be Strategic with Parking

What is the best way to secure a motorcycle on the street? First of all, always choose well-lit parking places with plenty of foot traffic. Even better, park your bike in a dedicated parking lot as these have additional security measures like CCTV cameras. 

The best thing you can do when parking your bike on the street is to build a set of multiple security tools, depending on your location and your bike. Run a chain lock through your bike’s frame, and secure it to an immovable object like a lamp post or concrete barrier. The goal here is to prevent your bike from being rolled or carried away.

Next, pair these heavy-duty tools with a hidden audible motorcycle alarm or a GPS tracker, which will alert you of any unauthorized movement, so that you can take action quickly. 
Based on Monimoto’s success stories, many motorcycle thieves store stolen motorcycles quite close to the crime scene, sometimes just a few blocks away. The reason for this is to check for any tracking devices. If your bike is equipped with a tracking device, this gives you a window to track down and recover the vehicle quickly before it’s taken away even further.

Additional Security Tips

Apart from security gear, motorcycle alarms, and parking tips, there are other useful practices to follow. For added security, also consider the following:

• Marking Your Motorcycle: While there are no specific rules as to where the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching should be placed on a motorcycle, most engravings are in the major parts of the bike. This security practice may stop thieves from stealing your bike as it can be easily identifiable through the etching. 

• Insurance: The coverage mostly includes reimbursement for third-party liability, personal accidents due to motorcycle accidents, and motorcycle insurance for loss or accident. Note the factors that might affect the insurance costs like the driver’s age and driving record, motorcycle model and type, age of the motorcycle, and mileage.

• Join a Motorcycle Community: a local riders group might share useful information and resources about motorcycle protection. You’ll stay informed about any suspicious activity in your area.

Conclusion

Whichever security measures you take, it will be a vast improvement over your standard, built-in bike security. When parking your motorcycle at home or when on the road, ensure that you are mindful of the risks and take precautions in safeguarding your motorcycle.