Introduction to Motorcycle Security

Owning a motorcycle brings a sense of freedom and excitement, but it also comes with the responsibility of keeping your bike secure. While motorcycle theft rates have dropped 7.9% as of 2024, motorcycle theft is still a growing concern, with thieves targeting both high-end models and everyday rides. Unlike cars, motorcycles are easier to transport, making them more vulnerable to theft if not properly secured.
Whether you’re a new rider or a seasoned motorcyclist, understanding the basics of motorcycle security is essential. From choosing the right locks to using advanced tracking technology, there are various steps you can take to protect your bike. In this guide, we’ll explore key security measures, common threats, and practical tips to ensure your motorcycle stays safe whether parked at home, on the street, or while travelling.

The Importance of Motorcycle Security

Motorcycles are a major target for thieves due to their high value, compact size, and ease of transportation. Unlike cars, which require specialised tools or knowledge to steal, motorcycles can be quickly lifted into a van or ridden away if left unprotected. This makes security measures essential for any rider, whether you own a high-performance sports bike, a cruiser, or a commuter scooter.

Understanding Motorcycle Theft Risks

The first step to understanding ways to securing a motorcycle starts with unpacking various risks you can avoid. Motorcycle theft risks can vary depending on where and how you park your bike, its make and how long you leave it. Review the following scenarios to stay mindful of your motorcycle’s security.

Location Based Risks

Urban areas with high foot traffic are prime spots for opportunistic thieves who look for unprotected or easy-to-access motorcycles. Motorcycles parked on the street, in poorly lit areas, or near busy public spaces are more likely to be targeted compared to those stored in secure, private locations. High-crime areas or near known hotspots for theft are even more vulnerable, as thieves tend to frequent these locations in search of easy targets.

Attractive Motorcycle Models

Another risk factor involves the type of motorcycle you own. High-end models, especially sports bikes and luxury brands, are often targeted by professional thieves due to their high resale value and demand on the black market. However, even everyday commuter bikes are at risk, as thieves may see them as quick and easy to steal and sell off in parts.

Opportunistic Timeframes

Motorcycles are also at risk when left unattended for long periods, during travelling or overnight stays. Thieves often take advantage of the opportunity to strike when the owner is unaware or distracted. This is why it’s crucial to implement multiple layers of security, ensuring that your bike remains protected at all times, whether you’re at home or stopping along the road.

Motorbike Security Technologies

With today’s technological advancements, motorbike security goes beyond traditional physical locks and chains. With the rise of advanced technology, riders now have access to a variety of high-tech security systems designed to deter theft and provide real-time protection. These systems offer more effective and convenient ways to secure your motorcycle, with options to suit every type of rider.

Some technologies you can implement include:

• Alarm Systems: These can be a combination of loud alarms that deter thieves and send remote alerts if tampered with.
• GPS Tracking Devices: Real-time location tracking aids in recovering stolen motorcycles.
• Immobilisers and Smart Keys: These electronic systems prevent the bike from starting without the correct key or fob.

By incorporating these advanced security technologies into your bike protection plan, you can greatly reduce the risk of theft and enhance safety motorbike overall.

Comparing Motorcycle Security Options

When it comes to protecting your motorcycle, there are various security options available, each with its benefits and limitations. The best approach is often a combination of multiple security measures to create layers of protection. Below, we compare some of the most common motorcycle security options to help you determine which methods best suit your needs.

Selecting Reliable Security Alarms

Choosing a high-quality security alarm for your motorcycle is essential to deter theft and provide peace of mind.

Pro: An alarm alerts you and others to potential theft attempts, deterring opportunistic thieves.
Con: While they are great at drawing attention to tampering, alarms may not prevent professional thieves from quickly moving the bike – and cases of false alarms can be a nuisance.

Motorbike Immobiliser

A motorbike immobiliser is an advanced security device that prevents the engine from starting without the correct key or authentication, making it much harder for thieves to steal your bike.

Pro: These advanced technologies help prevent hotwiring and unauthorised engine starts, making theft more difficult.
Con: This option requires a properly functioning key or fob and, unfortunately, this technology does not stop the bike from being physically lifted.

Tip: Advanced immobiliser options such as Ghost Immobilisers are next-generation vehicle immobilisers that prevent key-cloning, hacking, and unauthorised access by using unique access technology to initiate motorcycle operations.

Insights on Security Locks

Security locks are one of the most effective physical deterrents against motorcycle theft, providing an extra layer of protection by securing your bike to an immovable object.

Pro: These tools are affordable, easy to use, and highly effective when securing the bike to an immovable object.
Con: However, they can be heavy and inconvenient to carry and determined thieves with tools can cut through lower-quality locks.

Using Security Chains Effectively

Security chains are a strong deterrent against motorcycle theft when used correctly. For maximum protection, always secure the chain around the motorcycle frame, or wheels, and attach it to a fixed, immovable object like a ground anchor or sturdy pole. Choosing a high-quality, hardened steel chain with a robust lock will make it significantly harder for thieves to cut through or break.

Tip:  Be sure to have the chain off the ground, this is so thieves can’t lean a tool on the chain along the flat cutting surface.

Exploring Bike Security Trackers

In the case of theft, bike or vehicle tracking uses GPS technology to monitor your motorcycle’s location in real-time, offering an added layer of protection and increasing the chances of recovery.

Pro: These modern devices provide real-time tracking, increasing the chances of recovering a stolen motorcycle.
Con: Trackers, however, do not prevent theft from happening and require a subscription for tracking services.

Practical Tips for Securing Your Motorcycle

In addition to using basic and advanced security methods, there are further steps you can take to ensure security for bikes.

• Use a Motorcycle Cover: This disguises and conceals your motorbike model, so it is not so publicly attractive.
• Rotate Parking Places: This throws off thieves looking for predictable patterns, making their planning for theft more difficult.
• Keep Steering Locked, Paired with a Disc Lock: Engage your bike’s integrated steering lock when parked and use a disc lock to make rolling your bike away even more challenging.
• Mark your Parts: Consider engraving the vehicle identification number (VIN) onto the engine, frame, and wheels. Keep a log of these markings in the case of recovery so the parts cannot easily be resold.
• Have a Spare Key Plan: Whether your keys get lost, stolen, or damaged, you can have motorcycle key replacements The best option is to have a spare set ready in a secure place if needed, so you avoid having your bike sitting vulnerably.

Conclusion

Securing your motorcycle requires a combination of practical tips and advanced security measures. In addition to traditional locks and alarms, consider using added protection and the advantage of unpredictability. Incorporating these lesser-known strategies, along with visibility reduction and advanced tracking systems, will significantly reduce the risk of theft and increase the chances of recovery.

FAQs

What is the best way to secure a motorcycle?

One of the best, traditional methods of securing a motorcycle includes running a strong chain lock through the back wheel (not the front wheel, as it is removable). Then, secure your bike with a taut lock chain to steadfast structures like a street pole or bench, ensuring it is suspended. By keeping it off the ground, it can’t be cut using tools like an angle grinder.

What is the proper way to strap down a motorcycle?

To properly strap down a motorcycle, use high-quality tie-down straps and secure them to a solid mounting point, such as the bike’s frame or triple tree, avoiding the handlebars. Tighten the straps gradually to hold the bike firmly in place, allowing slight compression on the suspension for stability. Double-check that the bike is secure before transporting it to ensure no movement during travel, using the kickstand for added support may help.

What kind of lock is best for a motorcycle?

The best lock for your motorcycle is not a single lock, but a combination of different locking systems for added levels of security. Great choices include a cable lock or chain lock with a disc lock or shackle lock. By applying various lock methods, they will pose as both visual and physical deterrents to thieves.