Here are the top fives ways to deter motorcycle theft:
1. Lock your motorcycle.
When riding alone, lock your motorcycle to a secured stationary object that can’t be easily dismantled, such as a light pole. If traveling with other riders, you’re your motorcycles together. Lock the front forks or disk brakes with locks that have large, brightly colored tags.
2. Lock your motorcycle ignition and steering.
Make sure you remove the key from your motorcycle and take it with you. Most motorcycle thefts occur when the ignition is shut off, but not locked.
3. Keep your motorcycle out of sight, out of mind.
Keep your eye on your motorcycle but out-of-sight of others. When parking at public locations, check your motorcycle periodically, especially immediately after leaving your motorcycle. When traveling and spending the night at a hotel, lock your motorcycle in front of your room, by the front office or in front of any security cameras (Although if there are security cameras, most likely you are in a higher crime rate area so be extra careful). When riding home, make sure you’re not being followed.
4. Add an audible alarm to your motorcycle.
Although most people ignore audible alarms, a thief will more likely run if your alarm goes off while they are in the process. If parking in a garage, also block your motorcycle with automobiles, close the garage door and make sure it is locked as the alarm may only slow down the thief.
5. Mark your motorcycle.
Uniquely mark and then photograph your motorcycle. If thieves take your motorcycle, note the unique markings to police using the photos. Keep your motorcycle registration and insurance identification card on your person when you ride but never leave those documents with your bike. Also, don’t store your title in on your motorcycle. The safest place for your title is at home or in a lock box.
