Motorcycle Security: Protecting Your Ride

There are all kinds of thieves in all kinds of neighborhoods. There are professional motorcycle thieves, career criminals looking for a getaway ride, as well as your run-of-the-mill hoodlums in search of a free joy ride. Don’t let your motorcycle fall prey to these bike-poachers. Read these motorcycle security tips and you’re sure to keep those precious wheels safe and sound.

Leave the Title at Home. Don’t store your title on the bike.

Mark your bike. Personalize your bike and then photograph it to make it easier for police to spot in the event of a theft.

Lock it in the Garage. When at home, keep the motorcycle in the garage and lock the door.

Lock the ignition. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, most bike thefts occur when the ignition is shut off, but not locked. So lock your ignition and remove the key.

Lock the forks. Lock the forks or disk brakes with locks that have large, brightly colored tags. (The bright colors will prevent you from forgetting they are there, which could result in an embarrassing situation)

Travel in packs. If riding in a group, motorcycles can be locked together when parked.

Lock to an object. If you’re riding solo, then look for a solid, stationary object that can’t be dismantled such as a rail or light post.

Park in camera’s view. If using a parking lot, parking garage or hotel parking area with security cameras, then locate a camera and park the bike within view.

Get an alarm. This will draw attention to the thieves, and can be triggered if the bike is moved, lifted or flipped. Or, if you’re a cheapskate, you can just get the alarm sticker. Few thieves will take the chance.

Get smart. GPS locators and other hidden devices have been available for some time, and can even be adapted to smartphones, tablets and computers. The latest Scorpio Ride “Core” system can be installed inconspicuously inside the bike and added as an app to your cell phone. The box plugs into the battery and relays information such as location, tire pressure, and even a perimeter check to your phone. In the event of theft, a pin code is made available to share with police so they can track the location.

By using one or all of these security precautions, your motorcycle will be one tough cookie to steal. Never leave that bike out for easy pickin’s and as always, enjoy the ride!