How to Prevent Motorcycle Theft

When you own a motorcycle, you own a quality piece of equipment. You know it. Those you pass also know it. And unfortunately, thieves know it, too. Motorcycle theft is a real threat to motorcycle owners. But there are ways to minimize the threat. We gathered up some strategies for keeping motorcycles safe.

Where to Park?

You want your bike to be secure and out of sight. The ideal location to park is in your garage. But if it’s too full of your other vehicles, you will need a different place. If you have a fenced yard, this is a good second-best option. If you live in an apartment, park it within view of security cameras. Try to chain it to something if possible.

Your Location Matters

When it comes to stealing bikes, the location plays a large role. Different housing situations pose different risks. Of course, you can’t change your living situation just for your motorcycle security. But you can understand what thieves are looking for based on your living situation. Then you can make your motorcycle the least appealing option based on those criteria.

Thefts occur more frequently at apartment complexes. These locations are desirable for a few reasons. First, there is a higher number of vehicles available as potential targets. Thieves can check out multiple possibilities in one location. Second, there is a higher amount of activity in the lot. People and vehicles are coming and going often, which makes it easy for a thief to slip in unnoticed.

Residential neighborhoods are appealing to thieves in a different way. Many homeowners get lulled into a false sense of security about their area and believe crime does not happen there. As a result, they can fall into lax security practices with their motorcycles which makes it easier for thefts to occur.

Security Tools

Investing some money in security tools can save you from needing to replace your motorcycle down the road. Large locks, chains, and other tools accomplish two goals. They act as a visual deterrent to thieves looking for an easy target. They also make it harder to take the bike away.

Disc locks work great as they keep your wheels from spinning. Steering locks work great as they keep your motorcycle from steering. Saddlebag locks prevent theft of the items stored on your motorcycle. If you use a chain, attach it to a non-removable component such as the chassis.

Electronic security options work well too. Alarms bring attention to the thief, which makes it more likely they will abandon their pursuit. A tracking system proves its value if your motorcycle gets stolen. Local law enforcement can use it to pinpoint your motorcycle’s location.

We hope you found our guide helpful! Remember you can always stop by St. Charles Harley-Davidson® for all your motorcycle needs. Visit our dealership in St. Charles, MO, to check out our selection of motorcycles for sale. We proudly serve all those coming from St. Louis and St. Peters.