Tips for Added Motorcycle Security
You’ve done the research, you’ve chosen the best motorcycle for you and your budget, organized the funds, and made your purchase. You have brought your new motorcycle home and can hardly sleep because you’re so excited. The problem is that crafty thieves may be chomping at the bit to get their hands on it too. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports that motorcycle theft has been continually on the rise. For a better understanding to protect yourself, we have an overview of different ways you can plan ahead to prevent your pride and joy from becoming a statistic.
See more options online for new and used motorcycle trailers for sale.
Before You Buy
It may sound strange, but theft should be considered before you have even purchased a motorcycle. Consider the fact that it may rightfully belong to someone else. During the shopping process, be aware of suspiciously low prices. Caution should be exercised when encountering a private seller who is listing a motorcycle on behalf of friends or isn’t forthcoming with information and paperwork. Don’t get scammed when you buy a motorcycle and practice vigilance when you shop.
Identify stock anti-theft features included on the motorcycle, such as an alarm, electronic immobilizer, GPS navigation with tracking, or a steering lock. From there, you can identify what other precautions are needed.
Visible Deterrents
Thieves are becoming increasingly sophisticated and brazen, committing crimes in broad daylight, even in plain view of security cameras. The single best deterrent is to keep your motorcycle away from prying eyes or make it appear as though it isn’t worth stealing. If you aren’t fortunate enough to have a securely locked garage to store your bike, it is a good idea to keep it covered whenever possible. You may be inclined to purchase that brand new fancy fitted cover with logos branded on it, but you may as well install a flashing neon sign that says, “Please Steal Me.” Using a ratty old, unbranded cover doesn’t look very nice, but it also won’t attract unwanted attention.
Disc locks, U-locks, steering locks, and chains won’t stop your bike from being stolen per se, but they could be effective in either slowing down thieves or convincing them that it isn’t worth their time. Parking another vehicle in front of the bike is an inconvenience when you want to go for a ride, but it can act as an effective additional line of defense.
When parking in public, use well-lit, high traffic areas in view of cameras whenever possible. Consider varying your parking spot to avoid your bike’s location from being too predictable when being left unattended for long periods of time.
Electronic Security
Having a smart security camera installed may provide a visual deterrent in some cases, but it can also assist with providing footage to law enforcement and your insurance company should thieves not be dissuaded.
Installing an engine or ignition immobilizer will prevent the bike from being turned on unless the correct key or starting method is used. Again, it may not prevent your motorcycle from being stolen, but it may act as an additional level of inconvenience to deter would-be burglars.
Connected technology has evolved in recent years. Installing a hidden AirTag or GPS tracking device will allow you to locate your bike through an app on your smartphone in real-time. Motion sensors will provide alerts if the tag is on the move. Tracking will help more with recovery than outright theft prevention, but if thieves are sophisticated enough to have scanners that identify tracking devices, they may decide that this particular target isn’t worth their time and trouble.
Insurance
Nobody enjoys paying insurance premiums, but you will be happy you had comprehensive coverage if your motorcycle is stolen. The payout, if you are eligible, will be based on the current market valuation of the vehicle, not the original purchase price. Ensure that your policy is current and details are accurate to avoid any issues or delays.
Your policy may identify your bike’s intended use, along with specific lock, storage, or security system requirements.
After filing a police report and contacting your insurance company, it is a good idea to start proactively researching comparable motorcycles—including, year, make, model, trim, and condition, as this is how your settlement will be evaluated.
You may not be compensated for upgrades or accessories, particularly if they weren’t identified in the policy, but providing original receipts and images of the motorcycle will help your case.
Get more prices online for new and used standard motorcycles for sale.
Motorcycles are obviously smaller and easier to steal than a car or SUV. Recreational vehicles not being used on the road can also be more difficult to track. Just as thieves are getting creative with their approach, you can take innovative precautions to stay one step ahead of them. Putting multiple layers of protection into action will help keep your motorcycle safe and secure.
Dustin Woods
You might also like
