Motorcycles get stolen a lot. Regardless of cost, make, or model, your motorcycle can be targeted for theft. Once stolen, motorcycles end up being stripped for parts, cloned, or exported. In 2017, ABC News placed the number of stolen motorcycles in San Diego alone at 1,000. Thieves tend to prefer a quick-to-execute theft with minimal risk of getting caught in the act or attracting attention. At times, it’s a game of chance and opportunity, meaning your bike might become a target for theft just because it looks easy to steal. Here are four pointers to help you keep your motorcycle safe.
1. Install an Anti-Theft System and Disc Brake
An anti-theft system serves two purposes. One, it will alert you in case anybody tries to interfere with your motorcycle, and two, the alarm itself will deter any further action from the person trying to steal it. A disc brake lock might be a little inconvenient, but it’s handy. It stops your bike from moving at all. It’s a good idea to have both the anti-theft system and a disc brake to complement each other.
2. Add an Anti-Theft GPS
Install a tracker and have a conspicuous sticker announcing it. The sticker can be a deterrent. Despite putting the above measures in place, your motorcycle might still get stolen. A GPS tracker can be the determining factor in whether you’ll recover your motorcycle after a temporary loss. Installing a hidden GPS tracker on your motorcycle can help you recover your bike a lot faster when an attempt is made to steal it. If you install this tool, you might even receive a discount on your motorcycle insurance. San Diego bikers should contact their agents to see if their coverage includes this discount.
3. Install a Kill Switch
Some bikes come already fitted with a kill switch. If yours doesn’t have one, you can have one fitted in a hidden spot. Once it’s installed, use the kill switch instead of the keys to switch off the bike. The beauty of a kill switch is that it needs to be turned on before starting the engine and setting the bike in motion, thus making your ride slightly harder to steal. The trick here is hiding it well so a potential thief gets frustrated when trying to find it.
4. Lock Your Motorbike to an Immovable Object
Whenever possible, use a sturdy chain to lock your bike to a fixed object. The harder it is to break with bolt cutters, the better. Some buildings have locked chains on their walls for this purpose. Try and see if these are available before parking your bike. Whenever they’re available, use them. Your bike will also be around your house a lot. Make sure to have a similar attachment on your wall. If this isn’t possible, always try to park your bike inside the garage, which will keep it hidden and prevent it from becoming a target.
It’s no fun to think about your prized motorcycle being stolen, which is why you should follow the steps above to prevent thieves from riding away with your bike. One of the most important things you should do is make sure you’re covered by motorcycle insurance. Altra Insurance Services can handle almost all of your insurance needs, including motorcycle, homeowners, and auto insurance San Diego. Can Call our friendly staff today at (800) 719-9972 to ask about our services or schedule an appointment.