How to keep your motorcycle safe from theft is a constant consideration. There are several situations to be aware of, and more than one type of thief to be aware of at all times. There is the theft of opportunity where a motorcycle wasn’t locked up well and begged to be stolen by an impulsive joyrider, and, of course, a real thief. Professional thieves will find your motorcycle at events, a retail outlet for motorcycle gear and parts, as well as simply by chance.
There things you can do to keep your ride safe, and even protect you from attacked and the cycle hijacked. You can also check in with your insurance agent at Oliver Insurance for other ideas on how to keep yourself protected.
#1. Are you aware of your surroundings?
Be aware if someone appears to be following you. If you think someone is stalking you, attempt to lose them, pull over, let them pass, all the while leaving yourself an exit in case they are out to steal your bike. Go around the block, or make a safe U-turn. If you are still being followed, know that trouble is coming, so don’t go home or to your worksite until you have lost the tail.
#2. Lock it up
No matter if the bike is parked in a garage, there are ways to ensure the motorcycle isn’t taken. Besides the lock that comes with the bike, if you want to keep it, pay for the top-of-the-line in U-locks of hardened steel, alarmed disc locks, and asymmetrical chains. Lock the forks or disk brakes. When locking up the bike, never have the lock close to the ground where the thief has the leverage to cut or bash the lock off.
#3. Take no chances
Consider getting a kill switch, or remove the main fuse after you have parked your bike. Consider getting a tracking system in case of theft, like LoJack.
#4. Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Park your bike between two vehicles, even inside your private garage. Cover it with something less appealing than what treasure lies underneath such as a Honda cover over an Indian. A nondescript cover works to some degree especially at night where it is easier to conceal it in the shadows.
#5 Keep the Bike Attached
No matter where you park the motorcycle, if parking outside, take your chain and U-lock, and attach it to something sturdy and stationary like a light pole, or to another vehicle, but only if you know the owner of the object. Also, look around to park under lights, and operational cameras.
A motorcycle can be driven off, or loaded into a trailer and gone in minutes. Take precautions, and always be vigilant.
