How to Install an Alarm System on a Motorcycle

Last Updated: December 13, 2022

In the United States alone, more than 37,000 motorcycles are reported stolen each year with another 74,000 suspected as being stolen but not reported. California and Florida are the top 2 worst states for motorcycle theft with Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki being the top 3 motorcycle brands stolen. If you are a motorcycle owner, you should learn about all the techniques available to protect your motorcycle from thieves. Read on to learn how to install an alarm system on a motorcycle to deter potential thieves.

Steps

1
Buy a quality motorcycle alarm system. Alarms come with many different features, including those that detect a change in the position of the motorcycle to those that have GPS. The highest-ranked alarm, the Scorpio SR-i1100, allows you to create a "bubble" around the motorcycle that senses motion and also protects any baggage on the bike.
- Look for alarms that have battery backups as a starter immobilizer to stop thieves from hot-wiring the motorcycle.
2
Find a wiring diagram for your motorcycle in your owner's manual, online, or at your motorcycle dealer.

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3
Identify the features of the motorcycle alarm system that you plan to install on your motorcycle. Compare the wiring diagrams of the alarm system and your motorcycle side-by-side, and acquaint yourself with the color coding used on your bike.
4
Choose the wires you will use from the motorcycle alarm kit. Remove the wires that you will not be using from the work area to reduce clutter and confusion.
5
Identify the wires that go to the same plug, and wrap them with electrical tape at intervals along the wires. Do not completely wrap the wires, and make sure you leave room at the end as some wires go to different locations.
6
Remove the panels where the motorcycle wires are located.
7
Find an inconspicuous spot to mount the motorcycle alarm module. Tie, strap, or tape the module into position. Some alarm systems will come with sticky pads to use, but you may want the extra protection of another strap.
- Do not place the module closer than 12 inches (30.5 cm) to the engine.
- If you're using the sticky pad provided with the alarm system, clean the area well with rubbing alcohol and allow it to dry completely before applying the pad.
8
Mount the siren in an inconspicuous location.
9
Wire relays as needed by splicing electrical tape, soldering, heat shrinking, or using t-tap connectors.
10
Replace the panels on the motorcycle to cover the wires.
11
Place the alarm stickers in conspicuous locations.
12
Read the alarm manual, and test all the functions you installed to prevent motorcycle theft.