How to Protect a Motorcycle From Theft

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References

If you have a motorcycle and you are afraid that it will get stolen, consider some steps in protecting it. These suggestions are not full proof, because a thief who really wants your bike will most likely get it eventually. However, your objective should be to create enough deterrents so that the thief gives up trying. The best way to protect your motorcycle from theft is to incorporate as many of the following steps as possible.

Steps

1
Take advantage of your bike's built-in lock, but only as an extra obstacle for thieves. Even though these locks are easy to break into, they should still be used in conjunction with other methods of protection.^{[1]
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2
Include disc brake locks as part of your protection against thieves stealing your motorcycle. Disc brake locks are attached so that thieves cannot ride your bike away.^{[2]
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3
Make it difficult for motorcycle thieves to steal your bike by creating mechanical deterrents. For example, you can pull a fuse, loosen a spark plug cap, or shut off the gas. Hopefully, the thieves will assume that your bike is broken, or they may just give up trying to figure out the issue.
4
Connect a concealed kill switch on to your bike so a potential bike thief will have to search for it to start the bike. A kill switch has to be pressed while the rider starts the bike.^{[3]
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5
Park your motorbike out in the open and in a busy location if you are out and about. Ideally, leave it where you can see it if you are going into a restaurant. At home, be sure to park your motorbike in a discreet location if you don't have a garage at home. You might want to cover the bike with a tarp, especially if you have invested a lot of money into fixing up your bike. You don't want interest to turn into temptation.^{[4]
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- If possible, park it somewhere that is not easily accessible. If it's hard to get to or move the bike from, it will be less of a target. The little extra inconvenience to you can be worth it.
6
Attach and lock your motorbike to a stationary object if possible. Another option would be to link your wheels to a friend's bike with a chain.^{[5]
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7
Don't ever leave your motorcycle running, even for a few moments. It only takes a few seconds for someone to jump onto your bike and ride off. Don't hide your keys anywhere on your bike either.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I check the headlight connection on a motorcycle?

Community Answer

You should be able to remove the headlight by pulling the cables at the back of the light; you can then use a volt meter or another light set up to test the wires.
Question

Who sells a security that tracks a motorcycle?

Community Answer

The AES RGT90. While you must pay to use it, the tracker does not work automatically. You need to call the devices attached phone number to know where the tracker and motorcycle’s current location. The tracker will then reply with a text message with a Google Maps link with the information.