How to Prevent Thieves Catching a Ride on your Motorcycle

It seems the lure of the motorcycle is attracting an increasing number people keen to experience the exhilaration such transportation offers. Indeed, in recent years ownership has grown rapidly as more people are taking to the roads on two wheels.

Aside from getting to don the leathers and speed off into the sunset, there are many advantages of owning a motorcycle. Not only can you gain great satisfaction in weaving through those pesky inner city traffic jams, but a lot of the bikes available are also more cost- and fuel-efficient than automobiles.

However, it is an unfortunate fact that the number of motorcycle thefts is increasing. In fact, according to UK research, there are more motorbikes being stolen than being bought new. Government statistics also concluded that out of every 1,000 motorbikes registered on the road, around 37 are stolen. This compares to just 10 car thefts out of every 1,000 registered.

Most thefts are said to occur in the larger, urban areas, whilst around 80 per cent are taken from the owner’s home. The research also found that it can take as little as 20 seconds for a thief to procure your motorcycle! So, what can you do to ensure yours is safe?

The first, essential item to buy is a proper lock. Although determined thieves will persist, the harder you make it for them to steal, the less successful they will be. Therefore, the experts advise investing in a strong motorcycle U-lock and chain. So, attach your bike to a solid object and thread the chain around the bike’s frame. This is better than fastening the chain through the wheel, since the wheel can be removed.

Another top tip is to consider fitting an alarm to your motorcycle. There are various types that can be found, including ones which will page you if they are set off and ones that can be fastened to a bike cover. And by getting an alarm, you are more likely to scare off potential thieves, especially if the bike is in a public place.

It’s also wise to choose your parking places very carefully. Don’t make a thief’s job easy by nestling your bike in-between two lorries, or by parking on an abandoned street. Furthermore, you could always disable your bike before going off. This could be as simple as taking out the main fuse or installing a hidden-cut out switch. Just remember how to get it working again!

The final recommendation is to get covered. Of course, you can do everything to prevent thieves, but it is an unfortunate reality that can strike. But by ensuring you have suitable motorcycle insurance in place, you can save yourself a lot of cash, as well as a lot of heartache.

Indeed, there are numerous packages available, from fully comprehensive to third party insurance and it’s also possible to tailor them to meet your exact requirements. So, make sure you’re properly covered before you hit the road!
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Andrew Regan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.