Motorcycle Security Tips
An unfortunate reality of owning a motorcycle is that thieves are getting more sophisticated and efficient at stealing them. So how do you stop your bike becoming another casualty of this cruel fate?
To keep my motorcycle secure I would ideally have something akin to a Batcave or maybe just a modest invisibility shield that cloaks it in plain sight. But unfortunately those are not within my budget and the folks at MI6 aren’t willing to share their toys, so we’ll just have to make do with some of these.
- · Minimum: Motorcycle Disc Locks - These are useful where it isn’t possible to use a chain and will stop the average thief from wheeling your bike away, but the pros will just lift the bike and place it in a van. Use with an immobiliser.
- · Chain and cable – Secure your bike to lampposts, ground anchors or other immovable objects. Chains can be heavy and difficult to transport, so cables work well when you’re on the move. Loop around your motorcycle frame for extra security.
- · Better: Alarm Immobilisers – These are great, and could also reduce your insurance premiums. Make sure they are professionally fitted.
- · Best: A Garage – The best security this offers is that your bike is out of sight; if they can’t see it, they won’t try to steal it. Also use an immobiliser or secure with a ground anchor. They might still steal it, but at least you make them work harder.
- · Mark your Motorcycle – Using a UV marking sytem like Datatag (suppliers of tech to the Industry MASTER scheme) to the to mark various parts of your motorcycle, makes it traceable and as research shows, far less appealing to steal in the first place.
- · Chain your dog to it
Sadly, even the most sophisticated systems can be bypassed by the pros. To give them less time to steal your bike, make sure you keep it visible to passers-by, park in populated spots during the day and well lit areas at night.
Image credit: Pedro Kwezi on Flickr
