Motorcycle Security Devices

Motorcycles and scooters are easy to move around and small enough to fit into a van. Unfortunately, this makes them easy to steal. New scooters and small motorcycles are especially likely to go missing, making motorcycle security vital.

So do what you can to deter the thieves. Park somewhere sensible, where it’s not easy to lift your pride and joy into a van, and where there’s something immoveable you can lock it to. Lock the ignition (don’t just take the keys out).

If your motorcycle doesn’t come with an alarm and immobiliser fitted, consider getting one. To get a reduction in your insurance you’ll probably need to have it sold and fitted by a professional, and go for one that’s either Thatcham approved or “sold secure” – check with your insurers to see what they recommend.

A good lock will put off opportunistic thieves. A disc lock attaches to the brake disc and makes it impossible to turn the wheel. They are small and easy to carry, but make sure you don’t forget you’ve locked it and try to ride away. A U-lock is better, especially if it’s long enough to go around a lamp-post or something else that’s not going anywhere. Again, look for “sold secure” or Thatcham for extra reassurance.

Even better, carry a chain that will go through your back wheel and a fixed object. Many urban motorcycle parking bays will have a rail or ground anchor, or a road sign or lamppost would do the trick. If you’re riding with friends, lock your bikes together. Or you can lock your chains together, so anyone who wants to leave early can simply unlock theirs and go. Try not to leave the chains lying on the ground, as a determined thief can use a chisel and hammer to attack it, and don’t ride with the chain around your body. That’s the easiest way to crack some ribs if you come off.

Security marking makes it much more likely your motorcycle or scooter will be recovered and returned, and may put off a thief who doesn’t want the hassle. Mark all parts of the motorcycle with the frame number or the registration number.

If you only ride your motorcycle off road, it may be harder to recover if stolen, but you can contact DVLA to get a Q registration that will put its frame number and other details on the DVLA and police databases. You don’t have to display this registration, so long as you’re not riding on the public road.

More pricey, but worth considering if you’ve invested a lot of money or love in your motorcycle, is a tracking device that can signal its location even from inside a lorry.

At home, park your motorcycle in a garage if you can, or out of sight behind a fence or wall. If nothing else, use a motorbike cover to reduce temptation. And always lock it to something solid. If there’s nothing there, consider fitting a ground anchor that you can chain it to overnight. If nothing else, chain it to the car, or a lawnmower, or the dog. Anything that’ll make it harder to silently lift it into a truck.