Compared to other vehicles, motorcycles are much more likely to be stolen. They’re easier to transport, have a high resale value, and lack windows and doors to secure them.
Unfortunately, data shows a dramatic increase in motorcycle thefts over the past few years.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, they’ve shot up by 26% since 2019. Just last year, there were nearly 51,300 rides stolen in the United States — only 42% of which were recovered.
That’s why, in addition to protective measures like locking your ignition and parking cautiously, it’s crucial to invest in motorcycle anti theft devices. This technology will deter thieves from tampering with or stealing your bike and give you much-needed peace of mind when leaving it unattended.
So, if you’re looking to secure your ride wherever you go, check out this list of five essential motorcycle anti theft devices.
1. Helmet Lock
If carrying your helmet with you is too inconvenient or impossible, you won’t want to travel without a helmet lock.
These handy devices are made with sturdy metals, wrapped in rubber, and locked with programmable multi-digit or key locks, allowing you to secure your helmet to your bike without ruining the paint job.
There are several different types, so you’ll want to shop around to find one that will work best for your motorcycle, but here are a few popular examples to check out:
2. Grip Lock
Grip locks are fantastic motorcycle anti-theft devices because they’re designed to keep the front brake fully applied.
When you arrive at your destination, simply slide the grip lock on the handle, lock it with the included key, and you’re good to go.
These security tools are portable, made with durable materials (nylon, steel, etc.), easy to secure, and adjustable to accommodate grips of various sizes. They also come in different colors, so you can pick one that matches the look of your bike.
3. Heavy Duty Chain Lock
Unless you have a convenient way to transport heavy gear, our next motorcycle anti theft device will primarily be for at-home use.
A heavy-duty chain lock is one of the strongest and most effective ways to protect your bike. Their flexible yet thick, hardened steel chain gives you the freedom and versatility to secure your ride however you like.
You can run it through either of your wheels, secure it to the frame, or use it to anchor your ride to something secure (steel pole, streetlight, ground or wall anchor, etc.).
These powerful chains typically come in thicknesses ranging anywhere from 12mm to a massive 22mm, so you can pick the size that gives you the most confidence in your motorcycle’s security.
4. GPS Motorcycle Tracker
Unfortunately, no motorcycle anti theft device can fully protect your ride.
Even with all the security measures we’ve covered so far, there’s still a small chance that a dedicated thief (or thieves) could make off with your bike.
That’s why, when all else fails, it’s essential to have a GPS tracker.
Using a dedicated smartphone app and a compact wireless unit that you can install in a concealed location, these devices track your bike’s whereabouts at all times.
If a thief manages to get past your security measures and attempts to transport it, the wireless unit will detect the movement and instantly call your phone to alert you.
And if for whatever reason you miss the call and your bike is stolen, you can use the app to track it down, recover it, and — with the police’s help — maybe even catch the thief.
Another great thing about these motorcycle anti theft devices is that after installation, the only time you’ll need to mess with the wireless unit is around once a year to replace the battery.
If you’d like to add a GPS motorcycle tracker to your theft-prevention plan, Monimoto is well-known for their wireless security technology.
5. A Motorcycle Alarm
Loud alarm systems do an excellent job of preventing invasions and theft at home, and the same goes for motorcycles.
If someone is tampering with your bike and triggers an ear-splitting alarm, chances are they won’t stick around to finish the job. That’s what makes motorcycle anti theft alarms a solid addition to any security plan.
To broaden your safety net, these tools often come with different types of sensors, including:
- Tilt sensors – Trigger the alarm when the motorcycle is tilted off its side stand.
- Shock sensors – Trigger the alarm when they sense an impact — can be adjusted to different sensitivity levels.
- Current sensors – Trigger the alarm when they detect changes in battery voltage or if a thief starts your bike.
These devices also typically include a two-way pager that allows you to monitor and control the system from afar, so you can confidently leave it unattended.
If you’re looking for a reliable motorcycle alarm, the Scorpio SRX-900 and the Gorilla Automotive 9000 are great places to start.
The More the Merrier
When preventing motorcycle theft, it pays to have multiple levels of protection.
The best security plan will include direct anti-theft measures like the grip lock, heavy-duty chain lock, or motorcycle alarm, and a backup like the GPS tracker in case the others fail.
Use this list of motorcycle anti theft devices to shop around and find ones that work best for you. It’s a worthwhile investment that pays in security and peace of mind!
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