Motorcycle Security Tips

Motorcycles are valuable, and for that reason, there will always be someone out there who wants to steal them. No one wants to lose their motorcycle, and it’s especially frustrating to have your bike stolen.

No matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to totally remove the possibility that your bike will get stolen. But if you follow a few simple rules and invest in the right equipment, you can greatly reduce the likelihood that a thief will be successful if they try. Motorcycle security is all about preparation and vigilance.

Here at America’s Motorsports, we want to make sure all our customers keep their bikes safe. We created this short guide to help you do that. Read on to learn more about motorcycle security, and when you need parts or maintenance for your bike, stop by our dealership and service center. We proudly serve the areas of Dickson and Clarksville, Tennessee.

House Vs. Apartment

The neighborhood where you live can make a big difference in how you approach motorcycle security. Unless you live on a big piece of property, you probably live in either an apartment or a house, and both of these locations present their own potential problems. Single family homes located in nice neighborhoods often give the impression of safety, and that’s one of the reasons thieves target them. If all the residents of an area feel safe, they might let their guard down and slip on their security measures. No matter how nice your neighborhood seems to be, you’ll want to be as vigilant as ever.

Apartment complexes have their own potential threats. If your apartment complex features outdoor parking, thieves might be attracted to it for the sheer volume of potential targets. Without getting out of their car, they can cruise the parking lot and look at dozens of vehicles to steal.

Where to Park

Choosing the correct parking spot is one of the best ways to keep your bike safe. If you do live in a neighborhood, try parking in your garage, backyard, or some other location that’s off the street and away from prying eyes. Keeping your motorcycle out of sight is the best way to keep it out of the gaze of thieves.

If you live in an apartment, you’ll want to park in the most high-traffic, well-lit spot you can. Of course, you may not have a choice of where to park if your parking spot is assigned. But if you do have a choice, try to find a place that offers no cover for a thief to hide behind. If you can locate cameras, park in plain view of one so that there is a record of everyone who comes near your bike.

If you live in a city, it might not be easy to find great parking options all the time. When possible, try to find off-street parking with cameras covering the area.

Physical Security Devices

Nothing beats a few pounds of case hardened steel for keeping a thief from making off with your bike. Physical security devices may be old-school, but they’re effective. A disc lock is a great option because it attaches to the disc brake. It’s extremely difficult to remove these locks without damaging the disc brake, and it makes it almost a guarantee that no one will be able to ride away with your bike. A steering lock is another good option. Steering locks lock the front forks in place, so the bike can’t be turned. Even a simple U-lock can be a good deterrent. Experienced thieves might be able to cut through it eventually, but it will make the process take much longer than it would otherwise.

Electronic Security Devices

A few modern security devices include motorcycle alarms and GPS tracking devices. The former will get triggered by any tampering with the bike, and they’ll draw many eyes to the prospective thief. GPS tracking devices are an even more modern device which sends out a GPS signal which you can track from your phone. If your bike gets stolen, simply locate it on the map and inform the authorities.

Keeping your bike safe is a crucial part of motorcycle ownership. Hopefully, this guide has offered you a few tips to make the process easier. If you’re in need of motorcycle security equipment, stop by America’s Motorsports. We proudly serve the areas of Dickson and Clarksville, Tennessee!