Motorcycles are four times more likely to be stolen than cars. In fact, over the last decade, more than 40,000 motorcycle thefts have occurred per year in the U.S, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), with more than 54,000 stolen in 2022 alone.

For riders, that is more than just a shocking statistic; it symbolizes the possibility of stolen freedom, lost time and money, and the very real concern of being stranded somewhere, often far from home.

Fortunately, there are some simple, common-sense steps you can take to protect your ride, your trip, and your investment.

We created this short guide to help you enjoy your ride while keeping it safe.

The Growing Risk of Motorcycle Theft

Motorcycle theft is an increasing issue for riders, regardless of where they live or travel.

While theft rates vary slightly by region, motorcycle theft, in general, could be described as a crime of opportunity. Knowing what to look for and how to prepare can help your ride stay more secure.

Recent trends, as discussed above, suggest that the situation isn’t something new and it isn’t going away.

While thefts can occur anywhere, they tend to be more common in areas with higher population densities, where motorcycles exist in larger numbers and are frequently parked in public areas. Events such as motorcycle rallies are also prime targets due to the large number of motorcycles found in one place.

Certain times of the year can also have an effect, such as spring and summer when more people are riding, and around the holidays when people can be distracted, or may have purchased a motorcycle as a gift and haven’t secured it properly.

And while sport bikes tend to be targeted most often, all motorcycles are vulnerable. Precaution is your partner.

Common Theft Methods

Motorcycle theft has evolved, with thieves employing increasingly sophisticated methods.

Physical theft is still the most common and employs tactics much like the name suggests, with thieves stealing a bike typically by cutting locks or using tools to overcome physical security measures.

Electronic tampering has become a common way for thieves to gain access to some motorcycles. Thieves can disable alarms or bypass ignition systems, making them easier to steal without triggering alerts. And modern motorcycles with keyless systems can be stolen using a handheld device that electronically hacks the bike’s ignition system.

In addition, thieves often use trucks, lifts, or tow vehicles to haul stolen bikes for a quick getaway that seldom draws attention.

Simple Theft Prevention Strategies

Luckily, you can adopt good habits that can go a long way in reducing your theft risk. Starting with the basics, locking your motorcycle is a must.

When you turn off the key, make sure your ignition and forks are locked – if so equipped – before you remove the key. Using a disc or rotor lock, which we discuss more below, are both great ways to add extra security for your bike.

Where You Park Matters

Don’t underestimate the importance of your parking spot.

After all, the easier it is to access your bike, the easier it is to steal. When you’re at home, parking inside a garage that is well-lit and equipped with surveillance cameras is one of the best ways to prevent theft. Blocking your bike with a vehicle in the garage adds to security, as does locking the garage door.

In public, parking in well-lit, high-traffic areas is crucial, as thieves tend to target motorcycles parked in isolated or poorly lit spaces.

Grouping your motorcycle with other bikes can also make it less of a target –and if you’re travelling with friends, locking bikes together further reduces the risk of theft. If you’re traveling alone, anchor your motorcycle to a fixed object, such as a heavy-duty bike rack or pole.

For overnight or long-term parking, secure your bike to a stationary object like those mentioned above. If you’re spending the night at a hotel, locate an outdoor security camera and park your bike in the camera’s view. If that’s not possible, park your bike close to your room and use any additional security measures available to you. Making these measures automatic go a long way toward keeping your bike yours.

Physical Theft Deterrents

Some of the most traditional approaches to deter theft are still the most effective. In addition to using the ignition and fork locks mentioned above, using strong, visible locks makes a world of difference in keeping your motorcycle safe. 

Chain locks are an excellent deterrent, especially when combined with a ground anchor like a post or light pole, and by placing the lock in a way that makes it difficult for thieves to cut or break.

Disc locks, which lock with a pin through a hole in the rotor disc, and rotor locks, which lock through the rotor itself, are both great ways to secure your bike and prevent thieves from simply rolling it away. These types of locks can also feature alarms that offer ever greater security.

Tech-Enabled Theft Prevention: Battery-Powered Alarms and Trackers

Speaking of alarms, modern alarm systems for motorcycles have become more advanced, incorporating features like those listed below that are popular with motorcycle owners.

Aside from the sirens, which can deter thieves, battery-powered alarm systems allow you to stay connected with your motorcycle in real time. Many systems offer smartphone apps and connectivity that sends you notifications – or even lets you shut off your bike – if it’s moved or tampered with.

Some systems also include GPS tracking, which can help law enforcement track the bike’s location if it’s stolen.

For riders who use their bikes daily, it’s important to choose an alarm system that is reliable but not overly sensitive. For long-term storage, a system that includes movement sensors, impact detectors, and an alert system can provide added peace of mind.

Regardless of which system you choose, make sure you have a battery you can rely on and keep it fully charged so it works when you need it most.

How to Disable Your Motorcycle Safely

You can also add a hidden disconnect or “kill” switch to disable the electrical or ignition system of your bike. A limitation of this method is that organized motorcycle thieves often use trucks or lifts or simply wheel them away to a second location. However, the kill switch method can deter those seeking an easy opportunity.

Combining this method with other physical security measures like a rotor lock is crucial for improving your motorcycle’s security.

License Plate and VIN Protection

License plate and VIN tampering is becoming an increasingly significant issue, especially with the rise of automated toll systems that rely on license plate recognition.

Protect your motorcycle’s license plate by using security bolts or tamper-proof screws to prevent easy removal and unwanted fines.

While we’re on the subject of identity, VIN etching — engraving the VIN number onto key parts of the bike — can help protect it by making it more difficult for thieves to resell it or its parts, as well as make it easier for you to recover your bike and potentially save money on insurance.

What to Do if Theft Happens

Despite all precautions, theft can still occur. If your motorcycle is stolen, the first step is to contact the police and file a report.

If you have an alarm system with GPS tracking, use your app or contact the company to track the bike’s location and share it with law enforcement.

Additionally, inform your insurance company about the theft and provide them with all relevant information about the bike, including the VIN and a description of the theft.

Additional Resources

Get the most out of the motorcycle lifestyle and the batteries that protect it. Check out these great links:

• Can I Buy Yuasa Batteries on Amazon?
• Essential Motorcycle Safety Tips
• How to Prepare for a Long-Distance Ride
• Selecting the Proper Vehicle Battery
• CCA Guide: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?
• Battery Maintenance & Storage
• How to Extend the Life of Your Battery
• Proper Battery Disposal

Protecting Your Motorcycle

There is no single best way to protect your motorcycle from theft. By remembering to use built-in security measures like fork locks and combining multiple security methods instead of relying solely on one, you can reduce the risks and increase the enjoyment riding delivers.

If you have any questions about how your battery can power theft deterrent systems, how to get its capacity tested, or even where to find a replacement battery, use the Find a Dealer tool on our website. Happy riding.

For over 45 years, Yuasa Battery has been manufacturing powersports batteries to uncompromisingly high standards, making them the largest American manufacturer and distributor of batteries for motorcycles, snowmobiles, scooters, all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, and personal watercraft.