Thieves love targeting desirable and valuable things, and motorcycles most certainly fit the bill on both counts. Motorcycle theft is common and if you haven't been a theft victim yet, that doesn't mean it will never happen to you.
Thieves come in many varieties, from opportunistic joy riders to professionals who sell their stolen goods. This means that any motorcycle is a target regardless of its type or age. While you can't completely eliminate the possibility of theft, you can reduce your risk by following these tips.
Keep Your Motorcycle Out of Sight
Keep your motorcycle in your garage. Thieves aren’t likely to steal something if they aren't aware of its existence. If you must leave it in the open, use a cover. This makes it more difficult for a thief to assess the worth of your bike and prevents him from bringing the right tools in advance.
Use Several Locks
Layer up your protection by using different types of locks. Lock the ignition and use combinations of disc, fork or steering locks. Use a brightly colored disc lock to deter the opportunistic thief. Attaching your bike to a solid and stationary object with a cable through the bike frame prevents thieves from hoisting it onto a truck.
Don't Keep Important Documents on Your Bike
Keep your motorcycle title at home and your registration and insurance ID on your person. There is no safe place on your bike for these important items.
Park Your Bike in a Conspicuous Place
When staying overnight away from home, park your bike in a well-lit conspicuous area. Park in front of a security camera if possible.
Lock Several Bikes Together
When traveling with friends, lock your bikes together. In addition, lock each bike independently to further enhance security.
Rig a Kill Switch
People have difficulty dealing with the unexpected, and thieves are no exception. Rig an ignition kill switch in a hidden place on your bike. Even taking out the main fuse is enough to confound many thieves.
Protect yourself by securing your bike from theft and purchasing a motorcycle insurance policy that covers any incidents that may happen.
We’ve got you covered. Call Ten Eyck Group at 518-464-0059 for more information on Albany motorcycle insurance.