Motorcycle Thefts
02/09/08 12:49 Filed in: Industry News
After posting our newest top ten list for new motorcycle riders, I decided to check out how many motorcycles are stolen each year. YIKES, what an eye opening experience. The top 5 bikes stolen are:
1. Suzuki
2. Honda
3. Yamaha
4. Kawasaki
5. Harley Davidson
Obviously, most thefts are for sport bikes (Thank God!).
The top five states are:
1. California
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. North Carolina
5. Ohio
North Carolina? I don't get that one. How scary are these stats! The interesting part of this research was that the majority of the thefts were from professional theft groups. So how do we protect our rides?
First of all, lets not make it too easy for them to steal it. I know of one technique that blew me away: they simply use a truck with a lift gate, put a mattress on the lift gate and push the bike over on it. Lift the lift gate, pull the mattress with the bike into the truck and drive off. Ignition kill switch and steering wheel lock do not deter this.
To prevent this, be sure to chain your bike to something stationary, even another bike if possible. Although this will not stop a determined thief, it may make them think twice and go after someone else's bike instead of yours.
LoJack has a motorcycle recovery program now for motorcycles.
As more and more people purchase motorcycles to commute to work, you can bet that thefts of motorcycles will increase. I would also be wary of parts sold on-line from questionable sellers. Many of these parts could be stolen. Buyer beware!
1. Suzuki
2. Honda
3. Yamaha
4. Kawasaki
5. Harley Davidson
Obviously, most thefts are for sport bikes (Thank God!).
The top five states are:
1. California
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. North Carolina
5. Ohio
North Carolina? I don't get that one. How scary are these stats! The interesting part of this research was that the majority of the thefts were from professional theft groups. So how do we protect our rides?
First of all, lets not make it too easy for them to steal it. I know of one technique that blew me away: they simply use a truck with a lift gate, put a mattress on the lift gate and push the bike over on it. Lift the lift gate, pull the mattress with the bike into the truck and drive off. Ignition kill switch and steering wheel lock do not deter this.
To prevent this, be sure to chain your bike to something stationary, even another bike if possible. Although this will not stop a determined thief, it may make them think twice and go after someone else's bike instead of yours.
LoJack has a motorcycle recovery program now for motorcycles.
As more and more people purchase motorcycles to commute to work, you can bet that thefts of motorcycles will increase. I would also be wary of parts sold on-line from questionable sellers. Many of these parts could be stolen. Buyer beware!