Tips to stop your motorcycle being stolen

If you own a motorcycle, then it has to be one of your most prized possessions which you would protect at all cost. These days, with the current economic situation, theft is a common problem, and this does not limit itself to jewellery, cash etc, but extend to much larger items like cars and bikes. Some thieves in go so far as to only steal certain parts of a vehicle, such as its tyres, which they can sell later on, and with the current motorcycle tyre prices in Sri Lanka you can’t really afford to let that happen. Whether you can buy tyres in Sri Lanka is not the issue, but the huge cost involved with replacing stolen parts.

So, what do you do? How can you prevent your motorcycle (or its parts) from being stolen?

Lock it and chain it

While stealing a car or other four-wheeled vehicle can be difficult, since it is locked from the inside, motorcycles and scooters are quite exposed, which is why they are most likely to be stolen. This is why using a D-Lock on the wheels or a Disk Lock on the brake is very important. The wheel locks prevent someone from wheeling your bike away.

You can also secure it using a chain lock, that will fasten it to an immovable object like a metal fence. In addition, you can also buy a bike cover to cover it up, because after all, out of sight is out of mind, and seeing it is a form of temptation to steal for a thief. These covers are available at fairly affordable prices.

Never leave the keys in the lock

One of the most reasons for bikes to get stolen is that the owner leaves the keys in the lock when they stop somewhere and get off. This not only make sit easy for the thief, but is rather careless on your part, if you do it, and there is no excuse you can give for the loss of your vehicle. If you have to stop your bike and go somewhere, make sure that you remove the keys and keep them in your pocket or purse.

Install a security alarm

Motorcycles themselves and their spare parts like tyres for sale in Sri Lanka can be very expensive, and selling off stolen parts is a lucrative business. We have heard of security alarm systems for cars and other bigger vehicles, but for a bike? Yes, of course! A motorcycle alarm is one of the most effective ways of deterring a thief from stealing your bike, because no sooner it starts making a loud sound and alerting anyone in close proximity to it, the thief will abandon it and run.

These types of alarms can be a bit on the expensive side, and you will need a professional to install it. However, the benefits you get will far outweigh the cost.

Motorcycle lockers

Some companies sell motorcycle lockers, where you can store bike in when it is at home. These lockers are protected with secure locking systems, so that thieves cannot get into them and steal your precious vehicle.

Property marks on parts

Marking your bike’s parts will help prevent those specific parts from being stolen, and even if they are, you may be able to quickly locate them and catch the thief as well. Thieves may try to sell the parts, like tyres to certain second-hand spares shops, and although you may think that these are the reliable shops, you may find the markings of stolen property. This is why this method is so good at tracing back stolen items. Remember, when you need to get parts for your bike, don’t go to these shady outlets, but get them from online tyre shops; the tyre manufacture’s online stores.

Park your bike in a well-lit place

It is common knowledge that most thieves will not steal something if it is in a well-lit place where anyone can see them and catch them in the act. Hence, if you have no garage to park your bike, choose a well-lit, populated place to park your bike.

Install a motorcycle kill switch

Technology has advanced so much in recent times, that most newer models of motorcycles come out of the assembly line with a kill switch included. If not, it is quite easy to get one installed too. A kill switch will prevent electricity from reaching the spark plugs, which will stop the bike’s engine from starting. Thee kill switches are generally hidden and not visible, otherwise it would lose its purpose.

What to do if your bike is stolen

Even with all the precautions taken, sometimes you cannot a prevent a theft at all, and that is the reality of it. So, what do you do if your motorcycle gets stolen? One of the most important things, is to act fast. As soon as you find out that your bike has been stolen, contact the police and make an entry for the stolen bike. Make sure you have all the bike’s details with you, as well as the circumstances under which it has gone missing.

Once you have filed a police report, you will also need to contact your insurance agent and inform them regarding the theft. You may have to provide the with a copy of the police report as proof. Generally, insurers will wait some days for an update before giving you instructions on how to proceed further, in the event that the bike is never found.

Some people also go on social media asking for information from anyone who may have either witnessed the theft or seen the bike in particular. This is also a good tactic to use to try and locate your vehicle again.