100% motorcycle theft protection: the insider tips that every biker should know
Riding a motorcycle is a passion shared by many people around the world. But the joy of riding can quickly be dampened if your beloved bike is stolen. It is therefore crucial to take effective measures to protect your motorcycle.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find out everything you need to know about the best theft protection for your motorcycle. We take a look at mechanical and electronic security devices and give practical tips on choosing the right parking space and using insurance.
Note that this article is not only aimed at motorcyclists, even though we often use this word. If you own a scooter or a chopper, you can also benefit from the following tips and tricks.
The MYCOVER® team explains!
Mechanical fuses
Mechanical locks are essential protective measures that provide physical barriers against theft. They are usually made of robust materials such as hardened steel and are designed to make it considerably more difficult to use tools to manipulate or destroy your beloved machine. These fuses are not only indispensable for everyday use, but also ideal if you are planning to winterize your motorcycle or leave it for the winter.
- Brake disk lock
- These locks are compact and easy to transport. They are attached to the brake disk and lock the wheel so that the bike cannot be moved. Brake disc locks from ABUS are particularly secure, as they often have a high level of security and therefore protect your bike even more. Brake disk locks are an excellent anti-theft device for your motorcycle and are one of the motorcycle gift ideas that no biker should be without.
- Chain lock
- Chain locks are ideal for chaining the motorcycle to a fixed object. Most models use an extremely strong, specially hardened steel chain that is very difficult to cut.
- U-lock
- U-locks are robust and offer a high level of protection against tampering. A high-quality model offers excellent theft protection thanks to a wide steel shackle and the modern locking cylinder.
- Folding lock
- A folding lock is a compact and robust security lock. It is easy to transport and offers a high level of protection against theft as it is difficult to cut. It is a practical solution for motorcyclists to securely fasten their vehicle to fixed objects. A folding lock is a useful addition to other security measures, especially in winter when the motorcycle has to spend the winter.
- Cable lock
- A cable lock is a flexible security lock that consists of a braided steel cable. It is lightweight and easy to transport, which makes it ideal for motorcyclists. Despite its flexibility, it offers sufficient protection against opportunist thieves, but is a poorer form of protection as it is usually easy to cut. It is therefore better to use it only as additional protection.
- Ground anchor
- The ground anchor is a security element that is firmly anchored in the ground and provides a stable attachment point for chains and locks. This anchor is particularly useful if you want to winterize your motorcycle and need to park it safely in one place for a longer period of time. Combine it with a winter-proof Motorcycle covers to optimally protect your bike from the weather and theft.
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ABUS CITYCHAIN™ 1010129,95€Incl. VATplus shipping
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ABUS GRANIT™ Detecto XPlus 8077 brake disc lock with alarm “Motorcycle test winner”159,95€Incl. VATplus shipping
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ABUS GRANIT™ Extreme 59 / 180HB310 U-lock229,95€Incl. VATplus shippingDelivery Time: approx. 3-5 days
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ABUS GRANIT™ WBA75 wall and floor anchor69,95€Incl. VATplus shippingDelivery Time: approx. 3-5 days
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ABUS BORDO™ 6500A SmartX folding lock with alarm and Bluetooth app249,95€Incl. VATplus shippingDelivery Time: approx. 3-5 days
Electronic fuses
Although the mechanical locks are very robust, they lack the electronic component, which is why thieves could still manage to steal your bike without your knowledge. That’s why you can find out below how you can make your bike even more secure.
Electronic security systems are modern protection measures based on technology to prevent theft. They use sensors, alarm systems and GPS tracking to provide a higher level of security. These systems can deter potential thieves by immediately sounding an alarm or notifying you in the event of tampering.
- GPS tracker
- A GPS tracker is a modern solution for keeping an eye on your motorcycle at all times. Some of these trackers offer real-time tracking and notify you immediately if your bike moves. A user-friendly app allows you to check the location of your bike at any time.
- Alarm systems
- Alarm systems deter thieves and draw attention to an attempted theft. There are various systems, from alarms integrated into the lock or motorcycle to retrofit alarm boxes such as the ABUS alarm box, which reacts sensitively to movement and triggers a loud alarm.
- Surveillance cameras
- Install surveillance cameras in your garage or parking space. Modern cameras offer motion alarms and allow you to see what’s going on on your smartphone at any time. Models with night vision and high resolution are particularly effective.
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ABUS alarm box59,95€Incl. VATplus shippingDelivery Time: approx. 3-5 days
Secure parking space
Secure parking spaces provide an additional layer of protection for your motorcycle by making access more difficult for thieves and improving surveillance. Protection is not only needed directly on the motorcycle, but also around it. You can find out what options are available to you in three short points.
- Guarded parking spaces
- If possible, park your motorcycle in a guarded parking space. Parking spaces with video surveillance, neighborhood surveillance or security personnel offer additional protection.
- Covered parking spaces
- A covered parking space such as a garage, parking garage or carport not only protects against the weather, but also makes access more difficult for thieves.
- Characteristics of a good pitch
- Make sure that the parking space is well lit, clear and easy to see. Secure your bike to a fixed object to prevent it from being carried away. Or attach a wall/floor anchor to ensure a secure connection.
Insurances
Insurance offers financial protection in the event of theft or damage to your motorcycle. They ensure that you are not stuck with the costs in an emergency and therefore offer an additional safety net.
- Theft insurance
- Good theft insurance is essential in order to be financially protected in the event of theft. Providers such as Allianz and Nürnberger offer specialized insurance policies for motorcycles that include theft protection.
- Additional insurances
- Consider whether you would like to take out additional insurance such as GAP insurance or motorcycle accessory insurance to also cover accessories and special equipment.
Practical tips
Finally, we’ll give you a few important tips that should ensure the ultimate safety of your bike. Although many people take these points for granted, they can be essential for the safety of your bike in an emergency.
- Combination of fuses
- The best protection for your motorcycle consists of a combination of different security systems. Use both mechanical and electronic security systems to make life difficult for thieves.
- Regular review
- Check all fuses regularly and make sure that they are working properly. Electronic fuses in particular should be tested regularly.
- Reduce visibility
- Cover your motorcycle when you’re not using it. A Motorcycle covers not only protects against the weather, but also reduces visibility for potential thieves. The robust and cut-resistant material also offers additional protection. This is one of the best motorcycle gift ideas for any biker who wants to get their bike safely through the winter.
Ultimately, the more security measures you take, the better protected your motorcycle is against theft. Invest in high-quality security and choose the right parking space to preserve the long-term enjoyment of your motorcycle.
Questions about theft protection
Which type of anti-theft device is the best?
A combination of different security systems offers the best protection. Mechanical security systems such as chain locks and steering wheel locks in conjunction with electronic security systems such as GPS trackers and alarm systems are particularly effective.
How do I choose the right anti-theft device?
The right anti-theft device for your motorcycle depends on various factors, such as where you park it, the type of lock and your personal security requirements. To help you make the best choice, we recommend our motorcycle lock advisor. There you will find detailed information on the different types of locks, their security features and useful tips on how to protect your motorcycle optimally.
Are locks with an alarm effective?
Yes, definitely. The locks are not only made of robust material but also trigger a very loud warning sound when touched. On the one hand, this scares off potential thieves and on the other hand, you can hear it if you are close enough.
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