Motorcycle security

No one wants to become a victim of motorcycle theft and another statistic recorded on a crime list database. With this in mind, we must try to minimise the risk to ourselves. The following security advice may help to achieve this objective.

Marking

Is your motorcycle permanently marked?

The main problem police have when they find a bike or part they believe to be stolen, is to identify them. Marking your bike may help convict a thief or handler of stolen parts. Any form of marking is better than none. Use an ultra violet pen to mark body panels, seats and engine components, or even better, fit a Datatag or Alpha Dot security marking system, both of which are recognised by the major motorcycle insurance companies.

Datatag

Yamaha UK Ltd
Sopwith Drive
Brooklands
Weybridge
Surrey KT13 0UZ
Tel no. 01932 358039

Alphadot

Alpha Scientific Ltd
2 Stroud Wood Business Centre
Frogmore
St Albans
Hertfordshire AL2 2YY
Tel no. 0845 7573329

Secondary security

While permanent marking is vital, you should always use some form of secondary security.

You should not just rely upon the ignition or steering lock fitted to the machine from the manufacturer. Most are inadequate and are relatively easy to overcome. Always use an additional form of security such as a good lock and chain, brake disc lock or a good alarm and immobiliser system.

Lock and chain

Due to the size and weight of these products generally, they are more suited to home or garage use, but, if possible try to carry one on the bike.

Never carry a chain around your shoulder/waist or carry a brake disc lock in your pocket. Serious injury could occur if you are involved in an accident. Use a lock and chain to anchor your bike to a solid object such as another vehicle, lamppost or fence. Fit a good quality lock and chain in this manner and it will give the professional thief a difficult time in trying to steal your bike.

At home, the installation of a ground anchor is a very good idea, because the machine will spend long periods of time unattended. These devices are either concreted or securely bolted in place. Either way they should be made a permanent fixture.

Brake disc locks

These can be used as an addition to a good lock and chain. Used on their own they will generally deter joy riders, but the professional thief will either break the lock off at the scene or load your bike into a van and deal with the disc lock at his leisure. Brake disc locks used with another form of security can do some good, but do not rely on them solely to protect your bike.

Alarms and immobilisers

These generally fall into two categories, the DIY and the professionally installed. There can be a massive difference in price between the two products.

Professional systems will on average cost twice as much as the DIY varieties but there may be the added benefit of reduced insurance premiums or lower excesses, and ultimately peace of mind with a professionally installed alarm and immobiliser. Many professionally installed units are now recognised and even approved by some manufacturers. This may be of benefit if your bike is covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

Many insurance companies now offer good discounts on either policies or theft excesses, if the products are Thatcham approved. If you are in any doubt about what product to purchase, ask your broker about recommended products. Look for “Thatcham approved” or "Sold Secure" recommendation labels on the product. Thatcham is the insurance companies appointed body responsible for setting motorbike security standards.

DIY systems may be cheaper but insurance companies are not known for offering incentives or recognising the self installed variety. These systems can be easily installed providing the installer has a modicum of mechanical electrical knowledge. Their worth as a deterrent should not be ignored as they offer a reasonable form of secondary security.

Remember, even if you cannot afford the best, cheaper products do offer a level of deterrent to a thief and these could make the difference between spending the summer with or without your motorcycle.