Hogs are easy to steal. We’re not talking about pig thieves—robbers steal motorcycles off the street and out of people’s garages because the owners don’t secure them properly. If you own a motorbike, you probably already know some tips to protect your motorcycle from theft. No one wants to lose such an expensive vehicle.

Whether it’s your retirement bike or a recreation hobby you’ve enjoyed all your life, motorcycles are more than transportation. For many, they are a way of life, but the adventure can end if someone steals your motorbike. Cover your bases by doing everything in your power to protect your bike. Check out these tips and tricks.

Always Lock Your Motorcycle

You don’t want to learn the hard way that your bike can get stolen in an instant. Always lock your bike, whether you’re at home, a friend’s house, or out and about. The time it takes to secure your ride is worth making sure you don’t lose it.

Take Out the Keys

It’s tempting to leave your bike on with the key inside if you need to run back into your home or a business quickly. Maybe you forgot something or are picking up a delivery order. Even in a public area with many witnesses, you should take the time to secure your motorcycle.

Pro-Tip

Don’t hide your keys on your bike. It’s not always convenient to have them in your pocket—especially if you’re worried about dropping them—but it’s better than a thief finding them.

Use Quality Locks

Don’t use a regular bike lock for your motorcycle. Motorbikes are prized higher than bicycles and need better protection. Thieves can easily break cheap locks and take your hog in an instant. In addition to using the steering lock, the best types of locks to get for a motorcycle include:

• Disc locks
• U-locks
• Alarm locks
• Chain and ground anchors

Attach the Lock to Something Heavy

Locking your wheel or steering mechanism may deter someone from driving off with your bike, but it won’t stop professional thieves from grabbing it and hauling it away. They may put it in a truck or room you can’t access if you don’t attach your lock to something heavy. Use a cord to connect the lock to a light pole, tree, or other immovable objects.

Lock Bikes Together

If you ride in a group, lock your bikes together when you park. Thieves will have a hard time steeling multiple motorcycles, whether they want to haul or drive them away.

Create a Mechanical Deterrent

It’s difficult for someone to get away with your motorcycle quickly if it doesn’t work. Consider making a quick mechanical adjustment that prevents the bike from running when you park it. Even if someone can figure out what’s wrong and fix it, it may give you time to uncover someone trying to take your bike. Common mechanical deterrents include:

• Loosening a spark plug
• Shutting off the gas
• Pulling a fuse

Conceal a Kill Switch

A kill switch is a special button you must press to start your bike. Hide it so only you know where it is, then only you can start your bike. Thieves may know to look for one, but it will take them a while to find it, which buys you time during a heist.

Install an Alarm

While people are used to hearing car alarms, you can install one on your motorcycle that’s unique to you. Find a sound you’ll recognize so that you know when someone is tampering with your bike. Alarms may startle a thief, and they can alert people nearby that someone is trying to steal your motorcycle.

Park in a Well-Lit, Visible Spot

Parking your motorcycle in public is risky. Try to choose a well-lit area, regardless of whether you park it in a lot or garage. Don’t make it look like you’re hiding your bike or like you’ve abandoned it. If your bike is in a well-lit area when someone tries to steal it, you have a better chance of seeing them.

Park Your Bike in Your Garage

Especially when you are at home, park your motorcycle in the garage. It’s less likely to get stolen if no one can see it. If your garage has windows, cover your bike with a tarp or park it between your vehicles.

Be Vigilant

Wherever you are with your bike, keep a close eye on it. Check on your vehicle every so often to ensure it’s still there and that no one has tampered with it. Further, make sure no one follows you home when you’re riding your motorcycle. People often find bikes to steal by following people to their homes and coming back later in the night.

Don’t Advertise Your Motorcycle

It’s tempting to tell all your friends about your new hog. You may want to post about it on social media too. Still, it’s a common mistake to advertise your prized possessions. Even people you think are your friends may turn against you or give the information to someone with bad intentions. Don’t show off your motorcycle and risk getting hurt because someone wants to take it from you.

Acquire Motorcycle Insurance

While insurance won’t stop someone from taking your bike, it can protect you in the aftermath. Ensure your plan includes comprehensive coverage, and you’ll receive money if someone steals your bike. Comprehensive coverage also covers damages caused by fire, vandalism, and storms. Like car insurance, you must have motorcycle insurance.

Follow these tips to protect your motorcycle from theft so that you don’t lose the vehicle that makes driving fun again. Use multiple quality locks, park your bike in a well-lit area, and attach locks to heavy items. Be vigilant about your surroundings and who you inform about your hog. The more safety features you install on your bike, the lower your insurance provider may set your premiums. Find the best provider when you work with a trusted agent that has your best interests in mind. Contact Saferoad Insurance for a quote to determine how much you’ll spend on motorcycle insurance in southern California.