Protecting Your Bike

Motorcycle security may not be your top priority now, but if your bike gets stolen, you'll wish you thought more about it from the beginning. Whether you have a brand new sport bike or an ancient bagger, you'll figure out exactly how much you miss your bike when it's gone. On the other hand, learning a few tips for keeping your bike safe can help you deter any would-be thieves. Here at Barnes Bros. Motorcycles and Off-Road, we know that you value your motorcycle because we value our own. We've developed this brief guide to give riders the best chance to outsmart thieves. Stop by our Canonsburg, Pennsylvania location to check out our selection our collection of motorcycles and accessories.

Understand the Challenges of Your Neighborhood

Every neighborhood has different challenges when it comes to motorcycle security. Apartment complexes are often a favored destination of thieves because they bring together so many potential targets. Finding a target with weak security is much easier when you have dozens of cars all gathered in one spot. If the thief is clever, he or she can actually use the constant flow of traffic as cover by hiding in plain sight. On the other hand, residential neighborhoods aren't necessarily much safer. Thieves understand that people in residential neighborhoods will tend to have more money so they can afford nicer bikes. And it's easy for people in neighborhoods to grow lazy with their security. If you think your neighborhood is quiet, you probably won't be as vigilant to make sure your bike is completely locked up and secure.

Parking the Safe Way

No matter what kind of neighborhood you live in, you face threats. You'll need to identify what those threats are, and figure out the best way to park in order to minimize them. If you're living in an apartment, consider investing in off-street parking. Many apartment complexes have parking garages for a raised fee. Otherwise, try to find a private parking garage. If neither of these tips are options, invest in a motorcycle cover. This will help keep the eyes of strangers off your bike.

When it comes to parking your motorcycle, out of sight is out of mind. If you live in a residential neighborhood, parking your bike in your garage is a great way to get it off the street. Parking in your back or side yard can be a good idea too, especially if you have tall fences that prevent people from seeing your bike. But even once you've got your bike out of sight, you'll want to follow your other safety measures.

Lock it Up

A quality lock can really discourage a thief. It's important to remember, though, that not all locks are created equal, so this isn't the time to go cheap and save a few bucks. Find a lock made of hardened steel and if you're going to use a chain, make sure it is well-reviewed and tough. The last thing you want is to lock your bike up with a chain only to have a thief walk up with a pair of bolt cutters and ride away with your bike. Also, you'll need to make sure you feed the chain through the chassis or some other part of your bike that can't be removed. You should also invest in a high-quality disc lock. Disc locks attach to the disc of your motorcycle and prevent the wheel from turning. Up top, make sure to always use your steering lock. U-type locks can be a great locking mechanism, as they are extremely difficult to cut through.

Modern Security Measures: Alarms and Tracking Devices

If you want to go high tech, there are many devices on the market to make your bike more secure. Alarms have been around for years and are more sensitive than ever before. For best results, you might want to get the alarm professionally installed. You can also get a GPS tracking device. These small devices report your bike's location back to your phone or computer. If your bike gets stolen, you can track where it ends up. The police can then recover it.

Hopefully this guide gave you a few things to think about on the road to better bike security. Always be smart with the way you park, and use physical locks to keep it secure. Use an alarm if you want, and invest in a tracking device if you want to make sure you can always get your bike back. Here at Barnes Bros. Motorcycles & Off-Road, we want to help you keep your bike safe. Stop by our Canonsburg location if you live in Washington or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and let us help you get set up so you can outsmart the thieves time after time.