As specialist motorcycle accident solicitors we have often shared tips on how to stay safe whilst on a motorcycle, including our infographic about motorcycle road safety and motorcycle injuries in the UK.
However, one aspect that an increasing number of motorcyclists are having to face when it comes to safety and security, is the security of the motorcycle itself.
In this post, we’ll be sharing our top tips to help improve the security of your motorcycle, including how to choose the right lock for your motorcycle as well as steps you can take to keep your pride and joy safe at home and elsewhere.
A rising problem
According to BikersUnited over 30,000 motorcycles and mopeds are stolen annually, and this number is set to rise again. According to statistics accrued by – VisorDown, motorcycles are stolen for two key reasons, the first being to sell-on or strip the motorcycle down and sell its parts. The second reason is to enable criminals to commit further crimes using stolen motorcycles.
In order to keep your bike as safe as possible, there are three things to consider which we will detail below.
Where is your motorcycle kept when not in use?
One of the best deterrents for thieves is to not have your motorcycle in view. It sounds simple, but as most motorcycle thieves are often opportunists and thrive on speed, keeping your motorcycle locked in a garage is one of the best ways to ensure its security.
However, we recognise that not every motorcyclist has the luxury of a lockable garage. For those without one, it is recommended you install a ground anchor somewhere on your property. This offers a more secure solution to simply chaining your motorcycle’s wheels to each other the frame of the bike itself.
Keeping your motorcycle out of sight, even if it isn’t in a garage, and using a floor anchor and looping lock or chain can dramatically improve the security of your motorcycle when you’re at home.
However, every motorcyclist doesn’t just keep their motorcycle at home. One of the key reasons to own a motorcycle is the joy it brings when you ride it, but when it’s time to take a break, where do you leave your pride and joy?
Again, the key thing to remember is the steps you should take when you’re at home and you don’t have a garage. Look for something you can lock your motorcycle to. Communal cycling racks are perfect as they are anchored to the ground and have materials that are extremely difficult to break down for thieves.
Alternatively, there are other stationary objects such as lampposts or bollards that you can use, however, don’t use objects like these if they may block public walkways, roads or throughways.
What kind of lock do you need?
On average it takes approximately 20 seconds to steal a motorcycle worth £10,000 if it isn’t stored securely.
There is a myriad of options available for motorcyclists looking to improve the security of their motorcycle with a new lock.
As a general rule, D-Shackles are seen as the most effective, with many motorcyclists opting to use a D-Shackle alongside a heavy-duty chain to tie the motorcycle to a ground anchor or immovable object.
If you are using a D-Shackle and chain to secure your motorbike, here are some key things to consider.
Keep the space between the lock, chain, and motorcycle to a minimum as this will reduce the area a potential thief has to work with. By ensuring the security components are kept close together a potential thief has less chance of forcing the lock.
The police also recommend using a chain with a thickness of at least 16mm as you would need heavy duty hardware such as an angle grinder to cut through them. Chains that are at least 16mm thick are usually unable to be broken by manual bolt cutters.
A motorcyclist also needs to consider what material their chain is made from. The strongest materials usually used in chains of this nature are usually carbon, manganese steel or boron.
However, whilst you may be tempted to select the heaviest chain and lock in order to offer maximum protection, this strategy can often pose problems when you need to transport the chain and lock when you need to use your motorcycle to travel.
You also need to purchase the right security equipment that is suitable for how you travel on a motorcycle. Make sure you have somewhere to store your lock and chain. Under seats is often a good option, however, if this isn’t a feasible option for you then panniers offer excellent additional storage options.
How safe is the lock?
As we have already touched on, there are many different lock manufacturers in today’s market, however, not all locks are made equal.
Whilst some locks may look like a bargain on the surface, in most cases, you get what you pay for.
When searching for your security equipment you should always use a trusted manufacturer and supplier, after all, it’s your very expensive pride and joy you’re looking to protect.
The best option when it comes to motorcycle locks is to search for the Sold Secure Gold Standard Locks. This is an industry recognised certification and is the highest award a lock can be given. The certification ensures the lock has been tested thoroughly and will be one of the best ways to protect your motorcycle.
Conclusion
We hope that these three tips will help you make a more considered purchase when you are next looking to invest in security components for your motorcycle.
Our specialist motorcycle solicitors have a great passion for motorcycles. Our team harness this passion when they represent their clients who have been involved in a motorcycle accident.
If you’ve been involved in a motorbike collision or know of a loved one who has that may benefit from the assistance of our team, don’t hesitate, get in touch today.
We are a Macclesfield based firm, however we have a national presence and an unrivaled Catastrophic Injury team who not only do all they can to secure the financial compensation you may seek following a motorcycle accident, they also ensure you and your family get the emotional support and medical treatment you may need to ensure the best recovery possible is made.
To speak to a member of our team, please call 0800 1970 345 or complete our online enquiry form.
