Owning a motorcycle comes with unparalleled freedom and thrill. Whether you're a commuter in the middle of Auckland’s traffic or a sports biker chasing adventure on the South Island’s winding roads, one thing’s for sure: protecting your motorcycle from theft is crucial. New Zealand sees its fair share of motorcycle thefts, and taking proactive steps can help ensure your pride and joy stays yours. 

The importance of keeping vigilant and following these practical motorcycle security measures

Whilst we recognise the importance of having comprehensive motorcycle insurance, here at Assurant we want to outline some practical motorcycle security tips specifically tailored for New Zealand riders, whether you’re parking in the city or exploring the countryside. Using a combination of security measures will also help keep theft at bay, rather than just relying on one form of security.

1. Invest in Quality Locks

Remember to always lock your bike up, no matter the time in between your rides. It’s better to take the extra five minutes to take some locks off, than to call the police and wait for them to get there.

A sturdy lock is your motorcycle’s first line of defence. Look for: 

  • Disc Locks: These are compact and attach to your brake rotor, making it difficult to move the bike. These are compact and light to carry with you.
  • Chain Locks: Use a heavy-duty chain lock to secure your bike to an immovable object like a bike rack or pole. 
  • U-Locks: These provide robust security for locking wheels. 

You should consider spending a little extra on locks that are made from hardened steel and are approved to recognised security standards. 

2. Parking Wisely

Choosing the right parking spot can make all the difference. Aim for well-lit, high-traffic areas where your bike is visible to others. Use secure designated motorcycle parking spots (often found in cities like Auckland and Wellington) when available.

The majority of theft claims that Assurant deal with are where the motorcycle has been taken from public places such as a carpark or on the street. 

For residential parking: 

  • Use a garage whenever possible. 
  • If you must park outside, position your bike close to your home, under lighting or the watchful eye of a security camera. 

Tip: Consider installing a ground anchor in your garage or driveway to secure your motorcycle even when at home. 

3. Install an Alarm System

Motorcycle alarms are an excellent way to deter theft. Many systems now include motion sensors, shock detectors, and even GPS tracking. When the alarm is triggered, the loud sound can scare off potential thieves and alert nearby people. 

Recommended Security Options for NZ Bikers: 

  • Immobiliser technology to prevent the engine from starting without the correct key. 
  • Smart mobile alerts through tracking systems. 

4. Cover Your Bike

A simple yet effective tool in your security arsenal is a motorcycle cover. Keeping your bike covered makes it less noticeable and discourages opportunistic thieves from targeting it. Opt for covers with locking grommets that can be secured with a small lock. 

The casual bike thief doesn’t know what’s under there, especially if the cover is long enough to hide the wheels. Plus, using a plain cover suggests a plain motorcycle and doesn't advertise what sort of bike it is, which a branded cover would.  

Bonus? A good motorcycle cover also protects against New Zealand’s unpredictable weather! 

5. Use Motorcycle GPS Trackers

Should the worst happen, a GPS tracking device increases the likelihood of recovering your bike. These compact devices can track your motorcycle’s location in real time, allowing you to work with the police to retrieve it. 

Some of these can even send alerts to your phone when your bike is moved without authorisation. 

6. Mark Your Bike

Consider marking your motorcycle and its parts with identification numbers or microdots. Microdot technology involves spraying your bike with thousands of tiny, uniquely coded dots that make it easily traceable if stolen. Police in New Zealand can check for this technology, making marked parts harder for thieves to resell. 

7. Be Careful with Online Activity

Posting photos of your bike on social media may seem harmless, but revealing specific details like your license plate or location can attract unwanted attention. Keep posts vague or ensure privacy settings are in place to limit who can view your content. 

Being vigilant when buying or selling your bike is also key, especially through the likes of Facebook Marketplace.

8. Join a Community

Motorcycle communities are a great way to stay informed about local theft hotspots, common scams, and general security tips. Joining groups or local riding clubs can help you stay connected and alert. 

Tip:  When parking with a group, secure your bikes together, making them harder for thieves to tamper with. 

9. Stay Alert

Sometimes, staying vigilant is your best defence.

Thieves often have a “shopping list” quota they need to fulfil. Keep your eyes peeled for any unusual activity or people you don’t recognise near your home or normal place of parking. Bike thieves are likely to scope out a potential target before they strike, however this means they have to do their homework and visit the location several times beforehand. 

If someone seems to be loitering near motorcycles, report it to local authorities. 

Final Thoughts

Securing your motorcycle doesn’t have to be a hassle. Whilst each of the steps outlined above alone may not be enough to save your bike from being stolen, with the right mix of physical deterrents, technology, and common sense, you can significantly reduce the risk of theft. Start by layering your defences, from employing locks to using GPS trackers and alarms. 

Plus, your bike isn’t the only thing that can be stolen. Be careful with easily removable accessories too.

Essentially don’t make a thief’s job any easier for them. The more problematic you make it for them the more likely they are to simply move on.

At the end of the day, your motorcycle is more than just a machine; it’s part of your lifestyle. Protect it, and you’ll have peace of mind every time you hit the road. Ride safe, New Zealand! 

You also want to ensure that you are comprehensively insured should the worst happen. Assurant’s motorcycle insurance is an Agreed Value policy, and Full Cover includes apparel cover, 24/7 roadside assistance, track day cover, and many other benefits. Check out Assurant’s Motorcycle Insurance Policy Wording to learn more.  Don't hesitate to contact Assurant if you have any questions. 

Get an Assurant motorcycle insurance quote today, to find out how quick and easy it is to insure your motorcycle with Assurant.