Motorcycle & Gear Security for Travel

On October 28, 2015, the National Insurance Crime Bureau released a report on United States motorbike thefts.  In 2014, there was a total of 42,856 thefts reported, compared to 45,367 in 2013, a decrease of six percent. Great news, especially as motorcycle sales increased by four percent in the same period.

The top 5 motorcycles stolen (by manufacturer):
1. Honda
2. Yamaha
3. Suzuki
4. Kawasaki
5. Harley Davidson

Most motorcycle thefts occurred in August (4965) and the fewest were in February (1978) indicating a weather influenced pattern, which remains consistent with previous years.

With the cost of many motorcycle models now being $20,000 US or more, they have become a valuable target for thieves. The stolen bikes are either sold whole, stripped down for parts resale or reconstructed in to another motorcycle. Many parts, including frames, can be easily altered and reused. As such, there is a low recovery rate for stolen motorcycles, approximately 25-30 percent. 

Wanting some great answers on bike security, we figured the best place to turn to were the people who ride, the experts who have travelled to many different destinations in the world, and who would have the experience first hand on how to protect your motorcycle and gear from thieves. 

Sam Manicom is an adventurer and author that has travelled extensively. He completed an eight year and 200,000 mile (322,000 km) motorcycle adventure around the world, through 55 countries. 
www.sam-manicom.com

Graham Field has been travelling for over 25 years. Overland motorcycle travel is his passion. He’s travelled around the world, and has written several books about his experiences.
www.grahamfield.co.uk

Grant Johnson is a world traveller and co-founder of Horizons Unlimited, an information hub for motorcycle travel. 
www.horizonsunlimited.com

Shirley Hardy Rix & Brian Rix have been on several extended motorcycle adventures around the world and are the authors of several books. 
www.aussiesoverland.com.au