According to all the latest reports, motorcycle theft shows no sign of abating any time soon, with more than 18,000 motorcycles registered with the DVLA as stolen in the year up to May 2023. It is said that the majority of these were scooters or small-engined bikes. However, don’t think that just because you own a large bike – whether that be a cruiser, sports bike, trike or adventure bike – that your machine is not vulnerable to theft.
There are several options available to the motorcycle owner wishing to protect his or her bike including mechanical theft deterrents such as locks and chains and high-tech options like smartwater. One of the best deterrents you can get is a GPS tracker, which tells you where your bike is at all times. GPS trackers for motorbikes are devices which use the global positioning system to determine its precise location. Not only that, a GPS motorbike tracker offers the best chance of retrieving your bike should the worst happen. If you’re wondering which GPS tracker is the best option for you to consider, get help from a company that knows all there is to know about motorbike trackers.
GPS trackers offer several features aimed at enhancing security, convenience and peace of mind for motorbike owners. Here is why you should consider having a motorbike tracker fitted to your machine.
Functionality
GPS motorbike trackers work by getting signals from GPS satellites to pinpoint your bike’s exact location in real-time. This information is then transmitted to a centralised server or accessed by you through a smartphone app.
Features
- Real-time tracking allows you to monitor the location of your bike through a mobile app or web-based platform and to receive an alert if unauthorised movement is detected.
- Geofencing allows you to set up a virtual boundary around a specific area and alerts you if your bike exits or enters the set zone.
- Some advanced motorbike trackers offer a remote engine shut-off which disables the engine in case of attempted theft. A tamper alert in some trackers will notify you if the device is interfered with or removed from the motorcycle although a professional GPS tracker installer will put the device in a place on the bike where it is least likely to be found.
- Speed monitoring is a feature in some trackers for those who wish to keep track of their riding behaviour.
- A battery alert function will alert you when the motorcycle’s battery is running down or is disconnected; a useful feature if your bike is in the workshop.
Some motorbike trackers even offer an SOS button facility which, when activated, for instance in the event of a crash, sends a message to the emergency services.
The different types of motorbike trackers
Hard-wired trackers are installed directly into the motorcycle’s wiring system to give a permanent installation. Battery-powered and magnetic trackers are portable and attach to the bike without wiring. They can be moved around to other bikes if needed and rely on a rechargeable battery for power. OBD devices plug into the bike’s OBD (on-board diagnostic) port, and these can provide reminder alerts for vehicle maintenance and diagnostics. To find out which motorbike trackers would suit you, get help from an expert installer who can advise on whether the tracking device you choose is compatible with your motorcycle.
Also be aware that many GPS motorbike trackers come with a range of services that require a regular subscription in order to access their features and functions.
Overall, GPS motorbike trackers are a valuable addition to the security and safety of your bike, providing you choose the right one, so it’s essential to do your research with a reputable provider.
People also read this: Growing Your Wealth: 7 Safe Saving and Investing Strategies
