Anyone who owns a motorcycle will know that these vehicles can be relatively easy to steal, especially if they are not properly secured, because they are a highly sought after valuable and cost-effective vehicle to have. For example, motorcycle tyre prices in Sri Lanka are much cheaper when compared to buying other types of tyres online through online tyre shops in Sri Lanka. These are lightweight and can be lifted or pushed by a group of people into a van or a truck, which makesthem attractive targets for thieves. However, if you take the necessary precautions and secure your vehicle properly, you can greatly reduce the chances of it being stolen. Some tips for securing it include:
● Use a high-quality lock: Use a high-quality lock, such as a disc lock or a U-lock.
● Use a chain: You can also use a chain to secure it to a fixed object, such as a lamppost or a bike rack.
● Use a cover: Using a cover can make it less visible to potential thieves, which can help deter them from stealing it.
● Install an alarm: Installing an alarm can also help deter thieves and alert you if someone is attempting to steal.
● Park in a safe location: When parking, try to park in a well-lit area with high foot traffic, or in a secure garage or parking lot.
What is the right way to store your motorcycle securely?
Storing your vehicle securely is important to protect it from theft and damage. Here are some tips on how to store your bike securely:
1. Choose the right location
Choosing the right location to store it is important for keeping it safe for several reasons.
Firstly, a secure location can deter potential thieves from stealing it. Storing your motorcycle in a garage or a storage unit, for example, can make it less visible to passers-by and less accessible to thieves. If your bike is parked outside, it is more likely to be stolen, especially if it is in an area with little foot traffic or a high crime rate.
Secondly, storing your motorbike in a dry location can help protect it from environmental factors such as rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Moisture and humidity can cause rust and corrosion, and extreme temperatures can damage the battery, tyres, and other components of your motorcycle. Storing it indoors can help protect it from these elements and keep it in good condition.
Lastly, choosing the right location can help protect it from damage caused by accidents or collisions. Storing it in a secure location can reduce the chances of it being accidentally hit by a car, for example, or knocked over by someone walking by.
2. Use a cover
Cover your motorcycle with a good quality cover to protect it from dust, debris, and other environmental factors. This can also help to deter potential thieves by making it less visible.
● Protection from the elements: A cover can help protect your bike from the elements, such as rain, snow, and UV rays from the sun. This can help prevent rust, corrosion, and fading of the paint and other parts.
● Deterrence from theft: A cover can also act as a deterrent to potential thieves. A covered vehicle is less visible and may be perceived as being more difficult to steal, making it less of a target for thieves.
● Protection from scratches and dings: It can help protect your motorbike from scratches, dings, and other types of damage caused by accidental contact with other objects or people.
● Privacy: A cover can also provide a level of privacy, particularly if it is parked in a public area. This can help prevent people from tampering with it or taking photos of it without your permission.
3. Secure your motorcycle
Securing your motorcycle when storing it is important to prevent theft and damage. Here are some steps to take to properly secure your bike when storing it:
● Use a lock: Use a high-quality lock, such as a disc lock or a U-lock. Make sure the lock is secured to a sturdy part of the vehicle, such as the frame or a wheel.
● Use a chain: You can also use a chain to secure your motorcycle to a fixed object. Make sure the chain is strong and durable, and that it is secured to a sturdy part of the motorcycle.
● Use a cover: Cover your motorcycle with a good quality cover to prevent it from being visible to potential thieves. This can help deter theft and protect your motorcycle from damage caused by the elements.
● Choose a secure location: Choose a secure location to park or store it, that is not easily accessible to potential thieves. A garage or a storage unit is a good option. If you must store it outside, choose a well-lit and populated area.
● Remove valuables: Remove any valuables, such as helmets or electronics before storing it. This can help prevent theft and damage to these items.
● Check on your motorcycle: Regularly check on your vehicle to ensure that it is still secure and has not been tampered with. If you notice any signs of damage or attempted theft, report it to the authorities immediately.
4. Drain the fuel tank
Draining the fuel tank prior to storing it is a recommended practice to help prevent issues that can occur when fuel is left in the tank for extended periods. Here are some reasons why:
● Stale fuel: Fuel can break down over time and become stale, losing its effectiveness as a fuel. This can cause starting problems and affect the performance of your motorcycle. Draining the fuel tank helps prevent stale fuel from being left in the tank for extended periods.
● Fuel contamination: Fuel can also become contaminated over time, especially if it is left in the tank for an extended period. Contamination can occur from dirt, debris, and moisture that can accumulate in the tank. Draining the fuel tank helps prevent contamination from occurring.
● Corrosion: Fuel can contribute to corrosion inside the fuel tank if left in the tank for an extended period. Corrosion can cause damage to the fuel tank and affect the performance of your motorbike. Draining the fuel tank helps prevent corrosion from occurring.
● Safety: Fuel can be a potential fire hazard, especially if it is left in the tank for an extended period. Draining the fuel tank helps reduce the risk of fire and increases safety when storing it.
5. Use a battery tender
If you are storing the bike for a long period of time, use a battery tender to keep the battery charged and in good condition. Using a battery tender is a recommended practice to help maintain the battery's health and ensure that it is ready to go when you are ready to ride again. Here are some reasons why:
● Battery life: A battery tender can help extend the life of the battery. When a battery is left unattended for an extended period, it can lose its charge and may become damaged. A battery tender keeps the battery charged, which can help extend its life.
● Easy start-up: When you are ready to ride again, a battery tender ensures that the battery is fully charged and ready to go. This can make starting the motorbike much easier and prevent starting issues that can occur from a weak or dead battery.
● Maintenance-free: A battery tender is a maintenance-free solution that requires minimal effort on your part. Simply connect it to the battery, and it will automatically charge and maintain the battery's charge level.
● Cost-effective: A battery tender is a cost-effective solution to maintain your battery's health. It is much cheaper than having to replace a damaged or dead battery.
6. Check on your motorcycle
Regularly checking on your vehicle when it is being stored is important to ensure that it is safe and in good condition. Here are some reasons why:
● Theft prevention: It can help deter potential thieves. If you notice any signs of tampering or suspicious activity, you can take action before your motorcycle is stolen.
● Damage prevention: It can help prevent damage caused by environmental factors. For example, if you notice that the cover has been blown off, you can replace it to prevent rain or debris from getting on the motorcycle.
● Maintenance: Helps you identify any maintenance issues that may have occurred during storage. For example, you may notice that the battery has died, or the tyres have lost air pressure.
● Peace of mind: Provides peace of mind, knowing that it is safe and in good condition. This can help reduce stress and anxiety related to the storage of your motorcycle.
By following these tips, you can store your motorcycle securely and protect it from theft and damage.