What Motorcycles Are Stolen Most

Top 5 Most Stolen Motorcycles in the USA: Is Your Bike On The List?

Motorcycle theft is a serious problem in the United States, with over 40,000 motorcycles stolen each year, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. In fact, motorcycle theft rates have been steadily increasing in recent years. As a motorcycle owner, it’s important to take steps to protect your investment and prevent theft. One of the best ways to do this is by understanding which motorcycle brands are most commonly stolen and taking appropriate precautions to secure your bike. In this article, we will discuss what motorbikes are most targeted by thieves, and what you can do to prevent motorcycle theft. Let’s dive in!

Honda — Most Stolen Motorcycle Brand

As a Honda motorcycle owner, it’s essential to understand your bike’s appeal to thieves. In 2018, a staggering 8,260 Hondas were stolen in the U.S., making it the most stolen motorcycle brand, as reported by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). This trend places Honda at the top of the list for motorcycle thefts. Your risk escalates if you’re in California, the state with the highest number of Honda thefts, according to data from Statista. Big cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are particularly notorious for motorcycle theft, making these areas high-risk zones for Honda owners.

During the summer months, the threat to your Honda increases significantly. In the U.S., June through August account for 32% of annual motorcycle thefts. Unfortunately, if your Honda is stolen, the chances of recovery are slim. NICB data reveals that less than half of stolen Hondas are ever recovered, with the recovery rate lingering around 46%. This underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard your motorcycle, especially in urban and high-risk areas.

• High Theft Rate: Honda motorcycles top the list of thefts with 8,260 stolen in 2018 in the U.S..
• Geographical Hotspots: California is the state with the most Honda thefts, with cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco being high-risk areas.
• Summer Vulnerability: 32% of motorcycle thefts occur in the summer months, June through August.
• Low Recovery Rate: Only about 46% of stolen Hondas are recovered, indicating a less than even chance of getting your bike back.

Yamaha

Yamaha’s prominence as a motorcycle brand is shadowed by its high theft rates. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), Yamaha motorcycles saw an uptick in thefts from 6,495 in 2019 to 6,812 in 2020. This increase is a clear indicator of the brand’s desirability among thieves. Yamaha stands out not just for its quality but also, unfortunately, for its appeal to criminals.

Thieves often target Yamaha bikes in urban environments. The NICB’s data suggests that densely populated areas, with their high visibility and easy access, are prime locations for Yamaha thefts. In these settings, the chances of a Yamaha bike being stolen are considerably higher. Additionally, the seasonal pattern observed in motorcycle thefts applies to Yamaha as well. During summer, particularly in the months of June through August, there’s a noticeable spike in thefts. This period accounts for a significant portion of the annual thefts, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance during these months.

• NICB Data: Yamaha thefts increased from 6,495 in 2019 to 6,812 in 2020, as reported by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
• Urban Theft Hotspots: Cities with dense populations are more prone to Yamaha thefts.
• Summer Surge in Thefts: The summer months see a spike in Yamaha thefts, aligning with the overall trend in motorcycle thefts.

These statistics from the NICB paint a concerning picture for Yamaha owners, especially in urban areas and during the summer months. Understanding these trends is crucial for Yamaha motorcycle enthusiasts and owners.

Suzuki

Suzuki, renowned for its high-quality and speedy GSX-R series, faces a persistent problem with theft. In 2019, a concerning 3,047 Suzuki motorcycles were stolen, a figure that rose slightly to 3,104 in 2020. These figures, provided by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), highlight Suzuki’s susceptibility to theft. The brand’s blend of speed and reliability seems to be a significant draw for thieves.

Like Honda and Yamaha, Suzuki bikes are frequently targeted in densely populated urban areas. These locations, with their easy accessibility and large number of potential targets, are hotspots for Suzuki thefts. The NICB’s statistics reflect this trend, showing a higher incidence of thefts in big cities. Additionally, Suzuki motorcycles are not exempt from the seasonal increase in thefts. The summer months, particularly between June and August, see a surge in motorcycle thefts, including Suzukis.

• NICB Statistics: There was an increase in Suzuki thefts from 3,047 in 2019 to 3,104 in 2020.
• Target in Urban Areas: Suzuki bikes, particularly the GSX-R series, are often stolen in large cities.

Kawasaki — Fourth Most Stolen Motorcycle Brand

Kawasaki, noted for its durable motorcycles that resist damage even in crashes, unfortunately, also ranks high on the list of most stolen motorcycle brands. In 2019, a worrying 3,073 Kawasaki bikes were reported stolen. Interestingly, in 2020, this number dipped slightly to 2,962. The source of these figures is the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), which tracks and reports on vehicle thefts across the U.S. Kawasaki’s robustness and high value make them appealing targets for thieves.

Despite their toughness and heavier build, Kawasaki motorcycles are not immune to the common patterns of theft. Like other popular brands, Kawasaki bikes are often stolen in urban areas where they are more exposed and accessible to thieves. These motorcycles, given their high cost and quality, are attractive to criminals looking for valuable items to steal.

• NICB’s Report: Kawasaki thefts numbered 3,073 in 2019 but decreased to 2,962 in 2020.
• Attractive in Urban Areas: Their toughness and value make Kawasaki bikes popular targets in cities.
• Seasonal Trends Apply: Like other brands, Kawasaki sees a rise in thefts during the summer months.

Harley-Davidson — Fifth Most Stolen Motorcycle Brand

Harley-Davidson, with its distinctive style and powerful engines, is not just a coveted brand among riders but also among thieves. In 2019, a significant number of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, totaling 4,737, fell prey to theft. However, in a slightly positive turn, this number reduced to 4,498 in 2020. These statistics are reported by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), highlighting the brand’s vulnerability to theft despite its fifth-place ranking in motorcycle thefts.

The unique appeal of Harley-Davidson bikes makes them a target, particularly in areas where they are more visible and accessible. Urban environments, with their higher population density and greater number of motorcycles, tend to see higher rates of Harley-Davidson thefts. The NICB’s data suggests that thieves often target these bikes for their resale value and distinct parts.

Moreover, Harley-Davidson motorcycles are subject to the same seasonal theft trends as other brands. The summer months, especially between June and August, are peak times for motorcycle thefts. This pattern holds true for Harley-Davidson, with an increase in thefts during these warmer months.

Preventing Motorcycle Theft

Now that you know which motorcycles are stolen most, it’s important to take precautions to protect your investment. So how can you protect your motorbike from theft? Below are some quick and easy tips to prevent motorcycle theft that you can implement today.

First, invest in a simple lock or chain. And when you park your bike, secure it to an immovable object, like a lamp post or a dedicated motorcycle anchor. This makes it significantly more difficult for thieves to make a quick getaway with your bike.

Another simple tip is parking in a well-lit area. Why? Most thieves prefer to operate in the shadows, so parking your motorcycle where there’s plenty of pedestrian traffic and good lighting can deter potential theft.

Adding an extra layer of security with an alarm system or a GPS tracker can also be a game-changer. If a thief attempts to tamper with your motorcycle, an alarm draws immediate attention, which is the last thing a thief wants. A GPS tracking device won’t prevent a theft, but it can significantly increase the chances of recovering your motorcycle if it’s stolen.

Lastly, comprehensive insurance coverage is something to seriously consider. While it may not prevent theft, it can provide financial protection against the loss. It’s a safety net that ensures you’re covered if your motorcycle is one of the most stolen models and it gets taken despite your best efforts to protect it.

By combining these methods, you create multiple layers of defense against motorcycle theft. Stay informed about which motorcycles are more likely to be targeted in your area and always remain vigilant.

FAQs About Motorcycle Theft In The United States

What Motorcycle Brands Are Most Stolen In The United States?

The top 5 most stolen motorcycle brands in the United States, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, are Honda, Yamaha, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, and Suzuki.

What Are Some Of The Most Common Methods Used By Motorcycle Thieves?

One of the most common methods used by motorcycle thieves is to simply pick up the motorcycle and load it onto a truck or trailer. Thieves may also use bolt cutters or other tools to cut through locks and chains securing the motorcycle. In some cases, thieves may also use electronic hacking tools to bypass the motorcycle’s security system.

What Can I Do Today To Prevent Motorcycle Theft?

There are several steps you can take to prevent motorcycle theft, such as parking your motorcycle in a well-lit and visible area, investing in a high-quality lock or chain, and installing an alarm system or tracking device on your motorcycle. It’s also a good idea to keep your motorcycle’s registration and insurance documents in a secure location.

What Should I Do If My Motorcycle Is Stolen?

If your motorcycle is stolen, the first step is to report it to the police. You should also contact your insurance company to file a claim. Additionally, you may want to post information about your stolen motorcycle on social media and online forums to increase the chances of recovery.

How Can I Find Out More About Motorcycle Theft Statistics and Prevention?

The National Insurance Crime Bureau provides annual reports on motorcycle theft statistics in the United States, as well as tips and resources for preventing motorcycle theft. The Motorcycle Industry Council also offers resources and information on motorcycle theft prevention.

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