Motorcycle Theft Recovery: How to Recover a Stolen Bike? (2024)

A flood of emotions occurs the moment you realize someone stole your motorcycle. At first, you might feel shocked. That quickly turns into panic, which eventually evolves into anger.

How could someone steal your motorcycle? What can you do to get it back?

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The first step toward motorcycle theft recovery is to provide the police with specific details about your motorcycle. You’ll need the following items for the report.

  • The license plate number attached to your motorcycle.
  • The make and model of the bike that the thief stole.
  • Where someone took it, and when the theft happened – to the best of your knowledge.

If you don’t have that information immediately, take a few moments to gather it before filing your report. The police will give you a number afterward that lets you notify your insurance company.

Table of Content

  • FAQ About Motorcycle Theft Recovery
    • Can Motorcycles Get Stolen Easily?
    • How Often Do Motorcycles Get Stolen?
    • What Are the Chances of Recovering a Stolen Motorcycle?
    • Can I Take My Stolen Bike Back?
    • What Do Thieves Do with Stolen Motorcycles?
    • How to Track a Stolen Motorcycle
    • Do Police Recover Stolen Bikes?
    • What to Do If You See Someone Riding Your Stolen Bike?
  • Motorcycle Theft Recovery: Is There Anything Else I Can Do?

FAQ About Motorcycle Theft Recovery

It is possible to have a motorcycle stolen and recovered. Different security features, including aftermarket tracking devices, allow owners to send information to law enforcement so that thieves get found, arrested, and hopefully convicted.

If someone stole your motorcycle recently, here are the answers to common questions that others have in that situation.

Can Motorcycles Get Stolen Easily?

Motorcycles are relatively easy to steal since they don’t typically come with alarms or security features that prevent someone from taking them. Since they’re relatively small and lightweight compared to vehicles (but with a similar, if not greater price), some thieves just bring a trailer and load the bike onto it.

The best way to prevent theft is to lock your steering and ignition. It is still possible for thieves to take it, but they’ll need to work harder to take your bike. Parking in public locations, using wheel locks, and investing in a movement alarm can reduce your personal risks of having the motorcycle stolen.

It also helps to keep your keys on you instead of having them stay with the bike or sit in a locker to prevent theft.

How Often Do Motorcycles Get Stolen?

About 45,000 motorcycles are stolen in the United States each year. Although that figure has declined in recent years, it has stayed relatively consistent for over two decades.

Hondas are stolen more than any other brand. About twice as many are taken compared to Harley-Davidsons. Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki are also popular motorcycles to target.

California experiences the most thefts each year, totaling about 8,000 reports. Florida is second, with approximately 4,200 reported incidents. Texas, New York, and South Carolina also see more problems with this issue than any other state.

What Are the Chances of Recovering a Stolen Motorcycle?

Approximately 46% of stolen motorcycles are eventually recovered. The first few days after the theft are the most important in mounting a successful recovery effort. Since bikes are relatively easy to take apart, they’re scrapped quickly to make money from the different parts and components.

Report the motorcycle missing as soon as possible. Get a copy of that paperwork and file it with your insurance company to get the ball rolling on the recovery effort.

Can I Take My Stolen Bike Back?

Although you can take your motorcycle back if you find it theoretically, the best option is to contact local law enforcement with the information about where it is. If you trespass onto someone’s property, you could be charged with a crime.

When you spot the motorcycle in a public space, like parked on the street, your recovery efforts associate with fewer potential consequences. The thief could have a weapon or know where you live, so there are always risks associated with this action.

What Do Thieves Do with Stolen Motorcycles?

Thieves can use trailers to steal motorcycles. Even after engaging the headlocks or using chipped keys, you can push a bike into a van or load it on a trailer to take it.

That’s why equipping a motorcycle with an anti-motion alarm is helpful. Without this tool, a thief hoists the bike into the truck or trailer, drives it to their shop, and cuts the locks.

Another common technique is to steal your motorcycle while you’re using it. A group of thieves might run into your bike, force you to stop, then leave you on the side of the road.

It is also possible to hot-wire a motorcycle, although this technique is less common with modern key fobs.

How to Track a Stolen Motorcycle

Motorcycle theft recovery often begins with a tracking mechanism installed on the bike. Different tools and tags connect to smartphone apps, producing data that enables owners to send information to local law enforcement.

Security camera footage helps to track and identify motorcycle thieves. You can send this information to the police with your tracking data.

If a thief wants a quick payday, they might try selling your motorcycle to a local pawn shop or through an online listing. Look for descriptions that match your bike, then carefully contact the information if you find something that could be yours.

Do Police Recover Stolen Bikes?

File a report with your local police or sheriff’s office as soon as you know your motorcycle is gone. The faster this process starts, the more likely you will recover a stolen bike. Although the percentages are low compared to the other things thieves take, you’ll give yourself the best chance to avoid a complete loss with this step.

Your insurance company will want to see a copy of the police report if you process a claim.

If you locate your motorcycle, contact police officers to start the recovery process to ensure your safety.

What to Do If You See Someone Riding Your Stolen Bike?

If you notice someone riding your motorcycle in public, the first step is to call the police. You can choose to dial 911 in the US or another local emergency services number. If you don’t want the incident treated as an emergency, you can call the police station directly to file a report.

Try to provide as much information about the person, place, and time as possible.

It might be tempting to chase someone who has your motorcycle, but that decision could lead to unwanted consequences. If you do follow, try to keep your distance and avoid confrontation with the individual.

Motorcycle Theft Recovery: Is There Anything Else I Can Do?

From creating a stolen motorcycle thread on social media to alerting friends and family that your bike is gone, you can create an in-person and online network that keeps an eye out for it.

Although a motorcycle stolen and recovered is not a guaranteed outcome, it is possible when you act quickly.

Suppose you filed an insurance claim that your policy paid, a stolen motorcycle that the police recover becomes the insurance company’s property. The exact procedure varies, but you might receive an offer to repurchase the bike if you haven’t purchased a new one.

Contact your insurer immediately if the motorcycle is recovered during the claims process. That will halt the process and allow for a damage assessment.

Motorcycle Theft Recovery: How to Recover a Stolen Bike? (2024)

FAQs

What happens if stolen bike is found after insurance claim? ›

Sometimes, a bike is found after you have gone through the entire claims process of a total loss. In this case, the insurance company will be the owner of the motorcycle. This is because you transferred your title during the claims process.

Can you claim for stolen bike? ›

Make a claim for bike theft on your insurance

Once you have filed a police report for your stolen bike, you should be able to make a claim on your bike insurance if you have any.

What happens to all the stolen bike wheels? ›

What do thieves do with all the front bicycle wheels they steal? They sell them to unscrupulous bike stores, who then sell them to the people who are missing their bikes' front wheels.

What do bike thieves do with stolen bikes? ›

What do bike thieves do with stolen bikes? Bike thieves have the equipment to cut locks and intend to resell stolen bikes at a price close to their “fair market value.” Criminals like typically steal bikes from the streets and sell them on online markets to get the most money.

How can I track my bike location? ›

The most comprehensive tracking product, Rover Bike is a discreet motorcycle tracker that once fitted to your bike, lets you see where it is through on a secure portal! Rover Bike tells you the LIVE locations of your Bike on map, with direction as well as speed.

How do you check if a bike has been reported stolen? ›

BikeChecker is a FREE service for people purchasing second-hand bikes who wish to check the status of a bike on the BikeRegister Database. Thieves often try to sell on stolen bikes in the quickest and easiest way. This can often be through classified ad sites or indeed 2nd hand bike stores.

Do bikes have theft insurance? ›

A stolen bicycle is typically covered for its actual cash value, minus your deductible, under personal property coverage through your homeowners insurance, condo insurance, or renters insurance policy. Some insurers may have a sub-limit – for example, $1,500 – for bicycles.

Are motorcycles covered by home insurance? ›

Bikes are covered by the personal property coverage component of your homeowners insurance policy. That means if your bike is vandalized or damaged in a fire or storm, you'd be able to file a claim with your insurance company.

What parts of a bike can be stolen? ›

Wheels, saddles, and accessories are the most commonly snagged items, but ultimately no part of your bicycle is safe, not even your co*ckpit.

How to claim bike insurance? ›

If your bike has met with an accident and needs repair work, you have to contact your insurance company. An authorised representative will be sent to evaluate the amount of damage caused to the bike. He will later have your insurance claim registered. You will then be given a claim registration number.

Which bikes get stolen the most? ›

The Top 10 Most Stolen Motorcycles in 2023
  1. Honda – 1,939 in 2019/20 VS 1,545 in 2020/21: ...
  2. Yamaha – 1,572 in 2019/20 VS 1,326 in 2020/21: ...
  3. Suzuki – 815 in 2019/20 VS 742 in 2020/21: ...
  4. Kawasaki – 880 in 2019/20 VS 644 in 2020/21: ...
  5. KTM – 599 in 2019/20 VS 596 in 2020/21: ...
  6. SYM – 338 in 2019/20 VS 325 in 2020/21:

Why do thieves steal bikes? ›

One major contributing factor to the increase in bike theft is that it's just so easy for criminals to get away with it. A bicycle's very nature makes it an easy target for theft: they are lightweight and simple to disassemble, making them easy to transport.

What bike parts are stolen the most? ›

The top priority is passing the lock through the frame, then the rear wheel and front wheel last. If your bike will be locked in an area known for bike theft, consider a second lock to secure the wheels to the frame and the primary lock to secure the frame (and possibly the rear wheel) to the rack.

What do bike thieves look for in a bike? ›

What Do Bike Thieves Look For? Bike thieves are looking for a quick getaway. So will target bikes that are secured with combination locks or other cheap flimsy-looking bike locks. They will settle for any bike, it doesn't even have to be expensive-looking.

How do thieves cut bike locks? ›

Cutting: Thieves use tin snips, bolt cutters, hacksaws, and angle grinders to cut their way through locks and chains.

Can police track stolen bike? ›

Report your bike stolen to the police

The local police have a good handle on the area and may be able to trace your bike within minutes. It's not uncommon for the police to spot the thief riding your bike. Once reported, the police will give you a crime reference number.

How can I track my stolen motorcycle? ›

6 Things You Can Do to Track Your Bike Down if It's Stolen
  1. Use security cameras. ...
  2. Visit the flea markets, used bikes shops and pawn shops to look for your stolen bike. ...
  3. List your bike as stolen. ...
  4. Spread the word within your social media networks that your bike has been stolen. ...
  5. Report to the police. ...
  6. File an insurance claim.

Can you look up a bike by serial number? ›

Searching serials on Bike Index

When searching for a serial number, use our serial search bar - it's the second bar on our search form. We've done a few things to make it more likely that you'll find the bike you're looking for.

How can I find my stolen bike by serial number? ›

You can use online websites and load the serial number you found on the bike. In this way, you can see whether the bike is recorded stolen on the bicycle database website. You can use BikeIndex.Org or BikeRegistry.com, a stolen bike registry if you are in the United States.

Is there a database of stolen bike serial numbers? ›

There are several stolen bike registries available, including Bike Index, Garage 529, and local equivalents. To sign up for one of these registries, you will need to provide information about your bike, including its make, model, and serial number.

Is bike theft a problem? ›

A bicycle is stolen every 30 seconds in the United States. That's roughly two million bikes a year, totaling about $350 million . To give you some perspective, less than one million motor vehicles are stolen each year in America. Bicycle thefts might be even higher than what's reported.

How are bikes usually stolen? ›

There are a variety of methods of stealing bikes. If the bike is locked to an insecure structure such as a small sign or tree, the thief is able to lift the bike along with its lock off of the structure. A thief may use a bolt cutter, hacksaw, or angle grinder to cut through the bicycle lock.

What does claiming a bike mean? ›

A claim is a way to purchase the bike for double the MSRP, not to get someone disqualified. Star says Deegan did not have a full pro bike, but even full pro bikes are legal to race at Loretta's. Of course, you run the risk of that bike being claimed for pennies of its value…

Why is Geico motorcycle insurance so expensive? ›

Location – With a few exceptions, motorcycle insurance tends to cost more in northern states. This is because the riding season in those states is shorter. In Southern California, for example, the riding season is basically 365 days a year.

Does homeowners insurance cover dirt bike theft? ›

Your dirt bike is most likely not covered by your homeowners insurance policy, and neither is a motorcycle or ATV. Even if your dirt bike is stored inside your home, garage or shed on your property, it will most likely not be covered if it is damaged or stolen.

What is a rider on a home insurance policy? ›

A rider allows you to pay extra to broaden your standard coverage. Take personal property coverage, for instance. It may limit coverage for certain valuables, such as jewelry.

What bikes are least likely to be stolen? ›

A study by Progressive Insurance Companies confirms that cruiser-type motorcycles, especially small ones, are crashed and stolen less frequently than sportbikes.

What is a bike vault? ›

BikeVAULT allows you to store your bike's details to help police find it, if stolen. You can log your bike for free.

How do I make my bike less stealable? ›

Make sure to always lock up the rear wheel along with the frame.” For those who are extra-cautious, it might be a good idea to use two locks: a classic U-lock for the bike frame, and a chain or cable lock that can be threaded through both wheels. Location is also super important.

What is the claim amount of insurance? ›

Definition: Claim amount is the amount paid by the insurance company either on the maturity or upon the death of the life insured. In case of maturity, the claim is paid to the insured but in case of death claim, the amount is paid to the beneficiary or the nominee declared under the policy.

What is bike insurance? ›

What is Bike Insurance? Bike Insurance is type of financial protection for your two wheeler which covers the expenses for damages to your vehicle or third party due to ana ccident or natural calamities​​.​

Do you get no claims on bike insurance? ›

Yes. You will have the opportunity to protect your accumulated no claims discount with a motorbike insurance policy. However, most insurers will only offer PNCB if the proposer has 4 years +.

What motorcycle is the hardest to steal? ›

Hence, forget stealing it, even owners find it difficult to take it off the stand and ride it. Indian Roadmaster: Why it won't be stolen:Yet another heavy and huge bike. You've really got to weigh more than 100 kgs and measure more than 6 feet in height to ride it normally.

What is the most commonly stolen motorcycle? ›

Most stolen motorcycle makes in the United States in 2019
CharacteristicNumber of thefts
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.8,122
Yamaha Motor Corporation6,495
Harley Davidson, Inc.4,737
American Suzuki Motor Corporation4,686
9 more rows
Oct 6, 2021

Where do motorcycles get stolen the most? ›

Of those almost 52,000 motorcycles stolen, less than half have been recovered with the NICB study indicating that only 42% were found. California leads the nation once again with 9,345 stolen rides. Not too far behind is Texas (4,263), Florida (3,698), New York (2,662), and Washington state (1,947).

What stops people from stealing motorcycles? ›

Lock your ignition and remove the key. Most bike thefts occur when the ignition is shut off, but not locked. Lock the forks or disk brakes with locks that have large, brightly colored tags. If traveling with other riders, lock motorcycles together when not in use.

Why are motorcycles so easy to steal? ›

Unlike a car, motorcycles can be moved into the back of a truck or van. Motorcycles have a substantial resale value, making them a more attractive target for thieves. Motorcycles have fewer barriers to thieves. For example, a criminal would have to break into your car through a window or door to get access.

Should you confront bike thieves? ›

If your bike gets stolen, stay calm. Alert the police, social media, the bike theft register, and local bike shops. For your safety, never try to confront the bike thief yourself.

What color bike is least likely to get stolen? ›

Less desirable bikes are less quick to be bought and therefore less likely to be stolen. A bad colour brown or bright pink or luminous green and purple bike might be deterrents!

What is the most valuable part of a bike? ›

When it comes to how your bike fits, rides, handles and reacts, the frame is the most important physical part of the bike. The frame is also usually the most expensive part of the bike and the most involved to replace.

What to do if someone locked their bike to yours? ›

Call the Police

Keep in mind that the police will want some form of proof of ownership, so try to keep something on you that proves that the bike is yours just in case this happens. Once they have confirmed it's yours, they can help you break the lock and help you if anything else needs to happen with the other person.

Why is bike theft so common? ›

It's so easy to get away with it

One major contributing factor to the increase in bike theft is that it's just so easy for criminals to get away with it. A bicycle's very nature makes it an easy target for theft: they are lightweight and simple to disassemble, making them easy to transport.

How often does your bike get stolen? ›

A bicycle is stolen every 30 seconds in the United States. That's roughly two million bikes a year, totaling about $350 million . To give you some perspective, less than one million motor vehicles are stolen each year in America.

How do I contact Lyft Citi Bike customer service? ›

If you're still having trouble, contact Citi Bike customer service at 1-855-BIKE-311 or via support form, supported by Lyft.

Do police care about stolen bikes? ›

You might think the police will do nothing. You might think it's a waste of time. But the fact is that almost half of stolen bikes are eventually recovered by the police. And the only reason that just 5% of stolen bikes are returned to their owners is that the police can't link the bikes to the owners.

What bike lock pays for bike if stolen? ›

KNOWN AS ATPO

Created by Kryptonite in 1978, the Anti-Theft Protection Offer is a program that reimburses registered customers for a specific monetary amount in the event their bicycle/motorcycle is stolen due to the opening or breaking of the lock by force.

Can you call a locksmith for a bike lock? ›

Call locksmith

While this may seem like an unnecessary expense, it is actually much cheaper than purchasing a new bike lock. In most cases, the locksmith will be able to open the lock in less than 5 minutes, so you can be on your way.

What type of motorcycle gets stolen the most? ›

Question: Why is Honda the most stolen motorcycle brand? Because of the sheer amount of Honda motorcycles available on the market. Being one of the most popular motorbike brands in the world means more Honda's are stolen more than the average.

Where do most stolen motorcycles end up? ›

Stolen motorcycles can go anywhere. Some can go to a chop shop where they are taken apart and sold for parts, some just end up stacked in storage space, or even repainted and resold. There are also the few that get reported as junked to insurance companies.

How are motorcycles usually stolen? ›

How do thieves steal motorcycles? Sometimes it's as easy as throwing a leg over and riding away. The thief walks up to your bike, disables anti-theft devices and locks, jump starts the engine and hits the road with your bike. It just takes one person who can get dropped off or take a bus to get within walking distance.

Is Citi Bike owned by Lyft? ›

Lyft is the operator of the Citi Bike program in New York City and Jersey City. Which means Citi Bike bicycles are now available on the Lyft app, starting at just $4.49 per ride. Whether you're going that first mile or that last mile, bikes are a fun, affordable way to get around town.

Is Citi Bike provided by Lyft? ›

Get unlimited 45-minute rides with a membership
MembershipSingle Trip
Cost for additional time17¢ per minute26¢ per minute
Single Trip
Included ride time (per trip)45 minutes30 minutes
Unlock fee$0$4.49
20 more rows

Can you get a Citi Bike with Lyft? ›

As a Citi Bike annual member, you are able to link your membership to your Lyft account, allowing you to access bikes straight from the Lyft app. Each bike ride is included with your Citi Bike membership, up to 45 minutes.

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