GPS Tracker For A Motorcycle

Brian F.
GPS Tracker For A Motorcycle

GPS TRACKER FOR A MOTORCYCLE

Motorcycles are much easier to steal than cars because they're much more exposed. For example, you don't have to break any windows to get inside the mechanics of a bike.

Motorcycle owners face unique challenges in keeping their vehicles safe. In 2020, the FBI reported 46,467 motorcycles stolen. These motorcycles were stolen for various reasons, ranging from thrill to transportation, to the need for quick cash. Unfortunately, keeping your bike under supervision doesn't mean you're safe. More than half of motorcycle thefts in the US occur when the vehicle is on or near the owner's property.

As you can see, bike theft is a very real problem. Many new motorcycle owners don't know what to do with this information. If you're in this position, you may be asking, "What steps can I take to protect my motorcycle?"

Well, we know just where to start.

WHAT IS A TRACKING DEVICE?

A tracking device is a portable unit that can provide a Global Positioning System (GPS) location to the user. It monitors and tracks anything it's placed on, including a stolen bike.

If GPS makes you think of your navigation system, you're not far off! However, there are a few key differences between what your AI navigator does and what a tracking device does. A GPS navigation system is designed to show users a map and the steps to get to their location. In contrast, GPS trackers provide real-time tracking of a vehicle's location and movement history while broadcasting to a connected device.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GETTING A TRACKING DEVICE FOR A MOTORCYCLE?

Having a GPS tracker on your motorcycle does more than just prevent bike thieves from getting away. Let's take a look at some specific reasons why having a tracker on your motorcycle is a good idea.

1. RECEIVE INSTANT ALERTS TO YOUR IPHONE OR ANDROID DEVICES

A loud alarm can alert nearby neighbors that your vehicle is being tampered with, but bike thieves are adept at bypassing these alarms before moving the motorcycle. What you need is something that slips underneath the thief's radar. Instant notifications sent to your phone when your vehicle's behavior becomes suspicious allow you to retrieve a stolen bike quickly.

These alerts typically come in some form of SMS, email, or push notification. The opportunity to react quickly to suspicious activity means a much higher chance of recovery.

2. TRACK YOUR MOTORCYCLES REAL TIME LOCATION

Time is crucial when you're dealing with a vehicle theft. One of the first things that's done to a stolen vehicle is that it's disassembled to be sold for parts or used in other crimes. The police need to get there before that happens or you're never going to recover it.

Since the clock is ticking, it's important you move fast. Having real-time updates on your motorcycle's location will give you and the police everything you need to recover your bike before anything happens.

3. LOWER YOUR INSURANCE PREMIUMS AND SAVE MONEY

Getting motorcycle insurance is crucial for your peace of mind, but it can be pricey. Those premiums can burn a deep hole in a person's pocket, especially if you have more than one motorcycle.

However, covert GPS trackers may help you in that area. Insurance providers tend to like GPS trackers because they provide accountability. Some companies might deem you a less risky rider if you have a tracker which would result in lower premiums.

4. GET DETAILED HISTORY REPORTS

This is a perk even if your bike doesn't get stolen. You can lend your motorcycle to a friend without having to worry about where it will end up. You can log your own travels, as well. All in all, having a record of where your bike has been is incredible useful.

BEST GPS TRACKERS FOR YOUR MOTORCYCLE 

When choosing a tracker, it's important to know what you're getting. The quality of the tracker is critical because you're placing the fate of your vehicle in its hands. Here are a couple of options you can trust to keep your bike safe:

WATERPROOF MINIATURE GPS TRACKER

This tracker is a 5.8-ounce powerhouse of versatile GPS. It's just like what you see in the movies: sleek, discreet, and easy to use.

The Miniature GPS Tracker works with a month-to-month subscription that doesn't require a long-term contract. You can add multiple tracking devices onto the same account to keep all your important information organized and together. You can also set alerts for specific needs such as battery status or entry and exit alerts.

This tracker's secondary GSM localization function allows it to continue tracking even if the GPS signal is lost. It can be on standby for up to 12 days. When it doesn't sense any motion, it will go into a low-power mode to conserve battery.

This device is fully weatherized and comes with a magnet for placement on metal surfaces.

WATERPROOF HARD WIRED GPS TRACKER 

The ProActive hard-wired GPS tracker is easy to install and easy to hide in a discreet location. It can be installed under the hood and endure the high temperatures just fine.

If the situation requires a little discretion, this is the tracker for you! Whether you're tracking the use of a work vehicle during off hours or finding evidence for an infidelity case, having accurate information will be what determines the truth.

This tracker uses Google Maps, Google Earth, and even Google Street View to make it easy to know exactly where your vehicle has been and where it currently is. The historical playback allows you to passively track activity with accuracy that goes down to two meters!

WIRELESS VS. WIRED GPS TRACKING DEVICE

Wired GPS trackers use the power of the vehicle to work which means they need power lines wired into the vehicle's mechanics. On top of utilizing the vehicle to stay running, these devices also usually have a micro battery that's used in case of emergency. They'll run the device for 1.5-2 hours in most cases. This can prevent clever bike thieves from successfully cutting lines and disabling the GPS tracker before it has a chance to alert the owner.

On the other hand, wireless GPS locators have no external wiring. They can't obtain external power which means the working of the device is limited to whatever power supply is built in. The battery life of the tracker is determined by the frequency that's set. The higher the frequency, the shorter the batter's lifespan. Typically, wireless GPS trackers are designed to stay on standby most of the time. In many cases, one of these batteries can last 3-4 years without being replaced or charged, it all just depends on how often the tracker moves.

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO PLACE A TRACKING DEVICE ON MOTORCYCLES?

It may be that there are fewer places to hide tracking devices on motorcycles than there are on cars, but there are still options. If you're stuck on where to place your tracker, here are some options:

  • Under the seat
  • In the top case (the thief may remove the top case, but then you'll be able to at least recover the top case)
  • Under the fairings
  • Under the chassis
  • In the scooter's storage compartment

KEY FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A MOTORCYCLES GPS TRACKING DEVICE

There are a lot of things to try and keep in mind if you're new to the amazing world of GPS trackers. Let's break it down a little. Here are the most important things to remember when you're looking into purchasing a tracking device:

WEATHER AND WATERPROOF RESISTANT 

If your tracker can't resist the elements, it certainly won't last long on your motorcycle. Since that's the case, weather and water resistance is crucial to a tracker that you can rely on. Look for trackers that can endure rain, dust, changing temperatures, and sunlight, to name a few.

GOOD BATTERY LIFE

Longevity is crucial when it comes to the battery life of your tracking device. You don't want to worry that your tracker will lose its connection during the middle of a ride or at an odd hour of the day. A low battery could be the difference between keeping your motorcycle or losing it forever. USB charging, solar options, or direct connections to the motorcycle will all create plenty of opportunities for easy charging and peace of mind.

MOUNTING OPTIONS

We can't overstate this enough. If your tracking device can't stay on the motorcycle when you're riding, there's no point in having it. Choose a tracker with a mount that's secure and adaptable.

EASY SETUP

Easy setup is a big perk. GPS trackers can get really complicated really quickly. Choose something that claims simplicity for the quickest, least stressful setup. If not that, ensure there are clear instructions to go along with whatever you choose.

WHY A GPS TRACKER IS THE IDEAL CHOICE FOR YOUR BIKE SECURITY

Motorcycles move around a lot. They're exposed and enticing. The best way to ensure you're on top of your vehicle's location is to put a tracker on it. You can look up distances, speeds, and locations with incredible accuracy.

CONCLUSION

Your motorcycle is deserving of protection. One of the best steps you can take is to place a GPS tracker on your vehicle that will endure the elements and give you lasting peace of mind. Don't wait. Take action today!