There’s some not-so-good news when it comes to motorcycle theft in the US. According to theNational Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)，in 2022, 54,732 motorcycles were reported stolen. That number equates to a seven percent increase in motorcycle thefts versus 2021, which also increased in thefts compared to the previous year.

NICB data

During 2022, thefts climbed steadily from a low of 2,879 bikes in February to a peak in July, when 6,394 machines were taken from their rightful owners. As you might imagine, the warmer months of May through October posted the most thefts.

Honda led the way as the most stolen brand, with Yamaha, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, and Suzuki rounding out the top 5 most stolen brands. Unfortunately, NICB didn’t publish which moto categories/models were the most stolen.

Unfortunately for Californians, the state once again had the most motorcycle thefts. 9,838 bikes, or about 30 percent of all US moto thefts, were reported stolen in the Golden State in 2022. Florida and Texas rounded out the top three states for moto theft with 4,563 and 4,145 bikes reported stolen. The top ten states for moto thefts made up about 60 percent of all motorcycles reported stolen in the US. On a more positive note, about 40 percent of motorcycles stolen are eventually recovered by law enforcement.

David J. Glawe, the President and CEO of NICB, encouraged motorcycle owners to exercise care to protect their machines.

“While we witness the rise in vehicle thefts year after year, we are encouraging all owners, and especially motorcycle riders to take great care in protecting their property. Even though you can’t completely control when criminals target you or your vehicle, you can help deter would-be thieves by taking proactive, easy, and effective steps to prevent these thefts.”

Theft prevention tips

Glawe said that following several proactive tips could help owners reduce the chance of their motorcycle being stolen:

• Be cautious when parting with your ride; park in well-lit areas, lock your ignition, and remove your keys.
• Lock your bike even when stored in a garage. Investing in an alarm system can significantly deter potential thieves.
• Keep your title secure. Don’t store it in your motorcycle’s storage compartment.
• By placing unique markings on your motorcycle and documenting them, you can use them to identify your property if your bike is ever stolen.
• Always keep an eye on your vehicle while leaving it idle. Riderless, running motorcycles are prime targets for thieves.

The NICB says if your motorcycle is stolen, immediately call law enforcement and your insurer. NICB’s data suggests that reporting the theft of your bike as soon as possible increases the chance of its recovery.