Motorcyclists have been issued with new advice on how to keep their beloved bikes secure after research found that scooters and 125cc motorbikes were overwhelmingly more likely to be stolen than larger bikes.

The Honda PCX (WW125) was the UK's most stolen motorcycle of 2024, with 1,866 thefts reported to the DVLA. In fact, more Hondas were stolen last year than any other brand, with 6,573 thefts recorded – 50% more than second-placed Yamaha. However, Honda is by far the most popular brand with British bikers, with more than 550,000 in the country, so the high theft numbers come as no surprise.

But research by automotive PR agency loop found that the top ten most stolen bikes are nearly all A1 licence-friendly 125cc models.

"Motorcycle thieves continue to target scooters and 125s far more than high-performance sports bikes,"

said Alex Kefford, loop's head of editorial.

Budget-friendly scooters such as the Sinnis Connect, Keeway Cityblade and Motorini SXi – all of which are available for around £2,000 – were in the top 10 most-at-risk bikes.

"Owners of these bikes might think their low price makes them less of a target in comparison to more exotic machinery, said Alex.

"However, the evidence suggests they are the most at risk. Their light weight and twist-and-go convenience makes them popular with commuters, but also makes them easy to hustle away or lift into the back of a van."

 

Most stolen motorcycles of 2024
HONDA PCX (WW 125)	1,866
YAMAHA GPD 125	1,222
HONDA NSC 110	933
HONDA SH 125	429
HONDA CBF 125	398
YAMAHA MT-07	253
YAMAHA YBR 125	247
YAMAHA MT 125	240
KTM 125 DUKE	229
SYM JET	211
Source: loop analysis of DVLA data

 

So how do we stop our bikes becoming a theft statistic?

As the story above says, sadly, stealing an unsecured bike is easy; it takes only seconds for thieves to break the steering lock and wheel it away, or lift it onto a low loader. So how can you stop your bike becoming part of the problem? By making life as hard as possible for the bike thieves. Accept you can never make your security foolproof but you can deter the thieves from targeting your bike. Put obstacles in their way and they'll move on.

 

Never leave your bike unsecured, even for just a minute or two. 

We've all been in a hurry and needed to dash into a shop and left the bike unlocked – indeed, one bike insurer said seven out of ten owners admitted often leaving their bikes unlocked when they parked them. Just don’t do it.

And while we’re at it… never leave the keys in the ignition! What do you mean, as if we'd do that...   hundreds of bike riders do just that every year, and pay the price.

The secret is to secure it every time: think 'Lock-Chain-Cover'.

Lock: Use a disc lock to help secure the front brake disc, or a grip lock to secure the brake and throttle controls. The addition of a D-lock on the front wheel will stop it being wheeled away. Secure it to fixed street furniture, such as a motorbike security post or lamppost.

There are locks built specially for scooters and mopeds. Although they tend to be a bit weaker than their big bike counterparts, they are still a significant deterrent, especially if paired up with another form of security.

Chain: To prevent thieves from breaking the steering lock and wheeling it away, use a chain lock through the back wheel (remember, the front wheel can be removed). We all know that any bike chain can be cut through with bolt cutters or an angle grinder, but will the thieves go to that much trouble in a busy street? No: too noisy, takes too much time, and generates too much attention. They'll move on and look for an easier target.

Secure your bike, with the lock taut to an immovable object such as a ground anchor or street furniture. If this isn't possible, thread the chain through your bike frame and back wheel.

Cover: Thieves are often on the look-out for particular models. By covering your bike you force them to waste time finding out what's underneath. Bike thieves don't want the hassle and often will move on without taking a peak under the cover.

It's all about deterrence. No security measure is foolproof: none of the above will guarantee your bike won't be stolen but, by using multiple security measures, you can make it harder and less attractive for thieves. Most thieves are opportunists on the look-out for bikes that are quick and easy to steal; make them think twice about taking your beloved bike.

Other top tips:

• Always apply the steering lock. It's the simplest way of making it harder for thieves
• Fitting an alarm is always worth investigating, even if they seem pricey. They can also reduce your insurance premiums.
• Try marking your bike parts. Some thieves strip bikes down and sell them off for bike spares. They will spot the telltale signs of the markings and that makes it harder for them to move the parts on, so your bike is less attractive to steal.
• When parking in a city, always park in a well-lit area, preferably one that's busy, too. Remember, thieves are happiest operating in the dark and the quiet, so leave your bike in exactly the opposite spot: somewhere that is well-lit and busy.

Home security is easier to manage. Keep your bike in a locked garage or shed when possible. If that's not an option, fit a ground anchor and secure it to that. Think about fitting security lighting around where you park it: thieves hate operating in the light!

Finally, one last tip: remember that parking on the pavement is not allowed in most cities, including London. It's an automatic fine. Many motorcycle owners learn this lesson the hard way; don't be one of them. Always part in a designated spot.