It’s every rider’s worst nightmare. You walk into the shed or trailer, ready for a weekend rip, and your bike’s gone. Not borrowed. Not misplaced. Gone. Vanished without a trace, apart from a broken padlock and a gut punch to the soul. Bike security is one of our biggest issues.

Unfortunately, bike theft isn’t rare. Dirt bikes are hot property for the wrong crowd: easy to flog, hard to trace and often left in places that scream come get me. But there are a few simple steps you can take to turn your pride and joy from an easy target into a hard pass.

1. DON’T RELY ON LUCK — LOCK IT UP

Let’s start with the basics. If your idea of security is leaning your bike against the garage wall and thinking happy thoughts, you’re asking for trouble. Chain it. Disc-lock it. Ground-anchor it. Get yourself a proper motorcycle lock, like these from Oxford, not that flimsy thing from the bargain bin.

And don’t just lock it to itself. That’s like tying your shoes together and calling it a security system. Anchor it to something solid. Make thieves work for it and work loudly.

2. HIDE IT LIKE IT’S GOLD (BECAUSE IT IS)

The less people see your bike, the safer it is. Store it in a locked garage or shed. If it’s in a van or trailer, keep it covered. Park smart. Motion-sensor lights are cheap and effective. The old “out of sight, out of mind” rule still applies and especially when it comes to thieves.

And hey, maybe don’t leave your shed door wide open to the whole street while you duck inside for a cuppa.

3. USE TECH TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

It’s 2026 so there’s no excuse for going full caveman on security. GPS trackers like Monimoto or even Apple AirTags can be a lifesaver (or at least a bike-saver). There are also decent alarm systems that’ll make more noise than your mate’s 250F bouncing off the limiter.

And if you’ve got cameras, make sure they’re real and actually working. Nothing says “free bike” like a fake dome cam covered in cobwebs.

4. TRAILER AND VAN? LOCK IT LIKE FORT KNOX

One of the most common thefts doesn’t happen in the bush or at home, it happens when you stop for fuel or stay overnight at a motel with a trailer in tow. Always padlock ramps, secure tie-down points and lock the trailer to your vehicle if possible.

The same goes for vans, you should consider deadlocks and window tinting. Convenience is great, but not at the cost of your bike.

5. THINK BEFORE YOU POST

We get it, your bike looks mint with that new graphics kit and fresh PC pipe. But posting your exact location, rego plate and where the bike lives is basically sending thieves a Google Maps pin and saying, “help yourself.”

Be smart. Crop the photo. Blur the plate. Don’t tag your home base. Not everyone watching your stories is a fan.

6. INSURANCE ISN’T JUST FOR GROWN-UPS

If the worst does happen, make sure you’re covered. Don’t assume your basic car or home insurance includes bikes, especially race or off-road models.

Read the fine print. Know what’s covered, where and when. You might hate paying the premium, but you’ll really hate replacing your bike out of pocket.

7. MAN’S BEST ALARM: GET A DOG

If you’ve got the space and lifestyle for it, a dog can be a surprisingly effective deterrent. A barking dog can make a thief think twice about approaching your property.

Just remember, a dog is a commitment, make sure you’re ready for the responsibility.

PRODUCT PICKS: LOCK IT DOWN

Here are some top-rated security products to help keep your bike safe:

  • Kovix KNX-10 10mm Yellow Alarm Disc Lock
    A solid steel body with a 120dB alarm system designed to deter tampering.
  • Monimoto MM7 Motorcycle Tracker
    A compact GPS tracker that alerts your phone if your bike is moved.
  • Oxford Aquatex Medium Motorcycle Cover
    A durable cover that keeps your bike out of sight and protected from the elements.
  • Trak’d GPS Tracking Device
    Utilises Apple’s Find My technology for real-time location updates.
  • Oxford XA7 Screamer Alarm Disc Lock
    Features a loud alarm and robust locking mechanism to deter thieves.

Even if it takes an extra minute to lock, hide or chain up your pride and joy, it’s worth it. While there’s never a 100 per cent guarantee, the harder you make it, the more likely thieves will move on and look for an easier target.