A new survey of motorcyclists sends a “clear message” to manufacturers of the need for improved security features to be embedded in motorbikes or available at point of sale, the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) says.

In the year to April 2020, 7318 motorcycles were stolen in Australia.

That was down 26% from the previous 12 months, though motorcycle theft has remained relatively stable over the past five years “due to the inherent challenges of protecting bikes including ease of portability and high demand for parts”, the NMVTRC says.

More than 50% of all motorcycles stolen nationally are from a residence, and riders rely on their own supplementary security measures such as installing cameras at home.

The survey of 180 riders indicates a need for more widely available and affordable GPS tracking, microdots linked to identification numbers on all motorcycles, fitment of alarms and immobilisers and a factory alarm with the use of radio frequency identification technology.

The poll finds many survey respondents are in favour of low-cost GPS tracking and also support a compulsory register of unregistered/off-road bikes. Riders are also keen to see improved public infrastructure for securing motorcycles in public places.

Some riders indicated they do not employ security practices because their bike is insured.

The NMVTRC says there is “an opportunity to leverage motorcyclists’ emotional attachment to their bikes in developing theft prevention messages, and the fact that insurance payouts are unlikely to cover all costs involved in having a motorcycle stolen”.

“With over half of all motorcycle theft occurring from the home (57% in 2020), it is important that motorcyclists understand the importance of employing secure practices when home as well as out in the community.”