The Best Motorcycle GPS Tracker in 2023

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), motorcycle thefts have increased by 26% since 2019. In 2021, there were 51,129 motorcycles stolen in the United States. Unfortunately, the chances of recovering a stolen motorcycle are low, with only a 46% recovery rate despite law enforcement efforts.
Fortunately, in today’s technological age, protecting your property and tracking its location has become easier. By installing a motorcycle tracking device, riders can have a sense of security and peace of mind. These trackers can send notifications to a mobile app or call center, which will promptly alert you if an emergency is detected. While there are some free options available, most GPS trackers require a monthly or yearly subscription fee to provide these services. This article provides a detailed analysis to help you identify the best motorcycle GPS tracker on the market.

How Motorcycle GPS Trackers Work

Motorcycle GPS trackers rely on satellite technology to accurately monitor the location and movements of your bike. This feature can prevent you from losing your way or straying from planned routes. In the event of an accident or other dangerous situation, your loved ones can quickly locate your position and provide the necessary aid. Additionally, GPS trackers allow you to generate alerts that notify rescue teams or your riding group about your location, simplifying the process of receiving assistance.

Using GPS technology, motorcycle trackers are user-friendly and can be installed on any model of bike. These tracking systems use GPS to monitor and document real-time location data, including speed, direction, and other relevant information. They also assist riders in optimizing their routes and avoiding potential hazards on the road. By installing a GPS tracker on your motorcycle, you can also secure your bike against theft or unauthorized use, receiving alerts if someone attempts to tamper with it.

Benefits of Motorcycle GPS Trackers

Although some may view adding a GPS tracking system to their motorcycle as an unnecessary expense, there are numerous benefits to having one :

• Many insurance firms will lower your coverage rates if you have a GPS Tracker.
• Motorcycle GPS tracking systems are widely available and can be found at most retailers that sell GPS devices and other motorcycle accessories.
• A GPS tracker provides regular location updates of your motorcycle, making it easier for you to track and recover your bike if it’s lost or stolen.
• With GPS technology, you can create a safe zone for your motorcycle by setting up virtual boundaries and receiving alerts if the bike moves beyond those areas without authorization or unusually.
• GPS trackers can help you find your way back to your planned route if you deviate from it, ensuring that you reach your destination safely.
• GPS trackers monitor your real-time location and can share that information with others, enabling you to receive timely assistance if needed.
• Some GPS tracking devices are equipped with an SOS button feature that can raise an alarm in emergencies, prompting an immediate response.
• The GPS tools work well in places with limited or no network signal and track your location.

Recommendations

To prevent Motorcycle Stealing

Disc-lock: Most motorcycles have enough space to tuck in a disc-lock, which is a device that prevents the front wheel from turning. However, it’s essential to note that a disc lock alone may not prevent a determined thief from lifting the motorcycle into a van. The most vulnerable part of the disc lock is the disc itself, which can be cut using an angle grinder to remove the lock.

Chain and lock: One of the most effective ways to prevent motorcycle theft is by locking it to something solid. As a general guideline, a chain with a thickness of around 12mm is the thickest you can carry on the motorcycle and provides a good level of protection. For home security, it’s recommended to use thicker chains for maximum protection. Research indicates that using heavy-duty security, such as 19mm and thicker chains, makes motorcycles less likely to be stolen than cars.

Immobilizer: While electronic immobilizers are a standard feature in most motorcycles over 125cc, and prevent motorcycles from starting, they may not be enough to prevent theft. Thieves can still push the bike away with the help of a scooter or load it onto a van. Many stolen bikes are stripped down and sold for parts, rendering the immobilizer useless. Therefore, additional security measures such as chains and trackers are essential to deter theft and aid in recovery.

Datatag: Visible and invisible marking can help deter thieves who know they’ll have more problems shifting parts that are security marked, plus this system has helped bring down criminal gangs in the past. It’s fitted as standard to the majority of new bikes over 125cc.

General Recommendations about Motorcycle GPS Trackers

• Keep in mind that often thefts leave stolen motorcycles outside for a brief period after stealing, to see if someone comes to retrieve it using a tracker. Therefore, even if you don’t have a support team for your tracker, it can still be useful in this situation. It’s important to remember that a tracker is not intended to prevent theft, but rather to aid in the recovery of your bike. 
• It’s not advisable to publicize that your motorcycle has a tracker since it might deter casual thieves, but more determined ones who target properly locked bikes will likely tear out any tracker they find. As soon as they discover it, many thieves will remove the seat to look for a poorly installed tracker. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the tracker is well-hidden to prevent it from being easily detected.
• If your motorcycle is on public property, there’s a good chance that you may be able to recover it quickly by yourself. However, it’s essential to involve the police in such situations as you cannot be sure if the criminals are still nearby. It’s vital never to put yourself at risk when attempting to recover your stolen bike.
• Police officers say that they usually respond promptly to any credible tracker event, subject to available resources. However, partnering with an established and trustworthy tracking company will ensure that there are already reliable communication channels and strong relationships between the tracking provider and the police force.

What to consider when choosing The Best Motorcycle GPS Tracker

When making a purchase, several factors should be taken into account, especially when considering a GPS tracker. Here are some important things to keep in mind before investing in one.

• Types of services – Before choosing a tracker, consider the types of service the manufacturer offers, how well you want your bike protected, and what you are willing to pay in yearly subscription fees for it. What system does it use to track your bike and is it adequate for your needs? Some work on GPS networks, radio frequency, or cellular technology, or sometimes more than one of these.
• Portable or Wired? A wired tracker is a suitable option for individuals who only need to track a single vehicle, such as a car. This type of tracker is designed for those who want to make a long-term investment in a tracker that offers additional features beyond location tracking. On the other hand, portable GPS trackers are convenient to carry and require minimal setup. Some models are compact enough to fit in your pocket!
• Tracking Software – Tracking software enables you to easily locate the tracker in real time through an app or a website whenever needed. This feature is particularly important during emergencies when you need to know the exact location of the tracker. At the same time, some of the trackers come with free tracking software which can be a great advantage when purchasing.
• Monthly fee – most motorcycle trackers come with monthly/early subscriptions with different fees which depend on the services offered by the tracker. Choose a subscription plan that best fits your needs.  
• Long Battery Life – Consider the battery life before buying a portable GPS tracker. Review how many times it needs to be charged in a month, and how long it lasts on a single charge, and read reviews to make the most of the device.
• Emergency Alerts – GPS trackers can offer automated alerts for collisions and tampering, and some have an SOS button feature that sends alerts to emergency services and family members. It is recommended to get a tracker that provides a variety of alert options and to choose a device with an SOS button if it’s for your loved ones.
• Accuracy – Geo-location is the most accurate method to determine the exact location of your stolen motorcycle, which is essential for recovery. Different GPS trackers have different update intervals, ranging from every few seconds to every minute, and some advanced trackers using three-axis accelerometers can alert you if it detects that your bike has been stolen. Accuracy in determining the location of the motorcycle while parked or on the move is crucial to improve the chances of recovering it.
• Compact size – GPS tracking devices’ design, size, and compactness are essential factors to consider when choosing a tracker, depending on your specific needs. For bikers, lightweight and compact devices that are easy to handle and fit into small spaces are the most suitable options.
• Installation – It’s always better to choose a handy GPS device that is easy to install and comes with a magnetic case that is preferable for bikers. The device should have a strong magnet mounting to ensure that it stays in place during rough rides or high speeds.
• Durability  – When choosing the best motorcycle GPS tracker , it’s important to consider its durability and robustness, so that it can withstand different weather conditions and be reliable over time. Look for a tracker that can function smoothly even in extreme temperatures, rain, or dust, and choose one that is waterproof. A durable GPS tracker will provide you with peace of mind and will serve you for a longer time with reliability.
• Flexibility and Compatibility – To ensure efficient functioning, the GPS tracking system for a motorbike should be compatible with various digital devices and have reliable software support. It should also be flexible enough to integrate with different software and hardware devices, allowing convenient accessibility for multiple users. The user interface should be intuitive, making it easy to access live tracking and other advanced features.
• Customer Support – To ensure a positive experience, it is important to choose a GPS tracking device with reliable customer support. This is especially important in case the device malfunctions or requires troubleshooting. Look for service providers that offer 24/7 customer support to ensure you can get help at any time, even during off-hours or while you are on the road.

GPS trackers can easily be installed on motorcycles, ATVs, and scooters. Installation of wired devices will usually require hooking them up directly to the battery. Things to consider that will help you find and install the best GPS tracker for motorcycles:

Some devices may require extensive technical knowledge for installation so if that’s not up your alley, make sure to find a motorcycle GPS tracker with easy-install properties. Check out the video below for what installing a GPS tracker entails.