There is no place more empty than the spot where your motorcycle used to be!
Motorcyclists often put a great deal of money and attention into customization of their cycles, from elaborate paint schemes, high-performance motor upgrades, exhaust systems to billet custom wheels. It’s not uncommon for aftermarket parts to add thousands of dollars to the original cost of the motorcycle and the hard earned efforts also capture the attention of thieves.
According to a new report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), motorcycle thefts nationwide have declined at about the same percentage rate as motorcycle sales trends. A total of 56,093 motorcycles nationwide were reported stolen to law enforcement in 2009, down from 64,492 reported in 2008 or a 13% drop.
The top five manufactures stolen last year and top five states were:
| Manufacture | Number Stolen | Top 5 States (#Stolen) |
| Honda | 13,688 | California (6,273) |
| Yamaha | 11,148 | Texas (5,526) |
| Suzuki | 9,154 | Florida (5,009) |
| Kawasaki | 5,911 | North Carolina (3,045) |
| Harley-Davidson | 3,529 | Georgia (2,067) |
| Total | 43,430 | Total of 5 States (21,920) |
The summer months of July (6,319); August (6,079); and June (5,672) saw the most theft activity while the fewest thefts were recorded during the winter months of December (2,927); January (3,570); and February (3,100).
Photo courtesy of NICB.
It would be interesting to see the stats on attempted motorcycle thefts. You know, those incidents where the suspect was caught in the act and subsequently needed medical care.