Editor’s Note: Kick start my heart … but don’t steal my “bike”

A refrain from an old tune by Motley Crew probably sums up the feelings of motorcycle enthusiasts who have been caught in the web of rising thefts in recent years. The National Insurance Crime Bureau just released its latest figures, by state, on the number of motorcycles stolen in 2005. Nationally, 70,613 motorcycles were stolen last year — a slight decrease from the 71,108 stolen in 2004 but a 135 percent increase from 2000 figures, the NICB said. That number represents a loss of more than $434 million to motorcycle owners and the insurance industry.

Although sunny California ranked No. 1 with the most motorcycles stolen, other western states had notable positions on the listing. Arizona, which ranked sixth, had 2,464 thefts; Washington ranked 11th with 1,871 thefts; and Colorado ranked 15th with 1,357 motorcycles stolen last year.

LoJack Corp., which provides tracking and recovery systems for stolen mobile assets, reported that while thefts nationally are down slightly compared to 2004, over the past five years the jump in the number of stolen motorcycles has been dramatic. Today, one bike is stolen every 7.5 minutes in this country — an alarming number for anyone who owns a motorcycle, LoJack Corp. president and COO said. To date, LoJack’s Motorcycles recovery system have led police to uncover 37 motorcycle theft rings and arrest 12 criminals.

It’s true that in 2005, for the 13th year in a row, motorcycle and scooter sales increased over the previous year, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. Sales of all types of two-wheelers increased 5 percent over 2004 figures.

So are thefts really revved up or is the growing popularity of motorcycles responsible for the dramatic jump in thefts over the past five years?

Could the fact that well-heeled baby boomers from all walks of life are now spending big chunks of change to purchase motorcycles as their latest toys be part of the equation? Are theft prevention systems working? Or should insurers be prepared for even more frequent losses on such high-ticket items, often reported to cost more than $20,000, plus thousands of dollars more for aftermarket parts.

The experts can only speculate.

The entire report, including theft prevention tips, and types of bikes included in the theft numbers, is highlighted on pages 96 and 98 in this issue. Read it and you be the judge.