As a motorcycle owner, you know the connection you have to your bike. The feeling of being on the open road with the engine roaring emanates a powerful sense of freedom. Every time you ride, it’s a rare instance of humans and their machines working in unison. But while you know this joy, you can also imagine the sinking feeling of walking out to an empty parking spot where your bike used to be.
Hopefully, you don’t know this feeling firsthand, but it’s becoming a regular occurrence. According to the latest data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, more than 54,000 motorcycles are stolen in the United States each year. That figure has risen approximately 7% each year over the last decade, meaning there will likely be around 60,000 thefts this year.
The numbers keep rising because, unlike cars, motorcycles are uniquely vulnerable to theft. They’re lightweight, making them easy for a few determined thieves to lift into a van or truck in seconds. This is why relying on a simple steering lock or a heavy chain is no longer enough. Instead, modern riders know the best solution is a dedicated motorcycle GPS tracker.
Purchasing a high-quality GPS for motorcycle security dramatically increases the likelihood of recovering a stolen bike. Given that the technology is mature and affordable today, the main question people are asking is “What is the best GPS for a motorcycle?” This guide to the best motorcycle GPS systems will help you find the right one for you.
How GPS Trackers Help Prevent Motorcycle Theft
If you only associate GPS with navigation directions, you might be surprised by what a modern motorcycle GPS tracker offers. A device like the LandAirSea 54 lets you monitor your bike’s location on a live map at any time and from anywhere, thanks to the included SilverCloud app for smartphones and tablets. But that’s not all, as there are other features that can alert you to a potential theft.
Geofencing and Motion Alerts for Extra Protection
When you choose a LandAirSea GPS for motorcycle security, you get proactive alert features that make you the first to know about unauthorized activity, including the following.
Geofencing is like an invisible, virtual perimeter that you draw around specific locations on a map. You can set a geofence around your home, workplace, parking garage, or any other location you prefer. If your motorcycle ever enters or exits these pre-defined areas without your knowledge, the SilverCloud app will instantly send a notification via text or email.
For extra protection, you can set motion alerts. Even before a thief can move your bike out of a geofenced area, a motion alert can tip you off. The sensitive internal accelerometer found in LandAirSea trackers detects vibrations, like a thief jostling your handlebars or trying to lift the bike onto a truck. Once the tracker detects this, you’ll receive an immediate notification.
Now, instead of discovering your motorcycle is gone hours later, you receive an alert in real time and can check on your bike right away. If a thief does make off with it, law enforcement gets on the case much quicker — with the added benefit of knowing your bike’s current location, thanks to precise GPS tracking.
Features to Look for in a Motorcycle GPS Tracker
There are many tracking devices on the market, but many are bulky or have a short battery life, making them ineffective as a motorcycle GPS tracker. The LandAirSea 54 is an example of a GPS device that offers all the necessary features. This includes:
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Waterproof and vibration-resistant design: Rain, dust, and extreme vibrations can hamper a GPS for motorcycle use. However, LandAirSea devices are designed with durability in mind, taking into account all the conditions your bike may be exposed to.
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Battery life that matches your riding patterns: The LandAirSea 54’s battery works well for daily riders who can recharge it as needed, but the LandAirSea Overdrive features a battery suited for bikes that are stored for extended periods.
Where to Hide a GPS Tracker on a Motorcycle
When it comes to motorcycle GPS security, where you place the tracking device is everything. It should be reasonably out of sight so that potential thieves don’t know they’re being tracked.
Fortunately, motorcycles offer several good hiding spots, and the LandAirSea 54’s compact size makes it very easy to conceal. The 54 also features an integrated magnetic mount, allowing it to attach to various parts of a bike’s frame or subframe.
So, where do you put a GPS on a motorcycle? Using the 54 as an example, here are some ideas:
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Under the seat.
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Inside side panels, or fairings with hidden cavities.
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Within components like headlight housings or taillight assemblies.
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Near the battery compartment. (Be mindful of potential heat here, although LandAirSea devices are built to withstand such conditions.)
How to Install a GPS Tracker on Your Motorcycle
Many motorcycle add-ons are a pain to install. If you don’t enjoy taking your bike apart and putting it back together again, you may let a bike mechanic handle this type of work, or avoid customizations altogether. Meanwhile, some car navigation systems require professional installation due to their complex wiring. However, it only takes a few minutes to set up a LandAirSea tracker, with these four steps:
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Charge the device. Fully charge your device with the included power cable.
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Activate your tracker. Download the free SilverCloud app on your phone or tablet. The app will guide you through a quick activation process. You just need a number printed on the device, and to choose a data plan that suits your needs.
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Test the signal: After activating the tracker, take a short walk with the tracker in hand. Watch the device’s location update in the SilverCloud app, as this confirms the device is transmitting its location correctly.
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Secure the device to your motorcycle: Place your GPS tracker in one of the hiding spots discussed above.
Tips for Hardwiring (If Desired)
While LandAirSea specializes in portable, user-friendly trackers with excellent battery life, some riders may prefer not to deal with batteries at all. If you prefer, you can buy a hardwiring kit that allows you to permanently connect a motorcycle GPS directly to the bike’s 12-volt battery.
Choose one of these kits rather than attempting to wire it up yourself, and ensure it’s compatible with your bike’s make and model.
How to Track and Monitor Your Motorcycle in Real Time
Once you have a motorcycle GPS tracker installed, its real value is the ability to access its location data and receive event-based alerts. So, how do you set this up?
If you choose a LandAirSea device, everything is managed through the SilverCloud app.
Using the SilverCloud App on Your Phone
The SilverCloud app is incredibly easy to use, but it offers a wealth of features. For example, to use the real-time location tracking features, simply open the app and view your motorcycle’s exact location on a digital map. The location updates automatically, showing you where your bike is parked or if it’s currently in motion. You can even see its speed and direction of travel.
Another useful feature in the app is historical route playback. If you want to see where your bike has been, the app can “play back” the tracker’s travel history. This not only helps for retracing a thief’s path, but it can also be fun for reviewing your favorite scenic routes from a particular ride.
Don’t forget to set up the customizable alerts. SilverCloud allows you to easily set up and modify geofences, speed alerts, and battery notifications. If you want to share your exact location with a friend or family member, use the ShareSpot feature, which sends your exact location coordinates via a link that you can send to anyone you choose.
Responding to Theft: What to Do First
If you receive an alert that indicates someone is moving your bike or that it’s leaving a geofenced region unexpectedly, have a plan of action ready.
First, verify the location of your bike by opening the SilverCloud app. Next, contact law enforcement. Report your motorcycle as stolen and inform the dispatcher that you have a live motorcycle GPS that can provide its real-time location.
While on the phone with authorities, share the tracking link using the app’s ShareSpot feature. Now law enforcement will have the data they need to track, intercept, and safely recover your motorcycle.
Do not confront the thieves or try to recover the bike yourself. Your safety is always the top priority, and you should let professionals handle the recovery efforts.
Why LandAirSea Trackers Stand Out for Motorcycle Owners
The best GPS for a motorcycle is one that is engineered with the needs of riders in mind and has all the security features you could want, all for an affordable price. Only GPS trackers from LandAirSea meet these criteria. Consider these features:
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Compact and discreet designs: Devices like the LandAirSea 54 are small and inconspicuous. Many ask, “Where do you put a GPS on a motorcycle?” With LandAirSea, the answer is “almost anywhere.”
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Rugged and waterproof: A motorcycle GPS can live a tough life. It’s exposed to rain, puddles, dust, and constant engine vibration. A tracker designed for a car’s glove box won’t cut it. LandAirSea trackers feature rugged and waterproof designs built to handle the most demanding conditions.
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Affordability: Not only are LandAirSea trackers affordable, but the data plans are flexible. Unlike other services that lock you into lengthy and expensive contracts, LandAirSea offers simple, pay-as-you-go data plans.
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Suitable for different needs. The LandAirSea 54’s compact size and powerful magnetic mount offer flexibility in installation. If you’re a daily or weekend rider, the 54 is a good fit, as you can recharge its long-lasting battery as needed. For long-term peace of mind, consider the LandAirSea Overdrive. Whether you park your bike for extended periods or you’re headed out on a cross-country tour, the Overdrive’s battery can last for months on a single charge (and up to a year in low-power mode).
FAQs
Here are quick answers to common questions about motorcycles and GPS trackers:
Where do you put a GPS on a motorcycle?
The best place for installing a GPS tracker is in a discreet location that adequately conceals the tracker from potential thieves. Consider spots such as under the seat or near the battery compartment.
Can you use a car GPS on a motorcycle?
While you technically can use a standard car GPS tracker, it’s best to use one designed for the unique conditions of a motorcycle. Choose a device that has the durability, size, and power requirements that suit your bike and your riding patterns.
What is the best GPS for a motorcycle?
The best GPS for a motorcycle is one that has durability, discreet installation options, and intuitive software that a bike owner needs. Look for compact devices that are easy to conceal, yet feature a rugged design and sufficient battery life.
Final Thoughts: Give Your Motorcycle the Protection It Deserves
While there are many options to choose from, only LandAirSea trackers check all the boxes for motorcycle owners. If you are ready to ride with confidence, explore LandAirSea’s industry-leading motorcycle GPS tracker solutions today.
