Buy a LoJack System for a Motorcycle
Because of their smaller size and weight, motorcycles are frequent targets for vehicle theft. One way to discourage thieves from stealing your motorcycle is to have a LoJack system installed to permit its speedy recovery in the event of theft. The LoJack system consists of a wireless radio frequency transmitter about the size of a deck of cards that sends an inaudible radio signal to police whenever a vehicle is reported stolen or is moved without the owner's permission. Here's how to buy a LoJack system for your motorcycle.
Steps
- Know whether LoJack coverage is available in your area. Once a motorcycle is reported stolen, LoJack systems transmit a signal from the installed LoJack unit to the local police to track the vehicle's position. This signal is powerful enough to transmit through parking garage and tunnel walls, dense foliage and ship containers, but police cars, airplanes and helicopters must be equipped with special computer equipment to track the signal. Unless you live or frequently travel in covered areas, buying a LoJack system will not benefit you. A list of counties within states where LoJack coverage is available can be obtained by calling 1-800-456-5225 (1-800-4-LoJack).
- Decide on the level of protection you want. The basic LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System consists of a hidden radio frequency transmitter the size of a deck of cards. For an additional fee, LoJack offers an Early Warning Recovery System that includes a key pass you carry with you when driving and notifies you by phone, cell phone, e-mail, text message or pager if your car has been moved without your permission. (You choose which methods you want to be contacted by when you register your LoJack.)
- Look for a LoJack dealer. The LoJack website includes a database of authorized dealers. You enter your ZIP code, make of vehicle and search radius, and the website will provide a list of authorized LoJack dealers who can meet your needs. A ZIP code search field is available on most of the website's pages.
- Buy a LoJack system online.
- Although LoJack indicates elsewhere in the motorcycle section of its website that both the basic system and Early Warning Recovery System are available for motorcycles, its online store is geared toward selling the early warning system.
Tips
- If you have a LoJack Early Warning System, change the batteries in your key pass every 6 months.
- Although LoJack systems and tested and certified when they're installed, LoJack recommends they be inspected every 2 years or whenever the vehicle has been in an accident. (Inspections are required to maintain any warranty coverage on your LoJack system.) Inspections can be arranged by contacting the company; there is a fee involved. When arranging an inspection or requesting service, have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) handy.
- Buying a LoJack system for your motorcycle may qualify you for a discount on your motorcycle insurance. To find out the particulars, contact your insurance agent. You will need an insurance certificate to claim your discount, which you can obtain by registering your LoJack system at their website or by calling 1-800-456-5225 (1-800-4-LoJack). Once you buy a LoJack system, it is already registered with the police.
Warnings
- A LoJack system drains about 1 milliamp of current from the motorcycle battery during use and is also equipped with its own battery backup. For motorcycles that undergo periods of infrequent use, LoJack recommends using smart or trickle chargers with motorcycles that have LoJack systems installed.
- Because LoJack believes that the anonymity of its system prevents thieves from stealing vehicles, it does not issue stickers identifying particular vehicles as being equipped with LoJack systems. The company prefers that owners not watch the installation and may void the recovery warranty for a user who learns where the unit is installed on his or her motorcycle. LoJack also advises owners of motorcycles equipped with LoJack not to leave the LoJack owner's manual with their bikes.
- A LoJack system is keyed to the VIN of the motorcycle on which it is installed and is therefore not transferable to another bike. If you sell a LoJack-equipped motorcycle to someone else, be sure to let the new owner know so he or she can contact LoJack to inspect the unit and re-activate the service in his or her name.
- Although a LoJack system can be installed in off-road motorcycles, LoJack has been designed and tested for street and highway bikes. Warranty coverage is available only for the types of motorcycles for which the LoJack system was designed.
- Your motorcycle must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles in the state where it is operated in order for the police to activate your LoJack system.
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