Motorcycle Theft Risk Index in the USA

Feb 15, 2026

If you own a motorcycle (or you're looking into motorcycle rentals for an upcoming trip), there's a stat that might catch you off guard: close to 55,000 motorcycles were reported stolen across the United States in 2022 alone. That works out to roughly 150 bikes disappearing every single day.

We pulled together nationwide theft reports and law-enforcement data to build what we're calling the Riders Share Motorcycle Theft Risk Index. Below, we’ve provided a data-driven look at where, when, and how motorcycle theft happens in this country, broken down by state, by city, by brand, and by season so you can understand the risk no matter where you ride.

Motorcycle Theft Statistics Overview

• 54,736 motorcycles were reported stolen in the U.S. in 2022
• That's a 7% increase over 2021 and the third straight year of rising motorcycle theft
• An average of 4,561 bikes were stolen per month
• Only about 40% of stolen motorcycles are ever recovered
• California motorcycle theft alone accounted for 30% of all thefts nationwide
• Peak theft months run from July through September, with July hitting the highest total at 6,394

These numbers come directly from the NICB's 2022 Vehicle Type Theft Report. While overall motor vehicle thefts dropped 17% in 2024 and kept declining through the first half of 2025, motorcycle theft hasn't gone away. It's still a real and ongoing problem for riders across the country.

Motorcycle Theft Rates by State

The motorcycle theft rates by state tell two different stories depending on whether you're looking at raw totals or per-capita numbers. California leads the country in total stolen bikes by a long shot, but South Carolina actually has the highest motorcycle theft rate when you factor in registrations.

Top 10 States for Motorcycle Theft (2022)

1. California: 9,838 stolen (18.0% of U.S. total)
2. Florida: 4,563 stolen (8.3%)
3. Texas: 4,145 stolen (7.6%)
4. New York: 2,800+ stolen (5.1%)
5. Washington: 1,900+ stolen (3.5%)
6. South Carolina: 1,500+ stolen (2.7%)
7. Arizona: 1,400+ stolen (2.6%)
8. North Carolina: 1,300+ stolen (2.4%)
9. Indiana: 1,200+ stolen (2.2%)
10. Colorado: 1,100+ stolen (2.0%)

Source: NICB 2022 Vehicle Type Theft Report

These top 10 states combined account for roughly 60% of all motorcycle theft reports in the country, so if you ride in any of them regularly, it's worth paying extra attention to how and where you're parking.

What State Has the Highest Motorcycle Theft Rate?

In terms of total numbers, California motorcycle theft leads the nation with 9,838 stolen bikes in 2022, which is nearly a third of every motorcycle stolen in the entire country.

But when you look at it per capita, the answer changes to South Carolina, who has the highest per-capita motorcycle theft rate at 14.7 thefts per 1,000 registrations. Nevada comes in second at roughly 11 per 1,000, and Texas sits at around 9.4 per 1,000. So even though California sees way more total thefts, South Carolina riders actually face the highest risk based on the number of bikes registered in their state.

Lowest-Risk States for Motorcycle Theft

If you're looking for the safest spots to park your bike, the Northeast is where you want to be.

• Vermont reports the fewest motorcycle thefts in the nation every year (under 20 total)
• Maine and New Hampshire also stay near the bottom of the list
• States with shorter riding seasons and smaller populations generally see much lower theft numbers

Motorcycle Theft by City

Once you move past the state-level data and start looking at individual cities, the pattern gets even clearer. Bigger cities with warm weather and lots of bikes on the street show up again and again.

What City Has the Most Motorcycle Thefts?

New York City leads the nation in motorcycle theft by city, reporting the highest number of stolen motorcycles year after year. Based on NICB data, NYC motorcycle theft tops 1,200 or more bikes per year, which puts it in a category all its own when it comes to theft risk.

Top 10 Cities for Motorcycle Theft

• New York, NY: Highest in the nation (1,200+ per year)
• Los Angeles, CA: Second highest (600+ per year)
• Miami, FL: Major hotspot (500+ per year)
• Las Vegas, NV: High theft numbers in the metro area
• San Diego, CA: Regularly in the top 5
• San Francisco, CA: High theft rates across the city
• Houston, TX: Top Texas city for motorcycle theft
• Philadelphia, PA: Highest East Coast city after NYC
• Austin, TX: Growing theft numbers year over year
• San Jose, CA: Part of the broader California trend

Source: NICB Motorcycle Theft and Recovery Reports

You'll notice California places four cities in the top 10, which goes a long way toward explaining why the state's total numbers are so high. NYC motorcycle theft is really in a league of its own, and Miami's numbers are worth watching, too, especially given that Miami has a smaller riding population compared to a city like LA.

Why These Cities Are at the Top

There isn't one single reason, but a few patterns keep showing up in high-theft cities:

• Year-round riding weather means more bikes are out on the street and accessible
• Crowded areas give thieves more targets and make it easier to blend in
• Port access allows stolen bikes to be shipped out of the country quickly
• High demand for parts keeps chop-shop operations running in bigger markets

Most Stolen Motorcycle Brands in the U.S.

So, which bikes are thieves going after? If you're familiar with what's popular on the road, the answer probably won't surprise you.

What Is the Most Stolen Motorcycle Brand?

Honda is the most stolen motorcycle brand in the United States, and it's held that spot for years. According to the NICB, Honda bikes topped the theft list in both 2021 and 2022.

Most Stolen Motorcycle Brands (2021 NICB Data)

• Honda: 10,282 stolen
• Yamaha: 8,185 stolen
• Kawasaki: 5,904 stolen
• Harley-Davidson: 5,811 stolen
• Suzuki: 4,890 stolen
• Taotao: ~1,800 stolen
• KTM: ~780 stolen
• Genuine Cycle: ~515 stolen
• Ducati: ~455 stolen
• Kymco: ~415 stolen

Source: NICB 2021 Vehicle Type Theft Report

The top five most stolen motorcycle brands accounted for roughly 78% of all stolen motorcycles in 2021, and Honda and Yamaha alone made up more than a third of every stolen bike in the country.

Why Honda Tops the List

Honda being number one isn't really about Honda as a brand, but about how many of them are out there. Honda is one of the most popular motorcycle manufacturers in the U.S., so there are more Hondas on the road, more of them parked on streets, and a bigger market for their parts. The same issue applies to Yamaha and Kawasaki. The bikes that are most popular are also the bikes that get stolen the most.

Interesting note: Harley holds the biggest U.S. market share among motorcycle manufacturers, but it only ranks fourth in thefts. That might come down to where Harleys are stored (more often in garages than on the street), the typical Harley owner demographic, or the fact that Harley parts are more specialized and harder to flip quickly.

When Do Most Motorcycle Thefts Happen?

Timing plays a big role in motorcycle theft, and the patterns are pretty consistent from one year to the next.

Peak Months for Motorcycle Theft

• July is the worst month, with 6,394 motorcycles stolen in 2022
• August and September round out the top three
• Thefts stay above the monthly average from May through October
• February is the safest month every year, with around 2,879 thefts in 2022

This lines up with riding season almost perfectly. More bikes on the road means more chances for theft, and warmer weather means more motorcycles sitting outside at restaurants, at events, and in driveways instead of locked up in garages.

How Theft Breaks Down by Season

• Summer (June through August) accounts for about 30% of annual thefts and carries the highest risk
• Fall (September through November) comes in around 25% with still-high risk
• Spring (March through May) also sits near 25% with moderate risk
• Winter (December through February) drops to roughly 20% and is the lowest-risk window

That means roughly 40% of all motorcycle thefts happen during the summer, so the stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day is when you should be the most careful about where and how you park your bike.

Motorcycle Theft Recovery Rates

Here’s the part that really stings: if your motorcycle gets stolen, the chances of getting it back aren't great.

• Only about 40% of stolen motorcycles are recovered, according to NICB data
• That means 6 out of every 10 stolen bikes never make it back to their owner
• Recovery rates are a bit better in states that have active law enforcement task forces dedicated to vehicle theft
• Reporting the theft right away (within 24 hours) makes a real difference in your odds of recovery
• Colorado has historically had one of the best recovery rates among the top 10 theft states, at around 55%

For context, the recovery rate for stolen cars overall was above 85% in 2022. Motorcycles are easier to take apart, easier to move, and easier to hide, which is why those recovery numbers are so much lower.

How Do I Prevent Motorcycle Theft?

You can't get rid of the risk of motorcycle theft completely, but you can make your bike a much harder target. Here's what works, based on recommendations from the NICB and law enforcement agencies.

Physical Security

• Always lock your steering column and take your keys with you, even for quick stops
• Use a heavy-duty disc lock or chain lock through the frame or wheel
• Lock your bike even when it's in your own garage, because garage thefts happen more often than most people think
• Use a ground anchor if you park in the same spot on a regular basis

Technology and Deterrents

• Install a GPS tracker so your bike can be found if it's taken
• Add an aftermarket alarm system that goes off on motion or tilt
• Use a visible deterrent like a bright-colored disc lock that tells a thief the bike isn't an easy target
• Consider a kill switch that only you know how to turn off

Smart Habits

• Park in well-lit, busy areas whenever you can
• Don't leave your bike in the same public spot for long stretches
• Never leave your motorcycle running unattended, not even for a second
• Keep your title somewhere safe and away from the bike, because having the title gives a thief everything they need to sell it
• Put unique, documented markings on your motorcycle so you can prove it's yours if it's recovered
• Report any theft right away to both law enforcement and your insurance company

Motorcycle Insurance as a Safety Net

Even if you're doing everything right when it comes to motorcycle theft prevention, theft can still happen. That's where the right motorcycle insurance makes all the difference. Comprehensive coverage is what protects you against theft, and if you're riding in a high-risk city like NYC or Miami, it's worth double-checking that your policy includes it.

The Riders Share Motorcycle Theft Risk Index

We built this index by combining NICB theft data with per-capita registration rates, city-level theft numbers, recovery rates, and seasonal risk factors. This is how we’ve scored overall theft risk across the country's major riding regions.

Regional Risk Scores

• Southern California: Very High Risk (highest state-level theft volume, year-round riding, port access)
• South Florida/Miami: Very High Risk (busy metro area, port access, warm climate year-round)
• NYC Metro: Very High Risk (highest city-level theft volume, street parking is the norm)
• Central Texas: High Risk (large riding population, theft numbers growing steadily)
• Pacific Northwest: High Risk (Washington state ranks in the top 5 by volume)
• Southeast/SC & NC: High Risk (South Carolina holds the highest per-capita rate)
• Mountain West/CO, NV, AZ: Moderate to High Risk (Las Vegas and Denver are both theft hotspots)
• Upper Midwest: Low to Moderate Risk (shorter riding seasons, fewer people)
• New England: Low Risk (Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire are among the safest states)

What This Means for Riders (and Renters)

Whether you own your bike or you're exploring motorcycle rentals for a weekend trip, knowing the theft risk in your area helps you plan smarter. Here are a few takeaways from the data:

• If you're renting in a high-risk city, ask the owner about secure parking options and always bring a lock
• If you're riding during peak summer months, be extra careful about where you leave the bike
• If you own a Honda, Yamaha, or Kawasaki, it's worth putting some extra security in place since those are the most stolen motorcycle brands in the country
• If you're in South Carolina or Nevada, your per-capita risk is among the highest even if your state doesn't top the total volume list

The motorcycle community has always been good at looking out for each other, and being informed is part of that. Share this with your riding crew, because the more riders who understand these patterns, the harder it gets for thieves to operate.

Rent a Motorcycle on Riders Share

Now that you know which cities and states carry the most theft risk, you can plan your next ride with confidence. If you're looking for motorcycle rentals in any of these areas, Riders Share connects you with local owners who know their neighborhoods and can point you toward safe parking spots. Plus, our platform includes motorcycle insurance coverage for every rental, so you're protected whether you're cruising through downtown Los Angeles, exploring the coast in San Diego, or navigating the streets of Miami. Browse bikes near you and book your next ride today.