Motorcycle Thefts Kick Into High Gear

Motorcycle thefts increased 46 percent in the past three years as big, expensive bikes gained popularity and status on the nation’s roadways, according to a report released Friday.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau said insurers reported 9,224 motorcycle thefts in 1995, compared with 6,319 in 1992. Theft rose 17 percent last year alone.

Among different makes, Suzuki had the highest theft rate in 1994, the most recent year for which complete statistics are available, the bureau said. It was followed by Kawasaki, Harley-Davidson, Honda and Yamaha.

The increase in thefts comes at a time when motorcycle sales are increasing, with long waits for some popular models. Nearly 600,000 motorcycles, scooters and all-terrain bikes were sold last year, an 8 percent increase from 1994.