According to the GIE Argos / France Assureurs barometer, more than 70,000 two-wheelers disappeared in France in 2024, or one motorcycle every seven minutes. The Kawasaki Z900 is one of the favorite targets; in Spain, 22 machines disappear every day, and the Z ranks in the Top 5.
Despite an overall decline of 12% in thefts, the Mutuelle des Motards reminds us that the threat remains high and increasingly professional. Why is the Z so appealing? And above all, how can you prevent it from disappearing?
1. Why does the Z900 attract thieves? #
- Commercial success: the most registered roadster in its category for several seasons, the Z900 guarantees quick resale of parts.
- High parts value: LED optics, TFT dashboard, or Brembo discs from the SE version are snapped up on the gray market.
- Lightweight & maneuverability: 467 pounds fully loaded; two individuals can lift it into a van in less than 30 seconds.
- Improvable original security: simple mechanical key and optional alarm, far from the encrypted electronic key devices of high-end sports bikes.
2. The scourge of motorcycle thefts in 2024 #
Behind the 70,459 thefts recorded, there is a professionalization: 70% of removals are done without visible break-in using air cushions or relay-attack on the key signal. Major urban centers concentrate the majority of incidents, with quick routes to ports or borders for clandestine export.
3. Where and when is your Z900 most exposed? #
| Context | Risks |
|---|---|
| Urban environment (open parking lots, poorly lit streets) | Express thefts by van; quick escape to highways. |
| Suburban residential area | Unsecured garages: door break-in or motorcycle lifting. |
| Isolated rural environment | Enough time to neutralize chain + disc lock without witnesses. |
| Critical time slots | 11 PM – 6 AM: nearly 50% of thefts according to our 2024 barometer on theft risks*. |
4. How is your Z900 stolen? #
- Quick removal: lifted by two, strapped, and loaded in 30 seconds.
- Neiman forcing: drilling or impact screwdriver to break the steering column.
- Alarm jamming: a 433 MHz jammer cuts basic sirens.
- Anti-theft cutting: thermal disc or hydraulic bolt cutter overcomes a non-certified chain in less than two minutes.
5. Five essential actions to keep your Z900 out of reach #
Not all motorcycle anti-theft devices and protection techniques are equal. And of course, a single protection is often ineffective in preventing theft!
1. Use an SRA-approved anti-theft device on a fixed point #
Chain ≥ 0.55 inches + U-locks secured to anchored furniture: +5 to 10 decisive minutes (especially if you have a tracker that alerts you).
2. Add a high-power alarm disc lock #
Siren > 100 dB oriented towards the ground to amplify the volume: discourages opportunistic thefts.
3. Choose your parking wisely #
Under camera or intense lighting, location varied regularly to avoid surveillance.
4. Mark and identify the machine #
Engraving of parts + registration in the ICA Bike database: increases chances of recovery.
5. Install a long-life GPS tracker #
Tracker with movement alert: instant notification and vehicle tracking nationally or internationally.
6. The Invoxia GPS tracker, your connected shield #
An Invoxia GPS tracker adds proactive detection: alert at the slightest vibration, tracking every ten seconds, and recovery assistance with law enforcement. According to our 2024 barometer, 77% of equipped motorcycles were located and recovered after a theft*.
Among the most effective features to prevent theft and recover your vehicle, we find:
- GPS tracking with position history
- Alerts of suspicious movements around the two-wheeler
- Custom security zones, to know if the motorcycle exits and/or enters a certain perimeter
- Live Tracking in case of emergency, for position updates every 30 seconds (available on the GPS Tracker Pro)
- Theft File, to facilitate searches by authorities and thus recover your motorcycle
Conclusion #
Best-selling roadster, the Kawasaki Z900 mechanically attracts thieves: sales volume, parts value, and improvable original protection. By combining approved mechanical anti-theft, good parking habits, and Invoxia GPS tracker, you drastically reduce the risk of irreversible theft. Anticipate, and ride with peace of mind. 🏍️💚
* Study on theft risks in different modes of transport conducted in October 2024 on 7,325 respondents in France