The 5 Best Anti-Theft Systems for Honda SH
If you opened this article, you probably own an SH or have one in your family. Read carefully because you will find useful tips on how to make it safe and theft-proof. But first... let's understand who the star of these lines is.
Why is the SH the best-selling (and most stolen) scooter?
We cannot consider the SH as just a simple scooter because in Italy it is a true cultural phenomenon. Since this model has existed (the 50cc arrived in 1984), it has occupied the top positions in sales charts, and with the third generation in 2001, it exploded as the favorite commuter throughout the country.
Why is it the most loved scooter? Undoubtedly for its quality/price ratio. In the 125 and 150cc versions, it has ideal dimensions (not too small and not too large, a good middle ground), brilliant performance, and high quality plastics and mechanics, which also make it robust and reliable.
Some numbers: in 2022, it was the most sold two-wheeled vehicle in the country with 17,977 units registered (between 125 and 150), more than double the second place, the Kymco Agility R16 125, with 8,135 units (the full list of the most stolen motorcycles and scooters in Italy is here). You can easily guess, therefore, that being the most widespread scooter, it is also the first choice for thieves.
The reason is related precisely to the sales numbers: if a product is successful, the illegal market for spare parts will be equally vast and profitable. There are organized gangs specialized in stealing SHs, which are dismantled and sold in unofficial circuits or as used spare parts.
What are the 5 best anti-theft devices for SH?
- CHAIN
- EASYBLOCK
- GPS/SATELLITE/BLUETOOTH POSITION TRACKER
- SOUND ALARM
- ESSENTIAL SAFETY TIPS FOR THE MOTORCYCLE
No matter the registration year of your Honda, all SHs are widely spread in major Italian cities and all are subject to the attention of criminals, especially those kept in better condition and without obvious damage.
Equipping yourself with an anti-theft system is necessary, given the reality of the situation, and below you will find 5 useful tips to safeguard the security of your beloved SH, chosen based on technical features and the context in which most SHs move: the urban jungle. (But if you want to go even deeper, here you can find a guide to the 10 best anti-theft devices for motorcycles and scooters).
1 - CHAIN
The classic chain lock is the simplest, oldest, and most logical security system, yet it is still one of the most effective in terms of active security. Obviously, you need to know how to use it because incorrect placement or a very low-quality chain can make the system as insecure as a steering lock.
For the best protection against theft, it must be a heavy and high-quality chain with a strong lock that is difficult to pick, which can securely anchor the SH to an urban furniture element like a railing or a pole.
The downside is that - regarding the most secure chains - these are heavy and bulky objects that can be very inconvenient to carry and can cost several hundred euros. A high-quality chain takes up most of the under-seat space of your scooter.
Why is the chain good for the SH?
It is a light vehicle that can easily be moved without drawing too much attention and loaded onto a van by two people who may not be very strong. The importance of the chain, in this case, is linked to the possibility of anchoring the SH to a structural element of urban furniture to prevent any easy movement.
2 - EASYBLOCK
This accessory has a logic similar to the disc lock because it mechanically blocks the rotation of the (rear) wheel, but it works very differently, greatly increasing security.
It is a system that is fixedly anchored to the scooter’s casing, so it becomes part of the vehicle’s hardware and does not need to be mounted and dismounted every time, only activated with the key. A pin blocks the wheel’s rotation, and being made with special iron and steel alloys, it is difficult to neutralize quickly and quietly.
The model designed for the SH has a spring that allows quick insertion with a simple foot press and a safety system that prevents accidental activation. At this link, you can find all the info and purchase it.
WHY IS EASYBLOCK IDEAL FOR THE SH?
Besides the excellent security level of the wheel lock anti-theft, the real advantage of this security solution is its ease of use. Since it is installed directly on the vehicle and quick to activate without getting your hands dirty or wasting time, you tend to use it at every stop.
Unfortunately, too often haste makes us leave our vehicle unprotected.
3 - GPS/SATELLITE/BLUETOOTH POSITION TRACKER
This is a passive system, meaning it can track the stolen motorcycle via a signal that can be viewed on a smartphone, showing the route the motorcycle is taking in real time and where it is at every moment.
Most of the time, it is also linked to your phone number and sends a message or call when activated to alert you of the attempted theft. Unfortunately, it does not prevent theft but greatly increases the chances of recovery in a very short time.
Why is a position tracker good for the SH?
It is a very useful tool that - when combined with a mechanical anti-theft device - greatly increases the security of your scooter. With plenty of bodywork and space under the frame, it is easy to hide and harder for thieves to neutralize.
4 - SOUND ALARM
Sound alarms will not stop a thief from taking your vehicle, but they will alert anyone nearby that someone is trying to steal your motorcycle. Combined with a mechanical anti-theft device that makes moving the vehicle difficult, they prove to be a very effective weapon in deterring criminals.
Why is a sound alarm good for the SH?
Since the SH is a quintessential city vehicle, it is very likely to be parked for many hours in public parking lots where it can be easily reached by thieves. With an acoustic signal, even in a sparsely crowded place, the thief will feel more vulnerable, and the theft attempt will be much harder for them.
5 - USE YOUR HEAD!
The fifth tip is not related to an object you can use but to prevention methods you should know and apply every time you use the scooter. Safety starts with the awareness of the user who must think accordingly based on the situation to avoid theft.
If you have a private space in a courtyard or garage, always use it even for short stops; it is always better than leaving it on the street. If you have anti-theft systems, always activate them, even if your SH is just a few steps away and within sight. Avoid parking in too isolated places and do not leave the vehicle too exposed to view; this will make it less detectable and less "attackable."
It is a matter of common sense that must start from an important principle: NEVER underestimate thieves and never think you are safe enough because very often when we think "it's only 5 minutes, no need to use the anti-theft," we are inviting those individuals who want to make money with other people's property.
If you want more advice, check out our “Complete guide to motorcycle security to prevent theft”.