The 5 Best Motorcycle GPS Trackers
Welcome to SpaceHawks’ guide on the best motorcycle GPS trackers for 2024.
If you’re here, we know how you feel. Your bike is your baby, and you want to get it back ASAP if it’s ever lost or stolen (god forbid - fingers crossed).
We’ve been in the tracking business for nearly 10 years now and can say this with certainty: the right tracking device can make the difference between getting your motorcycle back in a matter of minutes or never seeing it again.
That’s why we created this review. We put the 5 most popular GPS tracking devices for motorcycles to the test and ranked them based on:
- Accuracy
- Affordability
- User-friendliness
- Subscription value
- Ease of installation
You’ll learn the key features of each tracker, how accurate they are, the pros and cons of each based on our testing, and some guidance on buying one so you can make that decision for yourself with confidence. Plus we’ll cover some positive case studies and reviews proving how effective these trackers are.
First, we’ll give you a quick overview of the trackers in case you’re in a hurry.
Our Top 5 Picks for Motorcycle GPS Trackers
The Best Overall - SpaceHawk Motorcycle GPS
The SpaceHawk motorcycle GPS tracker is the best overall tracker available based on our testing.
It uses military-grade GNSS satellite tracking to give you real-time global location down to the exact address right from your phone or laptop. You also get text, email, and live links to share with police to help you recover your bike ASAP. If someone steals your bike, they’ll have to take it to Antarctica to hide it from you.
Another positive thing about SpaceHawk hidden GPS tracker is that they have a real human support team to help with any issues. Most other devices only have help centers or chatbots.
Key Features
- Real-Time Tracking: SpaceHawk’s GPS had the most accurate location tracking of all the models we tested. We drove the bike to a random location, then checked the app: the location was accurate to within 30 feet.
- Advanced Accuracy: Most trackers use Bluetooth or standard GPS (poor accuracy and range). SpaceHawk uses advanced GNSS for worldwide coverage.
- 5x The Battery Life: SpaceHawk had the longest battery life of any rechargeable device during testing. That means if your bike is ever stolen, there’s a better chance that your device will be working (and you can get your bike back).
- Intuitive App: We don’t have PhD in phone apps, and you probably don’t either. That’s why we like that everything is super intuitive and easy to use. Open the app, see the location, call the cops - it’s dead simple.
- Budget-Friendly: The SpaceHawk is much more affordable than most high-end GPS trackers with comparable features. For reference, it’s about half the price of the MoniMoto 7 and about 6 times cheaper than the Garmin Zumo.
The Best Portable - Spark Nano
The Spark Nano is a micro GPS tracker that’s affordable, waterproof, and simple to use. It’s typically meant for tracking pets, valuable items, and smaller vehicles like e-bikes. The range and accuracy are great for a device this size, but we found that the accuracy tends to drop off over long distances. It’s not the best for motorcycles, but if you’re on a budget, it’ll do the trick.
One more key thing: Brickhouse - the parent company of Spark Nano - has excellent support with real humans. According to one customer from Amazon, “their customer service is very nice. They are prompt and courteous. I've texted with Marvin earlier, he was a wonderful help. Thank you, Marvin, for helping me change my subscription plan. You were very helpful!”
Key features
- Portability: This is one of the smallest trackers we’ve ever seen. It’s easy to carry around and hide on any vehicle.
- Accuracy: For its size and price, it’s extremely accurate. However, it only gives the general vicinity, which won’t help if your bike is in a chop shop 500 miles away.
- Pricing: We hate to say it’s a “cheap GPS tracker”, but it’s definitely budget-friendly. It’s normally meant for e-bikes or other items, though. So we understand why.
- Versatility: The Spark Nano is perfect for monitoring teen drivers close to home or tracking a spouse/employees. It’s fine for a bike too if you’re on a budget.
The Best for Anti-Theft - Monimoto 7
The Monimoto 7 is one of the most accurate and longest-lasting GPS trackers available.
A single battery lasts 6 months or more, and the location is accurate. It’s at the same level as the SpaceHawk, which is very rare. Someone could steal your bike and hide it in a van, and the Monimoto will show the location within feet.
They even give you an automated call as soon as your bike moves. That’s especially valuable in cities, where thieves tend to push your bike away with an accomplice rather than drive it.
The only problems are that it’s very expensive ($149 + subscription), a bit complicated to use, and there’s no real support team. It’s all FAQs and some automated support.
Key Features
- Accuracy: Monimoto products are accurate to within a few dozen feet. Tests show that it can track your bike even when it’s in a shed, large building, or moving van.
- Easy Installation: Just place the Monimoto in any hidden spot on your bike and you’re set. The key fob complicates things a bit, but that’s the price you pay for security.
- Movement Alerts: We have to say that the automatic call when your bike moves is a nice touch. According to one test from a company, KGL Racing, they placed their bike on a barge from Italy to Greece. When the boat set off from the pier, the app alerted the owner that his bike was on the move. And that was on a boat below sea level!
- Long Battery Life: The battery can last up to 6 months, which is a nice selling point. However, it’s a bit annoying that you have to buy a new battery when it runs out. It cannot be recharged.
The Best Value - AMERICALOC GL300
The AMERICALOC GL300 is a great budget motorcycle GPS tracker with good range and accuracy.
It’s about $40 cheaper than similar products, but they hit you on the monthly subscription to make up the difference (~$30) per month. It works fine, but location updates are slow, which could make it very difficult to track your bike down when it’s on the move. It took several minutes to update the location during testing. In a real-life theft situation, your bike could be in a new part of town or different city within 10 minutes. If you’ve got a cheap bike and don’t care too much, it’s fine. But that’s about it.
Key Features
- Long Battery Life: A single charge lasts up to two weeks - but that’s because location updating is slow.
- Compact Design: It’s very discreet and easy to use.
- Tons of Alerts: Alert yourself to location, time, and speed-of-vehicle quickly.
- Affordable: If you’re on a budget, it’s a good alternative. But we do recommend upgrading if you really care about getting your bike back. If not, what’s the point of tracking it?
Best for Versatility: Garmin Zumo XT
The Garmin Zumo XT is an advanced GPS device for offroading and adventuring.
This GPS tracker is made for vehicle tracking, offroading, employee monitoring, and route planning. It comes with detailed maps, route alerts, high-level accuracy, directions, and even sightseeing recommendations. The only issue is that it’s kind of priceyl. It’s almost $500, and not even designed for theft recovery. It’s more for adventurers and travel companies going offroad.
Key Features
- Designed for Adventure: Pre-loaded maps, directions, your favorite music, landmarks and sightseeing recommendations - this thing was a blast to use.
- Weather-Proof: This thing was designed to withstand the desert, monsoons, offroading, and any type of weather Mother Nature can cook up.
- Detailed Maps: In case of theft, you’ll be able to find the bike anywhere, and even have fun getting it back.
Comparison Table of Top 5 Motorcycle GPS Trackers
In-Depth Reviews of Our Top 5 Motorcycle GPS Devices (Installation, Key Features, Pros and Cons, etc.)
1. SpaceHawk
Pros
- Great accuracy and range
- Low monthly subscription
- Difficult to remove
- Easy-to-use app
- Live link sharing with human support
Cons
- The subscriptions cost a bit more, but it’s worth it for support, live link sharing, and fast real-time updates
- Works in 160 countries but only ships to the USA and Canada
The following is a brief overview of the SpaceHawk motorcycle tracking device.
Our favorite thing about this tracker is its real-time accuracy. You’ll know exactly where your bike is at all times down to within a few feet. If it’s ever lost, you’ll be able to track it in real time and get it back within an hour or so.
Using the SpaceHawk GPS is very straightforward. The device comes with an intuitive app that makes tracking easy. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to get the hang of it. Just download the app, set up your account, and you’re ready to go.
Here’s how to install it:
- Charge the Battery: Before installing, ensure the SpaceHawk GPS is fully charged.
- Secure the Tracker: Use the strong magnetic mount to attach the GPS tracker to your motorcycle. We recommend hiding it under the bike to keep it discreet or putting it inside the seat.
- Download the App: Install the SpaceHawk app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Set Up Your Account: Open the app and follow the prompts to create and set up your account. This only takes a few minutes, so don’t worry.
- Connect the Tracker to the App: Pair your SpaceHawk GPS with the app following the on-screen instructions.
- Test the Connection: Verify that the app displays your motorcycle's location in real-time.
2. Spark Nano
Pros
- Portable
- Affordable
- Can be used for other items or vehicles
Cons
- Poor accuracy over long distances
- High subscription costs
Like we said before, the Spark Nano is a discreet, simple, and affordable GPS tracker that’s great if you’re on a budget.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to keep your motorcycle safe, the Spark Nano GPS is a great pick. It’s about half the price of similar trackers - just remember the monthly subscriptions do add up, though.
One of the best things about the Spark Nano is how easy it is to use. The app is super intuitive—you can track your bike in real-time with just a few taps on your phone. Even if you're not great with tech, you’ll figure it out just by following the instructions that pop up.
However, keep in mind that the Spark Nano isn't the best for long-distance tracking. Its range is more limited, so it’s perfect for local use but might fall short if your bike ends up far away.
Installing the Spark Nano is Simple:
- Charge it Up: Make sure your Spark Nano is fully charged using the included charger. This usually takes about 8 hours - sorry.
- Pick a Spot: Find a hidden spot on your motorcycle, like under the seat or in a storage compartment. Just beware, if there isn’t a clear line of sight to the sky or pavement, it could reduce accuracy.
- Secure the Tracker: Use the magnetic case or mounting hardware to attach the tracker.
- Download the App: Install the Spark Nano app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your smartphone.
- Activate and Pair: Follow the instructions in the app to activate your tracker and pair it with your phone.
- Test and Monitor: Take your bike for a short ride to test the connection and make sure the app shows your bike's location accurately. Now you’re all set to track your motorcycle in real-time! One downside here is that the Spark Nano won’t track your bike unless it’s moving, so you’ll have to take it for a spin to make sure it’s working.
3. Monimoto 7
Pros
- Highly accurate
- Works even in hidden environments like a van
- 6 months of battery life
- Accurate movement alerts
Cons
- Expensive
- Complicated
- No support team - only email and it’s slow
Monimoto 7 performed well across all of our tests. Including location tracking, usability, and battery life. We can see why it’s such a popular and well-respected brand.
What we liked the most was how accurate it was even when we parked the bike inside of a warehouse (a place where thieves usually hide bikes). The location was accurate within 150 feet or so.
One other cool feature is the key fob. This attaches to your regular keys and acts as a signal to the tracking device that “everything is OK”, so it conserves battery life and doesn’t alert you that the bike is moving. Makes sense, though. Right? If you’re driving the bike, then no one is stealing it!
The only major drawback to the tracker is that it’s expensive - nearly double the price of the SpaceHawk.
That being said, it’s pretty easy to install, even if the app is a bit weird (it also looks cheap and outdated)
How to Install The Monimoto 7:
- Charge it Up: Unbox your Monimoto 7 tracking device and key fob. Make sure the device is fully charged using the included charger.
- Download the App: Install the Monimoto app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your smartphone.
- Create an Account: Open the app, create an account, and follow the prompts to set up your preferences.
- Activate and Pair: Turn on the Monimoto 7 by holding the power button until the LED light appears. Follow the app instructions to pair the tracker with your phone via Bluetooth. Keep the key fob near the tracker during pairing.
- Pick a Spot: Choose a discreet location on your motorcycle to hide the tracker, such as under the seat or inside a storage compartment.
- Secure the Tracker: Use the provided zip ties or adhesive to securely attach the tracker. Ensure it's firmly in place to prevent it from falling off during rides.
- Test and Monitor: Move the key fob away from the bike to simulate a potential theft scenario and ensure you receive movement alerts on your phone. Verify that the app accurately displays the tracker’s location.
Now you’re all set! The Monimoto 7 will keep your motorcycle secure with real-time alerts and easy monitoring. Just remember to keep the key fob with you to avoid false alarms.
4. AMERICALOC GL300
Pros
- Pay as you go - no subscription required
- Solid battery life
- Customizable alerts
- Text and email notifications
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Not the best accuracy
- Difficult to use
- Limited range
The AMERICALOC GL 300 is a no-frills GPS tracker that comes with a few key features that give it an advantage over other trackers:
- Customizable Alerts: The device alerts you to parking status, movement, low battery life, geo-fencing, and even front button pressing.
- Tracking History: It saves 3 years worth of history. Not really necessary for a motorcycle, but great if you’re tracking a fleet or a teen driver.
- Worldwide Coverage: Works in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and 180 other countries.
- Scalable Pricing: You can pay as you go, which is a nice advantage. Plus you can set update intervals to 10, 20, 30, or even 60 seconds for the same price.
- Track Multiple Vehicles: You can track an entire network of devices right from the app.
Aside from that, the device has standard features like text and email updates as well as a long-lasting battery. It’s great value for money, but the downsides are that the location and updating are not as accurate as the company claims.
5. The Garmin Zumo XT
Pros
- Added features for driving and mapping routes
- Detailed maps of everywhere on Earth
- A great support team
Cons
- Expensive
- Features you may never use
- Complicated
The Garmin Zumo XT is one of the most popular motorcycle tracking devices.
One of the key features is its durability. This tracker is built tough, resisting harsh weather, vibrations, and drops.
Having a durable tracker means it stays securely attached to your bike, no matter the conditions, and thieves won’t easily tamper with or remove it. Its rugged construction ensures it keeps working in all environments, providing continuous, reliable tracking. So, whether you're parked in the city or out in the country, the Zumo XT is perfect for keeping your bike safe.
The only major downside is the price. It’s almost $500, and it comes with a lot of features that you’ll almost certainly never use.
Installation and Usage Tips for Motorcycle GPS Trackers
Best Practices for Installing GPS Trackers on Different Motorcycle Models
Installing a GPS tracker on your motorcycle is pretty simple, but there are a few best practices to keep in mind.
First, make sure the tracker is fully charged before you start. Then, find a good spot on your bike to place it. Most trackers work best when they have a clear view of the sky, so under the seat or near the back of the bike are usually good spots. Just avoid putting it too close to metal parts that can block the signal.
Just keep in mind that different types of motorcycles have different protocols for hiding your tracker.
On sport bikes, you can hide the tracker under the fairing or seat cowl. For cruisers, look for a spot under the seat or within a saddlebag. On adventure bikes, the tracker can go inside a pannier or a small compartment.
In general, these devices can be installed on any motorbike simply and easily because they’re wireless. Just make sure that they’re hidden.
Tips For Hiding Motorcycle GPS Trackers To Prevent Theft
Hiding your GPS tracker well is key to preventing theft.
Thieves know to look for trackers, so you need to be clever about where you place it. The best hiding spots are out of sight but still allow the tracker to get a good signal. Don’t make the mistake of hiding it so well that it can’t even talk to the GPS satellite network!
Here are some good places to hide your tracker:
- Under the seat
- Inside a saddlebag
- Within a pannier (if you have one)
- Under the fairing or seat cowl (for sportbikes)
- Inside a small compartment or storage box
- Under a frame cover
- Behind the license plate
And here are 5 places you SHOULD NOT hide your GPS tracker:
- Near the Engine: The heat and vibrations can damage the tracker.
- Inside the Fuel Tank: Obviously, this is dangerous and impractical.
- Directly Under Metal Parts: Metal can block the GPS signal, making the tracker ineffective.
- On the Exhaust: The high temperatures can ruin the tracker.
- In Plain Sight: Avoid placing the tracker where it can be easily seen and removed by a thief.
Pro Tip: Consider using strong adhesive or zip ties to secure the tracker in place. You can also use the magnetic case that comes with many trackers to stick it to a metal part of the bike. Another good tip is to wrap the tracker in a plastic bag to protect it from dirt and moisture, especially if it’s placed in an exposed area.
Subscription vs. Non-Subscription Options
Customers often ask us if a subscription is worth the money. It 100% IS.
There’s really no point in tracking your bike if you can’t retrieve it when it’s stolen.
Subscription trackers usually offer real-time tracking, which is great because you get instant updates on your bike’s location. You pay for a data plan, and this keeps you connected to the satellite network that shows where your bike is at all times. These typically cost between $5 to $50 a month.
Non-subscription trackers, on the other hand, don’t have monthly fees. They often store location data internally and you can access it when you retrieve the device. While cheaper in the long run, they don’t provide real-time updates, which is useless if your bike is ever stolen.
Motorcycle GPS Trackers Buyer’s Guide
We find that customers don’t know how to properly evaluate motorcycle GPS trackers, and this leads to them wasting money - or worse - getting their bikes stolen and never getting them back.
So, we wanted to provide this motorcycle GPS buying guide to give you some tips on what to look for when purchasing a GPS device for your bike. These are the most important GPS tracking device features to evaluate when shopping around.
If you believe someone has attached a real time GPS tracker to your bike, you can lear where to find a GPS tracker in this article.
Real-Time Tracking Capabilities
Your motorcycle GPS’s real-time tracking abilities are by far the most important factor when buying a GPS tracking device.
It makes sense, right? What’s the point of a tracking device if it doesn’t show an accurate location?
All of the following are non-starters when choosing the right GPS for your motorcycle:
- Pinpoint accuracy within a few hundred feet
- Detailed maps
- GNSS satellite technology
- Long range capabilities
- Full coverage in North America
If your bike gets stolen, you want something that shows you exactly where it is at the present time, with the exact address, and a detailed map of the surrounding area.
That’s why we recommend SpaceHawk above all others. It uses the most advanced satellite technology to show you the exact location at all times.
Pro Tip: We highly recommend that you DO NOT try to cut corners here. Cheap trackers are cheap for a reason: They don’t work well. If disaster strikes, you won’t be able to find your bike.
Battery Life
Battery life is important for your motorcycle GPS, because it affects a few key features:
- How accurate and timely your location is
- How often you get updates
- How often you need to charge it
Plus one more major thing: you want your GPS tracker to actually be awake if someone ever steals your bike!
In our experience, getting a tracker that lasts weeks or months on a single charge is worth the extra price. It’s the best of both worlds: you get peace of mind knowing your tracker will work in the event of an emergency, but you won’t have to constantly be charging it, too.
Look for a product that can last at least two weeks on a single charge AND alerts you when the battery is low.
Size And Design
The size and design of your bike tracker are important, because it determines how easy it is to hide. You might think a visible tracker on your bike could deter criminals, but the opposite is true. This just makes it easier for them to rip it off and take your bike. You want something that is so discreet that thieves won’t even know it’s there.
Tip: Look for a tracker that is compact, discreet, and weather resistant. It’s easy to forget your tracker is even on your bike at times, which could result in weather damage if you forget to remove it during rain or snowstorms. And one more thing, make sure the tracker has a magnetic case, so you can attach it under the bike and make it harder to rip off.
Alert Types And Frequency
GPS alert types and frequency are an often overlooked factor when buying a GPS tracker. Our customers normally think “all alerts are created equal”. They’re not - this is not a Utopia.
Imagine this scenario: Your bike has been stolen and you contact the police. The problem is that you didn’t even realize it had been stolen until 30 minutes after it happened when you checked your email. And worse, the location you see on your phone is where it was an hour ago!
Good luck ever finding that bike. It’s probably in Timbuktu by now (We hear it’s a lovely place, though).
You want a tracking device with several alert types including:
- Text
- Movement
- Speed
- Parking
- Geo-fencing alerts
And the device should have frequencies ranging from 3 seconds to a few minutes. What’s the point of seeing your bike’s location every 10 minutes? If you’re trying to track it down, every second counts. Just remember that more frequent alerts are usually more expensive and taxing on the battery.
Cost and Subscription Fees
When evaluating the cost of a GPS tracker, consider both the upfront price and any subscription fees. Start by setting a budget based on your needs and financial situation. Think about how much you're willing to spend to protect your motorcycle. From our experience, a fair price range for a good quality tracker is between $50 and $150, with a reasonable subscription cost of $5 to $40 per month.
Evaluating your budget involves a few steps. First, assess your financial situation to determine how much you can comfortably afford to spend initially and monthly. Next, consider your needs and decide which features are essential for your peace of mind. Remember, real-time tracking and battery life are the two most important features. More advanced features like these might justify higher costs.
Lastly, weigh trade-offs: understand that lower-cost packages may lack frequent updates, which will make it difficult to track your bike when a thief is driving it on the move.
Motorcycle Theft Statistics You Need To Know
Why should you consider investing in a mini GPS tracker for your bike? The answer is very simple: motorcycle theft is increasing. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), motorcycle thefts went up by 7% from 2021 to 2022. This growing threat makes tracking devices essential for protecting your bike.
Let’s look at the numbers. The NICB reported an average of 4,561 motorcycles were stolen each month in 2022. There’s a clear seasonal trend: thefts were lower in February, with 2,879 bikes stolen, but they peaked in July at 6,394. This shows that thefts spike from May to October, especially when the weather is warmer.
Despite the increase in thefts, there's good news: over 40% of stolen motorcycles were recovered. This success is due to the hard work of law enforcement and the use of motorcycle trackers. However, many riders still don’t get their bikes back, showing that motorcycle theft remains a big problem. And if you ride a Honda, Yamaha or Harley Davidson motorcycle, you should be extra vigilant when it comes to security. Why? Just take a look at the graph below showing the 5 most stolen motorcycles according to data from the NICB.
Case Studies and User Reviews
The motorcycle GPS market is growing at a staggering pace for one key reason: they help find stolen motorbikes in one piece as quickly as possible. Theft is a growing concern among vehicle owners of all kinds, and there are thousands of case studies and user reviews showing just how valuable these devices are.
So, we wanted to share with you a few successful case studies and reviews from happy users about the value of motorcycle GPS trackers. The reason? So you can see that we aren’t just blowing smoke up your exhaust pipe.
Hong Kong Man Finds Stolen Bike in 30 Minutes
Motorcycle theft is a major concern in Hong Kong, which led a man, “Mr. Xu” to install a tracking device on his bike. And thank god he did.
One day, Mr. Xu parked his HONDA NC700S in an alley where it was nabbed by a thief around midnight.
His device - a “GMT200” - sent the first alarm at 00:38 am. However, Mr. Xu didn’t see it until the next morning, because he had turned off his phone at night.
But no worries! The GPS tracker showed exactly where his bike was parked, so the police could go get it back for him.
Mr. Xu wound up recovering his stolen motorcycle with the help of the police in just 30 minutes from the time he saw the first alert.
Couple Recovers Their Harley Davidson After a Vacation Nightmare
We loved this one! A couple’s bike got stolen from their hotel’s parking lot, but the police managed to get it back that same day using a GPS tracker. These types of stories warm our hearts.
Here’s the scoop.
While traveling from Orlando, FL to El Paso, TX, a couple stopped overnight at a hotel in San Antonio, TX.
After realizing that their Harley had been stolen earlier that morning, they immediately contacted the GPS company’s theft recovery team to report their bike missing. That company then contacted the local police.
The theft recovery experts continuously monitored the heading, speed, and location of the motorcycle, which ultimately stopped at a residence in San Antonio. The device reported that it was parked under what appeared to be a carport-type covering in the backyard of the residence. The recovery team relayed the precise location to local police who arrived to find the stolen motorcycle.
SpaceHawk hidden motorcycle GPS tracker online reviews
Conclusion - What is the Best Motorcycle GPS Tracking Device?
After reviewing all of the best motorcycle GPS trackers, we can safely say that there’s no single “best” tracker - there’s only the one that’s best for your needs and budget.
The best overall tracker is definitely the SpaceHawk. It’s got the best mix of affordability, real-time tracking accuracy, and added features like live link sharing and customer support
If you need something else, you can’t go wrong with the:
- Spark Nano for portability
- The Monimoto 7 for anti-theft capabilities
- AMERICALOC GL300 if you’re on a budget
- The GARMIN Zumo XT for ballers who want the best possible GPS device for adventuring
Investing in a motorcycle GPS tracker can make a huge difference in your peace of mind. You'll always know where your bike is, whether you're out for a ride or it's parked somewhere. And you won't have to constantly worry about theft because you'll be able to quickly locate your bike if anything happens. This security lets you enjoy your rides more without stressing about leaving your motorcycle unattended.
This article was written by Ryan Horban