I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that motorcycle theft in the United States (and almost every other country worldwide) is rising. Since 2019 there’s been a staggering 29% increase in the number of motorcycles stolen in the USA with the total number currently sitting at around 55,000 per annum. These will surely be unsettling statistics for any motorcycle owner and an unignorable incentive to invest in a security device. Unfortunately, thieves have become rather skilled at breaking through most locking mechanisms, and failing that they’ll simply load a motorcycle into a van (like this) and drive off.
The good news is there are ways to keep your motorcycle safe beyond just throwing a lock on it. Back in 2022, I reviewed the Monimoto 7, a motorcycle anti-theft GPS device that alerts you of a possible theft and updates you on your motorcycle’s whereabouts. Since then the Monimoto team has continued to improve its offering and I’ve acquired the latest version, the Monimoto 9, to see how it’s changed.
Out of the box, the most notable difference between the Monimoto 7 and Monimoto 9 is its size. The tracking unit of the 7 is around the size of the palm of my hand. In comparison, the Monimoto 9 edition is similar in size to my index and middle fingers side by side. The exact size of the unit is 93 x 39 x 15mm and it weighs a mere 95 grams. They’ve shrunk the unit to allow even more discrete mounting which in turn makes it harder for thieves to locate it. Infact the Monimoto 9 is so small that the number of mounting options available has increased tenfold, especially if you own a motorcycle with fairings.
There is a downside to the reduced size though. The previous model, powered by 2 Lithium AA batteries, offered an operating time of up to 24 months. In comparison, the Monimoto 9 promises 12. That’s still nothing to be sneezed at though and the other benefits outweigh this.
Along with being conveniently smaller, the Monimoto 9 is rechargeable via a USB C port at the base of the unit. This makes keeping the unit powered much simpler and also allows you to hardwire it to a USB port on the bike should you want it to be charged each time you fire up your bike. The new design also has an improved ingress protection (IP) rating of 68. This translates to a unit that is both dust-tight and waterproof enough to be fully submerged in water for an extended period. Being fully watertight means the Monimoto 9 is also suitable for use on other vehicles such as ATVs, trailers, and watercraft where there’s increased exposure to such elements.
What’s in the box?
Inside the Monimoto 9 packaging, you’ll find just a few items. First is a multilingual setup/user guide and a pamphlet with a QR code for downloading the Monimoto app to your smartphone. Beneath those, you’ll find the tracking unit, a key fob, and a couple of reusable zip ties for mounting the tracking unit to your motorcycle.
Personally, I’d also like to see another mounting device, such as a 3M bracket or 3M Velcro pads included with the Monimoto 9. These would extend the device’s mounting possibilities even further since they wouldn’t rely on something like a frame tube to affix the device to. Of course, there is no reason you can’t source those yourself, and I will likely do it with my unit.
Monimoto 9 installation and setup
After unpacking the Monimoto 9 you should charge the tracking unit. This is done by removing the waterproof rubber grommet from the base of the unit and attaching a USB-C cable (not included with the device). While that’s happening you can use the QR code to install the Monimoto app to your phone and complete the user setup. The key fob must also be activated by opening it with a small flathead screwdriver and removing the plastic cover from the internal battery.
Once the unit has finished charging you use the app to register the Monimoto 9 to your phone. During the registration process, you will be asked to provide a phone number, this is the number that the tracker will contact should it be triggered. When you test the unit you can save the number of the SIM to your contacts so you can name it something you’ll recognize when it contacts you like “BIKE ALARM!” or something similar. Out of the box, the SIM card inside the tracker comes with 2 months of free use. After that, there’s an annual fee of $79 AUD to continue using your Monimoto 9.
Once it’s set up the unit can be mounted to your motorcycle. This is where you can get creative. Look for a spot that could easily be overlooked by a thief or can’t be accessed easily without tools. You can use the included reusable zip ties to hold it in place or an alternative solution of your own like the 3M pads I mentioned earlier. The only thing to be mindful of during the installation is that the logo side of the tracker shouldn’t be touching any metal surfaces and that the GPS will work best if the logo is pointing sideways or up at the sky.
The last step is to attach the Monimoto fob to your motorcycle key.
How does it work?
In a nutshell, the Monimoto 9 is a silent alarm with tracking capabilities. The key fob functions as the remote, using its proximity to turn off or activate the alarm function. Cleverly the Monimoto team has added a function that allows you to fine-tune how far the fob should be from the tracker to arm it. This means if you store your keys only a short distance away from where you park your bike it will still arm.
The tracker unit, with its internal SIM, is the alarm itself. Once the tracker is armed the electronic wizardry inside it will detect if your bike is being moved. Within about 1 minute of registering movement without the fob nearby, it will call your phone. The phone call is designed to alert you that something is up.
Once the unit is in alarm mode you can also initialize active tracking. So if your bike’s already being stolen and being moved to a new location you can see its whereabouts. As the motorcycle continues to move, the tracker updates its location on a map which you can view on your phone. If your bike stops moving for 30 minutes you will receive an accurate report of its last known location. At that point, you can pass that information on to the authorities.
Is the Monimoto 9 worth the money?
The Monimoto 9 costs $299 AUD and has an ongoing yearly fee of $72. While you can purchase a quality motorcycle lock for less than that, a lock will never provide the same peace of mind as the Monimoto. Once a lock has been broken its function ends. A lock may help to prevent crimes of opportunity, but it won’t deter experienced motorcycle thieves who have plenty of ways of dealing with them. The only thing the Monimoto lacks in comparison to a lock is the visual deterrence. For that reason, I’d recommend also fitting a lock to your motorcycle to further reduce the chance of theft.
My motorcycle is more to me than simply a form of transport and anything I can do to avoid the pain and stress of losing it to a thief is well worth the money. So, after over a year of firsthand experience owning a Monimoto, I emphatically say YES.
Available from: Monimoto USA & EU / Australia
Article main image via Freepik
