The best GPS bike trackers for anti-theft solutions are those that have a good battery life and deliver accurate GPS tracking. Signal strength is also a feature you should look for, as well as durability and water resistance for harsh conditions. Consider the subscription fee of your bike GPS tracker and don’t forget to check SIM card compatibility.
Atlas Security reported a growing number of motorcycle thefts in Nelson Mandela Bay alone. Around 80 bike thefts were reported in one month in 2025, and most of these were due to a bike theft syndicate. If you want to keep YOUR bike safe, you might be wondering what the best anti-theft GPS tracker is. Cartrack has the answer, so let’s find out.
Features you should look out for when choosing an anti-theft GPS bike tracker are:
Choose a GPS bike tracker that encompasses all of these features so that you have as many security layers as possible.
Why are these features important? Take a look:
Now let’s look at each of these features more closely.
Bike trackers need to be recharged periodically. So choosing one that lasts longer is important, because it’ll determine how long you can track your bike without recharging. Some trackers last weeks, others just a few days. You should also check if it uses rechargeable batteries or a replaceable option so you don’t get caught off guard when you need it most.
Does the Cartrack motorcycle tracker have a good batter? Yes, our trackers are designed to self-charge from your bike’s battery, and will last several weeks even if not charged.
Not all GPS trackers for bikes are created equal. Some aren’t as accurate as others (and you can usually tell by the low price or the obscure brand). GPS accuracy is key to finding your bike quickly. Strong signal strength means your tracker can pinpoint your bike even in busy streets or near tall buildings.
Does Cartrack’s bike tracker have good signal and accuracy? Yes! Our GPS trackers work off cellphone towers and even work when in rural or low-signal areas.
You definitely want a bike tracker with zero delays in pinpointing its position. You also want to be able to see its signal on your mobile phone or tablet. That way you’ll always know what’s happening, and can act fast if someone tries to steal your bike.
Does Cartrack offer real-time (live) tracking? Yes! Cartrack has one of the quickest GPS response signals on the market!
Rain. Mud. Dust. Rattling. All these things can damage a bike tracker if it’s not the best quality. Look for a GPS bike tracker that’s waterproof and tough enough to handle long, rough rides. A strong casing is also a good idea, since this ensures it keeps working even in wet or dusty conditions.
Are Cartrack’s tracking devices durable and weather-resistant? Of course! When you fit a Cartrack GPS tracker to your motorcycle, you’re choosing one of the best quality devices in South Africa.
Bike thieves (especially those working for syndicates) are well aware that some motorcycles have tracking devices. They’ve learnt how to disable or even uninstall them before or during the theft. A small and discreet GPS tracker is harder for thieves to find. You can hide it inside your bike frame, under the seat, or in the handlebars. The smaller it is, the safer your tracker stays.
Is the Cartrack GPS tracker well hidden on bikes? Yes, a Cartrack motorcycle GPS tracker won’t be easily found by would-be thieves.
Most good GPS trackers are going the way of subscriptions. These fees cover data for live tracking and alerts sent to your device. Other trackers use built-in SIMs or even your own mobile network. Check the costs before buying so you don’t end up with a surprise bill at the end of the month. Also make sure it works with your phone and location.
Does the Cartrack tracking device for bikes work on a subscription? Yes, and it’s affordable considering the safety benefits you’ll enjoy against theft.
.jpeg)
GPS bike tracking works through satellite signals that pinpoint your motorcycle’s exact location. This is done live, and the tracker sends this data to a platform that might be on your phone or PC. From here you can see where your bike is at any moment, which also increases your chance of recovering if it gets stolen.
But there’s more to having a GPS tracker for your bike than simply preventing theft…
GPS tracking for your bike has a bunch of other great uses. You can track your rides, especially if you’re part of a club that goes on weekend trips or breakfast runs. You can also track your fuel use, and identify which routes offer the most economic rides. Finally, GPS tracking also monitors your speed, giving you interesting data on how fast you went and how long it took you to get to your destinations.
Before you get a GPS tracker for your motorcycle, choose your provider carefully. You want a GPS that:
GPS bike trackers are highly effective when it comes to ultimately recovering your motorcycle. However, this is only true if you have a top notch recovery team as backup. It’s one thing to see your bike being driven away from where you left it; it’s another to call on a team of experts to get it back!
Because GPS trackers provide a live, second-by-second indication on where your bike is, it can be easily found and recovered before it gets to a chop-shop or across the border. Cartrack’s vehicle recovery team works with local authorities to get your vehicle back and stop thieves as soon as your bike leaves its parking spot.
Cartrack has successfully recovered over 100,000 vehicles in the past decade. A chunk of that statistic is attributed to recovered motorcycles. Many companies and bike owners currently have their bike safe in possession because they chose us as their tracking partner.
A bike tracker is very effective, but if you want to get the most out of yours, it’s important to note some of the factors that influence its performance.
If something unfortunate happens and your bike gets stolen, don’t panic! This is why you got the tracker in the first place, remember? Here’s what you do:
Learn from the mistakes of others and avoid these mistakes when choosing your next (or first) GPS bike tracker:
.jpeg)
Myth: A heavy-duty lock alone will keep your motorcycle safe.
Fact: Locks are a strong deterrent, but thieves can still break or cut them (and often do). A GPS tracker won’t necessarily STOP theft, but it helps you locate your bike quickly if it’s taken. THIS should rather be a second line of defence.
Myth: Motorcycle alarms chase away thieves.
Fact: Alarms can scare off casual thieves, but not syndicates and serious (or desperate) thieves. Loud noises don’t always work. A GPS tracker tracks your bike in real-time, so even if the alarm fails, you can still recover your motorcycle.
Myth: One type of protection is enough for your motorcycle.
Fact: Combining a GPS tracker with locks and alarms gives you MULTIPLE layers of defence. While physical measures slow thieves down, the tracker lets you locate your bike immediately if all else fails. This makes it way harder for thieves to get away with your property.
Myth: A GPS tracker alone protects your motorcycle’s value.
Fact: Trackers help you find your bike, but insurance covers financial loss if it’s stolen. Marking systems make motorcycles easier to identify and deter theft. Using all three together gives you both security and peace of mind.
The best anti-theft GPS tracker for bikes in South Africa is the one that’s been specially designed by Cartrack. Why is it perfect for all motorcycles? Because it keeps tabs on your bike in real time no matter where you are. It’s also built by South Africans, so it’s tough for South African roads and weather. Best of all, it sends instant alerts if your bike is moved or tampered with.
Plus, it’s linked to Cartrack’s recovery team, so if your motorcycle ever gets stolen, they can help track it down fast. In short, it’s like having a 24/7 bodyguard for your ride!
Yes, in most cases it's possible to track your bike if it’s inside a building or underground parking area. There are some limits because GPS signals can get weak indoors or underground. The Cartrack one uses extra tech like GSM or Wi-Fi signals to give a close estimate even when GPS is blocked.
Yes, most GPS bike trackers work internationally when you travel on or with your bike! If your tracker’s SIM card supports roaming or works with networks in the country you’re visiting, you’ll still get live updates. Just check your plan or app settings before you go so you don’t get hit with surprise data charges.
Bluetooth trackers work only over short distances—usually a few meters—so they’re better for finding things nearby, like your keys or a parked bike. GPS trackers, on the other hand, use satellites to track your bike anywhere in the world. That’s why GPS is best for theft protection.
You can try to use your smartphone as a bike tracker instead of buying one, but it’s not a good solution. Phones run out of battery life quickly, and they can overheat. Phones are also easy to spot, and yours might get stolen along with your bike! A bike tracker provides long battery life, hidden placement, and constant tracking.
Some basic GPS bike trackers don't need mobile data or SIM cards. They use satellite data and upload it later when you’re back online. This may defeat the anti-theft purpose, though, since you won't be able to track your bike live.
Yes, you SHOULD combine your GPS tracker with other anti-theft devices, because layered security is always the best way to prevent theft. Consider locks, immobilisers, and even an alarm to add more protection. Also be vigilant about where you park your bike, and in which areas you leave it unattended.
.jpg)
Keep your bike safe with the best GPS bike tracker for theft prevention. Get real-time location updates, strong signal coverage, and reliable protection wherever you ride.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)