When considering which tracking device is better for your motorcycle, a subscription vs a no-subscription option all boils down to your preferences. The general consensus is that a subscription tracker is far better, offering services and additional safety perks you might not find otherwise.
Going the subscription route and partnering with a trusted tracking company guarantees better correspondence in emergencies as well as reliable ties between the police and your chosen tracking provider.
Speaking of the police: the latest SAPS crime statistics show us Gauteng accounts for over 53% of car and motorbike thefts, with at least 85 being stolen every day. With that important stat in mind, choosing between the different tracking solutions is more than just making a comparison; it’s a thin-lined judgement call that could make the world of difference if you’re involved in an incident with your bike.
Don’t be stuck with a device that could leave you and your bike vulnerable. Compare subscription and non-subscription options, understand recovery services and safety features, and see why Cartrack’s Bike Track could be your top choice in protection and safety.
The difference between subscription and non-subscription vehicle trackers comes down to their costs, additional features, tracking & recovery services, whether monthly fees are required, and who they might be best suited for. Subscription trackers offer more advanced security, alerts, and monthly fees. Non-subscriptions usually have limited features and much cheaper upfront costs.
Take a look at this table for a full comparison:
Yes, you do actually need a tracker for your motorcycle. While getting one doesn’t 100% guarantee it won’t be stolen or damaged it can certainly prove to be a necessary safety measure—especially considering recent bike theft statistics.
Your motorcycle isn’t only a prized possession, but it’s a valuable one too. When you’ve secured your and your bike’s safety, feeling complete peace of mind is impossible to beat. Choosing a subscription-backed tracker means you get more bang for your buck and an unmatched level of protection.
❗Is your bike being touched or moved by someone who has no authority to do so? You’ll be immediately notified.
❗Is your bike on the move, but you’re not on it? You can immediately peek at your tracking app and see exactly where it is.
In the unfortunate case of theft, the right tracker can also mean speeding up recovery and insurance processes. As mentioned, established tracking companies work closely and are in close communication with law enforcement, which could mean swift vehicle recovery and smoother insurance processes.
GPS tracking and telematics are necessary for motorcycle protection because they take safety and protection to a whole new level.
Being able to keep an eye on your bike at all times is always a plus, but quick vehicle recovery services, tamper alerts, and crash detection are just some of the substantial perks that make all the difference.
GPS tracking and telematics are also features you can typically expect from subscription trackers. Subscription tracking providers make it much easier to connect with police and emergency services, handling some of the communication on your behalf (a very helpful benefit when you’re shaken up and overwhelmed after an incident).
Non-subscription motorcycle trackers are the ones that look inexpensive at first, but are actually more likely to cost you in the long run because of their limited features, support, and network quality.
On the other hand, subscription trackers make financial sense considering their true costs include SIM data, customer support & recovery services, accompanying software, and peace of mind.
Most people are attracted to the lower upfront costs that non-subscription tracker packages bring, which is totally understandable. But in the end you could get caught out by those cheaper options, ultimately spending more over time. Your buying decisions should extend to the long-term aspects of your motorcycle.
Although ‘non-subscription’ implies no ongoing fees, you’re still paying for limited features and managing everything yourself. This includes troubleshooting and setting up connected apps.
The hidden costs of a non-subscription tracker include:
Some passive ways for you to protect your motorcycle include:
Passive methods are limited in their level of protection, but together with an effective tracking system, you can elevate the security. Combining these protection methods means you’re better protected against all kinds of threats and not just relying on a single line of defence.
When it comes to insurance and vehicle recovery, consider 3 key steps: meeting insurance requirements, using an insurance-approved tracker, and understanding the recovery services. The bottom line is to carefully review what your insurance policy states so you’re aligned with the terms and conditions.
First and foremost, check what your insurer's strict stipulations are. Are non-subscription devices going to work during the claiming process? Does your insurer only accept a particular kind of tracking device? Remember to ask the necessary questions.
Many subscription-based providers have strong warranties in place, but legally speaking it’s up to you as the client to periodically ensure your tracker is still working and to test the unit regularly. Insurers expect this. You can do so by checking your mobile app and seeing if data is still being recorded, or by calling your provider to run a diagnostic check.
If your bike is stolen, always remember to call your subscription provider’s control room BEFORE you call the police. This means the ground control team can immediately kick into gear, increasing the chances of recovery and immediately easing your insurance claim.
Yes, Cartrack does offer motorcycle tracking options through our Bike Track feature. We offer a full range of products that cover your safety and security needs, including a strong battery life, live tracking with minimal delay, and a fair monthly fee.
Let’s get into our important features:
Our GPS tracking system is accurate and consistent, updating every few seconds. We also make use of SIM cards with multiple networks that transmit using surrounding cellphone towers. This means that even when urban areas are congested, there are tall buildings, or you’re in low-to-no signal areas, the signal remains strong.
Our devices’ accurate tracking also means you’ll get immediate, corresponding notifications when something happens. If someone tries to take your bike or move it without your knowledge, you’ll be instantly notified and be able to act quickly.
Easily identifiable tracking devices might make your bike more of a target because thieves are usually accustomed to quickly stripping them down. But the smaller & more concealed your tracking device is, the harder it is for them to find and remove.
Our trackers are small, discreet, and professionally installed, meaning you don’t have to worry about them being easily found by potential thieves.
Our batteries draw from your bike's battery, meaning it’ll remain charged for weeks at a time without you having to think about it too much. But don’t worry; the amount of power drawn from your bike is minimal.
Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend trail rider, our team has designed the bike tracker to be both versatile and weatherproof. No matter if it’s dust, rain, or heat, you can guarantee our devices are encased in strong materials that have an IP67 water resistance rating.
‘IP’ stands for Ingress Protection rating. The '6' in ‘IP67’ means that the tracker is protected from dust damage, even for long periods, and protects your bike when it bumps against objects larger than 1 mm in diameter. The '7' in ‘IP67’ shows your bike is protected from short bursts of being submerged in water, up to a depth of 1 metre.
Our trackers are produced in-house, and our technicians are intentional about their designs. So, when you fit a Cartrack bike tracker, you’re getting one of the highest-quality devices.
Cartrack aims to balance the price of our monthly services and products with the tight cost of living that’s affecting people globally. We have fair fees with no hidden charges, offering you a complete package with a user-friendly mobile app to match.
Our Bike Track package starts at the low price of R149 per month.
There are countless motorcycle tracking options out there. Choosing the right one can be pretty tough, especially with the ongoing debate between subscription and no-subscription services. But do you know what the truth is? Staying forward-thinking and prepared is what you need to keep your cherished bike protected.
At Cartrack, our offerings keep you feeling firmly secure in taking the wheel. From quality hardware and rapid-response recovery teams, to warm customer support and fair monthly rates, we’re ready to be your partner in lasting safety.
You don’t have to wait until your motorcycle is missing to get the right tech. Hit the road with total confidence. Chat with a Cartrack professional and get your defences up today!
Make the right safety investment. Compare costs, reliability, and recovery features of subscription vs. no-subscription motorcycle tracking devices.
