| ATV
Honda ATV
Keep your Honda safe
Theft of agricultural equipment continues to be a
significant problem across the UK, and ATVs and
utility vehicles are particularly tempting.
ompact size and
relatively light
weight means they
are easily loaded
into enclosed vans
or trailers for
transport, and high resale values
for legitimate used machines
means those offered at prices
cheaper than usual can quickly
attract unsuspecting buyers.
Risk of theft can be reduced by
taking simple precautions. Parking
the machine out of sight of the
road will reduce the chance of it
being spotted by an opportune
thief, and when it isn’t being used
lock it away in a secure building.
Securing it to a barn stanchion or
post using a substantial cable lock
or chain will make it difficult to
remove and discourage potential
thieves.
Always remove the ignition key
and store it away from the
machine. Unlike many farm
tractors; Honda ATVs and UTVs
are issued with one of a very large
number of potential key patterns
and unless the key code is known,
obtaining a replacement is almost
impossible.
Security marking systems are
also an effective deterrent. These
often include highly visible warning
stickers stating that an
identification system is fitted, and
hidden markings and
transponders which can be used
to identify the machine if it is ever
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found and suspected of being
stolen. Equipment to read the
transponders is usually only
available to the police and
because the identification is
almost impossible to remove
completely once fitted, anyone
purchasing a stolen machine runs
a much higher risk of being
caught, making marked machines
more difficult to sell on without
correct paperwork.
Tracking systems are available
and can be highly effective.
Complexity and prices vary but
some allow the ATV’s position to
be monitored by any authorised
person using a smartphone or
computer, while others can be
tracked only by the police.
Your local Honda dealer will be
able to advise the most suitable
anti-theft equipment for your
model and situation and most
keep popular devices in stock for
immediate use. Most insurance
companies, including the NFU,
offer premium discounts and
excess reductions if approved anti-
theft equipment is fitted. Your
Honda dealer will be able to tell
you which comply and could save
you money.
Using common sense and
simple measures such as parking
the ATV away from public view and
always removing the key will
greatly reduce risk of theft, but
being prepared with all the
relevant machine information will
increase the chance of getting the
machine back and apprehending
the thief if the worst happens.
Honda ATVs and Pioneers have
a 17-digit Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). Make sure this is
recorded safely, with the engine
number. Both are engraved during
manufacture and difficult to alter or
remove without evidence of
tampering. Keep a record of the
key number because, with so
many combinations if you do lose
it and need a replacement your
Honda dealer will be able to
supply one, avoiding the cost of a
complete new ignition barrel.
Keep all the identification
paperwork safe, and away from
the machine. Making sure the
paperwork matches is also
essential when purchasing a used
ATV, and without supporting
documents it should be regarded
with suspicion and avoided, unless
a main dealer can vouch for its
credentials. For further information
on the Honda range and to find
your nearest dealer visit
www.honda.co.uk/atv
April 2018 | Farming Monthly | 51