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Motorcycle thefts: Most popular makes and models

By Charles Fleming

A deeper data dive on our recent post on motorcycle thefts in 2012 has produced some better information on specific makes and models.

And Honda wins again.

The original story, based on a new study from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, pointed out that Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki led the league, and by brand were the most-stolen motorcycle makes.

It also assured California residents, and those living in L.A. County, that we are, indeed, No. 1. Our state and county led the nation for all motorcycle thefts for the year.

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By make and model, the NICB stats shows the top most-stolen bikes were these:

Honda CBR600

Yamaha YZFR6

Suzuki GSXR600

Harley Davidson FLH Series

Kawasaki ZX600

The astute reader will note that all four Japanese models are sport bikes with 600cc engines. Those motorcycles are all moderately priced, strong sellers and particularly popular with young male riders.

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Charles Fleming

Charles Fleming writes about automobiles and motorcycles for the Los Angeles Times’ Business section. He also writes the urban hiking column LA Walks. A former staff writer for Newsweek, Variety and the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, he is the author of the Los Angeles Times bestseller “High Concept: Don Simpson and the Hollywood Culture of Excess,” the New York Times bestseller “My Lobotomy,” and “Secret Stairs, A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles” and its sequel, “Secret Walks: A Walking Guide to the Hidden Trails of Los Angeles.”

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