bike alarms..

[bugjuice]

who's got one, and what's it like?
Recommendations?

just something that's been in the back of my head now.. The insurance companies I called (didn't call all of them) mostly said that bike alarms don't decrease the policy cost, and that they're often a waste of time and money.

Given that some of the alarms I've seen (that are apparently worth their weight) are up to $350 installed (there's more and less), and since you aren't going to get that back on your policy, is it worth the dough?

When I get some burning a hole in my pocket, I've seen a couple of nifty ones (including one that has SMS features, as well as GPS) which would be cool, but is it the way to go?

[White trash]

Bear in mind, they're not ususally very strong. Alarm systems for some reason do not take nicely to bike style vibrations. Also, if fitted with an immobaliser and the thing plays up, it'll leave ya stranded somewhere.

They also HATE crash landed wheelies.

[bugjuice]

Bear in mind, they're not ususally very strong. Alarm systems for some reason do not take nicely to bike style vibrations. Also, if fitted with an immobaliser and the thing plays up, it'll leave ya stranded somewhere.

They also HATE crash landed wheelies.

ahhhhh.. yeah, DSS3 can vouch for that.. I guess hard landings etc can fuk up the sensors.. What about installing it nearer the back of the bike instead of the front..?? like the tail section, but have the pizo nearer the front?

[Lou Girardin]

The Mongoose MCA500 is a dedicated bike alarm. Waterproof, vibe proof etc. When I was at Mongoose we had only one faulty unit returned. It had been mounted UNDER the rear guard. As the rear susp sagged the tyre started hitting the module.
But it worked for around a year before it died.

[Brains]

Had one on my Duc748, basically because the bike didn't have anything to stop itself from being nicked. Current bike has built in immoblizer thingy, so not really concerned about getting another alarm, also the whole insurance thing it's just not worth it. They are useful for stopping peps mucking round with your bike though, number of times that I'd park up at uni and come back at the end of class and the alarm would chirp - telling me it'd been set off.

[bugjuice]

Had one on my Duc748, basically because the bike didn't have anything to stop itself from being nicked. Current bike has built in immoblizer thingy, so not really concerned about getting another alarm, also the whole insurance thing it's just not worth it. They are useful for stopping peps mucking round with your bike though, number of times that I'd park up at uni and come back at the end of class and the alarm would chirp - telling me it'd been set off.

yeah, but set off by people dicking with it, or by trucks passing it?

[Brains]

yeah, but set off by people dicking with it, or by trucks passing it?

Parked underneath the library, only bikes and pushbikes allowed - limited access only to uni service vehicles, which usually didn't go there as only a walkway out of the area, and stairs all around.

[onearmedbandit]

Mongoose MCA500 here as well, never had a problem with it. Remote start function is cool but gimicky. Siren could be a bit louder.

[texmo]

where can ya get one in auckland.?

[bugjuice]

where can ya get one in auckland.?

I think there's a couple of car alarm places can get hold and fit bike alarms, and of course most bike shops will have some idea. I haven't asked about them yet, but might do if I get bored at the weekend. I'm in no rush at the moment. I'm also looking on trademe and there's always the good ol' states and uk ebay..

[Zed]

Mongoose MCA500 here as well, never had a problem with it. Remote start function is cool but gimicky. Siren could be a bit louder.

That same model of alarm came fitted to my CBR6 last year, certainly provides peace of mind when leaving it unattended but in reality if someone really wants to steal it they will, despite what security measures you've put in place!

And you're right OAB, that remote start is gimmicky...I started it a few times without the key in the ignition and nearly got myself into an embarrasing situation as I began to ride off and remembered at the last second that the key was still in my pocket!

[Brains]

Mine was a Viper, sorry don't know the model, got it fitted year before last. Never had any real problems with it, however at some places I had to be real close to the bike to disarm the thing - think it was cell towers or something like that.

[BNZ]

Get a talking one to keep you company on those long rides.

BJ you won lotto? Your thinking of throwing $350 on a alarm, yet you almost had to sell that bike not long ago!!

[skidMark]

hey ive put one in my mini was relatively easy to install and ive done some bumping offroading on it and through pouring rain aint affected it at all $84.95 jaycar electronics in khyber pass road has all the immobilizer and remote kill mute arming and a 120db siren it's damn loud and has adjustable sensitivity and is not set off by road noise of trucks and things works really well no noise around it seems to set it off but u try move that bike and damn will it deter anybody ..

bugjuice if you decide to get one you can come over to my place one weekend and ill put it in for you mate i won't charge you to install it of course ....happy to help out another biker

[bugjuice]

Get a talking one to keep you company on those long rides.

BJ you won lotto? Your thinking of throwing $350 on a alarm, yet you almost had to sell that bike not long ago!!

life (and my bank account) is a rollercoaster.. I've not won yet (and far from being rich), but I don't have to sell the bike either. I also don't want to loose it to some low life tosser wanting to have a go. I also don't want to spend 350 bucks, so I'm shopping around.

Thanks for the offer too Mark. I haven't installed an alarm myself yet, but fairly literate with electronics. I'll give ya a shout and we could figure it out, if I get round to getting one..