Bike security

**Tank** · 2nd April 2008, 14:17

I did a bit of a search, but thought I would start another thread:
a) Because of the recent round of thefts (bastards)
b) Because the security products may have changed of late
c) Because I'm heading away and want to come back with my bike

I'm heading away for a 4 day ride, meaning that the bike will be left outside hotels overnight etc (out the back wherever possible).

This fills me with dread (sad isn't it when you have to worry about shit like this)

SO .. what do people here recommend as tried and true security measures for when travelling.

It must be something that is portable, quick to get on and off (with a key), and most importantly protect as much as possible my bike.

Any recommendations on what NOT to invest in will also be appreciated.

-Tank

**Waxxa** · 2nd April 2008, 14:25

Hey Tank. I,ve got myself a lock (cant remember its brand-name) that fits over the throttle/brake lever. Easy to get on and off, visible and will fit under your seat for transportation.

Next step would be an alarm/immobiliser.

**Disco Dan** · 2nd April 2008, 14:27

Pretty much any sort of security measures can be gotten around. More so if it is small enough to be portable.

I am in the process of fitting a recorded video surveillance system for my bike parking area. This in addition to my existing ground anchor going into solid concrete and a chain so big and heavy it get left attached to the concrete. The chain has also been given a sheath of 'anti hack saw' stuff.

Get yourself a large pair of bolt cutters, and test your own measures - in a motel/hotel situation your most likely to be very close to your bike so things like anglegrinders will wake you - but bolt cutters are pretty much silent.

Pretty much anything that makes a noise is bad for the scum - either the tools they need make a noise or your bike makes a noise when touched.

The more noise the better - and the thicker the steel the better

**nodrog:Me** · 2nd April 2008, 14:31

Originally Posted by Tank

.. what do people here recommend ..

insurance.

**Disco Dan** · 2nd April 2008, 14:35

Originally Posted by nodrog

insurance.

Does not always cover you.

For example - you bike is financed and then stolen, the insurance would not cover the full cost of the finance (interest, depreciation etc) and leaves you a few grand to pay the finance co and no bike. ...yeah insurance works pfft.

**Str8 Jacket** · 2nd April 2008, 14:43

Im getting a new bucket bike tonight and I dont have a garage or shed or anywhere to lock them up. Its gonna live in the lounge with koba's pitbike, both of them are easily "stealable" (new word Hitch) so this is really the only way that I can think of making them "safer". Amazingly the A100 of mine lives outside and has not been stolen (touch wood!) I reckon its because it looks like an ethiopian vege cart and is very undesireable.

**Disco Dan** · 2nd April 2008, 14:44

I look at bike security like this:

Thieves will do one of two things:

They will attempt to ride it away
They will attempt to transport it away in/on another vehicle
They will attempt to remove a specific component from it ie pipes

The first - most likely a joy-rider and/or opportunist - this would give us the advantage and make things like disc locks, immobilizers etc worth their money.

The second - These people will be pretty prepared and have 'cased' out the area and brought with them the right tools to do the job. Unless your bike is actually attached to something solid, the whole thing will just be lifted into the back of a van. An alarm going off inside a van is no big deal for them, those fancy disc locks can be removed at their will later, a chain around the wheel can also be removed later - none of these things will prevent the bike being lifted into the van.

The Third - I do not think this one is very common but a disc lock wont stop your expensive pipes from going walkies.

**Tank** · 2nd April 2008, 14:45

Originally Posted by Str8 Jacket

Im getting a new bucket bike tonight and I dont have a garage or shed or anywhere to lock them up. Its gonna live in the lounge with another bike.

You're single right?

**Str8 Jacket** · 2nd April 2008, 14:48

Originally Posted by Tank

You're single right?

No. My man's pitbike lives in the lounge which I would make him move for my new bucket but that would be kind of mean seeing as he pays half the rent. We need a new flat with a garage, we have 7 bikes between us!

**nodrog:Me** · 2nd April 2008, 14:48

Originally Posted by Disco Dan

Does not always cover you.

For example - you bike is financed and then stolen, the insurance would not cover the full cost of the finance (interest, depreciation etc) and leaves you a few grand to pay the finance co and no bike. ...yeah insurance works pfft.

thats why you get agreed value insurance, making sure you list all the extra bits like exhaust etc. and when you pay finance off early you usually do not have to pay the full amount of interest for the full term, unless you got some dodgy loan shark.

using a motorcycle specific insurance company helps.

the only thing i would take with me is a disk lock, anything else will just be too much of a pain in the arse to carry, if they want it they will take it.

i toured the south island for 2 weeks, staying in all sorts of dodgy places, never had any issue, and if you ask nicely, most places will let you chuck your bike in their shed, shit one place we stayed they let us park in our rooms.

**Disco Dan** · 2nd April 2008, 14:50

**Tank** · 2nd April 2008, 15:00

Originally Posted by Str8 Jacket

No. My man's pitbike lives in the lounge which I would make him move for my new bucket but that would be kind of mean seeing as he pays half the rent. We need a new flat with a garage, we have 7 bikes between us!

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