Bike Security

[Daveontheedge]

My poor -1 has suffered yet another blow to its dignity. Apparently last week while I have been dealing with my front wheel issues, some A**hole took a screwdriver and punched in my ignition in an attempt to steal the bike I would assume. I say attempt because the jacka** must have realized after punching in the ignition that my front caliper was not attached and the front wheel was only mocked into place to support the bike while I worked on my new rim.
All of this happened inside my "secure" underground parking.

This being said...what is everyone out there using for security? I realize that if they really want it they will get it no matter what you do, but to prevent the amateurs from taking off on a joy ride what can we do?

I have used a disk lock in the past, but it seems now they have disk locks with alarms to get attention. Has anyone ever tried one?

Let me hear your thoughts.

[xstreamcanadian]

wire up a "night switch" under your tank that kills one side of the battery. Its dead simple, and most of the dildos who pound a screwdriver in to steal your bike wont sort that out. The sad thing is, that they steal mini vans, and tear all the seats out(they apparently really like the ones with 'stow and go' seating) , and cruise parkades, and just pull up and toss your bike in the back, alarm, wheel lock, whatever, gone is gone. The just cut the siren wire before they pull through the parking kiosk.

this site has it all covered, the video is kinda funny and scary at the same time
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-alarms/

[ulster exile]

My alarmed Xena disk lock saved my Hornet from being stolen a few weeks ago.
 




The alarm woke us up as some scroat was using the pictured rock to try and break it off.  It survived a couple of attempts and is still in use now.

The Armstrong Wavy disk unfortunately did not survive, so I need to replace both as I can't really afford to replace one Wavy on its own (I've a spare OEM set).

[Daveontheedge]

I have been looking at the Xena locks, so it is good to know they actually work! I am just waiting to hear back about where I can get one in Vancouver.

[Falk]

I got a Disk-Lock and an Alarmsystem whith a Reciever.
So the Bike alarms me when someone touches it. Distance is up to1km depending of Walls and so on...
I also insert a switch tothe line between Alarm-system and signal Horn,
so I can make the Alarm silent ore with some Noise

The only Thing about this is the Battery - I'm thinking of adding a secound small Batterie just for the Alarm-System...

[Drewski]

I have a simple hidden on/off switch on the live feed for the coils, something I do with all my bikes - most part time thieves give up if they can't get the bike running and are to thick to look for a hidden switch. I've also got a small siren with a mercury switch from Maplins that cost about £3.50. If the bike is lifted level from the sidestand it goes off for about 3 minutes then re-sets itself. I've often thought about getting a pager alarm but usualy find something better to spend the money on.

[Daveontheedge]

Well, I have ordered a Xena XX 14 disk lock alarm for the bike and added theft insurance too! Once I get the new ignition installed and get it rolling I will look into installing a hidden kill switch. Hopefully the dip sh*ts will find someone else's bike easier to deal with

[a_morti]

The only way to really stop it getting nicked is to secure it to something immobile. Secure means the kind of chain you can't cut. Despite what they claim, most chains can be cut, quite easily. Have a look here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC3hFr8p2ck

Any kind of disc lock only stops the bike being ridden off, not stolen and taken away to work on (eg cut lock off, replace brake disc and ride, or strip for spares).

I think with a CB-1 you will only really be worried about people riding them away as the parts aren't worth much at all. Still it's up to you what level of risk is acceptable, as said above, if they want it, they'll have it. Unless you have an almax and a lamp post anyway, and even then it's only a matter of them getting enough time to go at it with an angle grinder (and a few spare discs!)

[Daveontheedge]

As you said...if they want it, they will get it. At this point, the disk lock to keep the casual morons from rolling off on it and the extra insurance to replace it when the pro takes it seems like the best I can do. I watched the videos of the chains and must say I was pretty surprised at how quick they all went! The nearest post for me to secure it to is about 2 meters around and would cost me a bloody fortune to buy enough chain for!

[Drewski]

The problem I had with disc locks is forgeting they're on and smashing the front mudguard or brake trying to pull off with them still connected, I even managed to do it with a bright green lanyard fitted They were very popular in the UK until the bikem press kindly revieled that the early ones could be unlocked with a pen.

[a_morti]

The problem I had with disc locks is forgeting they're on and smashing the front mudguard or brake trying to pull off with them still connected, I even managed to do it with a bright green lanyard fitted They were very popular in the UK until the bikem press kindly revieled that the early ones could be unlocked with a pen.

The bike press didn't reveal anything to thieves, only to owners who thought their bikes were protected.

If you don't believe how easy it is, watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hsM88Wx8QQ

and then go throw away any lock with a round key.