protecting your bike

[motorcyclemiracles]

What would you nice folks recommend others riders do to keep there bikes safe on the road and off?

What accessories?

When your bike is in not in use do you use rotor locks or similar devices to secure your bike from theft??

If you live in an apt would renting these anti theft devices while you live in that apartment community be something that you might find useful?

Your opinions and advice is greatly appreciated.

[MedicJess]

I live in an apt complex and unfortunately cannot rent a garage. So my baby sits in my carport in front of my car. I keep a breathable cover over her, a disc lock brake and a cable lock wrapped through the bike's frame, front wheel and around a metal support for the carport. I've not had any problems with that except for the looky-loo's lifting the cover once to see what was under it. (Not sure if they were looking at the bike, or the damage from the wreck.)
Come winter time though, I'm gonna be renting a storage place, not going to tempt folks with it sitting out ALL that time.
Jessie

[BadKitty]

I used to not have a garage and always just left my bike out in front next to my car. Bike would be parallel to curb with car behind it at a T, both in the same spot. I figured if anyone wanted to steal it I'd just make it hard as hell for them to do so. I would also have a cover on it with a lock thru the cover if I left town for any amount of time. If I leave it trackside overnite there is a wheel lock on it and a cover and th canopy is down over it. Theives usually look for EASY targets. Make it annoying as hell to get to it and you'll be safer

[blewbayou]

I have a garage now so it stays in there. However when I was living in AZ and it was parked outside I installed a Scorpio alarm with 2-way pager. Also chained it to the I-beam that held the carport up. On two occasions the alarm deterred would be crimals from taking my bike. And once I had to be confrontational with them because the pager was going off.

[R1Gurl]

I've lived in an apartment while owning a motorcycle and there were attempted thefts on the vehicle at least three times before i decided to rent a garage from the apartment complex.

After that there were no problems. A disk lock would work, but if a thief tries to steal your shit and pushes the bike forward without realizing there's a lock on the disk the bike is going to lurch to a stop and the thief will most likely knock the bike over. Happened a couple times to me with my old 600.

They hollowed out the ignition so that the bike could be started with a screw driver, but they didn't get away with the bike because of the disk lock. I did find the bike on its side the next morning.

Rent a garage, your only security is for the bike not to be seen.

[DemonRR]

when i lived in an apt and had my old F3, i would put a chain thru the swingarm and rear wheel then thru my cars front wheel and lock her up nice and good. i lived in an apt that wasnt so nice if you know what i mean. i had no issues wiht anything about my bike. then i bought my 1000rr, you bet your ass i kept that parked in my apt in the winter, then when riding season was here i paid for a storage unit.
then i bought my condo with a garage, and park it in there.

when i go to the track wiht my open trailer, i put the same chain thru the swingarm and rear wheel, and lock it to the trailer.

if someone wants your bike, they are gonna get it.

when i ride my bike to work, i park it inside the dealersip, out of the sun and view of asshats.

if i park it at a store, its always right out front in palin view of everyone, includeing myself.

[TWL]

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f217/kori_myers/l_d91695a020baa3b94987a6e3f7bdcf75.jpgwe keep our bikes in our apt. plus we use disk locks plus we both have scorpio alarms with proximidy sensors plus 5/8ths inch steel cable locks and we keep the steering locked i know its a little over kill but in our area its nessicary and we have an alarm for our apt too

[CHASE-R]

Both of our toys are locked with a disk lock and kept inside a locked fence at home. If we are gone for any length of time, we lock them both together. Kind of like if you try to steal one, you have to take them both. Here there are a lot of lift off thefts (couple of guys lift the bike and put it into a van.) so I love the fact that I have an older "Heavy as shi!t" bike which is not on the "favorite to steal" list. When I have had to leave it at work on days I have to fly out, I lock the rear wheel with a 5/8" thick cable lock through the wheel and around the seat, and a cable locked around the bars on my office window then to the disk lock on the front disk. I also keep it parked right outside my office window so I can see it. Pretty messed up when if you take your eyes off your stuff just for a minute, it winds up missing.

[tnninja]

Move to a very RURAL area of TN. We have no probs with our bikes. We never use our disc locks unless we are somewhere else, and we hardly ever have to lock the garage iether. It's justa suggestion. Besides if you try to steal my bike " I WILL SHOOT FIRST AND ASK QUESTIONS LATER'.

[Kawi Ox]

I have my bike in a 24 hour garage but that don't mean nothing. If someone comes in there with a gun and point it at the attendant do u think he's gonna put up a fight for my bike. HELLLL NOOO. The best advice to make it hard for them to get it. If it takes too much time they probably not gonna bother because they can get caught. I have four locks on my bike with a cover. Buy a the big U lock like they use on store fronts and put that on the chain sprocket that way the bike can't roll no where. And also use some type of chain or links and lock to something immovable that way it can't be lifted too easy. Those are two most effective I can think of.

Good Luck but I was always told if they really want it their gonna get it!

Ox:duh2:

[BadKitty]

Remember folks...locks are for honest people! thieves don't care. They are just looking for the easiest targets.

[motorcyclemiracles]

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f217/kori_myers/l_d91695a020baa3b94987a6e3f7bdcf75.jpgwe keep our bikes in our apt. plus we use disk locks plus we both have scorpio alarms with proximidy sensors plus 5/8ths inch steel cable locks and we keep the steering locked i know its a little over kill but in our area its nessicary and we have an alarm for our apt too

does it make it harder to get around in your apt with your bikes in there?? you must live in a ruff area to go through all those security precausions, have you ever had any problems in the past to motivate you to more extreme measures?

[motorcyclemiracles]

Both of our toys are locked with a disk lock and kept inside a locked fence at home. If we are gone for any length of time, we lock them both together. Kind of like if you try to steal one, you have to take them both. Here there are a lot of lift off thefts (couple of guys lift the bike and put it into a van.) so I love the fact that I have an older "Heavy as shi!t" bike which is not on the "favorite to steal" list. When I have had to leave it at work on days I have to fly out, I lock the rear wheel with a 5/8" thick cable lock through the wheel and around the seat, and a cable locked around the bars on my office window then to the disk lock on the front disk. I also keep it parked right outside my office window so I can see it. Pretty messed up when if you take your eyes off your stuff just for a minute, it winds up missing.

i agree. i makes it hard to want to buy toys because somebody else will always want them the easy way.

[motorcyclemiracles]

Move to a very RURAL area of TN. We have no probs with our bikes. We never use our disc locks unless we are somewhere else, and we hardly ever have to lock the garage iether. It's justa suggestion. Besides if you try to steal my bike " I WILL SHOOT FIRST AND ASK QUESTIONS LATER'.


thinking your stuff is safe just because you live far out is a little dangerous. theives think the same way. Easy targets are those who dont think that their targets.

[motorcyclemiracles]

Good Luck but I was always told if they really want it their gonna get it!

Ox:duh2:

thats is very true

[motorcyclemiracles]

I want thank you all for your comments and advice. Please keep it coming.

Those of you who have the scorpio alarms where can they be purchased from??

[blewbayou]

www.kneedraggers.com has them I know. I can't remember the site I got mine from...
www.ronayers.com

Ebay probably. There's a ton more sites out there.

[motorcyclemiracles]

ok ill look into in thanks for the info.

[cedesgirl]

Thankfully, we have a 2 car garage so we keep our bikes in there and it's locked at all times. We also lock the bikes w/the keys, which would make stealing them a little more difficult, tho not impossible. Also helps that we live in a VERY small town, lol! When we go out to eat, to the store, etc. we always park them where we can see them. We don't take them to the movies...can't trust people enough!

[kittswife]

Wow...I feel for you guys that don't have anywhere to keep your babies! I'd never want to leave my bike outside and vulnerable! Thankfully we've got a 2-car garaage and we're in the process of getting permits to build another 2-car detached garage for all of our toys!

I hope nothing happens to your bikes guys!

[TWL]

no problems in the past i just cannt afford another bike so if i lose this one im skrewed but if i where to lose everything i own and still had my bike id be happy getting around our place is still easy enough me and my wife are little so its ok

[SVkneedragger]

this is a repost but over time this subject comes up again and again on different Forums so read it and maybe it will help you a little

I'm Stealing your Bike Tonight
And there's NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT!
That got your attention did'nt it!
OK This is reply to the "Security"post I'm moving this info over from another website where I posted it last year.
My wife and I own a Repossession/Bail Enforcement company(Fugitive Recovery Servicenot anymore) and some times what we do is Very similar to what bike/car thieves do. We will stalk you looking for a good time/location that makes it convenient for us to take your vehicle. Here is My advice for what little it is worth to hinder bike thieves.


#1 Out of sight out of mind! Hide you bike! Buy a bike cover AND USE IT! If I can't see it I may not notice it!
#2 Park "inside" that may mean a garage, a storage building, or even a carport in the very front with a car in the back same effect as #1
#3 Use a lock! A disc lock OK, 2 disk locks Better, Heavy rotary Lock and square link chain EVEN BETTER. Motion sensor alarm, rotary lock, square link chain to immovable object,,,BEST! (Chain through thickest part of frame)
#4 DO NOT park UP on raised areas! It makes for a easier lift into a truck/van.
#5 At Work, Shopping, Vacation etc... Park in HIGH traffic areas near front doors main parking area etc.. this is the opposite of #1 now you want EVERYONE to see it.
#6 Don't tell people where you live,,, Paranoid yet?
#7 Use a secondary ignition kill switch. This is as simple as cutting the IGN hotwire or removing the IGN fuse and wiring a switch that will kill the circuit, then installing the switch in a hidden position.(ask me for simple diagram)
#8 Don't leave your keys ANYWHERE this includes IN YOUR IGNITION!
#9 Use the steering lock!
OK here's the deal. If I want it,I'll get it! Simple matter of fact, and a matter of time. YOU WON"T WIN! The difference between ME and a Thief,,,Is I want YOURS he wants ANYBODYS HE CAN GET.
You can't stop him if he wants it bad enough he'll get it! YOUR ONLY DEFENSE is to make yours UNNOTICABLE or so hard to get he will go look for easier prey!
Remember Noise (motion alarms/Dogs) is the #1 enemy (GET OUT of bed go look!)
Motion sensor lights are #2 (GET OUT OF bed,,,)
There IS NOT A LOCK THAT I CAN"T BEAT!! Believe me! ITS A FACT!(most in under 3 minutes!)
Steering locks? 1 guy pulls on 1 bar the other guy sits on the bike and kicks the other bar, WALLAAAH! its just a small pin against a tab!
IGNITION locks? Most can be defeated by simply Driving a large screwdriver in there and turning with a wrench.
Why bother most bikes hotwire in under 5 minutes!
Yes the pick up and carry scenario beats disk locks!
Use the MASTERLOCK brand rotary lock its the hardest one I have found so far to pick!
Use a HARDENED SQUARE (Krytonite brand)link chain because they beat bolt cutters.

http://www.onguardlock.com/beastchain.html
http://www.kryptonitelock.com/inetis...s_item&pgrp=20

In my opinion the Ongard Chains are so close to the Kryptonite that it would make very little difference. Once you reach this level of security Anyone that is this determined to get this particular bike is going to attempt to defeat both of these locks in the same manner and they both offer about the same level of defense(They will defeat 99% of all attacks! And NO! I will NOT tell you what these three attacks are!. Buy what you want they are both great.

Wedge the bike between a car/truck and a wall where the vehicle has to be moved to get the bike.
At the Mall/traveling use ign lock, steering lock, 2 disk locks, 1 with motion sensor
Like I said just make it so its easier to get someone elses bike.
I said this earlier, if a PRO wants your specific bike, he'll get it. Alot of theft is joy rides or specific models for parts. By making your bike less obvious and harder to get they will probably move on to easier pickings. OH! Also I forgot to point out on the chain thing Make sure that it goes AROUND the LARGEST frame rail you can get it around, An aluminum seat stay can be hacksawed in under a minute, NOT THROUGH the swingarm or forks they can be removed Or a wheel removed
OH and no fair using all of these against the repoman or I'll have to play really dirty pool!hahahahah
OK Hope this info covers most of the bases:diablo:
SRAD

[motorcyclemiracles]

no problems in the past i just cannt afford another bike so if i lose this one im skrewed but if i where to lose everything i own and still had my bike id be happy getting around our place is still easy enough me and my wife are little so its ok

understandable at least you being smart about protecting your investment.

you place must be bigger than it look like in the pic

[motorcyclemiracles]

thats all great info thats exactly what i was looking for. im trying to help the community stay safe and keep their property and wanted to make sure that i wasnt missing any tools or ideas to do so.

Thanks.

[ZX14Chick]

What would you nice folks recommend others riders do to keep there bikes safe on the road and off?

What accessories?

When your bike is in not in use do you use rotor locks or similar devices to secure your bike from theft??

If you live in an apt would renting these anti theft devices while you live in that apartment community be something that you might find useful?

Your opinions and advice is greatly appreciated.


R&G Frame sliders on all my bikes I have owned. They are the best frame sliders around, not to mention the only frame sliders in Europe that get you a discount on your insurance for having them. Too bad the US won't catch up! We just put our bikes in our garage. We rented a garage when we lived in the apartment complex. I worry the hell outta myself whenever I go somewhere and can't see it. My husband says I shouldn't worry anyway because it's not like I can go running out of the building and save it, but still!!! :) I would love to have one of the anti-theft devices, but there are other things that come first and I suppose insurance is there if I ever need it... I personally would be afraid to put a rotor lock on because I'd probably forget about it and try to ride off and severely f*^& up my bike!

[motorcyclemiracles]

I personally would be afraid to put a rotor lock on because I'd probably forget about it and try to ride off and severely f*^& up my bike![/QUOTE]

the rotor locks do come with a cable that you attach to the lock on your rotor then put somewhere you can see it to remind you it there

[jhasfgja]

I put a Stebel Nautilus air horn on my bike to replace the weak factory horn. I am absolutely positive that I can get a cagers attention when I need to now. Best $50 safety upgrade that I have made.

[ZX14Chick]

I put a Stebel Nautilus air horn on my bike to replace the weak factory horn. I am absolutely positive that I can get a cagers attention when I need to now. Best $50 safety upgrade that I have made.

There ya go! I am always saying that they need to put louder horns on bikes.

[motorcyclemiracles]

I put a Stebel Nautilus air horn on my bike to replace the weak factory horn. I am absolutely positive that I can get a cagers attention when I need to now. Best $50 safety upgrade that I have made.

how easy was it to install, where can we find this product?

[jhasfgja]

how easy was it to install, where can we find this product?

I got mine from Twisted Throttle for $40. I had to separate the compressor and the horn so it would fit on my 600RR since there isn't much room where the original horn was (or anywhere else for that matter). All in all, it took about 2 hours and I'm not that mechanically inclined. If you decide to get one, PM me and I'll find the instructions that I used. Definitely worth the effort.