BikeTrac or TrakKing?

[ccr32]

Thinking about getting a tracker for the new steed and have been reading into these two as they seem to crop up as the most used / reputable ones out there for bikes.

I know that the BikeTrac has more features, but you pay a premium for it (both up front and in the monthly cost) so wondering if anyone has first hand experience of either and / or would recommend one over the other?

For those who don't know, the BikeTrac does GPS and RF tracking, using GSM and GPRS networks - means that the tracker doesn't have to 'see' a GPS satellite to send a location, it can do this from the mobile network it connects to. The RF (radio frequency) tracking can then be activated at closer range to pinpoint where the bike is.

The TrakKing by comparison is GPS and GSM only, meaning it will send alerts if triggered by unexpected motion, but will need to 'see' a satellite in order to pin point it's location.

[spareparts]

BikeTrac is really sensitive - if I move the bike 2 metres without the ignition on, I get the phone call within 15seconds. It's a good system and does what you'd expect it to. The app makes it easy to manage, and the service centre offers great customer service.

[tjlazer]

Have a look at the automatrics tracker (tracker security.co.uk) as it seems to be the only provider that sends people to the bike to recover - rather than rely on the police. I'm seriously considering it for this element over the others.

[horico]

I have biketrac on mine and can't fault it so far. Yes, you need to remember to turn the ignition on if moving more than a few metres but otherwise it's very sensitive and will give early indications if moved by someone else.

Sometimes a bad thing when you go down on track and worry the mrs but I can attest to the bikedown feature working fine too. You can disable alerts for a set time through the app if you wish but also see where it is.

It can also make it interesting after your dealer has taken your pride and joy for a 140mph trundle down the local dual carriageway (it logs your routes and periodic speeds).

[terry tibbs]

tjlazer said:

Have a look at the automatrics tracker (tracker security.co.uk) as it seems to be the only provider that sends people to the bike to recover - rather than rely on the police. I'm seriously considering it for this element over the others.

this, it's self install so you can put it where you like as you have the time to take the bike apart, unlike a fitter on a schedule, battery lasts about three years with a good customer service

[RemaL]

been using the trackking for 18 months and been fine. Done what it should. Handy app on your phone when your working on your bike or its in for a service.

Aldo called me once or twice when they noticed my bike moving. It was in the garage and must have moved the bike a bike over a 30 min period

No issues and as I said done what it should so far

[A500leroy]

how does this work then?

As soon i start the bike the tracker turns off then when i switch the bike on it automatically arms? is this correct.

[tvrolet]

I have a Trakking, and been very happy with it. It's 'always on' unless you choose to manually disable it from the app or web site. If the bike gets knocked/moved I get a text message - and it's pretty much instant. The reason for being able to switch it off manually from the app/web site is for things like ferrys and the channel tunnel. In both cases I've had trips where I forgot and I started to get SMS messages saying the bike is on the move without the ignition on. It also messages you if the battery on the bike has been disconnected (and still tracks), and also when the bike battery is getting low. My bike is keyless so it's liked to the standard fob/immobiliser/whatever. So long as the bike is moving and the [standard] keyless ignition is on it doesn't message you, but I gather the control centre can track it if you ask them as it's still on - just not being tracked as potentially stolen. They're actually very good - I was fitting an optimate battery tender thingy one evening and was doing it without the battery being disconnected. As it was never disconnected I didn't get an SMS message, but a bloke from the control centre called my mobile while I was working on it and asked my if things were OK as they were picking up voltage drops/spikes. Plus you can use the app/web site to see where the bike is at any time. Can't comment on other brands, but I've been very happy with the Trakking unit.

[FK]

Afternoon all,

I had trakking on my bike before I sold it. Did the job well enough.

Text messages were very sensitive so I ended up wasting a few of those. But the company were very good at contacting me, even doing so while the bike was being moved around in the garage before I had even paid my first monthly instalment!

Good product, good value and worth it for the peace of mind. I did sleep significantly better at night when I had it fitted

[Rallynav]

Another one here with the Datatool TrakKING,

It was already fitted to the bike I bought last year and it’s been excellent. The app is easy to use and you can disable features as required when cleaning, for maintenance etc. You can also send them a message from the app to let them know why the bike may be moving without the ignition on (MOT, Ferry, back of van) I’ve just renewed the subscription at £8.95 a month and I think it’s a price worth paying although I’m not sure if it helps the insurance costs as it wasn’t listed on my insurers list of approved devices when I took out the policy.

Overall I’m very happy with it, would recommend it and would fit one again if I bought another bike worth protecting.

[CousinDupree]

A £10 iMars 2/3G GPS tracker works really well and will SMS you with Google maps GPS locations within 5m accuracy when the bike is moved, power disconnected, ignition events or on demand etc.

Keep it in SMS mode and a £5 pay as you go sim will last for ages. At that price, there's no excuse not to have one installed. It's tiny and only three wires.