Tracker devices

[murray]

If one was available for motorcycles do you think there would be a large demand for it ?

Jim

[t-c]

murray said:

If one was available for motorcycles do you think there would be a large demand for it ? Jim

About three years ago I was approached by a firm based in Manchester who had developed a tracker specific to motorcycles and it wasn't any bigger than a fag packet but was just as affective as the bigger units for cars. The cost was about £400, and I was seriously considering taking on the agency when I decided to close down the business instead, but, and this is the point, I did a bit of research withmmy customer base, and given the cost, over 70% of those with large bikes said they would definately or at the least be seriopusly interested in having one fitted.

The downside was that i made enquiries with a few insurance companies to see whether they would offer the discount on a tracker as opposed to a category 1 alarm (bearing in mind that even with an alarm it doesn't stop them being stolen), taking into account that the bike could be tracked and therefore recovered in 99% of cases, and they were not interested which seemed a strange respose seeing it would be cheaper to repair a recovered bike than to replace it.

Things may have changed since then, but I was certainly impressed with the demonstration and ease of use, but most importantly the accuracy of tracing it once and if it was stolen!

[huge_ego]

The current issue of the BMF's magazine for members lists details of a newly launched tracker device for bikes. (You could always phone or e-mail the BMF to get hold of the info.)

[neilsie]

i would certainly like this, esp if insurance was reduced by a similar sum over a small enough pay-back period - otherwise, why bother - bike gets nabbed, just get a new one!

Would the problem be also, where to locate it on a bike? I would have thought concealment is required, and many (sports) bikes don't really have such areas... unless the device could be made smaller or attached to the wiring loom of the receipent bike.

[humpbackmaniac]

Buy a cheap mobile, or use your old one. Make sure its always charged up, and I can track it for you.
Much the same as a "kid track" system.
Cheap and easy. Stuff the phone under the seat. or better still put it in a plastic bag and hide it somewhere, using GAFA tape. I have one on my R1.
It will be found eventually but its the first two hours or so that count anyway.
This system works on anything large, cars, packages, bikes, speedboats etc..

It will cost you £9.95 per annum. plus the old phone of course.

[huge_ego]

For those interested, the bike tracking device is produced by LST and called mtrak:

"LST's mtrak system ... is a device that enbles tracking and recovery of vehicles and assets anywhere in the country by using a combination of GSM and RF technology ... Unlike some tracking devices, mtrak does not need an external antenna or to be mounted where it can be seen by passing satellites ... As a system for tracking and locating a bike I would be hard presed to come up with a reason not to buy one. The company has just received Sold Secure Gold level approval for the unit." [Source: The BMF's Motorcycle Rider magazine, May/June 2004 issue, p.24-25]

PS Mike - Really? The phone doesn't have to be switched on then?

[Potsy]

More information on mtrack the wireless tracker (mtrak) can be found at:

www.mtrackonline.co.uk

Using a phone is okay, but it is only ever going to get you within 500m-1km of the bike, car etc and if it is anything like my old phones the battery will constantly last a few days and then go flat. mtrack uses both GSM network for a large fix and then uses an onboard RF beacon to track to sub 1 metre!!! In addition, the battery lasts for up to 4 years and even calls the call centre when it is getting low and due for a battery replacement. mtrack is also waterproof to 1 metre and IP67 rated which means it can be located almost anywhere.

If anyone has any technical questions please do not hesitate to contact our company through the website shown above.

Thanks

Stuart P