motorcycle security commuters

[edpryce]

Hi all,

New to owning a motorcycle. Im about three months and loving it and starting to commute more and more. Ive also watched plenty of youtube horror vids so I know if a theif really wants my bike they will get it, but I'm just wondering what is considered a 'normal' amount of protection for a bike parked in town centres. (Liverpool FYI)

Typically it seems that I am the only one with lots of locks (which are realllllly) spoiling the commute due to the weight and I am wondering if i am being sensible or over kill?

currently I have

- an alarmed oxford disc lock which I use with a 12mm chain to secure to something solid. This goes around the back wheel and locked through the rear sprocket

- front kyrptonite disclock

- steering lock (gather these do basically nothing)

-light weight cable combo lock (probs ineffective but might slow somebody down...?)

is this overkill or would you consider it fairly normal? Bikes worth about 3k

lastly, its a transalp and i cant find anywhere for a thick chain to secure through the frame. Is the back wheel really the best option ?

I park it in well populated public space with an obvious CCTV camera above - the same spot everyday.

interested to hear what are peoples strategies?

many thanks

Ed

[Harry H]

Always park next to another bike that is more desirable and less secure than yours.

[EagleMoto4-2]

Apart from the cable lock I use the same methods as you, and that is just parking the bike in secure work carpark. Not really much more you can do when parking in a city centre. Even if busy who will stop a thief when they openly angle grind locks off in broad daylight. CCTV doesn't always work when they rock up on their stolen scooters that have no plates.
Its just a case of making the bike reasonably harder than most to steal.

[edpryce]

Ok thanks Eagle

Doesnt sound like I am too far off the mark then. Through the rear wheel too?

Fortunately haven't seen any scooter gangs yet (although I have once in Manchester) so Im sure it will work its way over here soon enough

[Dakkon]

My tactic is to commute on a bike so old and tatty even thieves steer well clear

I use one of those front brake / handle bar locks and the steering lock.

[edpryce]

Yeah the tatty commuter makes a lot of sense to me. Not an option at the moment unfortunately

tbh ive always bonded more with cars that have been through the wars a bit for some reason

[Freakuk]

Only thing I would add is to park in different places, thief knowing a bike is in the same place every day could be an easy target, but on the other hand so far nothing has happened so maybe you are in a really safe spot.

[FlyGuyMyEye]

I always park mine outside a South Yorkshire Police station. Keeps scrotty scousers away. Also leave a copy of The Sun on the dash.

[SamR380]

There's a reasonable argument against using the steering lock, it will take a thief about 4 seconds to overcome (break) but will cost you a lot to fix if you get it back afterwards. They lean back on your seat and use their legs to force the bars. Personally I wouldn't bother with any kind of cable lock either, especially as you have good locks with you.

Sounds like you're doing all you can but I'd agree that parking in the same spot every day might not be the best idea.

[edpryce]

FlyGuyMyEye said:

Also leave a copy of The Sun on the dash.

haha i'd rather it wasnt set on fire though

[edpryce]

Thanks for the replies

sounds like rotation is a good tactic to employ

[black-k1]

Like you, I have a good quality disk lock on the front and a good quality chain and lock for the rear and to something fixed to the ground.

I also use a cable lock as I carry it for occasional helmet security. I use it on the bike as it costs nothing to use it and it definitely won't help if sat under the seat.

SamR380 said:

There's a reasonable argument against using the steering lock, it will take a thief about 4 seconds to overcome (break) but will cost you a lot to fix if you get it back afterwards. They lean back on your seat and use their legs to force the bars. Personally I wouldn't bother with any kind of cable lock either, especially as you have good locks with you.

Sounds like you're doing all you can but I'd agree that parking in the same spot every day might not be the best idea.

Be careful and check insurance documents regarding steering lock use. My insurance requires I use the steering lock.

[stu67]

Luckily for me I've access to very secure parking on a day to day basis, I also ride a Moto Guzzi that is hardly at the top of the "most wanted" bikes. However as others have said when I'm out and about I don't tend to use the steering lock but have one of the Oxford front brake locks plus chain. Advantage of the front brake locks is that you can't ride away with it still on, unlike the disc lock (ask me how I know https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/imgs/12.gif )

[laurenz]

Having had four bikes nicked (two retrieved) and had a scooter jacking a while back (fking scrotes, but was retrieved 90 minutes later) , the best bang for buck is a disc lock (makes it hard to move away. Steering locks are easily broken. Then I use an Almax chain to bolt it to something.

Tracking device works best of all.

[Davel]

Tracker for me but, luckily, my bike is outside my office window...

[edpryce]

I can get it outside the office window but it means

A) paying
B) getting up at the crack of dawn to get a spot

Both of which are the type of things which arent appealing, but i'd kick myself for not doing if it ever got robbed

[Justatwist]

I live and ride in Liverpool and unfortunately, as you probably already know, most of the motorcycle parking is down little side streets where I doubt anyone would notice if your bike was being pinched.
I use a disc lock and also just accept that there’s a chance that one day I’ll come back and my bike will be gone, I don’t really let it worry me but I am quite a relaxed person anyway so obviously everyone is different.
I think the disc lock is enough of a deterrent as portable angle grinders aren’t being used here (yet) and I assume most of the scallies are more interested in getting hold of a scrambler bike.