MOTORCYCLE SECURITY OR HOW TO KEEP YOUR BIKE FROM LEAVING WITHOUT YOU

Like dressing for the cold this is best done in layers. Here they are in progressive layers: FACTORY LOCKS, DISK BRAKE LOCKS, LOCK AND CHAIN, ALARMS AND HOME SECURITY.

Factory locks

The built in fork lock and ignition switch on your motorcycle take a pro a couple of seconds to get around and a beginner a minute or so. However they are better than nothing. If your bike is going to be out of your sight lock your front fork! It only takes a second and it may keep a thief from just rolling your bike away.

Disk Brake Locks

Probably one of the best items you can carry on your motorcycle. They don’t take up much space and only weigh about a pound. You can use one no matter where you park your bike. They take a second or so to lock or remove with your key. A well designed disk brake lock is almost impossible to break off in the field. They typically have to be picked, drilled or ground off. With one of these it takes several thieves to physically bike up your bike and move it. These will immobilize your bike after the thief gets around your factory lock.

Lock and chain
The very best protection for the money. Spend the extra couple of bucks to get hardened chain. and the biggest, baddest lock you can find. If possible carry a chain and lock with you when you travel. Your motorcycle is probably worth several thousand dollars. Four big thieves can just pick it up and carry it away if it isn’t literally chained down! If your bike is going to be out of your sight for a while. Always try to chain it to a solid object. Note: If you chain it to your car make darn sure you remember to disconnect it before you move the car! A simple setup for home is to use a piece of 4 inch PVC pipe with a screw on cap. Run a couple of screws protruding through the bottom so it cant be pulled out. Sink the pipe 36 inches or so into the ground in concrete. Run one end of your chain down to the bottom fill it about half way with concrete. Leave enough room for your chain and lock to fit inside when it’s not in use store your chain and lock inside, screw on the top and your chain and lock are out of the way. This works in your garage too.

Here’s a hint: If possible try to attach your lock so that it can’t be set on the ground when you leave your bike. This makes it a lot harder for thieves to use a sledge hammer on it!

Cables A personal favorite of mine. When I travel I carry a couple in my saddlebag. They are lighter than a chain. With two cables I have a lot better chance of reaching a solid object. They are often hard to cut with a bolt cutter.

Factory Alarms

If you have one use it! As with most factory options you will pay five times more for a factory alarm than an after market device that you install yourself. However if you can afford it and you don’t want to do it yourself buy one. They are worth it.

After market Alarms

Aftermarket alarms are as good as or better than a factory alarm depending on what you buy. Even the cheapest alarm is much better than none. When you install one make sure you do it right. Use the correct gauge wire and the best quality connectors you can get. Motorcycle wiring is subjected to heat and vibration and susceptible to shorts and bad connections. Do it right!

Immobilizers.

and remote starters I do not recommend these. The added complexities of these systems make them more prone to failure. The KISS principle applies with alarms. Keep It Simple Stupid ! There are too many opportunities for one of these to fail and strand you far from home. Having said that a very nice option is a simple toggle switch installed out if sight that shuts off the power to your coil. As I mentioned before a good wiring job is essential. Do it right, use the correct materials and remember to use a switch that is rated for outdoor always to remember to flick the switch otherwise you will run down your battery!

General home security

A few precautions that make your home more secure also help protect your bike. Motion sensitive lights If your bike sleeps outside at night install a motion sensitive light nearby.

Fences and gates

Fences are always a good idea. If you have a gate lock it.
Dogs

Always a good idea if you are a animal lover. Try to store your bike where old Rover can keep an eye on it.

Keep your bike out of sight.
Hopefully if the thieves don’t know it’s there they won’t try to steal it.

Burglar Alarms

If possible store your bike in your garage protected by a monitored alarm system.. If your home does not have a burglar alarm. I recommend an inexpensive battery powered one mounted in your garage next to the bike. They cost about 29 bucks.

Getting your bike back

Marking
Mark the various components of your bike. A simple scribe or similar device can be used to put your identifying information on the back or bottom of various components without defacing your bike. I typically use my drivers licence number. Note: I put clear fingernail polish over my information to prevent rust.

Have your info handy
Write down your VIN and Licence plate numbers and keep them in your wallet. If the unthinkable happens and your bike is stolen when you are on the road the police will need this info to find your bike. A photo will also help if you have customized your bike. Police love to get their hands on thieves make it as easy for them as possible.

Space age and cruel methods

If you have the money a satellite tracker such as LoJack can help find your bike.
A customer claims that he uses an electric fence charger to protect his trail bike. A $30 electric fence charger will give someone a big surprise! Remember to park the bike on a rubber mat or some other insulator to keep it from being grounded. NOTE: This may be illegal, dangerous and it may fry expensive electronics. After being knocked on their butt the thieves will just disconnect them. If you do this it's at your own risk! This is included for amusement purposes only!
I have had one bike stolen and never seen again, it sucks. I hope this simple guide helps you avoid the same experience.

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