Bike security options?

[IakWhisky]

I'm starting to do a few days commuting to work again. Unfortunately the secluded courtyard where I would normally park my bike isn't an option yet and I will have to do so on a side street. So I am looking to take a few more precautions and after some advice.

The bike doesn't have an alarm but does have Biketrac. I have an old disc lock and that's about it for now. (It's garaged at home.)
There's also no real option to chain the bike to a post or object.

Am I best getting another disc lock, maybe one with an alarm? Is there something else that would be a good visible deterrent?

Ideas please.

[Julian]

You can consider an GPS system. I have one and works great. With a disk lock and alarm probably it's enough in my opinion.

[Ian_H]

I don't have to commute, but for when I go touring I have a Roadlok disk lock which is very convenient as you only need to remove a pocket sized locking pin when travelling.
See details here: https://www.roadlokinternational.com/products/roadlok-eurosport-l
Toby has one :
https://www.multistrada950.com/index.php/topic,563.msg12527.html#msg12527


And I have a GPS tracker - this Vodafone Curve GPS is good for 7 days and only £20 upfront and £2/month
https://eshop.v.vodafone.com/uk/curve-gps-tracker

[mcinlb]

Re disc locks, I've got one of these -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Oxford-Monster-Disc-Lock-Gold-Yellow/dp/B0036Z3LMA/ref=asc_df_B0036Z3LMA/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309876590586&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8910328436578085175&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007330&hvtargid=pla-427432166309&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

and if you fit it between the caliper and fork leg like - pic - it is almost impossible to get to the shackle..

[wethogs]

Originally Posted by mcinlb

Re disc locks, I've got one of these -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Oxford-Monster-Disc-Lock-Gold-Yellow/dp/B0036Z3LMA/ref=asc_df_B0036Z3LMA/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309876590586&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8910328436578085175&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007330&hvtargid=pla-427432166309&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

and if you fit it between the caliper and fork leg like - pic - it is almost impossible to get to the shackle..

Good One!

[fipenna]

If they want your bike they'll take your bike..... having lived in Brazil, Italy and the USA I can tell you everything you're doing will not be enough if they really want it.

- GPS is good as it lowers your insurance cost, but does very little into avoiding it to be stolen. If whoever steals it know what they're doing, you'll not be able to recover it even with the GPS
- Disk locks, chains, etc have a psychological effect as it takes them more time and effort to take it, but it doesn't stop them from doing it
- Alarms can be an unpleasant surprise, but will not stop them either

Putting all together might make them look to the bike beside yours to see if it's easier, but if they're really after your MS..... they'll take it.

I've heard of cases here in the USA where a brand new Panigale (4 days old) is taken from inside an apartment garage where it was chained and had a GPS. Security cameras get a van going into the garage, 3 minutes later the van leaving.... bike was inside, chain and lock left behind shattered on the garage's ground and the GPS marks the last position of the bike as still inside the garage. Nothing after that. The van had fake license plates (they were reported stolen 3 days earlier) and probably has an isolated interior (faraday's cage) in the cargo area. This + several other cases of new Streetfighters, Multis, etc..... all horror stories from our local Ductai owners group.

So answering your question: buy an insurance policy and don't overspend in aftermarket accessories as those are not covered by your insurance.

[simonkraushaar]

good video from the missenden flyer about security...

&t=626s

it's all about layers of protection...and basically pushing them onto the next guy/bike down the road...

Mine's outside all the time, covered, disk lock (sledg 77, which has a lovely bracket option, for carrying as you travel), and front and rear wheels chained with ART4 certified locks and chains to immovable objects.  it's not perfect, but it's way better than most people have, if they want it, they'll be busy for a while making some noise, under a lampost
(am also considering a roadloack as well, now I've been made aware of their existence..shame they're so expensive)

[fipenna]

Originally Posted by simonkraushaar

good video from the missenden flyer about security...

&t=626s

it's all about layers of protection...and basically pushing them onto the next guy/bike down the road...

Mine's outside all the time, covered, disk lock (sledg 77, which has a lovely bracket option, for carrying as you travel), and front and rear wheels chained with ART4 certified locks and chains to immovable objects.  it's not perfect, but it's way better than most people have, if they want it, they'll be busy for a while making some noise, under a lampost
(am also considering a roadloack as well, now I've been made aware of their existence..shame they're so expensive)

Very nice video, thanks for sharing it.

It kind of confirms my point below, you can only make your bike less easy to steal, which could drive an amateur/opportunity thieve to the next bike. The solutions he presented are either for your own garage (so not portable on your commute), a delayer (that "belt-lock") or an after the fact device (which is easy to subdue by a professional). I'd only use the belt-lock and the gps if my insurance gave me a decent discount for it.

To me, nothing replaces a proper insurance policy. Especially on an expensive motorcycle.

[Wassers]

This is another good review on bike security from Fortnine.

[20220727]

Originally Posted by Wassers

This is another good review on bike security from Fortnine.

That video is older than 2 weeks.........don’t worry folks I’m here all week