Security issues

easiest way to ensure your bike is not stolen is to make sure you don't have the 'latest and greatest' (i.e. 2005 r1...). <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s -->

be strategic where you park your bike - don't park your bike where it could be easily taken without anyone seeing it. You should also try to vary when the bike is or isn't in a specific spot. Most theives will case out a bike, so if it isn't always in the same place or if you get on it at unpredictable hours then they may leave it along. Perhaps change to different parking spots (I don't follow my own advice here as there are very limited spots where I can park the bike at work).

Disc locks are great - be aware that older kryptonite locks sufferred a serious problem. Take the nib off the end of a bic pen, and put that in the lock, and it could be undone. They are erplacing these locks, but taking a very long time to do it here in australia (if you buy one that is less than 1 year old you should be fine).

Lots of people swear by chains. They are more obvious and you can also attach your bike to a post or something.

Lock your bike up even when it is at home. I have had 3 friends with bikes stolen from their driveway (one was a brand new bmw too...)

If you are really concerned / paranoid look into getting a bike bandit. It costs about $1200. It has a tamper alarm that will contact your phone (SMS or bluetooth depending how far away you are) if someone is tampering with your bike. It can be set to sound an alarm if someone is tampering with your bike. If someone does steel your bike it is linked to GPS navigation - so you can always locate your bike.

 

And park it next to a more expensive bike if you can <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Very Happy" /><!-- s -->

We got a mongoose alarm from Autobarn for about $200, easy to fit, has shock sensor, immobiliser, quite a good alarm.

 

i agree with boz's idea of being strategic, its the same deal with cars when your parking something nice and dont want to get it nicked. I had a disc loc, costs anywhere between $20-$50. As an added measure (and it costs you nada...ie $0) is that the FZR has its own sterring lock discusses in the forums earlier. turn the handle so the wheel is pointing as far left as it can go, insert the key and turn it to the left. you shold find there is a slot where you can lock the wheel in place.

 

Better to be safe than sorry (as the saying goes).

And just remember that bikes can just be as easily stolen from home as out - so make sure it is secure at night too. As I mentioned I know of 3 people who have had bikes stolen from their driveways and carports during the night.

 

check out cheetah alarms on ebay

for 60-70 bucks you can get an immobiliser, shock sensor, current sensor all in one. and plus you get a remote " bleep bleep"

and if you want to paay more, you can get one that you can remotely start your bike up with. very flash!!

rather cheap

i got one yesterday
ill let ya know what its like once i install it

 

i truely believe that you HAVE to have youre bike chained to somethin that cannot be smashed/cut like a telephone pole. hi visibility disk locks are a good detterent but can be fairly easily broken if given time.

the sad part is that if the thieving little bastards really really want your bike they will get it, by any means possible. my friends dad was eventually dragged off his bike in traffic by 3 little fcukers after there had been 3 or more attempts at stealing it from his home. my bike is garaged overnight so it is out of sight and (hopefully) out of mind. i cant see them trying to take mine as there is a guy up the road with his bike in his garden overnight with only a chain around the wheel.

but my neighbour had loads of bikes over the years and all bar one were succesfully stolen so imj kinda worried!!! the only reason the little shits didnt get the last one was because they couldnt lift his 92 suzi gsxr 750 over a 4 foot wall!!

if you do catch someone trying to steal your bike make sure to ram all his thieving tools dont his throat and hold him captive until he excretes them, then beat him to death with them. then hang the fcuker from the front of your house wearing a shirt saying "i went to steal this guys bike and all i got was this lousy t shirt"

 

I know of people who have had their bike stolen from their locked garages as well. So it is hard when you want to stop a person who really wants your bike <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_sad.gif" alt="" title="Sad" /><!-- s --> <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_mad.gif" alt="" title="Mad" /><!-- s -->

 

Also re: disk locks - it doesn't take much for 2 people to lift and walk with a bike on 1 wheel into a van or trailer...

A story from a friend who's friend had his bike (a 2003 gsxr600) stolen: Was parked at a supermarket. Being concerned, used a heavy duty chain to lock it to a parking sign pole. Went into do his shopping. on his return his tires each had a hole put into them. Thinking that this was malicious, but nothing else, went home and arranged to have the bike picked up the following day in a trailer. On his return his bike was gone.

The thieves obviously slashed the tires in hopes that the bike would then stay there unattended. That night when people were not around they took their time and cut the chain, and took the bike.