Security devices

[mpl]

I shall be getting my new toy soon- F800ST. It has as standard an engine immobiliser. I'm thinking maybe I should get it alarmed and invest in a good chain and/or disc lock. What do people recommend or suggest?

[Digzy]

Alarm:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/32160697 ... 0&ff14=108

I have this on my current bike and am very happy with it.

Its sensative, loud and obvious. everything i want from an alarm.

Plus having 2 keyfobs and the option for remote start is epic.

I cant fault it.

Chain:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Oxford-Hardcore ... B001FAM5IY

Again something i have used daily, it brags prety highly and rightly so, i wouldnt bother trying take anything this is attached to, the chain is thick, the padlock is solid. and it weighs a ton. the weakest point of this would be the anchor its attached to

Theres going to be more expenseive and more secure options out there. but im pretty happy with that, if somone wants my bike they'll have a bit of work to do, and if they dont get it done in time, they will have a steel bar to deal with too.

[wr6133]

If you want a proper hard as hell to break chain look at Almax. There is a video somewhere online of Oxford chains being cut like butter in under 10 seconds.

Then you need a quality lock to match it, also an immovable object to chain the bike too as people with a van will just pick it up otherwise and toss it in the van.

[Throttled]

Get something that is on the drop down list of security chains/locks when you quote for insurance. I like a combination of chain and disc lock that works with a ground anchor, so went for the Kryptonite New York noose

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/content/k ... 99539.html

which is in the insurance list.

[mpl]

Thanks guys. I'll do some research into these products

[Tango]

Check out stuff that's Thatcham certified....... I've got a Meta alarm on the Speedy which does what I want......

[Joeman]

If the factory alarm is anything like on my BMW, its just a plug in module. The wiring is already there. Might be worth investigating a cheap factory alarm from eBay?

[Guest]

Ive not bothered with anything on my F800S, but then i don't commute on it and I'm very fussy about where i leave it on those very rare occasions I go into town. At home its out of sight and I have my eyes peeled for anyone following me.

personally i think an alarm is a waste of time.. it only works if 'YOU' can hear it.. anyone else is going to completely ignore it or just be irritated and wait for it to turn off. or be loaded inside a van and muffled and be too busy sighing with relief than dial 999.

what do you want this extra security for? out and about is somewhat different to 'at home' carrying a chain like the almax on the ST is going to be 'difficult. at home its fine though - but if its not going to be attached to something that can't be cut then its pointless. where is the bike going to be kept at home? if in a garage maybe one of those door stops might be a better idea.. if the thief can't get into the garage without making an almighty row then they're not going to bother.. there are always richer pickings to be had. how 'safe' is where you live? how safe is where you intend parking it if you are going to commute - do you have an attachment point so you can leave the chain there and not have to carry it back and forth every day.

Its all well and good suggesting this that and the other.. but until you've sorted out these details its pretty much a pointless exercise aside from knowing whats good and not so good. because whats good might be no use at all in your own situation.

Im not sure how attractive a bike like the ST is to thieves. Your casual opportunist will be put off by a disc lock and if they can't ride it away or at least wheel it round the corner somewhere they can waste their time trying to hotwire it. They wont bother.

The professional.. these are more tricky. they will have everything sorted so it can be in a van and away in seconds. Thats assuming they even know where it is. And if they do know where it is and decide they want it.. they will have it and no amount of security will help. but will they want to target a bike like the ST? probably not... they will know just as well as anyone that getting a BMW to run without the original key is extremely difficult.. and its not exactly the type of bike that has a high demand for broken parts. Owners don't tend to waste their money on useless but expensive farkle and bling.

The best security measure i made was having my side gate widened so i can get the bikes through and out of sight quickly.. and even though I live on a very quiet road i never, absolutely never ever leave the bike on the drive in full view.

[mpl]

I had my cycle stolen a few weeks ago from work- locked up in a school but still nabbed so maybe I am still feeling a little paranoid!

I live in a flat and can keep it out in the communal garden area but that brings with it the problem of the kids that play there- don't want them clambering on it or having it fall on them. Out front is a public car park with a metal rail in concrete post around it so could chain it to that.

A neighbour has a brick shed that I can use but space getting the bike in and out may be tight and it has a step so looks like it might be a bit of a faff! The local council have garages to rent very close to me but unfortunately there is a waiting list.

It's the overnight parking/storage that I am most concerned about really.

The dealer I bought the bike from did say that they aren't particularly sought after by thieves.

[Guest]

Out front is a public car park with a metal rail in concrete post around it so could chain it to that.

 

Thats probably your best bet.. a chain and keep it covered. maybe a disc lock carried with you for out and about. Any decent chain will do the job nicely. theres all sorts to choose from, you could go hell for leather and get the Almax, or something decent at a lower price. Personally i think your biggest concern should be the opportunist.. and any decent looking lock is enough to put that type off. even if they fancy trying to get a BMW away. They wont be able to start it. but that doesn't help you if they've damaged it in the process. a chain lock and if you want to add something very visible when its covered - A big U lock on the front wheel. This will help keep the cover in place. Once they see that they'll just pass on by and look for something 'easier'.

If its possible to put it somewhere thats 'out of sight' or less obvious.. then go for it.