General start up advice

[Magnesium]

Hi Guys, this is my first post on the forum so hello to everyone.

I passed my Mod 2 nearly a year ago now, but went travelling with my funds instead of buying a bike. I had a little refresher course the other day and now have enough money for a bike (3-4K). But first a have a few questions for the experts out there.

Firstly, I have no garage, just a drive. I'm on a fairly busy road in south Manchester. What are the best systems to protect and also deter theft of the bike? Is it pretty much guaranteed I’ll go at some stage?

Also I’m guessing a common question...recommendations on bikes to try out. I'm 6'0'', I’d like something faired as I’ll be on a motorway quite a bit, a little sporty. But other than that, anything that'll suit a new rider.

Last question...what’s the protocol for test rides? Obviously when buying my previous cars I drove and the owner sat in the passenger seat. What generally happens for both private and trade sales?

Thanks for your help

[anthony_r6]

Hi, and welcome.

You're going to want a very loud alarm, something solid to chain it too, and you'll want to keep it covered too. As everyone will tell you though, if the thieves want it bad enough, they will get it Maybe tuck it out of sight, around the back of the house if possible?

No recommendations for bikes from myself.

As far as test rides, it's usually a case of full asking price down, and if you bin it, you buy it. As for dealers, they will have insurance and would likely let you test if they think you're serious about buying.
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Ted : "Maybe he's agoraphobic."
Dougal : "Jack scared of fighting? I don't think so, Ted."

[Kingstondavo]

I'd get a tracker. Guaranteed peace of mind and really good recovery rates, generally, alarms get ignored.
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Current Ride - 2010 Hornet 600

[GrumpyGuts]

These are things I'd get for the bike:

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/42402

This is a Thacham approved marking kit that will make your bike parts traceable if it were stolen. You will have to take the kit to a dealer to fit it as insurance companies will need a certificate to validate a discount, if any.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/55982

Another Thatcham approved piece of kit. A mighty lock that you attach to your back wheel. You can attach it to this, and I would recommend it, if you are parking this on a drive...

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/27443

Thacham approved ground anchor. Once you place this on the ground, you will never take it back out, unless you move and you will have to get a hydraulic drill to get at the bastard.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/46426

Having a cover wouldn't hurt, either.

If you can afford it, you can get a GPS tracker. I would only get this if your bike is worth a lot of money.

Hopefully the suggestions have got you thinking

[Nick 50]

I really really would avoid the oxford chain, they are pretty crap.

Took Almax 14 secs with bolt cutters to break it.

Chain wise the current best ones are 19mm.

The 3 main ones that I know of:

Untouchable19mm Security Chain

Protector 19mm professional series

Both available:
https://www.elitesecuritysupplies.com/locks_and_chains.htm

Almax Immobiliser Series IV Uber

Available from:
https://www.almax-security-chains.co.uk/ofcmje75/All-Products/c-1-73/

I have the Almax one with the Squire lock and it's a beast of a chain!

Ground Anchor...........I would recommend the Defiant Ground Anchor but don't order it from Almax though. I waited and waited (with pretty crap customer service) and ended up requesting refund.
If you can get hold of the bloke who makes them you might get it fairly quickly.
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Current Bikes: ZX7r 97 (Black Beauty), VFR400 NC24 (The banana)
Previous Bikes: Aprilia Tuono 03 (The Beast), CBR600f (97)
First bike: A GZ125 Lemon.......

[Kingstondavo]

For the cost of one of those 19mm chains + £50, you could get a tracker fitted, which will send you a text, followed by a call and an email the moment someone takes your bike off the stand... Can also be set to text Friends & Family if you drop your bike on a general ride, provides logging of routes/speeds etc...

Also, unlike a chain, its pretty much the only way you will get the bike back if someone does get through your physical security. Honestly, with the way things are going, I wouldn't have a bike without one, unless it was worth so little it wasn't worth doing.
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Current Ride - 2010 Hornet 600

[Magnesium]

Cheers for the suggestions guys. Looks like a giant ground anchor and 19mm chain will be on the way. I'm hoping that because I live on such a high throughput road (near police station), people won’t want to spend 5 minutes trying to take apart a chain.

For the tracker, would you recommend advising one is installed, therefore creating a deterrent or is it simply for getting the bike back?

Also...Any suggestions on what i should actually be locking up in the first place?

[Nick 50]

[AlexW]

Just want to clear up some of the tracker stuff. Get a decent one, GPS only ones are rubbish, Decent ones come with VHF/GSM so they can be picked up inside a container, in tunnels etc.

Trackers aren't cheap, and there will be a subscription fee, But if you are going to have a expensive bike that you also get attached to, Its great.

The best will be Tracker themselves since they have a exclusive deal with the police. And its those I fit.

[Cunnington]

This vid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SjA2MejOlQ was posted in https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=224213.

You can have every tracker under the sun and it wont stop scrotes like these nicking your pride and joy.

You need a decent chain, ground anchor and a cover for starters to discourage the opportunists. Trackers will only get your bike back, which I would only want if it was a professional scumbag who has not ragged it until it breaks and dumped it.

Bike wise, sit on them all and find one that fits. I had an SV650S after a couple of naked bikes, and the riding position put pressure on my lower back, which detracted from my enjoyment.

Enjoy
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'82 C50, '81 CB100, '84 GS125, '95 NTV650, '00 Bandit 600, '06 SV650, '56 Z1000, '89 NTV600
The Shaggy D.A. wrote: "You are invisible. Those who can see you are trying to kill you."

[ridiculouslyg...]

Hi Guys,

This is my first post. Was just wondering as I just got a S4 2 months back, did some servicing one month ago? The mechanics told me it could last for at least 3000KM till my next service, but the bike feels really sluggish and rough, especially the engine sound. Could it be the engine oil dried out? Should I top it up or should I just change the oil altogether before the 3000KM's up.

Thanks in advance! (:

[Kingstondavo]

[Joncrete Cungle]

A big ass chain and top notch squire padlock from either Almax or Pragmasis. Then something considerable to chain it to. A cover and alarm and/or tracker.

[shereen]

[harscot]

Hi bud and welcome, here is my tuppence worth, 1st get your self down to some bike shops and have a look around, some of the bikes to look at would be -: Half/Full faired Suzuki Bandits, Honda CBF's, maybe the VFR ( could be a bit powerful though ), Kawasaki Versys, Yamaha Diverson, Honda Deauville, etc, there is a lot out there, and it is usually down to personal preference, I would stay away from the more power full sports bikes just now though, Ducatis, RRs, gixers, Kawasaki ZZRs ( although they are comfy, and can be gentle in the right hands ) other folk will have different opinions, anyway good luck hunting and hope this helps.. Stay Loose and Safe
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First bike R reg Suzuki 125 GT twin in 1978:
2nd bike X reg Honda 650 Deauville in 2011:
Wish bike a Triumph Thunderbird: Dream bike Triumph Rocket........

[ridiculouslyg...]

[Taught2BCauti...]

I would recommend a 'Cyclone' alarm system with immobiliser - about £20-25.

I wouldn't recommend a Tracker - you might not want the bike back if it gets trashed.

If your driveway is suitable, fit a Ground Anchor and chain the bike to it with a good quality chain and lock - through the Ground Anchor, wheel and frame.

You can also get a PIR operated floodlight for around £25, or an IP webcam for under £70.
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