Security; a lot of a little or a little of a lot?

[J.M.]

So I really need to get myself some security for the bike. Currently it consists of a steering-lock since I fried my Cyclone.

I was just looking on eBay for 2nd hand good chains and there seems to be loads of cheap chains on there. Now I know that they're not going to be anywhere near as good as the expensive chains for resistance, but for the same price you can get more of them?

For example, would you go for 1 13mm Almax chain to carry around with you or for the same price, 2 10mm chains + 2 disc locks?

I guess as a bonus to the 10mm chains is that you could make them a nightmare to access with any bolt cutters.

I know practically nothing about chains though so I thought I would ask.

I'm thinking maybe two of these which can be secured around the grab rail whilst not in use and then maybe 2 of these, one on each wheel, which should be able to be stored easily in my jacket pocket or under the seat. I've also got some flashing LEDs to install (2) which flash when the switch-live goes dead (can be turned off) to act as a fake alarm.

Thoughts?

I have to add that I'm trying to keep spending to a minimum and my bike really isn't a pretty sight; broken wing mirror, scuffed fairings, no bar ends, tape over engine, minor dent in the exhaust, dirty, etc. Just that if all goes well I'll be at Uni in the city soon rather than this practically crime-free village I'm in now. Some peace of mind and a non-stolen bike would be nice.
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[Polarbear]

I'm firmly of the opinion you are trying to stop chavs and chancers nicking your bike wth security like that. If you want to stop (or get your bike back) professionals with a van, a tracker they can't see is my preferred option.

As you say your bike is a bit of a shed, I would have thought you only need a chain and lock to put off the mindless dross that hang around street corners as the big boys probably won't be interested.

Also park it where there are lots of people. I know everyone ignores alarms but they might be a bit more suspicious of a pair of bolt croppers or a hacksaw.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[bikertomm]

Bit of both to be honest mate!

My bike is literally covered in locks.

Just try to insure it for theft if possible

If not, aldi is your freind.

Got a couple of locks and fuck off big chains for about 20 quid.

A bike specific one too -

The more the merrier
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07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[J.M.]

Mainly looking towards chavs and opportunists, yeah.

I think my bike is really too beaten up, common and cheap and undesirable to be targeted by professionals. I guess that with professionals also, you don't stop them you just delay them. If they want your bike they'll have it at some point or other.

A tracker is something I've been contemplating for a while. The best I've stumbled upon so far is ~£50-80 with a bit of modding for a tracker with a sim card that you text/phone and it responds, rather than paying a subscription.

The bike is insured TPFT but that doesn't mean I want to claim! Also £300 excess on a £1250 bike with an accident against me, it probably wouldn't be worth claiming because I'll get reamed by the insurance in the future.

I have an Aldi near me, I've never been in. I'll have to give it a look around.
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[U_W v2.0]

hmm something i see a fair bit is "wheres the best place to put a tracker?"

me personally?

if the bike has a fairly thick seat, id pop it off, cut out a little foam from the bottom of it, stick the tracker in there and have release catch connectors on the wires than need to go to other places on the bike (like power lines and so on)

seems a fair place to put it really.
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BCF's biggest cunt list: Cansa, Pits, Rob

[P.addy]

I bought 3 rape alarms which I'll show you when you come here...I have a good idea

A D lock for the rear wheel/swing arm

A chain through exhaust, wheel and large metal post.

A cover

[anthony_r6]

There are little alarms I see on cpc.co.uk that have two units. You place one on the thing you want to monitor, and when the unit it moved a certain distance from the one you hold, it goes off and let you know it's on the move. There are also some cheap standalone motion detectors that could be good, only like £7 or so.
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Ted : "Maybe he's agoraphobic."
Dougal : "Jack scared of fighting? I don't think so, Ted."

[Davenaylor]

I have the 2 meter version of the chain you lied to on eBay. Trust me you won't be carrying 2 of them anywhere. My 2 meter one is heavy and you would be carring an extra 40cm of chain and another padlock.

[AlexW]

[P.addy]

Jordan, just checked the link. I've bought that exact chain too... its going to be as a spare to carry around, so you should be ok to carry 2... they aren't overly heavy/

[Davenaylor]

maybe mines bigger then, or o have weal arms

[J.M.]

I don't think that one of the distance alarms would be very practical for me, but for £7 I'll definitely take a quick look and see what comes up.

I'll get 2 chains and 2 disc locks ordered then. If the chains are too big to both carry then I could always just keep the second at home to put it on when parked there. I must also buy one of those reminder cables so that I don't embarrass myself riding off with the disc locks on...

Got a cover, but that'll only be used when back at home. Not carrying around that everywhere!

I could do with fixing the cyclone too really but I don't know whether it's fixable. I'm going to take an unsuccessful look at that later.

I'm not sure where to put a tracker on my bike really. I've seen good places on most other bikes but the GS just seems to be awkward for fitting anything like an alarm/tracker. I'm not a huge fan of the seat idea because the seat is uncomfy enough as it is! Both rider + pillion seats are used regularly.

My last mounting idea was for the alarm. Brilliantly hidden... and cooked by the engine after a few hundred miles.

On a side note, rape alarm idea sounds interesting... looking forwards to seeing it!
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[J.M.]

Just found this on CPC: https://cpc.farnell.com/defender-security/mg78/portable-motion-alarm/dp/SR08097

Can't decide whether that detects outside movement or the unit itself moving.

Also that seems to be Farnell, the last time I tried to order from them they wanted to charge me ridiculous amounts for postage when my order was a couple of quid underneath their free postage price. Ended up buying it from RS and picking it up in store the same day instead. I'll have to run it through to the checkout and see what it says if that's the right one.
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[P.addy]

What I'm doing with 1 rape alarm is attaching to the cover underneath to the footpeg so when its lifted, a pin is pulled and alarm goes nuts.

Another is elasticated round my fork leg and goes to under the tank, when they twist the bars (no steering lock ) it will set the 2nd 1 off.

I have a 3rd one...which already has a mounting plate on a brake caliper for if they roll it forward

Then if they managed to get it away, a D lock and 2 chains should make the fuckers think twice..

Bonus thing for me though, unless they are macho and there are loads of them, they wont move it without it going mental as they can't get a van up my road, big metal gate = no go

[Knightsy]

Hmm... I think that you need at least three more chans and four disk locks



(I'd love to see this tbh )
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09' Versys 650 | 07' FJR1300A

[J.M.]

[P.addy]

Who would have stolen the GSXR? Really?

Either way... its going to be stupidly locked down, might buy some more D locks and that..

[J.M.]

[P.addy]

Scrote yes, but someone who pinches bikes for a living would walk up, consider it a threat to their life, leave it with a note saying

"Dunt wurry m8, we aint gon steal dis, its facked bruv"

Or words to the effect.

[J.M.]

Security via death trap.
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[DrDonnyBrago]

The 10mm chain in the first link is a seriously mincy little chain that wouldn't put off a child with a pair of scissors.

It's the sort of thing I'd lock my wheelbarrow up with, not my motorcycle.

[J.M.]

Went in to Lidl earlier, sweet FA there for bikes. Also went around trying to find a 22mm 3/8" socket and couldn't find one.

[P.addy]

16mm

[DrDonnyBrago]

If it is a visual deterrent, get a fatter chain than the guy that parks next to you .

I personally think anything under 12-13mm looks weedy as hell and if I was poor/on a budget, I'd spring for a second hand decent motorcycle chain - fatter the better if you are looking to put off scumbags rather than pro thieves.



If you want to get creative, using heavy duty load chain represent the best value for money for particularly strong chain. Some people manage to get grade 80/100 load chain for free/nearly free by asking round the back of businesses that use it to lift things. It gets worn out and replaced but some parts of it are still perfect.


Alternatively, check out gaybay, more expensive but still not bad. You'd struggle to get a stronger chain for cheaper. Factor in the price of a decent lock too of course:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/13mm-Tested-Chain-Grade-80-BS-EN818-WLL-5300kgs-/250763590827?pt=UK_Lifting_Moving_Equipment&hash=item3a62acbcab#ht_664wt_905

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/16mm-Tested-Chain-Grade-80-BS-EN818-WLL-8000kgs-/310291128595?pt=UK_Lifting_Moving_Equipment&hash=item483ecae113#ht_664wt_905

16mm link is a mammoth bit of chain, ge your gran to sew you up a sleeve .

[J.M.]