Couple of basic chain lock related questions..

[NJD]

Afternoon.. couple of basic questions regarding chain locks.

1) Does the chain lock cover provide any use other than to prevent damage or scratches to the bike when putting it in place? (IE; Does it make a difference if someone attempted to snap the chain)

1a) Would you buy a new chain just because the pin that keeps the chain cover in place had broken or fallen out?

(Reason I ask is because the pin that kept it in place has fallen out and also well, the covers a little past it sell by date).

2) Which of the below pictures is the best way to secure your chain the padlock?

(Reason I ask is because I watched a video that stated No. 2 makes it harder for thieves to put an extra chain link inbetween and brake it.. I assume on cheaper chains this wouldn't make much of a difference, but is No. 2 a better way to lock it rather than No. 1?).

1.
https://s7.postimg.org/k0bnlxw4b/lock1.jpg

2.
https://s4.postimg.org/x16w8xofx/LOCK2.jpg

Thanks

[Albigularis]

1 - No.

1a - No, use cable ties.

2 - Second one is better, only because it's not easy to cut the link on the padlock itself. But with both setups, you could just cut any link and the chain is free to pull off the bike.
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Biking history so far-
Aprilia RS125 - Kawasaki ZXR400 - Triumph Street Triple R - Suzuki GSXR1000 L3 - BMW R1200GS - Kawasaki Z1000 - Kawasaki ZX10R C1H - Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring - Suzuki Hayabusa

[Tungtvann]

Re-cover the chain yourself if you are that bothered, but it's not an integral part of the chain. It could easily be cut away by any thieves if they needed to. You kind of answered question 2 yourself, depends on your chain/lock whether it would make any real difference, but reducing any space where a tool or device could be used in is only a good thing.

[MG]

I actually read somewhere that thieves have been known to cut through the chain underneath the cover and replace the link with a cable tie, to then return when the bike is locked up to steal it by just cutting the cable tie.

Means they can do the heavy cutting work at night, and return in the day for an easy steal.
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'03 Honda Cityfly 125 > '02 Honda CB500S > '98 Honda CBR600F