Security Device Recommendations

[GettinBetter]

As a new biker what should I get to safeguard my new toy.
Ideally I'd like a 20mm diameter spike that is fired into the ground wherever I stop with a bloody great chain on it...alas not gonna happen so what do youz peeps suggest?

[NJD]

A million questions because post has not enough detail: are you using the bike for commuting or just social rides?

For the front based on this bike I'd say either an open shackle padlock for the front disc or a d-lock to go through the spokes / gap in the brake disc.

You could then chain the frame to something up front or the front wheel to the frame just to be extra annoying with something like a short 13 mm.

For the rear, and since its a 125, I'd probably go with a 1.5 - 2.0 m 13 mm chain for out and about. Trying to lug a 16 mm about on that would get you nowhere quick.

For at home I'd go for a 16 mm on the rear through the spokes in the wheel and over the tyre to loop around a ground anchor or suck like. A 2.0 m should be more than sufficient, but since these things are costly you could use that 13 mm as a gauge to decide if you need a 1.5 mm etc. I'd probably just get a 13 mm first in a 1.5 or 2.0 m length to get you started, but be aware it can be bolt cropped by hand unlike the 16 mm (which can't, but can be cut by a portable angle grinder).

You may be able to get something like an R21 roundlock on the rear sprocket -- again using the above bike as an example -- since the holes in the rear sprocket look quite large.

All the products I mention are available here (Pragmasis): https://securityforbikes.com/

Best avoid the things shops like J&S sell. Abus might be ok, but I've not really looked at them. Most are the reason many bikes go missing. Not that things with Pragmasis don't, but I'd splash out to start with to make sure it stays yours.

Don't go with anything that has chain links smaller than 13 mm, and 16 mm is considered the basis of the "heavy duty" security. 19 mm is a step up, and the recent selling of 22 mm the most extreme. The higher you go the more time your buying yourself against attacks, but the 19 mm and 22 mm are for nothing but at home due to their weight, and even then they have to be used correctly to be effective -- and that comes in time with knowing how best to lock it up for your set up etc.

Budget will be your biggest factor. But if you're tight on money I'd get that 13 mm chain first, and then at least a disc lock.

Keep in mind that the front of a motorbike can simply be lifted so, despite what you may think, padlocks etc are more effective on the rear sprocket -- or one on both since their very light.

To carry your items you may want to get a backpack, but based on the chance of falling I wouldn't do it. Kriega do luggage drybags: their expensive but a good piece of kit with a 10 year warrenty. US20 is a decent size, or a US10 if you're not going to be using much. I recommend the kriega bags because they can withstand some abuse in load where other tailbags have failed over time. Don't bother with a US5 because too small, or a US30 because would be too big for your bike and what you wish to carry to start out with.
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The do it all, T̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶r̶o̶k̶e̶n̶ ̶o̶n̶e̶,̶ ̶T̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶i̶g̶ ̶l̶u̶m̶p̶,̶ ̶C̶h̶o̶n̶g̶ ̶N̶o̶o̶d̶l̶e̶

[Nobby the Bastard]

A dog. It doesn't matter how big so long as it wakes you up when anyone goes onto your property..
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Sprint ST 1050

[Easy-X]

The thing to remember is that no security is impervious to the dedicated thief. The best you can manage is to lay as many hassles in their path that they are discouraged and move on to something easier.

Disk locks, chains, alarms, trackers... you need a package, a body of work that says "yes, by all means try and steal this bike but it'll take you 5 mins longer than the one up the street."
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[pepperami]

[Polarbear]

Don't leave it in one place regularly unless it's a secure place.

If it's an expensive bike don't use it to commute. Buy a reliable shitter for that, something no one would really want.

For anything though, chain, disk lock. If you can, chain it to something.

As others have said, if they really want it, they will get it. We have all seen videos of scrotes angle grinding a chain in broad daylight and making off with a bike. Then you have the 'men in van' lifting it in and away in seconds.

My expensive bike never gets left anywhere for any real length of time (except in a very secure garage) but it is purely a toy. I have a fazer hack for anything else that cost pennies and if it was nicked I'd say 'Shit' and carry on.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Undinist]

[GettinBetter]

Does anyone have some idea how much these big (16mm) chains weigh, and where would/do you carry them.

Do youz have one for home and one to take with you?

I just trying to work out how to carry it, it won't go in my panniers....

[seeyalater]

[NJD]

[Nobby the Bastard]

[CorriganJ]

I loop my chain around the luggage rack on the back of my bike. I also have an alarmed disk lock. And a D lock but I actually never bring that with me because I need a backpack to carry it.

[Tankie]

Put a lightweight cover over the bike to cover up your security measures when out.
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Always learning, everyday is a school day

[GettinBetter]

Cool.

Excellent info.

Thanks guys, really appreciate your replies.

[Riejufixing]

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_group/oxford%20hardcore

Apparently learning how to securely apply the chain/lock making it more resistant to attack is a good idea. Looking at the evidence and logic indicates this is probably true.

[Undinist]

This article is absolute gold, have a read https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/features/bikes/stolen-motorcycle-recovery-london-heroes-vigilantes-documentary

[NakedBiker]

Glad I don't live where you lot do!

I don't bother with security and never have really. What you need depends entirely on where you live, where you leave it, what you ride etc

If you are just going out for sunday blasts in the daytime away from the big cities, stopping off at cafes etc then you won't need any security.
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NakedBiker

[Undinist]

In London you have to worry about the bike being stolen while you're actually riding it - a scooter might block you in so the passenger can spray acid in your face.

[Ste]