Security trade-offs

[esullivan]

All security is a trade off with convenience. I think my tipping point is about right, but wondered where others place theirs?

This morning, as I got to work slightly later than normal, there were several other people parking up near me at the same time. I noticed all of the security doo-dads that others were putting on their bikes -- chains to lamppost (albeit to the back wheel), u-lock through the wheel, disc locks, etc.

I lock my steering and have the built-in Honda immobilizer (HISS), but that's it. I don't use much else because I park in a very busy auto/foot traffic area (Finsbury Square), in sight of at least two CCTVs, adjacent to the unofficial smoker's area, in front of a business (Bloomberg) that is heavily patrolled by both the police and a private security firm. (Granted, they wouldn't do anything, but at the very least it would be unnerving to lift a 200KG bike into the back of a van with three smokers standing there watching you, or a panda car parked nearby while the cops get a free coffee...)

I'm thinking this is a fairly risky place to steal a bike. There are much better places, within a block or two. At home, I add an Almax chain to a ground anchor and a cover, because that's in a quiet street where someone could take their time, easily use a van, whatever. But even there I'm not kidding myself that I've done anything other than slow them down about five minutes.

Probably my most important security feature is to own an "old man's bike" with a tiny market for second-hand parts on eBay. They're going to go for the T-Max to my right or the Ducati to my left....

What do others do? Three locks? Claymore mines? Am I being reckless?
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Current: '14 VFR800X Test passed 31/10/12.
Previous: '12 NC700S, '11 CBF 125, '04 SH 125.

[haroman666]

I have one coil lock that stays attached to the massive I-section that is part of the frame for my garden gate.

I rarely take security with me to destinations, unless I'm going to stay for a prolonged period or I know it's a risky area.

I guess just heed the thought that you cant bank on anybody intervening if they see a theft taking place. And whilst this goes against what I said previous, don't expect that a theft is much less likely if you're just nipping in and out of the shop you've parked outside of.

Your choice of security is based on how much your bike is worth to you. You'll kick yourself if it get's nicked and you're sat there thinking "Fuck, I could've spent a minute sticking a lock through it."
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The mistresses: 2000 Honda CBR600f, 2000 Honda VTR1000

[daemonoid]

I park next to better bikes and rely only on built in security.
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current: ducati monster 750
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@thomasgarrard | www.straitjkt.com | www.racingseven.com

[CaNsA]

I prefer not to talk about my security on a public forum

[esullivan]

[Joncrete Cungle]

I leave a 19mm Almax chain, padlock and a disc lock inside at work. I use these to lock my bike to a steel column that is part of the building. I have a 16mm Pragmasis chain, padlock and disc lock that goes in the tail pack everywhere else. 13mm Pragmasis chain and padlock for my pushbike, that I sometimes use as a carry chain on the 400 with a disc lock. Bit OTT some might say, but I really don't want to have another bike stolen if possible.

[pits]

Nothing, I rarely put the steering lock on if someone wants it, they will have it, my insurance company is well aware of this, I told them that I will use no security devices what so ever.


It has always been my point of view that security is very expensive, it offers very little protection and insurance cost saving, none of them stop a man in a van picking them up off the street.

I once went into a local locksmiths to get a padlock, asked for a really decent padlock that is hard to get into, he handed me a padlock in two bits and said "That is £150 padlock, one of the best you can buy, CCTV showed it being cut through in less than a minute."


Similar to when I had my Mitsubishi, insurance company demanded a cat 1 alarm, I said I didn't want one, and I didn't get any discount, told them straight I will fit it, but make no bones about it I will not be using it, it caused more hassle than it solved
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[goto10]

Alarmed disk lock and a cheapy Cyclone alarm from eBay (I just wired it to the indicators, not used the immobiliser features because of the HISS system already fitted to the NC) - but it makes loads of noise and flashes the indicators if someone bumps it.

I also have an old mobile phone stashed in the fank (fake tank) that acts as a tracker.
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'12 NC700S & '12 CB600F Hornet [Stolen by some dickless twat] Suzuki GT500 shed

[Al]

When I park up normally just a disc lock and the steering lock to stop kids simply pushing the bike away.
I have a tatty old bike and live in a low crime area though, If I rode a panigale and lived in some northern ghetto I'd probably rethink my security.

At home I have a garage with a ground anchor so chain it to that. It wouldn't stop a pro but why would they bother when there are plenty of more expensive bikes just sitting about on the roadside.
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[Islander]

I bolt the shed door.

[Davenaylor]

Busy street, people driving past. I'd be hoping to god the better parks parked nearby aren't locked down
https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=iy0c8nsb4cw&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Diy0c8nsb4cw&gl=GB

Not that I lock mine up away from home. Works car park, try and get blocked in by a car is the best I can do.