bike least likely to be stolen?

[stormrider85]

I'm getting started on my bike adventure and will have a 125cc for a while. I like the cruiser-style bikes (esp. the low seats) and I'm hoping to pick up a used one. Like Lexmoto Michigan or Keeway Superlight. Is there a type of bike that I should consider if my primary worry is theft?

Problem is I'll need to park on the street. I might get an allocated space but nothing to anchor to at all. I'm reading through threads about security and my question is how likley is it someone wants to steal one of these little low-end bikes? Is it reasonable to do something like a few chains to the wheels, an alarm, and a cover?

EDIT: area is east Southampton if that matters....

[Nobby the Bastard]

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[stinkwheel]

Stepthroughs and dirt bikes get stolen most. The first because you don't need to have much of an idea how to ride to ride one, the second because it's easier to ride through the park to get away from the police.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Bhud]

How about one of these:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SClVfOy3aGU

Sub-125cc, low seat, they won't know how to start or ride it, and it won't be fast enough to make a quick getaway.

[Bhud]

You never know - you might be able to get a ground anchor. If you're renting your accommodation and have an allocated space, you might ask your landlord for permission to install a parking bollard there. Offer to pay for it yourself, get a good one and get it set in concrete. Then chain the bike to that. Just thinking out of the box...

[Easy-X]

[Diggs]

Surely one of these... A 350 with the guts of a 125 and the panache of a full nappy...
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Now - Speed Triple, old ratty GS550, GSXR750M
Gone (in order of ownership) - Raleigh Runabout, AP50, KH125, GP125, KH250, CBX550, Z400, CB750FII, 250LC, GS550, ZXR750H1, Guzzi Targa, GSX750F, KH250 x2, Bimota SB6R and counting...

[stinkwheel]

Or park an old caravan (which can be had cheap if they are fucked) in your allocated space, put it on axle stands with the wheels off and park the bike inside it chained throught he chassis.

Should be said that people will steal just about anything. My Jawa 350 was stolen three times. They dumped it shortly afterwards but they still stole it.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Ste]

[Bhud]

Not just a pole sticking out of the ground lol. They fold down and have a padlock somewhere along them so you can use your own parking space. You drive out, get out of the car, raise the bollard and put your lock on it.
You can also get ones which are remotely operated, but those are more expensive and won't be a realistic option for someone renting, who just wants to secure their 125.

[xX-Alex-Xx]

[Bhud]

[TaffyTDM]

[Bhud]

[mentalboy]

This is quite possibly the only bike that will never get stolen (or sold)....

[adam277]

Goldwing.

99% of bikes can be thrown straight in the back of a transit in seconds. You'd struggle to do that with a goldwing.
So it lowers the chances of van based theft. (still possible).
Then a good immobiliser and a good lock and you deter the yobbos who want to joyride it.


cant get much more safe.
Although you run the risk of just being targeted by the high end bike thieves so swings and roundabouts lol.
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Bikes: Previous Bikes: Piaggio x8 125: 2012/2013, YBR 125: 2013/2013 BMW R1150GS 2013/2017, Honda CBR600RR 2017/2017, Honda CB500 2018/2018, Suzuiki Address 110cc 2019/2020, BMW R1200GS 2021-2023
Current Bike: Honda CBF 125: current

[Easy-X]

Most stealable to least:

Any scooter >125cc
All other scooters
Dirt bikes
L-plate 125's
Expensive bikes
Ordinary bikes
125 Faux-cruisers
Classic bikes

Purely anecdotal based on what I've heard ppl moan about on Facebook.
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[jeffyjeff]

Does the term "rat bike" mean anything to you?
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History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of men - BOC

[ThunderGuts]

If it's got an engine it's going to be a target. The easier it is to get it away and start it, the more likely it's to be a target.

A modern or modern-ish bike with a half decent immobiliser is less likely to be hotwired, something big and heavy is more likely to be daunting to a teenage scrote, lots of security will put off opportunists and a cover, or keeping it out of sight completely, will reduce awareness that it's even there. Goldwing, in a cellar with a ramp for access. No ped-boi is ever going to push that away on the footpeg. Could be interesting parking it in there though.
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TG.

[SpiritMr89]

Fit bars that let you get through the front door.

If they can't see it. They won't steal it.
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Hello

[stinkwheel]

I'm actually wondering in the current day and age if a bike with a kick start only and a manual choke is going to be the way forwards.

I'm trying to imagine the carnage that would result from your average 50kg ratboy trying to start an XT500 in a pair of sketchers.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[xX-Alex-Xx]

[Diggs]

[ThunderGuts]

Similar kind of theory; my touring bicycle has bar-end non-indexed friction levers. When on tour I park it up in top gear. That combined with heavy panniers means it's very difficult to move (other than freewheel downhill). I doubt any of the "current crowd" could work out how bar end shifters work; if you're too aggressive with them the chain just snarls up and the pedals are locked.
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TG.