[billybob235]

So, I'm getting a lock and chain for my bike, and I was wondering if I could get input from everyone. I live in the city, so security is concern. What is the best way to lock the bike?

If I can get close enough should I lock the frame to something (area right up under front of gas tank) or the forks, or the front/back wheel?

If theres nothing to chain it to or I can't reach, should I just lock the frame to the front wheel?

Is there an easy way to carry the chain and lock around without getting saddle bags?

Any other tips? The fork lock is broken/useless on mine.

Thanks!

 

[REVOLT]

I use the fork lock and a disc lock...being in a motorcycle family much of my life and seeing family and friends loose thier prized possesions taken from them bothers me so here are some things they do now...

If the bike is parked outside at the curb, in the city...try to park it under a street light, not in the dark, theives love the cover of dark...not from personal experience, just common knowledge...anyhow, there are plenty of Heavy duty chains to lock your bike with...but remember, if you simply chain the bike, frame to wheel for instance, if someone really wants your bike it won't take more than three big guys and some effort to pick that thing up and trailer it off...My father's last bike...2001 HD Dyna-Wide was stolen that same way, in the middle of the day, and the whitnesses couldn't believe what they were seeing. Police figured it was a planned heist. If you have a garage (not a parking garage) a cememented eyelet and chain are a good idea...although permanent. Parked Cars? If you have a parked car and/or have a neighbor/friend that does- a good way to protect the bike is to block it. When I lived in an apartment, we would park the motorcycle at the head of the parking spot and the car in behind it...of course you had to move the car in the morning to get the bike out, but it was always there! And yes...whatever you use on the road you will need to store while riding...that is a pain in the arse...chains can be heavy. Well...dinner is ready and I could go on all night...so Good luck!!

 

[bonnevillebilly]

The steering lock would only stop some one from rolling it
away. If some one really wants to steal it , The only way
to stop them is to stay with your bike carrying a shot gun.
So I guess the next best thing would be find a locked garage
you could keep her in. If you have to go with the chain
and lock, then you would want a chain long enough to
go through the frame and a solid anchored object such as
a light pole or iron fence, any thing that will stop a couple of
guys from picking it up and putting it in the back of a pickup
truck. It sucks living in the city, I know I grew up in Boston.
If you are parking if in a populated area for a wile and
you don't want some one rolling it away on you ,you can just
wrap it around the rear wheel so they can see it.
And to carrie it around on your bike , they sell all kinds of
tool bags , you could mount to the forks or off the rear
grab rail if you have one.
Bill

 

[SLOBonnie]

Have you checked out Xena disk locks? They're not only small and compact, but they're "beefy" and have a 125db motion alarm that is automatically armed when you lock it to your scoot. They're pretty friggin' nice! Good luck.

 

[GleaminTwin]

If you chain it to a street sign and put one of those disc locks with an audible alarm, and put a cover on it with it's own cable lock this will give the thieves many obstacles to surmount to steal your steed. Hopefully the cover will also mask the value of your iron horse as well. The key is to give the thieves so many time consuming obstacles that they move on in search of easier prey. Arbus makes excellent locks and chains, in my opinion. If you are willing to spend the money you could also get one of the datatool type motion alarms which also disable the ignition when they are armed preventing any possible hot wiring of the bike.

Check out this neat link for more bike security info:

http://www.magireland.org/inf_AntiTheft.htm

 

[billybob235]

My situation at home is pretty good, parked behind a padlocked iron gate with a cover on. Not thief proof, but they'd have to know what they were after.

I'm more concerned about parking it around town. I don't really want to affix a bag just to tote around a lock and chain, and I don't think I'll always be able to find something to chain it to.

I'm starting to miss having a bike that was such a P.O.S. that no one would wanna steal it...

Anyone else have experience with the xena disc lock alarms? Would that be activated if someone tried to lift it? I do hate alarms...

 

[SLOBonnie]

Anyone else have experience with the xena disc lock alarms? Would that be activated if someone tried to lift it? I do hate alarms...

Although I don't use the Xena alarm yet (I live in a very low crime area), as far as I can tell from what I read, the alarm will sound with the slightest movement (which, according to Xena, is an added benefit given that you will not unknowingly try to ride off with the lock still on thereby ruining your front disk).

 

[bonnienewbie]

I've got one. It cost C$100 at the Toronto Bike show. It seems to work fine. Of course, a determined thief could disable it and it isn't THAT loud, but it keeps lazy/stupid/honest people honest.

 

[LIJ]

I would say its a good thing to get insurance as well as good locks. But maybe thats an expensive thing on the other side of the Atlantic...

[ This message was edited by: LIJ on 2007-01-15 12:15 ]