Your measures of security?

[viper15]

I am planning to purchase a brand new motorcycle that I'm sure will attract some attention. Problem with that is there is always a certain risk of theft. So my question is, what measures are you taking to protect YOUR motorcycle from theft?

I have a friend who has an alarm / pager for his bike. I've heard of bike chains as well, but I would assume that those would be easily destroyed if the thief is determined enough. Then again, with enough determination a thief can get away with almost anything in the bike world, huh? Hmm..

[Thumper]

I keep my bike fully insured. That's the best I can do.

Other than that, I use a bright orange disk lock (with a bright yellow disk lock reminder so I don't forget it's there.) That might deter the casual thief, but not the dedicated one. If someone wants your bike badly enough, they're going to get it. Hence, full insurance.

[slimcolo]

I keep mine in a locked garage about 30 feet from house. I also have pistol, shotgun and dog at hand, and neighbor has the same. (we still have problems with skunks and coyotes) Neighbor also has a jackass (might be a jenny I never looked) that bays anytime someone is around. (better and louder than the dog)

[NewGuy]

Dude, I've got a V-star 650. Not exactly a frequently stolen bike. However, I always park it in gear, and lock the forks. If it's going to be parked outside for anything other than a brief time I put on a disc lock. At home it's inside the garage with all the same security measures I use outside.

[atabularasa]

I agree. You can only do so much to keep your bike from getting stolen, so if nothing else keep full insurance.

As for me, at night it is in my garage and during the day it is in my building's private parking lot.

[viper15]

Yeah, that's what I had expected. I mean, even if you can fully prevent theft, there's always the threat of some jerk "testing out" your bike when it's parked. Next thing you know you walk up to your bike only to find it lying on its side, damage galore. Happened to my friend one time.

Anyway, any particular brand disc locks you guys might suggest?

[NewGuy]

Anyway, any particular brand disc locks you guys might suggest?

http://cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cf ... ck_w_Pouch

Use the reminder cord! You won't be happy if you try to ride away with the lock still in place.

[Gunslinger]

Also take a look at the Kryptonite Evolution disc locks. You can also get some money back from them if someone breaks the lock. The bad part is Krypto makes you jump through about a half dozen hoops before you can get your money. I think they also need to see the broken lock which doesn't do much good if someone throws your bike in the back of a van.... An alarm system might not be a bad way to go either. I've seen a few different systems for a hundred bucks or less.

[Grey Thumper]

I've got a BMW F650CS, one of the ugliest bikes ever made. So I guess the whole bike is an anti-theft system

Seriously though, full insurance is the way to go. I always use a fork lock, and sometimes a disk lock, and/or chain the bike to something solid (depends where I'm parking), but those things only buy time, not absolute security.

[thume]

I live in the city center and have to park on the street.
I have theft insurance and use a Kryptonite New York 'Fahgettaboutit' chain and lock. Locked to a sign post.

Once a TV show did a test and someone cut through the chain with 42" bolt cutters.

However, Kryptonite stated that:
"In the last two years, in the UK, there have been no claims of property being stolen that was secured with a New York Fahgettaboudit chain."

Good enough for me.

Here's the story if you're interested.