Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Is motorcycle theft common? Is it common on all types? If so how is it done? It seem like it would be be hard to lift a 400 lbs machine into a truck if the handle bars are locked. Do those locks on the brake disks work?

Yes, motorcycle theft is common and yes, if anyone wants to get your bike they will.

A disc lock will prevent someone rolling your bike way, but if a few strong guys with a truck come by, they can easily lift the bike.

Sports bikes and HD are the most commonly stolen bikes around here, but.......if someone is desparate for a bike they won't care what it is.

Putting a chain lock around the bike and an immovable object as well as a cover will decrease the chances of bike theft since thieves will most likely move on to an easier target and one they can see.

JC Viper wrote:Putting a chain lock around the bike and an immovable object as well as a cover will decrease the chances of bike theft since thieves will most likely move on to an easier target and one they can see.

Quoted for truth

Btw, that was flat sentence, lol

Also, owning a less exciting bike helps. If you own one of the newest, and best, you have more to worry about. It does happen that they get stolen, but I would not say it is common. I agree that deterants are also the best way to keep your bike. The more hassle it is, the less likely it will get stolen. There are too many easy to grab bikes, so just make yours harder to pickup and run.

Here in NYC there's no bigger concern I have than having my bike stolen.

I've got a Kryptonite "Fuggedaboutit" chain (about $100) which has a quasi-insurance policy of "we'll pay your deductible if it gets stolen and you had it chained to something appropriate" but which can easily and quietly cut through with the proper equipment.

I've also got a disc lock.

Finally, I have a ratty looking cover, because if I'm a bike thief on my block, I'm going to steal the nice, shiny, non-chained BMW rather than whatever is underneath the dity motorcycle cover that's chained to an iron grate.

And just in case...comprehensive insurance.

I used to have the Redneck alarm. Paranoid gun toting guys who made sure that everyone was questioned who touched their neighbors stuff. Best security system ever, it's right next to major cities but everyone leaves their houses and cars unlocked. Everyone knows it, even theives, but few dare to risk it.

Now that I moved away I have the second best security system, a bike with character (fugly). Everyone around here has a harley or a sport bike. No one knows what a V-strom is and it's hard to move when lifted (top heavy). I love this bike.

For a real answer, yes it's common and if someone wants your bike, they will get it. I've heard of theives breaking into garages and cutting through chains to get to bikes. One guy in Norfolk had a hole in the side of his garage. Apparently it's easier to open a new entrance with a saws all than to open some garage doors.

Yeah, here's my thoughts.....

You can double-chain (two heavy and strong chains) your bike to something and disc lock on, and ur set.....

I'm not sure I see the point of a second chain. If they have the proper equipment to cut through a chain (and it can be done very quietly and fairly quickly these days) they can just as easily do two.

I've never seen a bike with two chains on it here, though my best security measure is that I park my used Ninja on the same block as a nice shiny BMW 1150.

Septimus wrote:I'm not sure I see the point of a second chain. If they have the proper equipment to cut through a chain (and it can be done very quietly and fairly quickly these days) they can just as easily do two.

I've never seen a bike with two chains on it here, though my best security measure is that I park my used Ninja on the same block as a nice shiny BMW 1150.

The one on 72nd and Broadway? I think it's time for me to take a trip down there...