Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey all:

I would like to hear your stories about any problems you've had with vandalism to- or theft of your bikes. It's one of my concerns, as I'll be a commuter more than a recreational rider; i.e., I'll be leaving my bike unattended at my office for hours on end.

My office is in a semi-sketchy area of Charlotte. Someone attempted to steal my business partner's Vespa last week, doing about $180 in damage. It was done in broad daylight, right in front of our lobby's window. Bold move, indeed.

Anyway, I'm sure that vandalism/theft is somewhat make/model dependent, just like cars, but I'm wondering if it's something I should be overly concerned about, and what, if any, precautions I can take.

Thanks for your insight.

--Ant.

As you say... I depends on make/model/year.

In my case, because I got a 125cc scooter straight out of the dealer, full coverage with it was required (isn't expensive at all, $28/month). So, I'm no worry if anyone tries to steal it or any hit and and run driver damage it will parked.

Visible locking devices, motorcycle covers, are both ways that you can help deter someone from taking, or playing with your bike.

Couple of suggestions, lock that steering column. Buy a disc lock. They aren't too expensive, maybe 25 bucks or so. Covers are good but sometimes they can be a PITA. Make sure it's in 1st gear when you park it. Most theives know how to shift a bike to neutral but some don't and it's easy enough to do. It's just the nature of motorcycles that they are easy to steal. If they want it bad enough they are gonna take it but don't make it easy for them. Most theives are dumb as a bag of hammers and will move on to something easier.

My office is in a semi-sketchy area of Charlotte. Someone attempted to steal my business partner's Vespa last week, doing about $180 in damage. It was done in broad daylight, right in front of our lobby's window. Bold move, indeed.

In a neighbourhood like that I would consider both Full Coverage and locks.

If they want it bad enough they are gonna take it but don't make it easy for them.

In the early 70s a friend of my Dad's had a HD Dresser stolen. It was parked in drive way leaning against a fence pole. A Sportster and two Triumphs were leaning against it. All four were tarped and locked with a logging chain. Between 10 pm and 6 am about 30 feet from occupied house.

The thieves cut the chain (I think they used a torch) Then moved the other three bikes about 10 feet each. Then rolled away bike. We were able to follow oil trail about 2-1/2 blocks to where it was loaded. Wooden ramp was left in middle of street, at end of oil trail, truck or trailer was no where in sight. bike was never recovered. And this was in a town of about 2500 at the time.

Well we have sssoooo many video cameras at work (to give you an idea we have 50 docks at one plant and there is 1 camera for every dock) that I am not too worried about it where I work. With that said, however, 3 of our plants are right across the street from an apartment complex. Our security gaurds caught 3 guys cutting cadillidic converters off of cars in the parking lots. They called police and all 3 guys were caught red handed walking back to the apartments and sent to jail.

ofblong wrote:cadillidic converters

I'm sure you meant catalytic converters, but my mind read that as cadillac converters - oh the mental images of Humvees with tail fin body kits

Nibblet99 wrote:

ofblong wrote:cadillidic converters

I'm sure you meant catalytic converters, but my mind read that as cadillac converters - oh the mental images of Humvees with tail fin body kits

yeah I have been up for almost 48 hours straight now so I aint exactly in the right mind.

Nothing serious for me, but one time I was parked on the street, and someone apparently wanted that space. I walked back out to find my bike up over the curb, in the grass, leaning against a streetlight, steering lock still locked. There must have been 2-3 of them, because there were no curb cuts in the area, so they had to have picked it up.

Man if someone moved my bike like that I would be mad as hell. These are the same types that like to take up 2 spaces when they park. These are also the ones who park about 6 inches from your door so you can't get in. There is a concept called "others" that for some reason these people can't comprehend. It is one of the unwritten rules of life that you don't mess with other people's rides.