Bike security

[JustcallmeMrT]

Hi all, just wondering what you use for bike security, both in the garage and while out and about?  As things are coming together, time to start considering the options.

[totty]

Out and about I use a short chain and padlock kept under the seat, I'd prefer a disk lock but couldn't find one to fit.

After two break ins the garage has a fair bit of security which I wouldn't list in detail on a public forum, but ground anchors, an alarm and additional locks on the door are the basics. Slow them down and make a noise.

[matthewmosse]

Remote controlled alarm fitted to the bike, fitted after a regular drunk used to sit on my bike and try kick starting it every saturday night outside my old job. Was hilarious when he tried it once the alarm was fitted, I waited for him to get on then remote started the bike, and set the alarm off - the bike had a very loud exhaust, the alarm was wired to set all the lights flashing, and what with the sidecar fitted too, there is a bit of a Herbie look to the whole ensemble. The offending drunk ran off and never went near any of my bikes again. At home the usual cctv, locks, angry farmer living up the end of a no through road. I find a cable and lock are a bit of a pain to use daily but live in a low crime rate area. I would use them further afied though.

[florence]

I feel slightly embarrassed to admit that I haven't chained up my bike for years and assume no one will be bothered to nick it on account of it being a bit crap.  This is one of the things I like about it.

[matthewmosse]

It is one bonus to owning a scruffy old classic, it is a far lower risk factor to a prestine restored classic or shiny new bike. It is one of my reasons for my make do and mend approach, the other being that my bikes see a lot of use in all weathers, and keeping anything looking new is way too much work, so I postpone any major spending as long as possible. That way if I do want to pop over to a mates, have a few beers and leave the bike outside their house, the chances are it will still be there in thr morning. Always pays if there is something else more valuable and easier to lift nearby. A chunky looking chain around the back wheel is good. Make sure if you use a chain and lock that either it only locks with the key or there is a key for it with every spare bike key, not much beats that oh drat, I used the spare bike keys without a key for the lock round the back wheel feeling.

[bomber]

There seems to be so many bike's nicked every day that I am considering this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-Tracking-Device-Battery-Tracker/dp/B017WDF5CA/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1451739005&sr=8-8&keywords=motorbike+tracking+gps+security

It's def expensive at £200 but much cheaper than over two years spent in garage... 

I like it as it doesn't need battery and even if it last for 5 years that would be ace.

[Chris400F]

Following the link on that page takes you to this page, which seems to be the same item from a different seller:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Oxford-Tracker-GPS-EL120/dp/B00TQXO92C/ref=pd_sim_sbs_201_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=31zmsLHRlTL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1EP09BQTND3HGRN67160
The latter page has the full subscription details - the 'from £3/month' quoted only works if you take out the 5 year plan at £180.
There is also the issue of where to hide it on a bike - where were you thinking of putting it?

[totty]

Search for tk102 for a much cheaper alternative, you can pick them up for under a tenner or pay a bit more to get one configured with a sim. Depending on configuration you can get 4 weeks on a battery.

[Green1]

This has been a great reminder I must fix my steering lock
I tend to use a large chain and padlock when I remember to take it with me.

[bomber]

Thanks for pointing subscription out.
The only place it would fit is inside foam of the seat, anywhere else is surrounded by the metal, so will interfere with mobile reception.

My racing bike has no battery and it is so much easier to nick, again same problem where to hide it...

Following the link on that page takes you to this page, which seems to be the same item from a different seller:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Oxford-Tracker-GPS-EL120/dp/B00TQXO92C/ref=pd_sim_sbs_201_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=31zmsLHRlTL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1EP09BQTND3HGRN67160
The latter page has the full subscription details - the 'from £3/month' quoted only works if you take out the 5 year plan at £180.
There is also the issue of where to hide it on a bike - where were you thinking of putting it?

[JustcallmeMrT]

Thanks for the replies gents.  I don't know if I can do a tracker, but can anyone recommend a chain and lock combo? 

[corromant]

Before you spend too much on a chain & lock, any half decent one will last about the same length of time against bolt croppers, grinder or gas axe. At the end of the day if some thieving scumbag wants to nick your pride & joy they will do, all you can do is buy time in the hope that they will give up & go somewhere else.

[ST1100]

At the end of the day if some thieving scumbag wants to nick your pride & joy they will do...

Or, as it has grown a fashion over here (probably demographic reasons...): if they can't take it away, they just vandalize it...
(like it happened with the '94 ST1100 I've restored: turned out being to heavy to be thrown into a van, so tipped over, kicked and jumped on... leaving not a single fairing bit intact, all and everything shattered to pieces...)

[Trigger]

Big dog chained to the bike always works

[ST1100]

Big dog chained to the bike always works

Yep, protein-controlled alarm system, model Pit-bull... take a bite outta crime!!