Alarm System

[mootchambers]

I'm toying with the idea of installing an alarm system on my bike, but I'm not sure about their reliability. Any bros out there with experience? What are the tried and tested brands/models available out there? Or should I not even consider such an option? Thanks much in anticipation for sharing!

[Constructicon]

Always good to have some kind of deterrence.

 

I installed this Spy 2 way alarm from Motoworld for more than 3 years already, so far so good. Cost something like $120, cant really remember. Before that was using a 1 way alarm from some other shop.

The battery drain is low; I left the alarm on while away for several days, no problem starting the bike. But for longer durations and with a old battery, I am not sure how many days you can leave it on.

 

Got my money worth when a joker tried to shift my bike and cracked the fairing. The 2 way alarm notified me and the joker duly paid up the damage.

[mootchambers]

Always good to have some kind of deterrence.

 

I installed this Spy 2 way alarm from Motoworld for more than 3 years already, so far so good. Cost something like $120, cant really remember. Before that was using a 1 way alarm from some other shop.

The battery drain is low; I left the alarm on while away for several days, no problem starting the bike. But for longer durations and with a old battery, I am not sure how many days you can leave it on.

 

Got my money worth when a joker tried to shift my bike and cracked the fairing. The 2 way alarm notified me and the joker duly paid up the damage.

 

Many thanks for that. You've convinced me. I have gone out and purchased a Spy 2-way alarm for $110. Funny thing the price didn't move very much over the years. I'm now looking forward to installing it over the weekend.

 

Cheers!

[ki113r]

Many thanks for that. You've convinced me. I have gone out and purchased a Spy 2-way alarm for $110. Funny thing the price didn't move very much over the years. I'm now looking forward to installing it over the weekend.

 

Cheers!

 

Where did you buy it? I've asked many shops but they no stocks

[mootchambers]

I got mine from Tommy. He can be contacted at 96331642. His service is first class. Really helpful and obliging fellow.

 

Now that I've had a better look at the system, I can say for a fact that installation is a stroll in the park. There are two things that can be improved upon: First, the horn looks and feels like it's mickey mouse. That's not to say it isn't loud. Although I've not tested it out yet, it is touted to generate 115dB. That'll knock any burglar's socks off. But to be fair, given the price of this system, one can't really expect the horn to be the industrial standard type. I intend to change the horn out to a solid one, perhaps an air horn generating 145 dB :-)) Secondly, please take note that the microwave sensor is NOT weatherproof. I have an irksome suspicion that the microwave sensor is fished out from the car alarm system and went straight into the motorcycle system box. Well, this problem is not insurmountable. One could get a waterproof "cigarette case" or simply transparent tape to secure the sensor in order to make it waterproof. Please remember to adjust the sensitivity level before you start to wrap the sensor up!

 

All said, I think this system is bang for buck. I would readily recommend it.

[ki113r]

Contacted Tommy regarding this, indeed a very helpful fellow! How's the 2-way transmitting? Did u test if the remote works or how far it works?

[mootchambers]

Yup, all installed and working!

 

For those planning on carrying out their own installation, these are some of the lessons I picked up in the process:

 

(1) Wire up every feature you decide to install before you plug in the power to the "brain unit". I blew a fuse in not having done that. Electricals 101 :-)

 

(2) I originally thought that the antenna has to be mounted clear of obstacles in order to beam out a signal. How wrong I was! This darn thing generates a seriously powerful signal, penetrating through concrete walls and what not. This is superb as it makes very little sense otherwise, as it would have seriously compromised the usefulness of the gadget.

 

(3) If your bike is big, be prepared to extend the OEM wires. These boys are not the most generous when it came to wire lengths.

 

(4) I did not install the kill switch / remote start features as I did not want to mess with my bike's original ignition configuration. I also think these two features are not frightfully useful.

 

(5) If, like me, you intend to install an air horn to supplement this system, please remember to also install a relay which allows you to draw power directly from the battery. Don't mess with this as the high amperage draw of an air horn can be dangerous when original connections not meant for the air horn are used.

 

Oh, when I said installation is simple, it must be understood to mean that it is simple in the context of someone familiar with DIY :-)

 

Have fun!