Motorcycle Security

[S750WP]

I am deciding what type of alarm system to install on my bike, as occasionally I ride to neighbor country and I hope to have security for my bike.

 

Criteria

1. Affordable

2. No need to cut any wires on my bike

3. Low power consumption

 

I Google motorcycle alarm and the result I found some popular choices

 

Spy

Steel mate

Gorilla

Cylcone

Hawk

Talon

Scorpio

Xena disc lock alarm

 

I look at the picture of the china made alarm, the parts look flimsy and poor quality, but I guess even the expensive ones are made in China nowadays.

 

The Scorpio and Cyclone are good but out of my budget. basically I narrow down to a few choices within my budget

 

1. Gorilla 8007 (US) - basic function only connect to the battery no need to cut any wires

2. Cyclone V2- basic function with immobilizer

3. Hawk XT-50 - basic function with immobilizer

4. Xena disc lock alarm.

 

I need some advice before I plunge and make the wrong choice.

Edited June 16, 2013 by S750WP

[CSV]

xena disc lock is good. portable, strong and has alarm so you will not forget to remove it when you riding off.

[Isopropyl]

not much of a suggestion for you. just my 2 cents on your 4th choice.

 

if alarm is your main defense, 4th choice might not be too suitable. a thief can easily defeat the alarm by attaching a piece of chewing gum over the "speaker". it make the alarm almost inaudible.

 

xena is a great disclock with additional defense of an alarm although not a great one. get an stand alone alarm will be better.

[Isopropyl]

double post

Edited June 15, 2013 by Isopropyl

[S750WP]

1. Hawk XT-50(UK) - basic function with immobilizer

2. Xena disc lock alarm.

 

Option down to 2 choice, Cyclone V2 quality quite bad from some reviews. The Gorilla 8007 shopping charges is too expensive, I can save the money to get a Xena disc lock.

 

Hawk Alarm + Xena Disc lock, I think will provide some security, better than nothing

 

 

HAWK HA-X50 Pro Remote Engine Start Alarm Features (30pounds):

•Military Grade (Anti-Scan/ Grabber) random encryption remote controls.

•Custom software based masked into 8Mhz microprocessor to give total computer control if entire system.

1.Anti Temper Technology

•Hi-Tec nearly credit card sized waterproof casing

•Built in immobiliser system designed for both 2 stroke and 4 stroke engine

•Ferry Mode

•Valet Mode

•Remote Engine Start-up Fully true key less drive just press button on remote control & way you go, other makes of alarm you have to put key into ignition switch then press remote button to start.

•Auto rearming (can be turned off via remote control)

•Current sensor to prevent hot wiring

•Silent Arm / Silent Disarm (to comply with EU regulations)

•Multi-Function Bright Blue Waterproof LED

•Alarm Memory (let's you know whether your bike being tampered with)

•Built in 3D Dual axis shock Sensor adjustable by remote control (can be turned off via remote control)

•Eprom for Memory back-up

•Anti-Hijacking

•Bike finder / Panic

•Professional 125db six tone siren

•Eco Mode low current drain for long term parking

•Pin-Code Emergency Override

•Low remote battery warning indicator

•Auxiliary input

•Auxiliary output for optional GSP/GSM tracking device (coming soon) or battery

[buttbutt8]

I am skeptical about the usefulness of bike alarm. To steal a bike, it is literally push it up a lorry and go. Also, if someone accidentally trigger ur alarm by means of a bump, i guess u will be left with a flat batt the next morning? Why not invest in insurance (fire and theft) for a peace of mind?

[Hellsing]

Add a chain or u lock to fasten the bike to something immovable so it cannot be carried on to a lorry

[S750WP]

I have bought a very thick chain from mustafa for locking the bike. Adding brake disc lock and alarm hopefully will make it harder for the thieves as its better than nothing and they can easily load up the lorry.

[Hydher]

oxford has some very strong chain lock

fire and theft insurance.

 

there is the griplock too about 90 at unique.

 

One of the best things you can do is cover your bike when you park.

[followthelaw]

 

u nvr go wrong with these locks...slight movement to move yr bike the lock alarm will go off....then after (i forgot) how long it silent.....attempts again alarm goes off.......

 

Low cost.....just hang it some where onto yr bike will do....

[Isopropyl]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]280633[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]280634[/ATTACH]

 

u nvr go wrong with these locks...slight movement to move yr bike the lock alarm will go off....then after (i forgot) how long it silent.....attempts again alarm goes off.......

 

Low cost.....just hang it some where onto yr bike will do....

 

my friend got one of these. the alarm was dead in about 1-2 months.

[Isopropyl]

oxford has some very strong chain lock

fire and theft insurance.

 

there is the griplock too about 90 at unique.

 

One of the best things you can do is cover your bike when you park.

 

i got the oxford monster chain. 14mm chain link and 1.5 meter long. look strong and not easily defeated unless with some serious tools. great against thief who look for easier target.

[none]

Use the Xena disc lock alarm good enough.

2 in 1 physical and alarm solution, will not drain main bike battery.

Super loud @ 120db (I think you had heard it in MHS).

Cheap @ $30++, buy a pair to immobilizer front and back disc.

[followthelaw]

my friend got one of these. the alarm was dead in about 1-2 months.

 

Battery flat.......change battery

[CSV]

the main thing here is not to PREVENT theft. it's to deter.

 

any thief that is determined enough to steal your bike WILL steal it eventually.

 

heard the story of the Goldwing being lifted by a crane and stolen?

 

The purpose of such tools is to deter them, make the thief go for other bikes that are easier to steal. not exactly the best solution but hey, it works.

 

i stick with the disc lock, and i make it extra obvious by covering it with red reflective stickers, so the thief knows they have to spend time to steal my bike, and just go for some other one instead.

[buttbutt8]

the main thing here is not to PREVENT theft. it's to deter.

 

any thief that is determined enough to steal your bike WILL steal it eventually.

 

heard the story of the Goldwing being lifted by a crane and stolen?

 

The purpose of such tools is to deter them, make the thief go for other bikes that are easier to steal. not exactly the best solution but hey, it works.

 

i stick with the disc lock, and i make it extra obvious by covering it with red reflective stickers, so the thief knows they have to spend time to steal my bike, and just go for some other one instead.

 

If I got insurance I dun mind u stealing as I am covered. I rather u stole my bike than left me with a damaged bike.

[Isopropyl]

Battery flat.......change battery

 

tried that. it isn't the battery.

[S750WP]

If I got insurance I dun mind u stealing as I am covered. I rather u stole my bike than left me with a damaged bike.

 

 

Does insurance covered bike theft in oversea too?

[S750WP]

Use the Xena disc lock alarm good enough.

2 in 1 physical and alarm solution, will not drain main bike battery.

Super loud @ 120db (I think you had heard it in MHS).

Cheap @ $30++, buy a pair to immobilizer front and back disc.

 

Where you bought the disc lock so cheap?

[stoner]

It's been proven that a Bike Cover deters 70% of Bike Theft... Out of sight... Out of mind...

[IvikaRazI]

It's been proven that a Bike Cover deters 70% of Bike Theft... Out of sight... Out of mind...

 

Super true. Usually at work and at home I will 'hide' the bike under canvas. What thieves don't know will not be tempted to steal. Apart from that, my bike is equip with Scorpio Alarm with perimeter sensor (Must say the alarm has been with me for more than 5 years; transferred over 3 different bikes). Will use alarm in 'unsecured' places.

 

In Malaysia, common practice for me is to use Disc Lock and/or tie it with a 12mm diameter cable loop around a lamppost or something solid. Will never use chains and the links are not to be trusted, no mater how big they are.

[Isopropyl]

In Malaysia, common practice for me is to use Disc Lock and/or tie it with a 12mm diameter cable loop around a lamppost or something solid. Will never use chains and the links are not to be trusted, no mater how big they are.

 

how to you come up with the conclusion that cable is better then chain? how many sold secure gold rated cable lock can you find in the market? those few available is usually "amour-ed" with solid steel.

[IvikaRazI]

how to you come up with the conclusion that cable is better then chain? how many sold secure gold rated cable lock can you find in the market? those few available is usually "amour-ed" with solid steel.

 

You only need to break 1 link. There is other vid where they use liquid nitrogen (Lazy to find). These are extremely rare but it could happen. Anyway just need a good bolt cutter to cut 1 link....and there you go.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfkn0mk0X2I

 

 

 

As for security cable loops, not say they are 100% secured. They are also subjected to bolt cutters. The advantage over those are most of they have a few strains of steel cables going thru the vinyl tube. As an added bonus, these are coated with oil to prevent the cutters from having an easy time to cut em off. NOTE: Not all are build this way.

Edited June 18, 2013 by IvikaRazI

[Isopropyl]

You only need to break 1 link. There is other vid where they use liquid nitrogen (Lazy to find). These are extremely rare but it could happen. Anyway just need a good bolt cutter to cut 1 link....and there you go.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfkn0mk0X2I

 

 

 

As for security cable loops, not say they are 100% secured. They are also subjected to bolt cutters. The advantage over those are most of they have a few strains of steel cables going thru the vinyl tube. As an added bonus, these are coated with oil to prevent the cutters from having an easy time to cut em off. NOTE: Not all are build this way.

 

watching some utube video is not a good way to compare chains to cable lock. one can easily find cable being cut like hot knife to butter too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YO1BMHZSDk

 

try to google "chains vs cable lock" and you will find most recommendation is U-lock and chains over cable.

 

check Sold Secure rating and you find very few cable lock is rated and none is "Gold" rated. it is damn difficult to build a cable lock that can stand up to attack. the two with "silver" rating is covered by steel shell to achieve that. at the same time, you can find lots of chains that is capable of that. of course there are alot of folks doubting their test method being too "easy" but if the product can't even past an "easy" test, how can it survive real life attack?

 

further more, most steel cable have built in lock that is pretty weak. most of them is using traditional pins and tumble or those "round" key which can be break open easily. for those lock, you have no option to change it to a better one.

 

as you mention, all security device can be defeated so you have to gauge what level of thief you are trying to protect against. watching utube with people using a $500-$700 42" bolt cutter cutting through chains is not a good way to compare chains vs cable. it up to your objective and target.

 

for example i am riding a kupkia and i do some short touring to places like genting highlands or nearer places. my 2.5 years old bike is a very common bike in malaysia. it not the prettiest or newest around so my goal is to make it hard enough to steal so the thief will simply go for the next one. the thief i target is from those looking for easy target to those carrying portable concealable tools like screw drivers, hammer and chisels, short steel bar, 24" bolt cutter which can be hidden under a jacket. most 24" bolt cutter is rated to cut harden steel to about 8mm thick. i use that as the strongest attack and built from there.

 

i will use three strong padlocks including one Abloy CEN 4 rated to secure the front and back wheels and the centre stand. finally i will chain it to a solid object or another bike with a 14mm alloy chain with a 16mm shackle steel shackle lock. the lock itself uses 12 pins design with a locking bar that is capable to withstand about 900kg of shearing force. this make it almost impossible to insert a hard object to break the lock cylinder compare to traditional design.

 

given all consideration, it should be enough to protect a kupkia with some safety margin. it hard to imagine a thief will spend the time and effort to overcome my setup when there is so many similar bike around. that will be a very crazy thief isn't it:cheeky:

 

it really down to getting the correct chains for your objective. if you are thinking someone will carry a huge high-end $500-$700 42" bolt cutter like the one in your 3rd video to attack your bike, you can try getting a 16mm Almax chain to give him a very hard time. i don't know of any cable lock able to withstand those attack, do you?

 

btw, you do know the 3rd video is done by Almax right:thumb:

[S750WP]

The chain that I bought from Mustafa for $10 quite thick about 20mm thick but the lock looks quite easy to be picked.

 

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQN6fi_ut2ZKwmcwY2ZbVL-fkPAx8icmOzOOlDMDhcRUi1mG4Wa0oegY0KLHw