Ex Motorcycle Thief and Chop Shop Operator answers questions - Page 2

CZroe · May 16th, 2012, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenNinja

Thanks for the link. It was a very interesting read. He was definitely a scumbag in the past but you have to look at the present: he is broke but he is not going back to his old ways. That takes some serious willpower to not go back.

Not really. *crosses arms* I don't see everyone else without money resorting to simple but illegal ways to make money.

massacremasses · May 16th, 2012, 08:41 PM

smh.

dude making easy money, is addicting. He knows it was wrong and even though it would be easier to go back he chooses not to. It does take will power.

EthioKnight · May 16th, 2012, 09:04 PM

There are people who have done more heinous stuff and who are out and about enjoying themselves, dude did steal, did cause pain and suffering but he's spreading awareness and seems to be genuinely repentant...I say we should all give him a pass and forgive his past transgressions. Personally, if it hadn't been for him, I'd still be riding around with security/theft protection being a zero priority, now, thankfully, I'm conscious to the fact and have two disc locks coming my way...and it's all thanks to this guy.

az3200 · November 7th, 2012, 02:34 PM

So I plan on buying my first bike very soon. I have my heart set on a pre gen ninja 250.

I read pretty much the entire thread, doesn't seem like those are the types of bikes that are targeted but i still want to give myself a sense of security. He seems to recommend a good rotor lock and a chain lock. But can someone remind me what he thinks of alarm systems? I've seen the spy 5000 alarm/pager and was considering getting it. Does he say alarms are good but basically worthless?

I'm going to go back and reread most of it, but can someone who remembers list the best theft deterrents here he recommends? (maybe in order from best to worst and what types of locks he says are good?)

CZroe · November 7th, 2012, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by az3200

So I plan on buying my first bike very soon. I have my heart set on a pre gen ninja 250.

I read pretty much the entire thread, doesn't seem like those are the types of bikes that are targeted but i still want to give myself a sense of security. He seems to recommend a good rotor lock and a chain lock. But can someone remind me what he thinks of alarm systems? I've seen the spy 5000 alarm/pager and was considering getting it. Does he say alarms are good but basically worthless?

I'm going to go back and reread most of it, but can someone who remembers list the best theft deterrents here he recommends? (maybe in order from best to worst and what types of locks he says are good?)

These are the two good ones I remember:
Removing the clutch lever when you leave the bike.
Having a GOOD $100+ disc lock and making sure to put the axle through the side such that the rotor can't be dropped with the lock (thieves don't need your rear brake to steal the bike).

akima · November 7th, 2012, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by az3200

So I plan on buying my first bike very soon. I have my heart set on a pre gen ninja 250.

I read pretty much the entire thread, doesn't seem like those are the types of bikes that are targeted but i still want to give myself a sense of security. He seems to recommend a good rotor lock and a chain lock. But can someone remind me what he thinks of alarm systems? I've seen the spy 5000 alarm/pager and was considering getting it. Does he say alarms are good but basically worthless?

I'm going to go back and reread most of it, but can someone who remembers list the best theft deterrents here he recommends? (maybe in order from best to worst and what types of locks he says are good?)

He seemed to think a good disk lock made a difference, but that you should put it on the rear wheel disk, not the front. He said it is usually easy to remove the front wheel (disk and all) and put a temporary new wheel in its place.

The main things I learnt from the article were:
* Try and make your bike less appealing than other near by bikes, do that by:
----- 1) making the bike more visible to the general public
----- 2) making it so it takes a longer time to remove security devices
----- 3) make sure you bike is less valuable than the others near by!
* Don't park your bike in an enclosed parking lot: these are shopping sites for thieves.
* If you hear your alarm go off, don't necessarily assume it's faulty and disable it. He said that they would keep triguring the alarm over and over until the owner disabled it for them!

Really though -- from hearing from that guy -- it seemed like all security -- save a steel vault! -- is worthless if a thief wants your bike. Theft insurance is the most important thing.

az3200 · November 7th, 2012, 04:28 PM

so you guys think getting a alarm system (spy 5000) is also a good idea in addition to a alarmed disk lock?

If you were going to buy both eventually, but could only afford one at first and the second a month or two later..which would you opt for first?

Thanks.

P.S. Not really interested in the heavy duty chain lock "tremendousguilt" recommends because it is pricey, and mainly because of the fact I don't have much to chain bike to

bbonds007 · November 7th, 2012, 07:51 PM

I also was really concerned about security when I first got my bike, however now I feel good theft insurance + a decent non-alarm disc lock is all I need. Anything more would be overkill, unless you live in like a really sketchy area.

IdRatherDrum · November 8th, 2012, 12:39 AM

Very nice read. Thanks for the share.

Daks · November 8th, 2012, 01:19 AM

I have a friend who used to lift bikes and cars.

He was a total thug but I don't hate him for it. He's been an invaluable resource to my life and is a great person now. It's easy to hate from behind a screen but I bet if you met this guy on a bus you wouldn't think he was the scum he was then.

Anyhow, I'm not worried about theft deterrence. I figure the square headlight is enough! ****'s like medusa if you look at it too long.

broilmebk · November 8th, 2012, 10:46 AM

The best motorcycle theft deterrent: Don't get a bike.
But if you havvvve to... that's what insurance is for.

akima · November 8th, 2012, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by az3200

so you guys think getting a alarm system (spy 5000) is also a good idea in addition to a alarmed disk lock?

If you were going to buy both eventually, but could only afford one at first and the second a month or two later..which would you opt for first?

Thanks.

P.S. Not really interested in the heavy duty chain lock "tremendousguilt" recommends because it is pricey, and mainly because of the fact I don't have much to chain bike to

Definitely the disk lock. The thief can't just snap the steering lock and roll it away if there is a disk lock.

I bought an alarmed one, but ended up permanently disabling the alarm in it because the wind kept setting it off. I didn't want to upset my neighbors.

249cc · November 10th, 2012, 03:08 AM

I went to a movie theater at night in a so-so neighborhood that wasn't so bad (since it was off a main street), but the parking lot was off a side street and was sort of secluded.

I pulled the CDI, the junction box, and the starter solenoid 30amp fuse. That, and I obviously set my steering lock on. Think they could still start it somehow?

akima · November 10th, 2012, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 249cc

I went to a movie theater at night in a so-so neighborhood that wasn't so bad (since it was off a main street), but the parking lot was off a side street and was sort of secluded.

I pulled the CDI, the junction box, and the starter solenoid 30amp fuse. That, and I obviously set my steering lock on. Think they could still start it somehow?

Maybe not, but I bet they'd do a hell of a lot of damage trying! Bastards.

sze5003 · March 22nd, 2013, 02:58 PM

Couldn't really believe when I saw this..some guy confessing to stealing bikes for years, as well as being a fellow rider himeself:

http://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/..._operator_ama/

xSean13 · March 22nd, 2013, 03:39 PM

Pretty old...still interesting though.

Alex · March 22nd, 2013, 03:41 PM

/merged

Tigerpaw · March 22nd, 2013, 03:49 PM

Some good reading...

sze5003 · March 22nd, 2013, 03:55 PM

Yup, I myself have an apartment and the bike is viewable from my window. During hurricane sandy, it did not budge. But, neighbors the next day told me that some people were trying to park near it and almost hit it. Good to know I have old neighbors that stay in all day and are willing to let you know things like this.

I cringed finding that, kinda late though.

slickt0mmy · March 22nd, 2013, 04:00 PM

Yeah, great read. I had never really thought much about security, other than simply setting the steering lock, because I live in a pretty low crime area. But that thread has got me thinking about at least ordering a disk lock.

May 16th, 2012, 08:41 PM	#42
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	smh. dude making easy money, is addicting. He knows it was wrong and even though it would be easier to go back he chooses not to. It does take will power. __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

March 22nd, 2013, 02:58 PM	#55
sze5003 ninjette.org member Name: Salim Location: Philadelphia Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 SV650S Posts: 195	What do you think of this? Couldn't really believe when I saw this..some guy confessing to stealing bikes for years, as well as being a fellow rider himeself: http://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/..._operator_ama/

March 22nd, 2013, 03:41 PM	#57
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	/merged __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

March 22nd, 2013, 03:49 PM	#58
Tigerpaw ninjette.org guru Name: Tom Location: Dayton, OH Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 '09 Boulevard C50. '08 250r(TOTALED BY DEER) Posts: 467	Some good reading... __________________________________________________ CHEERS!!!

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May 16th, 2012, 09:04 PM	#43
EthioKnight Super Noob Name: Alex Location: Mobile, AL Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, '84 Honda Spree 50cc Posts: A lot.	There are people who have done more heinous stuff and who are out and about enjoying themselves, dude did steal, did cause pain and suffering but he's spreading awareness and seems to be genuinely repentant...I say we should all give him a pass and forgive his past transgressions. Personally, if it hadn't been for him, I'd still be riding around with security/theft protection being a zero priority, now, thankfully, I'm conscious to the fact and have two disc locks coming my way...and it's all thanks to this guy.

November 7th, 2012, 02:34 PM	#44
az3200 ninjette.org member Name: AZ Location: Orlando FL Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Ninja 250 Posts: 213	So I plan on buying my first bike very soon. I have my heart set on a pre gen ninja 250. I read pretty much the entire thread, doesn't seem like those are the types of bikes that are targeted but i still want to give myself a sense of security. He seems to recommend a good rotor lock and a chain lock. But can someone remind me what he thinks of alarm systems? I've seen the spy 5000 alarm/pager and was considering getting it. Does he say alarms are good but basically worthless? I'm going to go back and reread most of it, but can someone who remembers list the best theft deterrents here he recommends? (maybe in order from best to worst and what types of locks he says are good?)

November 7th, 2012, 04:28 PM	#47
az3200 ninjette.org member Name: AZ Location: Orlando FL Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Ninja 250 Posts: 213	so you guys think getting a alarm system (spy 5000) is also a good idea in addition to a alarmed disk lock? If you were going to buy both eventually, but could only afford one at first and the second a month or two later..which would you opt for first? Thanks. P.S. Not really interested in the heavy duty chain lock "tremendousguilt" recommends because it is pricey, and mainly because of the fact I don't have much to chain bike to

November 7th, 2012, 07:51 PM	#48
bbonds007 The Bonds Name: Bryan Location: State College, Pa Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 06 Yellow Ninja Posts: 69	I also was really concerned about security when I first got my bike, however now I feel good theft insurance + a decent non-alarm disc lock is all I need. Anything more would be overkill, unless you live in like a really sketchy area.

November 8th, 2012, 12:39 AM	#49
IdRatherDrum ninjette.org member Name: Chase Location: California Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 225	Very nice read. Thanks for the share.

November 8th, 2012, 01:19 AM	#50
Daks Jersey Devil Name: Daks Location: Austin, TX Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '06 Ninja 250 Posts: 469	I have a friend who used to lift bikes and cars. He was a total thug but I don't hate him for it. He's been an invaluable resource to my life and is a great person now. It's easy to hate from behind a screen but I bet if you met this guy on a bus you wouldn't think he was the scum he was then. Anyhow, I'm not worried about theft deterrence. I figure the square headlight is enough! ****'s like medusa if you look at it too long.

November 8th, 2012, 10:46 AM	#51
broilmebk ninjette.org sage Name: Brian Location: Orange County, CA Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): '12 ninja 250r Posts: 762	The best motorcycle theft deterrent: Don't get a bike. But if you havvvve to... that's what insurance is for.

November 10th, 2012, 03:08 AM	#53
249cc QrtLtrDog Name: Chris Location: SoCal Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '09 250 Posts: 88	I went to a movie theater at night in a so-so neighborhood that wasn't so bad (since it was off a main street), but the parking lot was off a side street and was sort of secluded. I pulled the CDI, the junction box, and the starter solenoid 30amp fuse. That, and I obviously set my steering lock on. Think they could still start it somehow?

March 22nd, 2013, 03:39 PM	#56
xSean13 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sean Location: Middle TN Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r (sold) / '03 CBR 600RR Posts: A lot.	Pretty old...still interesting though.

March 22nd, 2013, 03:55 PM	#59
sze5003 ninjette.org member Name: Salim Location: Philadelphia Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 SV650S Posts: 195	Yup, I myself have an apartment and the bike is viewable from my window. During hurricane sandy, it did not budge. But, neighbors the next day told me that some people were trying to park near it and almost hit it. Good to know I have old neighbors that stay in all day and are willing to let you know things like this. I cringed finding that, kinda late though.

March 22nd, 2013, 04:00 PM	#60
slickt0mmy ninjette.org member Name: Adam Location: Ohio Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2004 Ninja 250 Posts: 178	Yeah, great read. I had never really thought much about security, other than simply setting the steering lock, because I live in a pretty low crime area. But that thread has got me thinking about at least ordering a disk lock.