Best Prevention of Motorcycle Theft

[quadcrazy]

Hey guys, so I am getting my first motorcycle (a ninja 300) in a couple weeks. Needless to say I am completely stoked and can't wait. But, with all the excitement comes the worry of it being stolen. My father owned a few bikes back in his day and all of his were eventually stolen. Can anyone give me some tips or recommend some products to prevent this as much as possible. When home the bike will be in a garage, but when at work it will be in the parking lot of a mall. I work 40 hours a week so it will be there a lot, it is a nicer mall though so that helps. Anyways, any tips, tricks, or product referrals would be appreciated!

Thanks,

DJ

[Bentley813]

Install an alarm system. Park under lights if you will have it there at night. Park where you know there is video surveillance. Cross your fingers and pray.

[Jiggles]

Insurance

[NathanUc]

I remember reading a post on reddit from an ex-motorcycle thief. He explained that if he wanted a bike, he was able to get it no matter what.

Personally, I recommend using two disc locks, keep the bike covered (it's annoying I know... but it's worth it), and make sure to have theft/vandalism coverage.

[Samer]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

Insurance

No. Read the question again.


The best prevention is parking in a garage. I waited until we bought a home with a garage before I got my bike. That was partly to avoid theft and partly to avoid exposing the bike to the elements.

[Alex]

Right - but as the OP says, it will be in a garage at home. It's at work that he's concerned about.

[Malicious Logic]

I would think a cover would just make someone more curious/interested in it. I'd say just park close to the mall if you can and have theft coverage.

[ChaoSS]

Or you could just buy a bike like a 250/300. Nobody wants to steal them.

[Motofool]

There is also the danger of cars running onto the parked bike in such a busy parking lot.

I would try arranging some space away from traffic with Security of the mall, even better next to a camera.

Covering it is good idea against UV radiation and rain. A better alternative would be parking under some covered area. The bad side of a cover is that it will become easier to be tipped over by strong winds. Parking next to a tall wall will help avoiding that.

If left in the public area of the mall's parking lot, it will be stolen if they want it: insurance would be the only effective protection.

Lock it to a solid anchor inside your garage every night.

[antiant]

I found this to be an informative read: EX Thief & "chop-shop" operator AMA, along with insurance coverage.

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by Bentley813

Install an alarm system. Park under lights if you will have it there at night. Park where you know there is video surveillance. Cross your fingers and pray.

Alarms are great deterrents. Xena makes good disc lock alarms and other security products. Parking at a mall can be tough. You want to park it so it won't get knocked or blown over or sat on, but still be in full sight. Talk with mall security for your best options. If you can't see it, make friends with those in the store that can see it for you. If you cover it, make sure you lock it as well

Link to original page on YouTube.

[antiant]

Originally Posted by DaBlue1

Talk with mall security for your best options.

I don't know if that's exactly a good thing to do. Why would they (some random stranger) have your best interest if there is nothing really "in it" for them per se? Especially since most security guards pay isn't that great in the majority of circumstances. Also, who is to say (like the link I just posted) that they aren't apart of the other side of the fence? I'm just putting this out there, as it is something to think about. Of course, I am not saying that everyone thinks in terms of "what's in it for me," but you do have those types out there, so with that said, why should they care, you know?

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by antiant

I don't know if that's exactly a good thing to do. Why would they (some random stranger) have your best interest if there is nothing really "in it" for them per se? Especially since most security guards pay isn't that great in the majority of circumstances. Also, who is to say (like the link I just posted) that they aren't apart of the other side of the fence? I'm just putting this out there, as it is something to think about. Of course, I am not saying that everyone thinks in terms of "what's in it for me," but you do have those types out there, so with that said, why should they care, you know?

That's where good personal discernment comes into play and you choose what your best options are.

[dfox]

xena disc lock is about as far as I personally want to go.

if you read that Q&A session that ex-motorcycle thief held, put the lock on the rear disc. If a thief wants your bike, the front is easier to lift, and the whole wheel can be replaced easily. It's not as easy to lift the rear wheel, or replace the rear wheel.

and unless you can see it, I'd park in a different spot on different days. someone who is casing your bike wants to plan ahead. foil their plans and keep them guessing.

[NevadaWolf]

This is probably not an suggestion you want to hear, but given your parking situation for work, another idea might be to not use the bike to commute? Go home, change, and enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

Speaking as someone with a tiny commute and no traffic, so depending on where in CA you are, my opinion might be invalid.

[nycsteve]

How are the laws in your state? I've found parking on the sidewalk right near a tall wall with the bike in a cameras view, like mentioned earlier, with a cover is best. Cover's with alarms are best, and I heard that one in particular, which I can't remember, is dumb loud.

Here in NYC, LEO's can't lift your cover to give you a ticket/tow, because parking on the sidewalk is illegal , so the bike is basically "invisible" to them, and thieves would be hard pressed to steal it. Doesn't mean they won't, but you would most likely have proof of theft or vandalism if such was to occur.

[aeroblade]

How about we put something like this on a bike,

*cough* with live ammo...

Link to original page on YouTube.

[nycsteve]

Fixed, and pretty darn cool.

Link to original page on YouTube.

[aeroblade]

Thanks mate

[cbinker]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

Insurance

Insurance +1
You can have all the preventative measures you want, but if someone wants to steal it they will steal it.

Link to original page on YouTube.

[adouglas]

I know this isn't what you want to hear, but the best product to prevent theft of your bike is a house key in a good neighborhood. Preferably one that fits a place with a garage. In your case it seems you've got that covered.

Seriously, though, Jiggles actually is onto something IMHO. You're about to buy an entry-level motorcycle, not a priceless holy relic. Take reasonable precautions, yes, but recognize that determined thieves can and will steal anything.

Don't put a huge amount of emotional investment into your physical possessions. They are transitory. They will go away one way or another, whether by damage, theft, sale or sheer entropy.

I think people put too much stock in gadgets. When was the last time you paid attention to an alarm going off? Have you ever seen anyone respond to alarm... ever? Ask the security guards at the mall what they do when a car alarm goes off. I'll bet it's "wait for it to stop."

Two or three strong guys can pick up a Ninjette and put it in a truck, then defeat any disc lock at their leisure. Chains can be cut. So what's the point?

Personally, rather than relying on some gadget I'd use common sense. Think like a thief. Thieves want what's easy and low risk. They don't like tough challenges or the possibility of getting caught.

Make your bike inconvenient to steal. Make yourself less of an appealing target. Park so that it's a PITA to get to the bike. At the mall, park next to where the security guards hang out/park their golf cart. Park next to nicer bikes that are more appealing to the thief. Ideally, find some hidey hole where you can park the bike completely out of sight.

Or, convince your store manager that it'd make a KILLER window display.

Remember, if you're out hiking with a friend and encounter a grizzly bear, you don't need to outrun the bear. You only need to outrun your friend.

[Racer x]

I keep my bike in a locked garage with an alarm. Behind a six foot stockade fence. In an undisclosed location. I keep the bike disassembled most of the time. I keep the parts stored and hidden.
In the yard I have large Boerboel Mastiff. he guards the perimeter of the compound.

If someone wants to steel it, they will. Get insurance,

[Jiggles]

Originally Posted by Samer

No. Read the question again.


The best prevention is parking in a garage. I waited until we bought a home with a garage before I got my bike. That was partly to avoid theft and partly to avoid exposing the bike to the elements.

If you could choose only one method of theft prevention what would you choose? A disc lock? A cover? Or insurance?

Insurance everytime, it's the only method that will leave you 100% whole no matter what happens

[Whiskey]

almax 19mm case hardened chain, stock it through the rear wheel, or better yet the frame (if possible). Put the other end around a solid object (light tower or similar)

alarmed disc lock & get to know the security guys

Almax beside a more conventional motorbike lock chain.

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

If you could choose only one method of theft mitigation what would you choose? A disc lock? A cover? Or insurance?

Insurance everytime, it's the only method that will leave you 100% whole no matter what happens

Fixed it for ya.

Unless, of course, you're suggesting that the insurance will actually keep the theft from taking place.

I suppose it just might. Flo can be pretty intimidating sometimes.

[Racer x]

After you unlock your bike and start it up. One guy runs up and knocks you down. You are in full gear. And are like what the hell is going on. Second guy jumps on your bike and rides away. first guy runs off. You try to run but in a helmet and gear, You loose him.

You are left with a knapsack full of locks and your house keys just rode off with your bike.

[Samer]

Originally Posted by Alex

Right - but as the OP says, it will be in a garage at home. It's at work that he's concerned about.

I missed that somehow. I thought I read the post clearly, but I didn't

Anyway, it sounds like it is quite a low risk of theft in general. I wouldn't worry about it.

If you're worried about it then insurance buys you peace of mind. Like Douglas says, unless Progressive offers Flo as a 24-7 motorcycle guard, I don't think insurance prevents any motorcycle thefts.

You're in a 'nice' mall with regular traffic. It seems highly unlikely your bike will get stolen. Anyway, why would someone steal a 300 when it is one of the cheapest bikes out there?

[astricklin]

Originally Posted by Samer

Anyway, why would someone steal a 300 when it is one of the cheapest bikes out there?

PARTS.
The ninja 250 is a top seller for Kawasaki. The top stolen vehicles in the US are things like the Ford F-150, Honda Civic and Toyota Carrolla. These are not expensive vehicles, but parts are in high demand.

[Samer]

Originally Posted by astricklin

PARTS.
The ninja 250 is a top seller for Kawasaki. The top stolen vehicles in the US are things like the Ford F-150, Honda Civic and Toyota Carrolla. These are not expensive vehicles, but parts are in high demand.

Yeah, but the F150 is also the top selling truck, and has been forever. So theft per number sold might be a clearer picture.

[Whiskey]

If you can't surround it with these

and these


then lock it down with this

[Tigerpaw]

Insurance. Zero dollar deductible.

You will sleep better at night.

[contact148]

check state and local laws.........


best bet insurance........

[Goom]

We were discussing motorcycle security in my electrics class the other day, and my instructor probably gave the best advice. He said "The only way to guarantee your bike won't be stolen, don't buy one. If they want it, they'll get it. Unfortunately, motorcycles are easy to steal. If you're riding a $60,000 custom, you should be worried about it. If you're worried about someone stealing your Gz250, don't."

He made a good point, but I understand where you're coming from. I would suggest talking to security and seeing if there was somewhere you could park on the sidewalk in a conspicuous place.

[lgk]

Originally Posted by Whiskey

Cute pups

[Whiskey]

Originally Posted by lgk

Cute pups

Not mine unfortunately, just one of the first pics to come up if you type rothweiler into google images

Altho where I'm from the scumbag that would rob the bike would probably also take the dogs

[contact148]

befriend security BEST bet then you can likely get permission to park your bike inside perhaps the loading docks or maintenance area

if security likes you then even if bike is outside they may keep an extra eye on it

[lgk]

Originally Posted by Whiskey

Not mine unfortunately, just one of the first pics to come up if you type rothweiler into google images

Altho where I'm from the scumbag that would rob the bike would probably also take the dogs

Around here the worst guard dog is a pitt bull.

I think a pack of dobermans would be ideal or a couple of great pyranees.

[ChaoSS]

Seriously, just find something to chain it to. Nobody is going to bring the tools to a mall parking lot to cut the chain off of a 250.

[CynicalC]

Just ride a pregen. The uglier the better. It's a win-win since they're superior to newgens but the thieves don't know it.

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by antiant

I don't know if that's exactly a good thing to do. Why would they (some random stranger) have your best interest if there is nothing really "in it" for them per se? Especially since most security guards pay isn't that great in the majority of circumstances. Also, who is to say (like the link I just posted) that they aren't apart of the other side of the fence? I'm just putting this out there, as it is something to think about. Of course, I am not saying that everyone thinks in terms of "what's in it for me," but you do have those types out there, so with that said, why should they care, you know?

Ugh. As a security guard, I encounter this mentality WAY too often. A "random stranger" is not PAID to protect you or your property, so a security guard is NOT a "random stranger!" If you are PAYING me to do a job, at least cooperate and give me the info I need to do my job. Don't handicap me.

All too often people don't want to involve me in the very things they pay me to be involved with. For example, almost ten years ago a man had a crazy and dangerous ex wife that he didn't tell us about. Other employees bring us pictures of the people that they don't want on the property and provide us with restraining orders and other such documents. This guy did nothing. Anyway, she shows up in the parking lot like any other vehicle arriving to pick someone up and she then calls his cellphone, cutting us out of the loop even if the man had told us about her. Instead of telling us what he might be walking into on his way out, he walks right by our security post and meets her in the lot where he is shot and killed.

If you don't think we can be trusted to do our job, why are you paying us for it?