Thread: Anti-theft methods/devices for motorcycles?

My SV had a Datatool system 3 alarm/immobiliser. Nice bit of kit. It auto armed it itself if I couldn't be bothered to dig the alarm key out of my coat. Plus, if for any reason the alarm went off, it had a diagnostic mode so you could find out what caused the alarm to activate.

Originally Posted by Yamasuzi

My SV had a Datatool system 3 alarm/immobiliser. Nice bit of kit. It auto armed it itself if I couldn't be bothered to dig the alarm key out of my coat. Plus, if for any reason the alarm went off, it had a diagnostic mode so you could find out what caused the alarm to activate.

How big of a job is it to wire up?

Originally Posted by 08silvercbr

How big of a job is it to wire up?

Well, when I bought the alarm, it was fitted for me for free

But they're not that bad to do yourself. It's a case of grafting the immobiliser circuit on the alarm to the main ignition circuit. If I remember rightly, it's done in 3 different places. I also had an extra contact breaker fitted to the underside of the passenger seat, so if someone tried to force the seat off, the alarm would kick in. You can get extra breakers to wire in for things like hard luggage etc. I think the hardest part would be the locating of the LED signal light. Mine was fitted underneath the rear light.

EDIT - this is the kit - http://www.datatool.co.uk/consumer/p...roduct=system3

Originally Posted by 08silvercbr

I'm curious how many out there are a little paranoid when they leave their bikes outside a store or restaurant? Is this silly? Anyone ever use any methods to help deter thieves such as a tracking device (low jack) or maybe just a lock through the break rotor? Is staying in a decent neighborhood and removing the key enough for you?

Your paranoia is justified IMO. I generally don't eat/shop/go anywhere that my bike isn't visible from. Granted I was more paranoid with my sportbike than the GS or KLR (the KLR IS it's own theft deterrent ) but I still generally try to employ anything I can use to my advantage.

LoJack is defeatable if surrounded by enough cement and re-bar IIRC.


Disclaimer..I'm not a bike thief, the below are my observations based on situations/experience of those around me:

As far as what you're defending against...you gotta realize there are 3 types:

1 That is opportunistic, your bike is there at the same time they are, and you are not. "hey this looks easy let me grab this screwdriver and see what I can do". Your bike is more than likely going to end up as a amateur stunter tool or ghostridden into a lake after the heads warp from those extended chainsaw burnouts known for blowing up radiators.

2. A group of dudes in a vehicle suited to carry 1 or more bikes just looking for opportunistically placed machines like those above. Your bike may be needed as a spares bike for someone that doesen't feel like getting their parts the right way. There are alot of good people who race, but there are a few slimebags who only care about themselves and cannibalizing someone elses bike is just how they work.

3. The pros. Someone paid them to get a bike that matches your description. Your bike is going offshore, or another state to get it's vin restamped. The guy's in 1&2 above are the reason cops use acetone to check a bikes vin, because they were coating vins in jbweld and then pressing their own vin in place. The pros will surface grind, fill, refinish as needed to get the number they want. They'll do this all over the place, and the bike will be clean again, usually under a restored title.



So once you think of who you're most interested in defending against, and what threats are active in your area...is where your budget should be pointed at. Time is money....meaning that the more hearty of a device == longer the time to crack it == more $$.

Type 1, a disc lock or screamer type mercury switch alarm will probably deter. A visible deterrent is usually sufficient, if you go the audio route you're more than likely to get a vandalized bike because they are now pissed at you.

Type 2, it's tough to say...this is where those properly used ny locks and crypto-chain's come into play. These guys probably roll up and start counting, if it takes >45 seconds to move your bike into their vehicle, they aren't hanging around. If you come out and find your bike cover moved/stolen, or your bike moved/jostled, it's probably being setup. They want to see how often you're checking on things, and/or what sort of countermeasures you may have. If you don't have anything on the bike and they see it still in the same spot, that seems to be the greenlight.

Type 3, Run Forrest run. This is usually reserved for the more expensive/exotic machines. Typically these guys are pro's, they aren't going to touch your bike,property,person,etc. They watch, learn your habits, and don't need to jostle the bike or guess what you have on it because they know. The difference here is that these are the guys that have some type of custom vehicle with a crane arm or mc recovery ramp built into the back. 1-2 guys tops here, it's an efficient operation. These are also the guys that you come out to your garage one morning and everything is as you left it, except the dog never barked and your bikes are gone.



There is also an alternative to the big expensive devices amd that is a bevy of lower cost devices, that just make your bike a nuisance to contend with. Usually 1 or more obvious devices will deter type 1 (again, IMO) and if you have an alarm + a couple disc locks, it might defuse type 2 as well. Mostly because it falls outside the comfort zone. They can't roll the bike on 1 wheel if both are locked, can't get the bike in the van fast enough to take out the siren with the long screwdriver, can't smash siren on the sidewalk because impact noises get attention, nevermind the fact that the alarm is still going to sit there bleating a little bit. Type 3 doesen't care, it doesen't matter. Unless you're sitting on the bike with a 12 gauge, it probably won't be there when you get back.


Does that help? or just sound like something I've spent far too much time thinking about?

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

Does that help? or just sound like something I've spent far too much time thinking about?

yes you've spent too much time thinking about it but sadly I think you are spot on with all of it.

2 best detterents IMO

1) have something nobody wants (like a KLR)

2) don't stop riding best choice in my opinion.

Anytime I reach the time extents on service (rather than mileage) I feel like worse of a human, good point. People like should get their bikes jacked, so someone else can at least use them

I'm glad I live in Iowa. I never worried about my F4i almost anywhere I parked it as long as I had locked the ignition.

I've even been parking my 'tard here and there around town and all you have to do is sit down and kick start it. I'm going to wire in a keyed switch eventually and then probably pick up at least a disc lock.

In both cases I've figured my best option is pay my insurance premium when it comes due. Full coverage, even on the 'tard.

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

Your paranoia is justified IMO. I generally don't eat/shop/go anywhere that my bike isn't visible from. Granted I was more paranoid with my sportbike than the GS or KLR (the KLR IS it's own theft deterrent ) but I still generally try to employ anything I can use to my advantage.

LoJack is defeatable if surrounded by enough cement and re-bar IIRC.


Disclaimer..I'm not a bike thief, the below are my observations based on situations/experience of those around me:

As far as what you're defending against...you gotta realize there are 3 types:

1 That is opportunistic, your bike is there at the same time they are, and you are not. "hey this looks easy let me grab this screwdriver and see what I can do". Your bike is more than likely going to end up as a amateur stunter tool or ghostridden into a lake after the heads warp from those extended chainsaw burnouts known for blowing up radiators.

2. A group of dudes in a vehicle suited to carry 1 or more bikes just looking for opportunistically placed machines like those above. Your bike may be needed as a spares bike for someone that doesen't feel like getting their parts the right way. There are alot of good people who race, but there are a few slimebags who only care about themselves and cannibalizing someone elses bike is just how they work.

3. The pros. Someone paid them to get a bike that matches your description. Your bike is going offshore, or another state to get it's vin restamped. The guy's in 1&2 above are the reason cops use acetone to check a bikes vin, because they were coating vins in jbweld and then pressing their own vin in place. The pros will surface grind, fill, refinish as needed to get the number they want. They'll do this all over the place, and the bike will be clean again, usually under a restored title.



So once you think of who you're most interested in defending against, and what threats are active in your area...is where your budget should be pointed at. Time is money....meaning that the more hearty of a device == longer the time to crack it == more $$.

Type 1, a disc lock or screamer type mercury switch alarm will probably deter. A visible deterrent is usually sufficient, if you go the audio route you're more than likely to get a vandalized bike because they are now pissed at you.

Type 2, it's tough to say...this is where those properly used ny locks and crypto-chain's come into play. These guys probably roll up and start counting, if it takes >45 seconds to move your bike into their vehicle, they aren't hanging around. If you come out and find your bike cover moved/stolen, or your bike moved/jostled, it's probably being setup. They want to see how often you're checking on things, and/or what sort of countermeasures you may have. If you don't have anything on the bike and they see it still in the same spot, that seems to be the greenlight.

Type 3, Run Forrest run. This is usually reserved for the more expensive/exotic machines. Typically these guys are pro's, they aren't going to touch your bike,property,person,etc. They watch, learn your habits, and don't need to jostle the bike or guess what you have on it because they know. The difference here is that these are the guys that have some type of custom vehicle with a crane arm or mc recovery ramp built into the back. 1-2 guys tops here, it's an efficient operation. These are also the guys that you come out to your garage one morning and everything is as you left it, except the dog never barked and your bikes are gone.



There is also an alternative to the big expensive devices amd that is a bevy of lower cost devices, that just make your bike a nuisance to contend with. Usually 1 or more obvious devices will deter type 1 (again, IMO) and if you have an alarm + a couple disc locks, it might defuse type 2 as well. Mostly because it falls outside the comfort zone. They can't roll the bike on 1 wheel if both are locked, can't get the bike in the van fast enough to take out the siren with the long screwdriver, can't smash siren on the sidewalk because impact noises get attention, nevermind the fact that the alarm is still going to sit there bleating a little bit. Type 3 doesen't care, it doesen't matter. Unless you're sitting on the bike with a 12 gauge, it probably won't be there when you get back.


Does that help? or just sound like something I've spent far too much time thinking about?

All probable situations I'd say. I might be on the paranoid side but I've had some bad luck in the past with break-in’s and vehicles. Once all my work tools were stolen as well. One of my cars had the stereo system stolen out of it in broad daylight at church in front of windows. Lord help the person that I catch stealing stuff. I'll probably beat them to death or shoot them whichever would be more painful.

I've heard of people leaving their bikes in front of store entrances on the sidewalks and had them stolen. Grant it we live in the nicest area, but that’s where the criminals go to steal stuff too. I guess it might help that all the bike parts are now stamped. I was thinking of a padlock in the rotor since I only use the bike on the street once and a while, and is only left outside restaurants. I know it wouldn't take much to get off a padlock but having to walk up to it with a big pair of bolt cutters might deter most. Like you pointed out there are always the ones that don't care if they get caught.

Originally Posted by slickwill

In both cases I've figured my best option is pay my insurance premium when it comes due. Full coverage, even on the 'tard.

Werd. If they want it bad enough, they'll take it.

I just installed a scorpion system on a friends bike. Definetly easy to remove since it is under the seat or in the boot. It's more for kids looking to joy ride or sit on your bike. Most thieves pick it up and shove it in a van in like 15 secs or less. They should be shot or hung like horse thieves!

Insurance...
I have to leave my bike in toronto for 3 weeks while I am in school. parked in a hotel parking lot.

It will be locked and parked near the front of the hotel but really not much else I can do about it.

Originally Posted by slickwill

In both cases I've figured my best option is pay my insurance premium when it comes due. Full coverage, even on the 'tard.

That really is the best solution. Some stuff I wouldn't mind saying But in some instances.. for example: I have a car that the insurance company won't pay me what the car is worth. (because of add on's and condition) Kelly Blue Book says a car is worth "X" so that’s what the car is worth to an insurance company. They want to charge $200 a month to insure it, and if I was to wreck it or it was stolen, they wouldn't give me near enough to replace it with something comparable. Hearing this I then tried to go through a few other exotic companies, or historical companies (Hagerty) and insure it to 20K (which IMO still isn't near enough) but was refused due to the lack of age of the car, or again referring to Kelly Blue Book. Even with an alarm and another removable chip that kills the ECM, I refuse to go anywhere I can't see it. Because of this paranoia the car sits. In my mind, right or wrong, it isn't replaceable. I guess what I said wasn’t related to my bike, but just thinking sometimes insurance companies suck too. A rare case, but none the less. I wouldn't mind checking into the Data tool system though.

I just bought my VFR last year and still have the receipt that shows what I paid for it. I know that it is an 03 but I got a good deal on it and I could easily pick up another one(if I wanted) with what the insurance company will give me.

But I'd likely buy a new(ish) track only bike, retire the 1KRR back to the street and look at building a custom... hahaha Not that I have put much thought into it.