Low value high fun factor commuter bike?

**JohnnyDiablo** · 04-05-2008 01:53 AM

I changed jobs!! I even have a parking pass and a space! Downside is this is about 3 blocks from "The Original Tommys" just a few blocks outside downtown LA.

I am a lil worried about leaving the VFR in a parking lot in a questionable part of town. The wife suggested maybe a cruiser <cringe>.

My dream a ratty RD400 Daytona. Something that doesnt scream I am worth more than 1k? A bike that can hit the diamond lane (HOV) and handle well at 85 mph?

**Mojave954** · 04-05-2008 07:16 AM

Unfortunately nothing is really safe and you know that. There are people out there that will take things just to take them. Sad but it is true.

So, what to do here? Your wife is right, get something that is not sexy or attractive to them. Maybe, she would like to get on the cruiser as well? Hmmm, huh? Ever think of that?

Maybe try something a little more suitable, an old Katana, FJ or something along those lines. Pretty sure that if it looks beat and rashed they will probably just leave it alone. This is one reason I bought the FJR. WTF wants to steal one of those? No flashy chrome. Just some "lame" old man's bike with BAGS on it.

Also, there is always the option of putting lo jack on the bike. Think the install and one time fee is around 1000.00. Might be cheaper than buying a new bike and your insurance may go down as well.

Another option will be to put one of those FUR kits. WAIT, might be a bad idea in that part of town. Hmmmm.... LO JACK and you are done. An alarm wouldn't hurt either. Bottom line is, they will only hit an easy tgt if it is something they have to F*CK with normally they walk away.

Good luck and congrats on the new job.

**seamus** · 04-05-2008 08:33 AM

1. Recon the parking lot and see if there's another spot that has a railing or something nearby that you could chain the bike to and see if maybe that guy would swap spots with you.

2. Can you "modify" the parking spot or talk to the owner of the parking garage to see if they would? Maybe they're amenable to providing more secure motorcycle parking? A large diameter eyebolt that will allow you to chain the bike into the spot may help keep your bike yours.

**gt702** · 04-05-2008 11:44 AM

GS500, EX500, Nighthawk, GL500, small Virago, etc.

Something a little "frumpy", but with enough to get down the highway. Then as others said, bolt it down if possible.

An RD400 is sought after enough for parts and race bikes that I would expect that one to disappear. Be sure to find one that doesn't have value to the parts seekers. I'm amazed at some of the cars that show up on "most stolen" lists; they are the cheap/crap cars that people need parts to keep running, but you can't find parts, and the owners can't afford anything better.

Good luck in the new situation.

**phobe** · 04-05-2008 11:46 AM

Just put more VTEC stickers on your VFR, she'll stay put.

**seamus** · 04-05-2008 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by phobiaphobe

Just put more VTEC stickers on your VFR, she'll stay put.

Ain't that the truf.

Someone might even drop an extra one off in your spot.

**CBRVFR** · 04-05-2008 05:05 PM

Congrats on the new job! I used to work at 6th and Los Angeles streets when I was in college. When I'd get off work late there wasn't a soul around.

85 mph is too limiting to be safe in the HOV lane, I'd say ride the VFR and get a paging alarm, a great lock and a cover. Optionally you can stencil a warning on the cover that there "might" be a tarantula under it.

**HRCNICK11** · 04-12-2008 12:08 PM

An alarm and better insurance is cheaper than a whole new bike with insurance and all the other things that come with another bike.

**DoctorFell** · 04-12-2008 02:36 PM

Get an ugly, mechanically sound bike for cheap off Craigslist and rat the hell out of it. Nobody's going to steal a '96 FZR600 with no plastics, a seat held on with duct tape, and a headlight off a mudbuggy's fog rack bolted asymmetrically to one fork. That and the peeling matte black paint job on any part that will take it won't tend to make it any more palatable.

**slickwill** · 04-28-2008 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by DoctorFell

Get an ugly, mechanically sound bike for cheap off Craigslist and rat the hell out of it. Nobody's going to steal a '96 FZR600 with no plastics, a seat held on with duct tape, and a headlight off a mudbuggy's fog rack bolted asymmetrically to one fork. That and the peeling matte black paint job on any part that will take it won't tend to make it any more palatable.

For Sale: '95 Yamaha FZR600

How about a '95 rather than a '96...it is mechanically sound. My bro still has it for sale, probably for less than $2500 at this point.

**JH41** · 04-29-2008 12:20 AM

My buddy parks his VFR downtown in NYC.... he has a top case givi bag, a huge lock and occasionally a cover. He's never had any issues (knock on wood) It "looks" old, slow, heavy and "gold wingish" with the Givi.

I would leave a really big lock/chain wrapped around a large pole or something at your job so that you dont have to lug it around with you. Cover the bike (and Givi) and you should be good to go.

The common thief would

-jh

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