Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Bike Security Bike Security
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Jan 2008
MetusUK's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England
Posts: 72
Bike Security
As my trip draws close the little things start to bother me...
There are going to be times when I leave my bike unattended, my question is a simple one... Do i need to take a bike chain and lock?
__________________
Bonis Se Aliovorsum Avertentibus Hic Crescit Pravitas
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ripley, Derbyshire
Posts: 373
I carry a bloody big one, it goes through my back wheel and ties up around my pannier racks if there's nothing else to anchor it to. I tend to use street lights trees etc but it’s only for show as it’s just to stop the opportunist thieves, the real ones will take your bike if they want it or not.

With a can of computer screen cleaner, and a hammer I can have pretty much have any padlock off your bike in about a minute, I don’t care what padlocks on there be it a £5 one or an £80 quid one. And chains can be cut with bolt cutters just as quickly how do you think the AA deals with lost padlock keys?

A packsafe is great for stuff that’s on the back of your bike, but only again as a deterrent to the opportunists.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Langholm,Scotland,UK.
Posts: 155
This is a interesting site for those into locks and chains
Almax Security Chains Limited



Trophymick
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Im using a thick wire lock about 1,5 m long, which I normally route from the backwheel and luggage racks to something solid like a lamppost. Plus a sturdy brake disk lock in the front. They dont weight too much or take up too much space.....

And they probably wont stop a professional thief, but then I usually always try to put the bike away in such a place that the thieves wont see or wont dare enter. I think the place you'll park the bike for the night will be the most important shield against thieves. If your on a long trip, the hotel and guesthouse owners normally understand quite well, that you want protection for your vehicle, so they allow you to put it away from the street.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Saudi Arabia
Posts: 173
My bike was locked and chained in my locked garage, my car was locked in front of my bike inside the garage. The BS broke in, shunted my car out of the way, broke the bike locks and were pushing the bike up the drive when my wife let our dogs out and they still got away. The Police had the attitude " your insured arn't you " err no, my wife pointed out that I was away in Saudi and wasn't using the bike.
So if they want your bike they will get it,you can only guard against the opportunist.
The Police even warned my wife that if the scumbags reported us for setting our dogs on them we would be in trouble.
Cheers
Ian
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London
Posts: 24
In South Africa the police advise that if you catch a burglar in the act it's better to kill them than injure them in case they try to make a claim against you or try to extract revenge against you once they are released.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 425
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dessertstrom View Post
My bike was locked and chained in my locked garage, my car was locked in front of my bike inside the garage. The BS broke in, shunted my car out of the way, broke the bike locks and were pushing the bike up the drive when my wife let our dogs out and they still got away. The Police had the attitude " your insured arn't you " err no, my wife pointed out that I was away in Saudi and wasn't using the bike.
So if they want your bike they will get it,you can only guard against the opportunist.
The Police even warned my wife that if the scumbags reported us for setting our dogs on them we would be in trouble.
Cheers
Ian
I agree that if a theif wants it bad enough they will get it. However, if you make it hard for the theif they will likely pass your bike up and go for the easy one. I brought a lock for my bike. It is the thickest cable combination lock that I could find at HD. I opted for lighter weight than heavy security. I have seen guys with gigantic locks down here, but your talking about an extra 15 lbs of weight. I think your better off going light weight and doing common sense things like not leaving your bike overnight on a dark unprotected street.

If you are really paranoid I would say lock your rotors through the holes with pad locks. I am too forgetful to remember to always unlock something like that. (a cracked rotor makes your bike non usable.)
__________________
http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 26 Jan 2008
Vaufi's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,051
Talking Depending on the colour...
Quote:
Originally Posted by kakpraat View Post
In South Africa the police advise that if you catch a burglar in the act it's better to kill them than injure them in case they try to make a claim against you or try to extract revenge against you once they are released.
Haai meneer, as die einbreeker swart is en die polisie ook, en jy nie, dan is jy in die k@k, ek sê ;-)

Hans
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 27 Jan 2008
ozhanu's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Izmir, Turkiye
Posts: 794
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vaufi View Post
Haai meneer, as die einbreeker swart is en die polisie ook, en jy nie, dan is jy in die k@k, ek sê ;-)

Hans

hans is it like

"if the police shot them it is ok, but if you shot them, you are in big sh..t??"

i think it is a combination of German, Dutch and English
__________________
ozhan u.
website under construction
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11 Feb 2008
Bamaboy's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: RS, Brazil
Posts: 61
Quote:
Originally Posted by MetusUK View Post
As my trip draws close the little things start to bother me...
There are going to be times when I leave my bike unattended, my question is a simple one... Do i need to take a bike chain and lock?
I use one of those steel cables with a magnetic lock all the time here in Brazil.
__________________
Every where is walking distance if you have the time!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11 Feb 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London
Posts: 24
Quote:
Originally Posted by ozhanu View Post

i think it is a combination of German, Dutch and English

Otherwise known as Afrikaans...
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 11 Feb 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,048
I have bought a few Almax chains for my bikes. With a groundanchor, I think a good chain is the best deterrent. Alarms are too easily ignored, or silenced, if you know how.

Only downside to the Almax: weight. About 10kg or over per metre.... A big minus, when trying to pack light...
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 18 Feb 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Buckley North Wales UK
Posts: 31
Almax and Youtube..
I bought a couple of Almax chains and they are great. Maxime at Almax (UK) is a lovely lady and will help you pick the right chain for the right bike/job..

And if you want to see what they are like in action;

YouTube - Almax Series 4 and Series 3 getting jiggy with the croppers.

The only problem i can see for the travelling person is, they do weigh a lot and are pretty bulky. But if your going to be leaving the bike the well, they are certainly a decent chain..

Oh people might wish to view this vid as well;
YouTube - Various Sold Secure and Thatcham chains chopped. shows you the real strength of some popular chains..
__________________
safe riding and hope to see you out on the road. .. John..
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 18 Feb 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: ATLANTA
Posts: 38
bike security
I'm lucky my harley has security alarm plus if moved they cant start it. of course they can put it on triler and sell it for parts but its a good deterant. i also use a disclock and chain it to something. but if they want it they will get it!!!!



2 GEEZERS 2 GO
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 18 Feb 2008
PocketHead's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
Just remove the wheel axles
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
leaving bike in India for 5 months,Possible? Polly Trip Transport 6 31 Aug 2009 05:38
Insuring bike (theft or fire)? pecha72 Trip Paperwork 4 27 Jul 2007 16:35
Bike Security? Wez Middle East 4 24 Nov 2005 09:45
Clearing bike at Buenos Aires Airport Fritz Trip Paperwork 2 3 Nov 2005 05:48
UK citizen on Australian bike to NZ & S America ribspare Trip Paperwork 7 11 Mar 2005 14:27

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:45.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top