Boron steel chain and a lock with a shield will help

An old torn worn out cover is a simple but effective way to make a nutcase to move to another bike to steal. Apart from locks n chains. Tie the cover with a few broken strings. It works. On my ride from India to UK, Germany is one of the only countries where one does not touch anothers bike. I forgot my Garmin 660 Zumo GPS on my Enfield for a full day at a public parking and when I came back in the evening it was still there. I could not believe it.

Well there's touch and touch. I've not had anything stolen from a bike in Germany but several times I've gone to pay for fuel in a service station only to come back and find the bike's been pushed some distance away so someone in a (usually) 4x4 can get to the pump. Sadly my German isn't good enough to express my annoyance and streams of invective in English just gets a shrug of the shoulders.

Some what bucking the trrend , I recently bought a bike in the UK and rode it back to France. First job was to remove the B$$$$D datatool alarm. Now I know that means the bike will get stolen next time I visit Germany but even so, it will mean that, I at least got to enjoy the bike for some of the time. Wouldn't ride it with the alarm, too much hassle.

Alarms are pointless. Totally agree with cutting it out.

In London even the police ignore wailing alarms, they are just too frequent. If you do hear your own alarm what will you do? Pull out your six shooter, leg go a couple of shots and spend the next fifty years in prison while poor old kevin-the-chav- thief gets free counselling for having his freedom of expression interrupted? Electronic alarms are the single most common reason to call out recovery services. On our glass and nail covered streets tyre technology is doing better than alarms.


Andy

I hate disc locks, only tried once to ride off with it still fitted, will not use them again.

I hate alarms for the reasons already mentioned, plus I'm sure more riders have been left stranded by them than have stopped them being stolen.

If they want your bike they're going to have it, and usually I'll guess they'll be on the look out for bikes that get parked in the same place for a couple of days, with less security than others. All that more security does is make it take a little longer for them to get your bike and / or make another bike look more desireable.

Been to Europe loads of times and have the bike in the UK and follow some simple steps:
If there's secure parking, use it.
Park it next to another bike that is more desireable / valuable.
Don't park it in the rough looking areas.
Always put on the steering lock, and, leave it in gear.
Always remove anything that looks valuable eg tank bags / GPS etc.
Use hard luggage, it might only delay someone in the know by a few seconds, but the casual thief won't know.

You could also add a couple of stickers with the logo "Satan's Slaves - Mannheim chapter" :eek3: Just don't visit Mannheim with them on :rofl:

You DO have to get accustom to them ... I've ridden off a few times myself after coming out the Pub. doh But you know what? For travel especially ... there is nothing I know that is as handy or as effective. Ask a pro thief. A good disc lock will put off nearly ALL amateurs and will at least slow down a pro. Good disc locks are small, easy to carry and to use ... but you need a reminder that it is there ...

I use a round red tab stuck on my ignition key mechanism. Good reminder.
The little Tab Velcro's onto disc lock when not on ignition. Works!

Agreed, most drain your battery at some point or once corrosion sets in, no longer work properly.

:thumbup1:
Here's a couple more I use:
1. Leave it TOP GEAR. (5th or 6th)
2. Use a well worn cover.
3. Add ignition cut out switch. (hidden)
4. Use Disc lock with LOUD alarm (Zena) as part of it. No guarantee, but can't hurt, just don't use in quiet Hotel inner court yard! doh