Topic: What do you all do for theft potection? (Read 9546 times)

psycho · « **on:** January 22, 2004, 07:27:21 PM »

I have been poking around on the Harley Zone playing catch-up on several issues. One that caught my attention was in regard to bike theft. It appears that many of you often take your bikes on trips lasting several days if not more. What do you do to maintain peace of mind when you are at a hotel sleeping. I understand that the CVO bikes come with security and I assume you all have the audible alarms etc. that are on my bike. Do you carry bike covers (generic and/or Suzuki) to fend off temptation? I know these bikes perhaps stick out a bit. However, seems that many harley owners put mucho bucks into their bikes as well. I'm not sure if I would relax sufficiently to get enough sleep to hit the road the next day with a clear head. Heck, I hardly sleep well now!

ps. I've checked myself into a rehab program for excessive use of smilies. I need to log off now and go to the club to burn off the frustration of refraining to use them in this post.

JCZ · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2004, 08:07:46 PM »

Funny chit.....and this one's for you [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]. I guess Naitram was a little rough on the Pshco huh?

Let's see.....what do I do or what should you do? I'm not going to say what I do, but I'll just give you some things to think about....in no certain order.

Make darn sure that your insurance is paid up and that the policy covers "replacement value" and theft!.

Program your factory alarm so that it sets automatically, sixty seconds after you turn the bike off. That way, you never have to worry about "did I set it or not?".

On the road use as many locking systems as will allow you to sleep, such as disk lock, cable lock, ignition lock, etc. They're going to take the bike that's the easiest to take. The more barriers you apply, the less likely that it will be yours. I'd think the CVO's are a higher risk than the average HD due to all the interchangeable goodies on the CVO's.

Request a ground floor room.

Park on the sidewalk or in the breezway, next to the window of your room.

Leave the curtain cracked an inch or so, to be able to see your bike, once you turn the lights out (you'll be able to see out, but nobody can see in).

Use a cover.

Hope this helps Psycho. By the way, have you made your Sturgis reservations? [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

naitram · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2004, 08:19:29 PM »

hey hey hey that smiley remark was all in fun

when on a long trip i tend to try and relax and not think about having to walk home. lock the forks arm the alarm and call it a night. i pay a chit load of money for insurance every year. i hope i never have to use it to replace a bike but i'm covered

JCZ · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2004, 08:32:01 PM »

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hey hey hey that smiley remark was all in fun

Cabo · « **Reply #4 on:** January 22, 2004, 08:42:17 PM »

Set the alarm to come on automaticaly... have you ever turned the key on with the alarm set..scares the $hit out of me every time..and that when I set it manually.. ( i know im a blind SOB cuz I dont see the blinking light...but...)

THe Alarm is a comforrt..alarm with locked forks...the thieves will move on...too much trouble..look for something eaisier to sell

Plus the SEEG is too unique .. too hard to sell and trace

fxr4 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 22, 2004, 08:57:54 PM »

Like was previously stated make sure insurance is paid in full. Other than that I just have a good time. I figure if they want it bad enough they'll get it so I guess to me a lock is only good for a honest thief.

Buffy · « **Reply #6 on:** January 22, 2004, 09:13:16 PM »

First of all, most have you have mentioned keeping your insurance up to date, but I LOVE my scooter and don't want to loose it.

On a trip? - Security system, locked forks, locked ignition, disc lock and I just bought non-descript cover that is made for a EG and it goes all the way to the ground on my Wide Glide, so the pretty wheels don't show.

Good luck and I hope that we all get to ride our rides home! [smiley=beerchug.gif]

starvin · « **Reply #7 on:** January 22, 2004, 09:19:41 PM »

I like the generic cover myself, that way any thief would have to wonder what other types of locks or alarms MIGHT be on that would slow them down. At the big events there are going to be bikes stolen no matter what you do.

psycho · « **Reply #8 on:** January 23, 2004, 01:09:17 AM »

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hey hey hey that smiley remark was all in fun

psycho · « **Reply #9 on:** January 23, 2004, 01:11:43 AM »

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I like the generic cover myself, that way any thief would have to wonder what other types of locks or alarms MIGHT be on that would slow them down. At the big events there are going to be bikes stolen no matter what you do.

I'm gonna get one as well. You answered my next question--thefts at major rallies. How about saddle bags and stuff -- if I have a rain suit in an unlockable saddle bag, will it still be there when I get back from doing whatever the #$%@ you all do at these rallies?

psycho · « **Reply #10 on:** January 23, 2004, 01:19:47 AM »

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THe Alarm is a comforrt..alarm with locked forks...the thieves will move on...too much trouble..look for something eaisier to sell

OK, seems you feel the alarm system is a good deterrent. I was thinking about driving it right into my room like on American Chopper! [smiley=nixweiss.gif] I'll be honest with you though, I actually feel that way. Just don't trust easilly any more. it's not like leaving your house door open like our parents did 30 years ago. I work with the worst of the worst of adolescents that the state of NH has to offer, I know what these kids do! I can only imagine what adult professional bike thieves can do. Local Harley dealer said it's as easy as four guys with pipe, through each wheel, into a truck and gonzo!

psycho · « **Reply #11 on:** January 23, 2004, 01:22:01 AM »

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Funny chit.....and this one's for you

psycho · « **Reply #12 on:** January 23, 2004, 01:23:58 AM »

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Like was previously stated make sure insurance is paid in full. Other than that I just have a good time. I figure if they want it bad enough they'll get it so I guess to me a lock is only good for a honest thief.

I'll tell ya though. With my personality, I take it as a personal challenge! I'll tie the damn thing to my legs if I have to!

psycho · « **Reply #13 on:** January 23, 2004, 01:25:44 AM »

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I just bought non-descript cover that is made for a EG and it goes all the way to the ground on my Wide Glide, so the pretty wheels don't show.

naitram · « **Reply #14 on:** January 23, 2004, 07:23:40 AM »

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I'm gonna get one as well. You answered my next question--thefts at major rallies. How about saddle bags and stuff -- if I have a rain suit in an unlockable saddle bag, will it still be there when I get back from doing whatever the #$%@ you all do at these rallies?

my softail doesnt have a fork lock, so i use a disc brake lock on it. nice and bright yellow, easily visiblie and all. i also have a pair of side bags and a small pouch on the handel bars, i always have chit in them gloves, tools, sun glasses and i have never had anything stolen from them, now maybe i'm just lucky....... but i think the big events can be the safest place to leave your bike during the day. for instance if you go to laconia this year you wont walk 100 ft on the main drag without seeing 2 cops, with that kind of visibilty and bikes parked inches from each other it isnt like 5 guys can walk over pick the thing up and put it in a truck

JCZ · « **Reply #15 on:** January 23, 2004, 09:02:48 AM »

Psycho just take "reasonable" precautions and you'll be fine. That thread that you read over on the "other site".......he said that two or three of those bikes were not locked up. If you lock yours wherever you go, there will always be somebody who didn't lock theirs. Don't worry about it....just go enjoy yourself.

garya1 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 23, 2004, 09:35:59 AM »

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Psycho just take "reasonable" precautions and you'll be fine.

Buffy · « **Reply #17 on:** January 24, 2004, 01:40:51 PM »

Hey Psychoduece,

I got my cover from good ol' JC Whitney. $54.00 and it's red and gold to match my 2001 Wideglide2 colors too.

Look here: http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?makeId=12050410&productId=3696&catalogId=10112&langId=-1&storeId=10101

Like I said, this will fit an EG, so it goes all the way to the ground AND it comes with a pouch that you can actually get it back in!

JCZ · « **Reply #18 on:** January 24, 2004, 05:02:57 PM »

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And your gonna keep your own personal theft protection system to yourself unless I make those reservations, huh?

Yep!

mr_magoo · « **Reply #19 on:** January 26, 2004, 09:17:47 AM »

I us the fork lock, ignition lock, caliper lock w/tag to grip (no fun to try and ride off with it on) [smiley=confused5.gif] must be getting up there, touring cover no emblem, arm the alarm, and if riding in a group us a cable to lock 2 bikes together. And hope some other bike is easier. [smiley=nervous.gif]

Skooby · « **Reply #20 on:** February 16, 2004, 10:01:15 PM »

Psycho, something else to think about. Stay at a hotel that has some type of security (aka.. rent-a-cop). n Generally the higher price hotels may be worth the extra cash for a small piece of mind.

Benerag · « **Reply #21 on:** March 04, 2004, 04:59:21 PM »

A couple of years ago, there was an attempt to rifle both my 98 Fatboy and 00 Road King from my garage. Ignitions were locked, as all as the fork locks; however, the devices that saved me were the disc locks. Both bikes had been rolled halfway out of the garage, and the disc locks were up against the forks. The thieves only got away with the stuff in my RK bags, two helmets, and a pair of gloves.

As glad as I am that my SEEG has an audible alarm, I don't think it would have helped in my situation, because I don't think the thieves intended to drive the bikes away, but rather load them into a truck.

Benerag [smiley=1syellow1.gif]

psycho · « **Reply #22 on:** March 07, 2004, 08:01:58 PM »

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.... from my garage....

JCZ · « **Reply #23 on:** March 07, 2004, 08:08:52 PM »

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Unbelievable!!! This suggests that the thieves knew you had bikes in there, took their time, and planned it out, and eventually enacted their plan!! I was wondering though, with the forks locked, the bike can only roll in an arc, right? Do you think they man-handled it back in line in order to roll it? I was going to get some disc locks as well, but was wondering if the fork locks made them unnecessary? I guess not. What am I missing here? [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Psycho your fork lock only slows them down for twenty seconds......get a disk lock (you only need one) along with a disk lock reminder.

Cabo · « **Reply #24 on:** March 07, 2004, 09:19:30 PM »

Just get good insurance and forgetaboutit.... [smiley=wall.gif]

JCZ · « **Reply #25 on:** March 07, 2004, 10:44:35 PM »

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Just get good insurance and forgetaboutit....

psycho · « **Reply #26 on:** March 08, 2004, 08:58:36 PM »

You know, when I was 10 years old or so, I had a Chopper minibike. Although it went thru clutches pretty fast, it was really cool and I loved riding that baby along the railroad tracks. Well.........after a month or so....it was stolen right out of our shed out back. I'm sure it was some kid I let ride the thing....decided he wanted it for himself....guess I'm still ticked off about that.....so personally....I'm electrifying my bike...perhaps with a taser or something like that....you touch it...your lights go out! [smiley=laugh.gif]

Bikrtrsh · « **Reply #27 on:** March 09, 2004, 11:55:21 PM »

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You know, when I was 10 years old or so, I had a Chopper minibike. Although it went thru clutches pretty fast, it was really cool and I loved riding that baby along the railroad tracks. Well.........after a month or so....it was stolen right out of our shed out back. I'm sure it was some kid I let ride the thing....decided he wanted it for himself....guess I'm still ticked off about that.....so personally....I'm electrifying my bike...perhaps with a taser or something like that....you touch it...your lights go out!

Author Topic: What do you all do for theft potection? (Read 9546 times)

starvin