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Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
NN, Here's my theory on security. If the potential thief is sophisticated enough, there is very little you can do to secure your bike. You may slow them down some, but that's about it. I still remember one Sturgis rally years ago where four guys came in with a covered trailer and simply went to a distant rear parking lot and started lifting bikes into the trailer. Lickety split. No one saw anything. What are you going to do? Number one rule at home -- do not place the bike logo on the rear windshield or bumper of your car or truck -- you are advertising that you most likely have a bike on the premise. Stop it! Your "pride" in owning a bike is a thief's delight! Anything else that will keep the bike from being rolled away or lifted up and away is going to slow down potential thieves. If they are bad at it, simple devices will cause them to lose confidence quickly, so multiple devices will fumble them up in record time as each passing second ups the fear factor. If they are good at stealing, sinking a bolt into the concrete garage floor and wrapping a chain that a bolt cutter can't get through around the bike might be the only real deterrent. Sigh. Theft is a reality. Whatever system or technique to minimize the chances gives you peace of mind. Readers, if you have an opinion on disc locks or other theft prevention devices, share it now! – Mama Thursday, August 21 For No Name who is looking into bike security measures: I just wanted to add that if you have to park your bike outside (if you live in an apartment, like me), it's a good idea to keep it covered with a generic (non bike brand) cover. That way, potential thieves don't know what you have nor what kind of security you might be using. The less information you put out there, the better off you are. Of course, you should lock the cover on with a good cable lock or U-lock, and this adds one for difficulty for a potential thief. Thanks, as always, for a terrific site! – Marina (note from Mama: thanks for the extra tip -- a bike cover is a great idea, even if the bike is in a garage -- keeps dust and dirt to a minimum and now I realize could add a layer of security as well!) Tuesday, May 18 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Ursula, The prices range widely, but I found one for $12.95 on the RepairManual.com site -- one of my favorite sites for realistic information on bikes and keeping them up to snuff. It's as good a place to start as any! [see this letter for a negative review on the cover] I'll also use this letter as the start of my Security and Storgae page -- and will eventually move previous letters that fit this category over so I can unclog some other pages! – Mama Monday, June 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Are there any ways that any of you could think of to prevent such things happening? Besides moving it to a completely different neighborhood (I guess you could say that I live in the ghetto), I don't know what to do. I'm tempted to really let the guy who did it have it but I'm just a relatively small girl who has no physical power over him. Help! – Katrina Dear
Katrina, My suggestion would be to get a cover for the bike -- this simple tactic would keep people from throwing their leg over the bike seat, etc. (and you keep the cover from being removed by running a link chain through it with a lock). Here's a link to a page on my site for a good cover, but inexpensive. [see this letter for a negative review on the cover] Given your neighborhood, you might want to invest in an alarm as well. Check with your local dealer on options for your bike, cost to install, etc. First person to trip the alarm will alert all others that it's not to be messed with. Lastly, perhaps there is someone in the neighborhood with some room in their garage to store the bike, maybe for a small $5 monthly fee? Maybe put up a notice in your local grocery store saying that you're looking for storage?! Readers, any more ideas?! – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Anyhow -- I purchased the bike cover from RepairManual.com site for $12.95. All it is - is a huge plastic garbage bag! I would not recommend it to anyone. It's going back. OK for a dust cover for the winter in a garage but not outside in the weather. Vent holes are barley there, what is there would let water in, and condensation would be really bad! Also there is no way to secure it to the bike - it would blow off real quick here in Central PA. Remember the old saying - "you get what you pay for!" On my husband's bike he uses a DOWCO cover with heat shields. Cost $100. You can put the cover on your bike almost immediately. It was well worth the investment. Keep up the good work! You are appreciated! – Pam from Central Pennsylvania Dear
Pam, Thursday, October 14 Dear VTwin Mama, I have a Suzuki Marauder 800 and I start the MSF class TOMORROW!! I am so excited! I have been scouting out scenic routes to drive in my home state of Maryland. I never realized how beautiful it is on the back roads here. Also, I have been reading through the archives and found something I can offer a tip on. A while back someone was looking for some kind of inexpensive cover and what was recommended was barely a glorified garbage bag. My brother-in-law spent over $100 on a really nice cover but gave it away because he found one that was superior to it at Wal-Mart for $20. I bought one for myself and it really is nice. It is made of the same nylon fabric that good quality tents are made of and has elastic and clips. It is two-tone silver and blue. One last thing, I want to thank Marina for sharing her trip. She is very inspiring to me. She lived my dream and took almost the same route that I hope to take some day. Thank you Marina!! And thank you Petra for doing such a wonderful job. P.S. Kevin in Australia . . . I really enjoy (though sometimes respectfully disagree) with your delightfully outspoken opinions. – Debbie in Baltimore Dear
Debbie, And thanks for the input on the Wally World solution for a cover. Who knew?! Well, you did! And you shared! Thanks. – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jo, So, there are a number of precautions you can take. The easiest is to get a good cable and lock that can be threaded through the front and rear wheel. This will not keep people from physically lifting the bike and making off, but will keep someone from rolling it away . . . something that might be "easier" if the bike has to be parked outside and someone casing the neighborhood will note. The same securing technique is useful in the garage, but I know people who have sunk a bolt into the concrete flooring so that the cable/lock system is then attached to the garage floor. Just another messy step for thieves to have to deal with (not all cable cutters are created equal, but getting a cheap lock/cable doesn't do much good then either). When you are shopping for bikes, ask the salesperson if the bike can be outfitted with an electronic alarm system which acts just like a car alarm, making an awful racket if someone attempts to take the bike. Check my News page for a new system that is being offered with the added attraction that your bike is listed in a national registry as well. Many riders will tell you about large motorcycle rallies/gatherings that they have attended, where teams of thieves come in, head to the farthest parking lots from the "action," pull up a truck, and start loading bikes. And they are fast! Nothing may thwart these people, so the thing is to park where there are lots of people all the time if possible. And this is an added note: while you may be tempted to put a sticker on your car/truck that shows your pride in owning that manufacturer's bike, it simply announces that you've got one in your garage . . . not too smart in my estimation. In the same light, I once went to a rally and forgot to pull the key from the ignition (blond moment) . . . had to track back to the bike to get it. Of course, the final component is to get insurance that has comprehensive coverage (coverage for everything but collision). It may not get you your full value of the bike reimbursed, but it's better than nothing. Make sure to check into the extra cost per year. Check my Insurance page to get some quotes online and read previous postings about Security. – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Mary, Monday, January 3 For Mary who is trying to discourage cats from hanging around her bike in a carport: As a cat fanatic (I have three), one thing I do know is, they HATE the smell of citrus! My one cat makes a face so hilarious that I have to laugh out loud! May I suggest putting orange peels near your bike's seat where the cats like to chew. I found this a very effective method to keep my cats away from the Christmas tree! It's a cheap and easy solution. Good luck! – Lisa G. (note from Mama: only a cat owner would know this helpful hint . . . thanks for taking the time to share it!) If you place mothballs on your seat they will stay away! I don't know if this is an old wife's tale, but it has worked for me in keeping cats off my vehicles (place the mothballs on the bumpers). Enjoy the ride, – Tracy (note from Mama: hmmmm . . . maybe some in a mesh bag hanging over both sides of the seat?! Sounds like a winner!) Wednesday, January 5 More for Mary who is trying to discourage cats from hanging around her bike in a carport: I'm making an assumption that the cats she references are feral (wild) cats, based on the fact that a) she didn't mention talking to any owners about the problem, and b) she mentioned feeding them. There are two excellent non-profit organizations that specialize in feral cats and their behavior. If anyone would have logical, do-able suggestions for this situation, it's these folks! They are based in MD and CA but have resources for other locations. They also advocate spay/neuter to keep feral colony cat numbers under control - which is important whether you're losing your motorcycle seat or not! :) Alley Cat Allies Alley Cat Rescue Best regards, – Tracey Cramer (note from Mama: thank you for sending in humane alternatives to the cat thing!) I would not suggest moth balls actually in contact with the seat. They have a very strong odor and it will linger on things they touch. Maybe put them in an old butter container and set it on the seat? Or on the floor around the bike. Put holes in the container and lids, place the moth balls inside and and put on the lid. This will also keep the animals from eating them. I have heard they can harm the animals. I have used this method, with some success, to keep cats out of my flower beds. Of course you can smell more moth ball than flower, but you have to make your choices. – Angela in Jacksonville, FL (note from Mama: thanks for straightening me out on my suggestion for the moth balls in a net bag, which you note could be less than safe. I like the closed contained with holes.) A full cover may not be the best solution. My husband did the same thing when the cat scratched his $800 Corbin seat. The cat still climbed under it and clawed some more plus, he enjoyed sleeping there. We put the cat on the back porch and kicked him out of the garage. No more scratching! – Vickie Button in Texas (note from Mama: yup, I can see where some cats would be extremely resourceful in getting under the cover and benefiting even more! Yikes!) Mary...have you spoken to the neighbors about the cat? If not or if they don't seem to care...I would take actions into my own hands. The cat may be suddenly "MIA" or call the dog pound to pick it up. I have the same problem with cats getting into my garage. One day, the doors are going to be closed with a cat trapped inside and the cat will be going for a ride to the pound. The owners are not going to pay for a new paint job or any other damages over a cat. Don't get me wrong...I love animals. I have two in-house dogs of my own. But, I wouldn't let them vandalize private property continuously. Note: A cover "might" work...but my neighbor's cat scratched his bike through the cover!?!?! Good luck! – Sandy Reece in Winston Salem, NC (note from Mama: double yikes! Contacting the local animal control agency would be something to start with, and they may have good suggestions as well!) Wednesday, April 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Holly, Monday, June 13 For Jo who was wondering on the frequency of bikes being stolen: I can only say from experience, yes, my own 10 year old motorbike IS stolen often!! It has been stolen from work once in the last year and two attempts have been made from home, one successful. By chance the police caught the guy red-handed riding my '95 NX650 and yet have not charged him for the offence of stealing - gave a 'plausible excuse blaming a third party(?)'. The steering lock - part of the ignition lock is a very minor hurdle for a skilled thief - that has been broken twice on my bike. A disk lock is useful (and foiled the latest attempt) but these too are not reliable as with a good push even the top name brand locks can be broken. What to do then? Security lights where the bike is parked, a concrete anchor and high tensile cable, an insomniac guard dog. A secure garage. Unfortunately many of these are only valid when parking at home so insurance, a disc lock and a cable are about as good as you can get. My mechanic informs me that the after market immobilisers and alarms are fraught with problems and though may deter and delay they will not prevent theft. Unfortunately with weak legislation and a weak Justice system bike thieves have a field day around Perth in Western Australia. – Dave (note from Mama: so my Rottweiler mutt dog Barney BooBoo is earning his keep! Thanks for sharing your viewpoint on this nasty reality of owning bikes.) Tuesday, June 14 More for Jo who was wondering on the frequency of bikes being stolen: As for the bike alarms, we [Lethbridge Motor Sports] have one in stock called the Scorpio. This thing is so tight you can set it so that it will beep if someone is in the parameter of the bike (you can set this up to whatever length you want). It also has a two way paging system on it. So if someone uprights your bike off the kickstand or tips it over you can know . . . for up to I believe it is 1.5 miles away (have to double check that ). The kid I work with has it on his sport bike and loves it. Also have installed one on a Vulcan 2000. – Wanda (note from Mama: I've learned something news . . . didn't realize they could have a paging system . . . thanks for sharing!) Tuesday, November 15 Dear
VTwin
Mama, Dear
Jennifer, Wednesday, November 30 Dear
VTwin
Mama, Dear
Denise, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Tim, Monday, February 20 In response to the LoJack theft prevention system posting: I have written to you a few times Mama! We bought new bikes in Oct. '05. It does give me a "little" peace of mind. We hope I never have to test the system but since we live in Dallas we thought it was a good investment when we purchased them. Also on another subject . . . hubby bought me a Mustang seat for Christmas and I can chime right in like all the other people with a testimony . . . it sure makes riding easier and more comfy. Even my legs feel different . . . not just my behind. I have 2,200 miles logged on the new bike so far. Hubby is way ahead of me with 4,500 but he rides his back and forth to work frequently. Take care and I continue to love your site. I read it daily. – Nikki from Dallas (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your thoughts on theft prevention and the new seat . . . it sounds like your miles are going to ramp up significantly this year!) Tuesday, March 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Sharon, Tuesday, June 6 Dear VTwin Mama, My question is, would a system like this qualify for an insurance discount? The Cyclone system also offers a paging system too, if that matters. Or would I only get a discount on insurance if I combine a product like Cyclone with another type of security device, like a LUMA disc lock? Thank you, – John V. Dear John, To drill down on this issue a bit further, I contacted Progressive's Product Manager for all Motorcycle Insurance Products, Marcy Gray. She notes that one reason for not offering discounts is that verification of system installations is labor intensive and costly. She does understand that from a consumer perspective this doesn't sound like a good reason to withhold discounts, so is in the process of re-thinking all of this. Ms. Gray does firmly believe that tracking systems result in significantly less damage on the motorcycle because often it can be recovered before it's chopped up for parts. Currently she is in contact with Lojack, a company who is willing to verify that their device was actually installed on the bike in a real time, electronic manner, so this type of discount many be coming soon. Still, anything you add to a motorcycle that hampers its
theft, is worthwhile exploring. Not every potential theft is attempted by
someone with real knowledge. At a minimum I would always lock the steering
column (on bikes that offer this), add a wheel disc lock, and put it in a
garage when possible. –
Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Could someone please help me out with buying a new alarm for the bike because I don't want it stolen before I have even started. Could you help by giving me advice on the best alarm system to buy?– Anonymous Dear Anon, Thursday, March 15 Hi
Petra, Dear
Kathy, Wednesday, December 26 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Kristin, So, I've never seen the type of shelter like the Cycle Shell, which incorporates a flooring to the full system. The bonus as far as I can see is that you don't have to worry about anchoring the shelter 'cause the bike is doing that (particularly helpful in areas known for windy gusts, etc.). They are both ventilated, as noted as important before. I have seen/heard of enclosures that have an "active" ventilation system, meaning that they incorporate an optional heater/blower that keeps moisture from accumulating ... something for those regions are especially high in air moisture to begin with (I'm thinking coastal northwest regions, etc.). I see the Bike Barn has that available. Any previous letters on the subject can be found on the Ride Gear: Security and Storage page ... readers who have chosen an enclosure of this type are asked to chime in now! – Mama 10Wednesday, March 24 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear Jenn, Well, let's put it this way ... hubby and I load are two bikes on an enclosed 6 x12 trailer to travel between home locations and are just fine. With one bike in a 5 by 10, you would have room to pull in to one side, get off easily, and room to move that bike on the center stand if it has one. If rentals came in a 4 by 8 I think you would still be ok if the price reduction helped. More squishy, but still doable. Remember that even in a storage space it is advisable to cover the motorcycle with a breathable cover ... even old cotton sheets would do the trick ... you want to minimize dirt and dust from collecting on the upper surfaces. And depending on the length of storage, change the oil and filter, stabilize any gas left in the tank (you can find that product in any auto parts store) and run it for a few minutes, or it will turn to turpentine and clog up things, and yank that battery or it will go dead and can lead to corrosion at the connections. – Mama Dear VTwin Mama, When I tried to maneuver her into the space I noticed that the entrance to my space has a small hill in front of it. Well, after several struggles with trying to get her in there, I ended up pushing her too far and we went over the small hill and then she fell. Nothing really hurt (well, except for my pride). I just don't know how to turn her around in there. And I'm a bit nervous to walk her backwards out of the space because I'm worried I won't be able to control her once we hit that small hill. You got any advice on this one? Thanks. You and this site are so helpful. – Jenn Dear Jenn, Is there a friend you can call upon as you learn this? They can position themselves at the front to ensure that the handlebar doesn't twist and be your eyes for you ... this way you can practice a few times with help and then on your own with them there as backup. Otherwise, the only other thing that comes to mind is a product that let's you swing the bike around in a tight space. It's called a motorcycle turntable. One example is from MotoPark Systems (you'll see a video clip of a gal with a large bike operate it). I know Do a search on "motorcycle turntables" for more companies so you can price compare. – Mama Wednesday, April 7 The only way I could back my bike out of our space was to stand next to it on it's left side. I faced forward with hands on each side of the bars. The right hand just cover the brake for security only. DO NOT APPLY except when the bike is perfectly straight. I would then put my right hip up to the tank area to steady the bike and walk backwards. Took a few times, but it worked!!! I had to go over two tracks for the sliding doors and then a down hill. I just could not get the momentum to get over the tracks trying to sit on the seat. Hope this helps. – Joan (note from Mama: thanks for sharing another idea!) We have a driveway that declines steeply to the garage which is FULL of "stuff" except a space to squeeze two motorcycles into. We have to back all the way down and because the road isn't wide, we have to turn a bit to get into a position to go as straight back as possible to position the bike right for garaging since two have to fit in a tight spot. It takes quite a while, especially at first. You have to go very slowly backward. Turn it off, keep it in first. Use the clutch to stop and the front brake to control the descent. You MUST be very patient, go slowly. You will gain some speed eventually, but it is important not to rush. You have to constantly feel for every move to gauge control, duck walk back a firm, slow step at a time. Remember the front brake is to slow the bike, the clutch can stop it if it is in first gear. Avoid sudden moves. You can even turn with the front wheel as far as it will turn, but SLOWLY, controlled. In the summer we usually cover the bikes with a bike cover as long as the weather lasts. Jockeying it into the garage is a real pain and hopefully Rich (who has to get the final push over the drain ridge) will get sick enough of it this year to clean his "stuff" OUT! It's been two years. TTFN, – Trish (note from Mama: that's an interesting use of both the clutch and front brake in combo.)
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