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When my bike was stolen the insrance company wanted the photos of my garage. I told them you can see it on the google maps. I was a little bit upset because it was their 100's question after sending them all keys, receipts for locks and so on. Finally they told me why they want the photos of my garage - they wanted to check if it was built with bricks or wood , which irritated me even further because my bike was not stolen from the garage.
Tracker, disk lock, chain lock when needed and cover always when travelling. Get laughed at sometimes but for Dutch insurance its compulsary. I hate the idea of someone stealing my bike. The more difficult we all make it for a-holes to steal our bikes, the less it will happen
It is not right to blame owners for thefts when it is clearly the criminals. The police usually know who these criminals are but are unable to gather enough evidence to secure a conviction. This could be a case of "must try harder". When a conviction is secured, the courts are too lenient with the sentence.
True, but they're not caught in the first place. A big deterrent for any crime is the chance of getting arrested. They don't bother to investigate properly, crime number, and they see it as Job done.
We're living in a Brave New World whereby if you were to - Heaven forbid - injure the thief in the execution of his duties you would be punished. Property crime? Insurance issue. Property protection? Please no swear words lest you're charged with a terroristic threat.
We have heard the insurance company wont start a claim for 4 weeks because they are hoping it will be found and returned to you so they dont have to pay out... Once again, you lose
I had a bike stolen a few years back and I didn't want it back after joyriders had no doubt thrashed it. I would be afraid the big end would go or the engine seize up. In the event it was found but written off and the insurance paid out.
@@ontheroadadventure Insurance companies need holding to account. They are ramping up prices drastically in the UK (they don't seem to get away with that elsewhere) and yet also trying harder and harder to get out of paying. It's a monopoly as we must, by law, have insurance and is becoming a cartel as some underwrietsr pull out or swollow up smaller businesses. There is a regulator but we saw most regulators lose power, staff and budgets over the last 15 years and industries know this. It's really time the government acted. They say they are going to as they have even admitted vehicle insurance is now harming the UK economy - can I suggest your viewers write to their MP and voice concerns? When that happens, especially in big numbers, they do listen and they also get evidence they need.
I always travel alone, after I parked my bike I take a picture of my bike with the locks so I have something to show the insurance if needed. I hope I never have too. Thanks for the video ✌️
Hi, great tips thank you One thing I do is to put the bike on the centre stand and run the chain or python lock through the stand and front wheel as tight as you can.This will stop anyone rolling the bike forward as the centre stand won’t move. Also locks the front wheel at an angle. I then add the disc lock front and rear. And finally locked to a fence, lamp post or other bike. Very easy to do and you only need one quality chain. And cheaper locks. . That’s my car park or over night at a camp site method.
The problem with the centre stand chain is that it pulls your chain tight and close to the ground making it easy to cut through. The other downside is its likely the Thief will try to pull the bike off the stand, Drop the bike and leave you with the bill... Its so difficult because we end up in a lose lose situation no matter what we do
Multiple locks guys. The chancers will pick an alternative target. If possible chain the lock to an immovable object. Great informative video well presented. 👏👍
Big locks work. My bike lives on the drive under a cover, a couple of months ago I came out in the morning and the cover had been partly lifted off and the chain had been moved. 1st thing I did was buy another insurance approved lock and a disc lock. It's still under the cover but has 3 hefty locks on it.
As many locks as possible. If a thief can see it will take them 20 minutes to cut all your locks off then they will hopefully move on and find something easier. Overnight mine is chained by the front wheel to metal railings with two heavy chains and padlocks plus a cable lock and a disc lock on the back wheel. When out and about I carry the cable lock and disc lock, with the cable lock through one wheel and an immovable object like a post and the disc lock on the other wheel. Plus I park in a public place where thieves cannot work on my locks without being observed.
Thoughtful video. I’ve heard on social media that thieves are now overcoming disk/steering locks very quickly using an old sheet or similar. They thread it through the wheel, use it to lift the bike, then wheel into the back of a van. Quicker than a cutting disk. Locks on both wheels and anchored (if possible) more of a deterrent.
Yes this is why its so important to anchor the bike to something. trying to lift a bike attached to another heavy thing is very difficult without allot of man power
You two covered it pretty well. At home in the garage i don’t use anything and when I’m out riding I park where I can see it and lock the forks. Crime is not as bad as where you live because criminals face very serious consequences.
Another good episode. I no longer tell air bnb I'm on a bike as these are strangers. The guy who lost his gs, it's almost like they were expecting him.
I think he would have been seen and heard pulling into the busy residential area and car park and immediately loads of people knew he was there and would have been watching them when they left the bike unattended with no locks. This is why we check Google maps and see if the parking is ok
I haven’t had an issue since I started riding in the 1960’s. I’m in rural USA and park in a garage. I travel all over and leave my helmet hanging on my bike with the panniers unlocked. I generally camp but if I’m staying at a motel I’ll park close to my room and lock everything. I have a disk-lock and should probably start taking it with me. Thanks for the video.
Good video both and food for thought. My boy had his GS stolen last year - steering lock snapped. The thieves dropped it and ran when a police car came round the corner. Caused a fair amount of damage which was repaired by the insurance company - but only just, it was almost written off. As he'd had it from new it would have been really upsetting. One thought though is that I find it really difficult to find dedicated bike bays in supermarket car parks, and certainly with anchor points. Even in town centres they are rare.
Totally disagree- had brand new Africa Twin taken from outside work - locked to solid railings with a so called durable Oxford chain - CCTV showed them cut through it with an angle grinder in less than a minute - nice of them to leave it as a souvenir though never using Oxford again!
Yep, it can suck the joy out of motorcycling. I use my bike to visit wildlife reserves, I leave the bike (locked and alarmed), helmets, jackets/trousers and head off sometimes for many hours. I'm always happy when I see the bike still there on my return! BTW my car has been broken into twice at reserves but so far the bike has been left alone. I've had thefts from my bike or attempted bike thefts but so far every time it's been in urban areas. (B'ham, Lisbon, Long Eaton) and it's been going on for years. First theft was in the late 70's... it seems nothing new to me, just social media that makes it seem everywhere (I believe).
@@ontheroadadventure Yep, that was what we were doing in Lisbon when our panniers were broken into and our helmets and waterproofs were stolen. Since then I've had alarms fitted to my bikes as I was probably within earshot of where it happened.
Great advise guys and a real problem. I have an alarmed garage at the bottom of the garden, but always have alarmed disc locks and the bikes chained to anchors on the floor. I still think that a determined thief will have a go, but the more you can delay the @@@@@@@@ the better. I still feel a bit nervous when touring though, even with the alarmed disc lock- and having seen a GS go missing recently in France on another channel, it’s made me rethink security again.
Yes, its difficult when touring, you have to choose your Hotel wisely, Country Air BNB's etc is the way to go and stay out of towns and cities especially at night
Rich like you, I layer my bike up with an oxford alarm disc lock, a lite lock chain, it's alarmed, and an Oxford alarm D lock. Additionally, I have fitted a monimoto 9 tracker. Not so much to track the bike but more as an alarm to my phone. If the fob is more than 20 meters from the bike and the bike moves just 1 meter, it rings me phone with a super load alarm call immediately. It does my wife's head in because if I leave my phone in the house and the fob but move my bike out of the garage to clean or prep to go out my phone makes the most annoying alarm call I can have on it. I agree, though, if my bike got stolen, I would not want it back. Keep up all the great and varied videos coming your both brill. Love you bye😂😂😂
In Europe the are organised groups stealing motorcycles and "exporting" them. There have been a spate of thefts in France over the summer which have the same "MO". It seems that in the larger towns and cities (usually) a van will _follow_ foreign registered motorcycles. As soon as the rider parks up and wanders off, the van will pull up next the the bike, 3 or 4 blokes will jump out and throw the bike in the back and drive off. It takes about 30-45 seconds. The take-away from this is, if parking in the open, do so in a well lit, high traffic area, and always chain your bike to an immovable object, preferably so the chain doesn't touch the ground, *_as soon as you get off the bike._* Do it before you take off your helmet. Also, watch out for vans (and scooters) which seem to be taking the same route as you. Note: Disc locks and alarms are unlikely to stop this type of theft. Alarms are easily muffled by blankets especially inside a van. The other thing to do is carry a heat-proof cover, it takes up about a quarter of the Topbox (and can be used as padding), and cover the bike before leaving it. _What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't grieve over._ In France, my insurer *requires* that I send a photo of the chain/disc lock/lock along with a copy of the receipt and the SRA approval (sort of like Sold Secure). If the bike is stolen, without that lock fitted, the claim is reduced by 50%.
Really? I live in France and I am going to check my insurance because my insurer April Moto, never asked for any of that , and I haven’t read anything about a reduction for not using a locks and chains in a car park for example. Perhaps I am too trusting . Living near a small town in central France, very little if anything , gets stolen. I will re-read my policy. And ask my French friends who I ride with. In my region, parking in a busy area, ( there is a bike bay, right in front of McDonald’s) with a disk alarm lock is sufficient. But I might invest in a chain. Carrying a heavy chain is a pain in the ass. I have done this before. If I was in Paris, or Lyon , I wouldn’t leave my bike without someone watching it. Where are you?
@@johnycat7373it'll probably depend on who you are insured with and where you live. I live just outside of Paris and AXA, my current insurer, asked for this info for both of my motos
@@johnycat7373 It probably depends on your insurer and where you live. I live in the suburbs of Paris and use AXA. They required proof for both my motos.
I mainly ride alone so I dont have any options to chain the bikes together. I always use a disc alarm lock for the sound, a LiteLok X1 to make them work for it and the steering lock. If I can anchor it I will with a chain and lock but being a sportbike I can only get a 10mm chain under the seat so that wont last long. But like you all say more layers makes it less appealing. I also have a tracker fitted with alerts of movement and call center to handle it it does get moved. Still not happy if I was to take my bike to a hotel. I think I would only do this is they had fixed posts I could chain it too. It not just losing the bike its what the hell do you do when you are on a trip and your only way home goes missing. At home make sure you have a ground anchor fitted, a big heavy chain. put all locks on it as well. Put up a camera. If you can lock it in a garage or shed as well, great.
I've had bikes for 54 years, and the only time I ever had one stolen was when I was 16 and left a moped (which didn't even have an ignition switch) unlocked on the road outside my house overnight. It was found the next day, half a mile away in a back alley, undamaged. Since then, I've been a lot more careful, and now, at home, mine are out of sight in the back garden, in a locked, alarmed steel garage, chained to ground anchors. Away from home, I always use my hardened chains to lock them, preferably to something fixed. That way they will need to use an angle grinder to get them. The other factor is that my bikes are not that attractive to thieves, because they are both over 40 years old, not particularly valuable, and not the sort of thing that are easily sold to the bloke down the pub.
I was given a good tip regarding a heavy chain, try and keep it so it can't be put on the ground so it can be easily cut with an angle grinder, if it's in the air it's harder to get a purchase with the blade
I know it is not for everyone, but I happily ride my daily which is £300 old cbr600f4i with paint on tank fleaking off due to 6 digit mileage and all I have is a small chain to prevent some drunken to simply roll it off for fun. Otherwise if it's gone by the morning, it's gone. Not losing sleep over it.
I think there’s something really cool about a old scruffy bike with loads of miles and battle scars… the memories and stories that bike holds is worth more than any new machine 👍
I’m not a fan of trackers, even if it works who is actually going to track the bike down? Even if you get it back the bike is wrecked anyway. I’d rather not see it again
I use the same Oxford disk alarm as you both use , plus always carry decent lock & chain to secure bike to something or mates bike even if only nipping to local supermarket for 5 mins . At home I lock all my bikes to ground & wall anchors & each other in garage with several heavy duty chains & locks plus disc alarm disk locks & covers . I always use the steering lock , even though they are crap ,as I think your insurance is void ,if you don’t use the bikes steering lock even if you used 20 locks & chains . I agree with you , I wouldn’t want my bike back if stolen ,as it’s likely to have been ragged through the gears, wheelied & abused . At the end of the day if they really want your bike they will get it if they are professional bike thieves . The opportunists & local scallies are more likely to choose a bike that’s not chained or the least secure . 👍
I've reached the point where the worry of having my Bike stolen is beginning to spoil all the pleasure of having the Bike. If mine get's stolen, I don't think I would get another.
Great video guys. Some good advice/recommendations. Have shared it with fellow biker friends. As much as I love my bike, I wouldn't want it back if stolen, as I would always be worried that they had caused some, initially, unseen damage.
Really pleased to see your subs going up you really deserve it after all the effort you both put in , you need to try the burger at Bridge it’s spanking. Great advice as always and come on how about some of Ewa’s cooking lessons. Thanks guys
Helpful video for those who had not given much thought to theft. I have a super heavy duty chain and lock. If possible, I chain it to a stationary object when I'm out. In my garage which is reasonably secure, I loop the chain through the crash bar and the front wheel. I also cover it in my garage to make it less visible if someone decides to look in the window. Btw, house and garage has a security system.
One security device not mentioned, although there are videos out there, is a trip wire triggered shotgun cartridge. Can be used at home or while camping, although I don't know the legalities. Blanks, obviously, but the noise will warn you and scare the shit out of the tea leaves. Keeps bears away into the bargain!
With the two disc locks on one disc - put the either side, but close to, the brake caliper. That means less room to get a cutting device in and also means there is less scope to roll the bike forward/backward to create more room for attacks on security devices.
All the best, you two. May your bikes never be snagged. I always lock the steering and use a disc alarm quite often. So far, I have not used a chain to secure it to an object.
Good vid - Just to advise you though steering locks are useless. The amount of force you get from a kick on the handle bars will easily snap a steering lock. Many moons ago I nearly lost my bike - saved by an abus u lock through the wheel and forks. The steering lock had been busted along with the key barrel. I had to call recovery and they told me that it wasn't worth using the steering lock as they are easily overcome and very expensive to fix. Good locks and alarms and tracker the way to go. Cheers.
Rich & Ewa. Great video as ever! Funnily enough I too watched the video you referred to where the guy had his bike stolen on the 1st day of his tour. I was truly gutted for both him and his son. It really made me think hard about security for a trip to Scotland I made a few weeks later! I always use an alarmed disc lock and the steering lock (although I appreciate the latter is largely useless). For the Scotland trip I spent days agonising over my choice of hotels to make sure they had “secure parking” and discounted all Travel Lodges, Premier Inns or other similar places as they’re usual located on main roads or near McDonalds, KFC’s, and Pizza Hits which are likely to attract characters as unsavoury as the local food outlets! It often meant my hotels were off the beaten track and more expensive than I would have liked…..BUT….this meant my holiday experience was greatly enhanced having had a great night knowing (as far as possible) I’d had a great room, great breakfast and having a bike to ride in the morning! Priceless…!! PS……If my bike ever does go for a walk I’d really not want it back after some sticky fingered f*ckwit had touched it!
I have a datatool tracker on my bike, just have to move the bike slightly without the key handy and they call me. Bit of a pain moving the bike around the garage when I don't have the key on me. The bike is also factory alarmed but tends to run down the battery if left for a while. But ! It is a deterrent. Otherwise a siren disc lock with a bike cover , but is only a distraction if thieves want your bike.
I'm very cautious about keeping my bike out of sight if it's on the drive, out of the garage, I try to minimise the time. Recently did a good wash, dry and xcp treatment which was a couple of hours. I was uneasy that it was bin day and that 4 or 5 random geezers would be able to spot a nice bike outside the garage. I'm too easy going when parking for 20 minutes in Tesco carpark, my area is not particularly hot for bike thieves (south Lincolnshire.) I must add an alarmed disc lock to my current Leat disc lock that had no functioning alarm after 6 months use in a dry garage.
We can honestly recommend the Oxford Boss alarm, you can find tests and reviews online. Always assume bike thief's are everywhere, Always Lock your bike. You will have peace of mind
I bought a pop up gazebo for bike washing and DIY fettling on the drive. It keeps the bike out of sight and I can work in the dry too. Quick and easy to set up and put away. Easily worth the 150 it cost.
I use 'pacsafe' wire protection over the camping gear and one larger bag over the topbox and tent on rear seat. Large motorcycle chains through rear wheel, up over the seat. When camping I thread these chains through the leg or arm of my motorcycle gear - IF they steal my bike the loss of coat and leggings are the least of my problems, at least I will not need to carry them home! Like you I also have a bike cover but will never use a front disk lock (YEP _ Torquay seafront - left the lock in place and dropped my Kawasaki ZRX1200 - gave the lock away!) Crash helmet also chained through under the bike cover.
I keep my bike out in the street, chained to a lamp post with a 2 metre Oxford Beast chain secured with a Litelock through the rear wheel. I also use a cover secured with another D lock through the front wheel and the steering lock is on. One of my neighbours reported to me that he saw four guys turn up on petrol scooters, at 2am in the morning, who tried to steal it. Two of the guys blocked the road off while the other two ripped the cover off and discovered the litelock then gave up. I've never had a problem since, but I'm wary that they might be lurking around the local area and see me coming home late at night!
As well as the locks etc, i also back my car up to the garage door over night as another obstacle . My bikes weigh over 300+ kg each so that would probably be another security factor. Thanks for your useful ideas.
I dont put steering lock on as its very easy to break in 1 sec and i was told that insurance company write off the bike after thats been broken. Have 2 disc locks ans a chain and tracker.
I have a BMW R1250 RS. I have two Litelok x3. Normally take one on my trips. I have a tracker and a BMW factory fitted alarm. Hopefully is pretty secure. not sure what to do if some one wants to lift into a van. When stored, I have both two Liteloks x 3 and two chains as well as alarms and trackers
@@ontheroadadventure problem is. It means having to carry a heavy chain. The Litelok x 3 is heavy enough. And when you have a pillion and 3 heavy boxes. Plus the weight of the RS, I am no Schwarzenegger. And it’s heavy enough.
Just found your channel and very much like your approach and content. Having just bought an expensive BMW K1600GT earlier this year, I could not drive it out of the shop until I had an approved tracker fitted. Obviously I did this and also use the onboard alarm and an Oxford Boss Alarm when out and about. Like you say you must make it as hard as possible for the scum bags to take your bike. Personally I never leave my bike anywhere if I can help it, but if I do I have the alarm on and the Oxford fitted. Look forward to looking at more of your content. Cheers guys.
@@ontheroadadventure Man how I would love to. Anything to get away from the English winter. I usually go to Australia around now and stay with my brother and do some tours with him, but sadly not this year. I will look forward to following your journey in Thailand and you never know I might convince him to join me there!
As you say, if they want it badly enough the feckers will have it away. Always put steering lock on and a disc lock which has a built in siren and hope this is enough to deter a bike thief. When at home bike is garaged. Normal key lock on door plus a padlock. Probably be able to beat both locks in minutes i suppose but hopefully a deterent. I also have a baby monitor inside the garage with the receiver in my bedroom.
At home I put my gsa front and rear paddock stands and lock the wheels to the paddock stands also 2 alarm disc licks front and rear. If they want it they will take it. I’ve spot of blue keys. 😂 keep up the good work. ❤
Great informative video. We have 4 bikes in the family. All stored in one garage. All are chained together through ground anchors. The up and over door has a additional ground anchor securing the door from being forced. On tours I carry both disk locks and chains.. If with friends chain them together.. I personally don't use steering lock.. For the reasons you outlined. Trackers. I went on a security bike event organised by the police.. Trackers can be useful, but there is no guarantee the police would attend.. It would be deemed as low priority.. So I have never bothered tbh. Bike parking at hotels including Travel Lodge etc. Obviously secure car parks are better.. But tbf I have always found staff helpful.. Solutions always been found. For example at Travel Lodge Dover they let us chain our bikes to the cycle stand, and the overnight staff kept a eye on the area through CCTV.
@@ontheroadadventure There simply aren't enough of them. I daren't even tell you how many were on shift on a Saturday night in our county or how many of those were trainees with competencies not fully ticked off. It's a mess. Remember they lost 20k officers under the tories and although that slowly crept back up those officers also had things like blue light training and were often mentors to new recruits. There are not enough experienced officers to mentor newbies (hence being solo without all competencies checked off) and there are sometimes barley any officers on shift that can use blue lights, let alone pursuit trained. We'll be paying for this mess for a while yet. Cuts like that always end up costing us more.
I use a tracker monimoto 7 really good. Just over £100 to buy only £36 annual subscription works brilliantly you only have to move the bike off the side stand and it alerts you with a phone call rather than a notification that you might ignore initially but a phone call you always answer. Battery powered so very hard to find no wires so thieves can trace to disconnect from main power.
The thing about the tracker is who is tracking it? do you go after it yourself? Or do you trust the police to go after it? Do you want your bike back once its been stolen anyway? Im on the fence on the trackers
Some great info given, personally I do my best not to leave it, when away I Google map hotels to see what parking looks like, and try to use secure underground or gated parking when possible. On a completely separate note…great to see Bridge motorcycles still hanging in there…have been living in SW Ireland for last 25 years after Devon got too busy for us😅..but bought several bikes in there, and the only coffee was a machine tucked away in the corner!
I’ve heard that they have wooden trays with casters, put them under each wheel and push away if the bike is not anchored. I used to have a very expensive Italian bike which gave me concerns, but now run 2 bikes worth about 5k each, not such a big worry or target. I use a tracker and an air tag on each bike, they find one, but don’t realise it’s got a back up. Brilliant idea about chaining bikes together in the garage.
The problem with chain locks and disk locks is that they can still steal your bike, and all your going to find is your wheel still chained up and the rest of the bike missing.
A motorcycle wheel is far more difficult and time consuming to remove than on a bicycle, you would also have to bring the appropriate tools with you to perform the task, as wheel removal is specific to each bike. I have been on motorcycles for 35 years and been a cop for 22 years and never saw or heard of thieves doing this with a motorcycle........ however with a bicycle, we see it all the time!
If you only have one lock, always put it on the rear wheel. If they can't get it off then they have to pick up the back of the bike and carry it out to a van and up a ramp. If the steering lock is on then the front wheel will try and steer round in a circle, even if they break the steering lock the front will flop from side to side making it hard to move and very difficult to drag it up a ramp into the van. Keep up the good video's.
Never knew about the bike being cat N if recovered so quick! Not worth putting the tracker the bike at all unless it has some personal value like you said.
Its a difficult one, Although its great to know where your bike is at all times, there have been plenty of cases when bikes are reported stolen and locations of trackers provided but the Police do not arrive to recover the bike.... So do you go to do it yourself? How does this end?
If they recover the bike then it goes to the impound yard and you will have to pay them for the recovery and storage, so as long as you know we're the machine is, they tend to let you collect it yourself, @@ontheroadadventure
On the subject of trackers, I think they're good option if action is taken to retrieve the bike within the first few hours. There's a chance no damage is done yet and its been hidden it somewhere to cool off. Great advice all the same 👍
@ontheroadadventure i agree the police won't help. There used to be a group in the uk called Biker Biker, who were volunteers that would help recover bikes for the owners. I'm in Ireland and our local motorcycle group on facebook has helped people by going out searching the known bad areas with them, it's risky I know, but some people will be willing to take that risk when they are left with no other options
Really interesting video and makes a lot of sense. I agree with the tracker opinion... I wouldn't want it back either. Interesting point I have heard regarding steering locks however..... there is a thought that if you don't use your steering lock and your bike is stolen then my concern is the insurance company could argue that you haven't used the manufacturer's security system ( steering lock) and then suggest they won't pay. Not sure if it's true but it's not a risk I want to take.... so it's steering lock every time for me.
I have a bike cover, an alarmed disc lock on the front, a fitted alarm to the bike itself and I always put another disclock on the back wheel which is a right faff to get to but it stops anyone lifting the front. I did see someone taking an interest in my bike once but by the time I got down to the car park he was legging it up the road. I now avoid big hotels and use carefully selected private accommodation.
If you are staying in a hotel out of sight of the bike but not too far away, buy a drive alarm. Fix the sensor to the bike (blutac will do - pointing at something passers-by won't trigger), plug in the sounder in your room (usually 240v supply) and because some have a range of up to 1/2 mile, you stand a decent chance of being alerted when someone is tampering with your bike. What you then do is up to you. The thief won't hear the alarm but when you appear......! These alarms are cheap from the usual outlets. The sensor is usually black and can be quite inconspicuous. I always do this when staying away from home in addition to the disc alarms & chains like you see in the video.
@@rustyblade5845 I have one sensor on the drive and one sensor inside my garage - so if someone comes up the drive I know (security lights then come on) and if they get past the 3 locks on the door (after they've moved my car which blocks the door) if the sensor placed on the inside goes off I really know I've got a problem but they still have to cut their way through 2 chains and 2 ground anchors.
Hi Rich, you know my bikes. The big tourer has an BikeTrac tracker. It’s brilliant even got a call when a thunderstorm in France “moved” the bike the call confirmed that the bike was in the locked car park at the rear of the hotel so no problem. Additionally always the Boss alarm disc lock and the steering lock activated. The little one Boss disc lock and steering lock but it’s always parked next to the expresso stop and I sit outside so I can see it!!😂( rain or shine!). I’m just about to install CCTV with floodlights and a siren in front of my garages for peace of mind. However only last week my friend had his electric bike stolen from his house garage on the main road locally when he was working in his front garden and nipped in the house for a quick pee. He’s got the full video of the thief in broad daylight , great quality and the police aren’t interested other than to just give him a crime report. Only today I was up at Bridge looking at ground anchors and chains to beef up my internal security in the garages!!
You can never have enough Security! Sorry to hear about your friends Electric bike, I had one and realised it could not be left anywhere without attracting unwanted attention, i Sold it as i was afraid to leave it anywhere even chained up whilst i went inside a shop etc.
Just want to comment about the “if you don’t use your lock you’re not insured”. This is a generalisation and cannot be assumed true. Every case is different but usually because risk profile changed the payout is usually reduced. Of course they try to deny a payout in the first instance but that’s not a foregone conclusion. If this happens to you, get a solicitor and pursue it.
@@ontheroadadventure Yes it is, but they cannot wriggle out of everything, I know of bikers that have sued insurance companies and won when they tried to play this game.
Great video you pair. I hear the rear lock round the chain and sprocket and spokes is awkward too I've got a cheap screamer but will be getting a Boss soon. My heavy duty chain is anchored and another chain for securing the front wheel to engine bars. Another 3 locks. A vehicle always in front of a closed garage. You could always chain massive ladders to the bike(s) too! A camping tip I once read, use a camouflaged line from the bike to the tent so if it moves, your tent gets moved too! My tracker may never get 'renewed' on the next insurance if that's what can happen if it's recovered after theft. That's disgusting behaviour. Insurance is supposed to help you at the worst time yet that's hindering us. Terrible. I wouldn't want a new bike back after that happening. Keep em coming you pair.
Interesting about the Cat N thing. I upped my security with one of these new angle grinder resistant locks after an attempt. Carrying a big chain around to lock it to something is a problem though.
I’m lucky for most of the time might have said this before. I live in one of the least populated areas of the country and I’m in a rural area. Bike thefts are very rare in fact I’ve not known one here ever but there might have been. There are no cities and only one big town although by southern standards it’s not big and it’s 15 miles away. The motorway is 50 miles away. Away from home I have a LITELOK X3 on the front and an X1 on the rear. We’re old now and camping is out so when we book accommodation I always check what the parking is like it has to be right before anything else. I tour on an RT now so alarmed locked either end and fixed to something with a chain or LITELOK cable lock thing if possible. Like you I don’t want my bike stolen in the first place and don’t want it back if it is. I watched a RUclipsr last week had his bike stolen in Manchester they used a petrol concrete/stone cutter to get rid of the locks. He tracked it and went with the police to get it but the area was so dangerous armed police went. He said he only had third party insurance no fire & theft and the damage from the theft mainly breaking the steering lock came to over a thousand pounds.
20 years ago I stayed at a French motel La Saucisse volante. I thought they were being over the top when they said to park the bike at the back door to the kitchens where there would be staff all night. Now closed but they treated us like royalty on le Arley.
If I am know I am going to leave it during the day for any length of time where I can’t keep an eye on it, I have a disk lock on the front and I have a litelok x1 on the back and a tracker. If I leave it overnight on holiday then I also put a cover on it as well.
(10:40) i take it you're not allowed to conceal carry, in the UK? (in our group of 4), we always park to the bikes in the center, and pitch our tents, around the outside, this way, we don't shoot each other during the night. at least two people have copies, of one lock at all times.
My friend had his Forza 750 written off when the steering lock was snapped, he had 60 miles on it from new. They couldn't take the bike as it had a disc lock but it was a write-off, I don't use a steering lock. I use five locks one is alarmed one is a hiplock d1000.
Very helpful vid thanks ,especially what you guys said about the category N and the value your bike loses even if recovered without any damage,been riding since 1974, and im embarrassed to say i didn't know this. Ive got a tracker on my super tenere and you have made me rethink it, would i want it back after some theif has treated it like crap, no i wouldn't, the guy you mentioned that had his GS stolen two wheeled dreamer said exactly the same thing,he didn't want it back,he just wouldn't feel the same about the bike, i certainly wouldn't feel the same about mine
Lifting bike is quickest escape rather than cutting disc locks (snugly fit). For the same reason I put front and rear wheel disc locks. I am not sure if this helps but I do it anyway. I don't know what viewers say.
Absolutely I had my motorcycle stolen from my garage in 2009 and it destroyed me I was so angry and I said never again!! I buy the very best locks and alarms 🚨
Thanks, this is definitely one important subject especially for those planning long trips. In my recent trip to Greece visiting also all Balkans, I slept only through airbnb in private homes. They all have secured garden or garage which allowed me to sleep relaxed where I never paid more than 25€ per night. With regard to tracker, I think its a bit dangerous. First many police are not allowed to raid a place without warrant which would take time to acquire. Then you might think of doing police work yourself which might not end well especially many of those thief’s are part of rime organisation.
I have just come back from a big European tour !, Just before I went I purchased the Litelok X3 !, Found it to be very convenient!, Stores away great in its Neoprene pouch!, And on the Gs it goes through the centre of the front wheel hub making it difficult to angle grind off!, the thief has always got the option of picking it up and putting it in a van !, But as you say!, If they want it!, They will take it!, It is common practice in London for Range Rovers to be stolen!, So what chance does a bike have??, Great vid as usual!.🏴
Both my bikes have covers, an oxford disc lock on the front and an oxford chain/lock through the back wheel. I've just bought a Hiplock dx1000, a £300 lock that is one of the hardest on the market to cut through, but if they really want the bike they'll take it. Unfortunately the idea is to make them take the easier to steal bike next to yours... I think I'll order one of those alarmed disc locks too so for an extra level of security. I wouldn't have a tracker for the very reasons you mention, although i'd be really upset at the theft, I wouldn't want the bike back.
Disc lock, its worth putting it below the brake calliper, so if you do move off with it still on, you stop before the lock has had a chance to build up speed and smack into the calliper, hopefully no damage. A also ditto below, take a photo, but also in the shed with all the locks and chains, before you leave it.
Me again guys. As for tea leaves . Your advice is good but putting a lock in the front wheel not so good they can lift the front up .put a lock through the rear sprocket nice and dirty and awkward and you can't push a bike so easy on the front. So there you go 😊 all the other locks are still good..
I carry an Oxford boss lock I use when out and about because it included a heavy chain that I use with my ground anchor at home. I also carry another type of Oxford chain when travelling. I think location has a lot to play into it as well. The shopping centre I use in Glasgow has motorcycle parking you can chain up to. when I was touring in Spain I did a mix of camping and hotels with the most secure I felt for the bike was when I booked into a motel that had individual garages attached to your room.
It was 2 wheel dreamer who had it nicked in Reims, yes it was the first day of a trip with his son. My bike is never left without my alarm disc lock on, even if I'm parking it up in Matlock. I think the biggest theft deterrent is having a VFR1200 😆 we have parked our bikes quite a distance from where we stayed in Europe with no issues. There was a record done at the Triumph headquarters for most women riders and loads got stolen the night before from hotels in the area 😮
I broke my foot in April because I forgot my yellow string for my Oxford brake disk lock. Tired at the end of the day I pulled away and the bike stopped and fell sideways onto my foot. Snapped the break calliper mount to. Riding home with broken foot was tough. I have a rule now that with no string I no longer lock my bike. It’s old now so I don’t think many would want to will steal it. If I had a new bike I would carry several strings just in case I lost one !
Sorry to hear that mate, if it makes you feel any better i promise you we have all done it at least once!
Месяц назад+1
I own 3 cat N bikes all bought direct from the insurance companies, I prefer them, they are cheaper to buy and usually easy fixes. My Mt09 for example was a stolen recovered bike and it was immaculate apart from 3 ignition wires were cut, 10 minutes with a soldering iron and it was fixed.
This is my perpetual paranoia when I'm travelling on my bike. I do my best to get hotels or Airbnbs where I can park my bike in a garage. I fit a disk lock, bike cover and have a tracker fitted. The best bit of kit I bought.. a cheap Amazon remote alarm that if anyone touches the bike it let's out a loud obnoxious chirp then alarms if the bike is touched again within a few seconds.
They have devices to block the tracker signal now, all you can do it make it as much hassle as possible, if they want it they will take it no matter what. When I’m camping if the site won’t let me park next to my tent then I find a site that will.
I think we would move onto a new site too if we didn’t feel comfortable leaving the bike, we wouldn’t leave them on the road or at a public car park for example
Spot on, basically, you're trying to make your bike less attractive than the one it's parked next to. I've just purchased a litelock x1 as according to reviews, it takes longer than average to cut off, and it goes over the rim. Oh, and I've done the ride off with the disc lock on very embarrassing.
We put chain inside loop disc lock and join both bikes. Or chain wheels together. Disc locks front and back. Outside hotel take a photo of the chains and locks on for insurance, proof you did it
My question is, why can I go on holiday to Greece hire a motorcycle fir a couple of days leave it anywhere unlocked with the keys in the ignition and it won't be touched, we're talking UK here where criminals run the country so what needs correcting to stop theft.
It does feel like this is a epidemic in the uk and the government have no Answers to it.... The uk really needs to begin to turn things around and up our game, we should be better than this as a whole
Find parking. Min two alarmed disc locks. One front and one rear. Tracker. Steering lock on as insurance will not pay out. MOST IMPORTANT Photograph all locks and where you are so you have evidence for your claim. Ultimately if they want it a team will lift it into van, just do your best.
Just got my 1st bike. Had a ground anchor sunk, put Oxford chain around to back wheel. Another Oxford chain around front wheel. Alarmed disc locks on front and back. Steering lock on ,plus brake lever lock. Placed the bike at side of my house, infront of sunroom windows, under an Oxford weather cover. In view of CCTV cameras. 14 days it was there before someone had a try for it!!!!!!!! Thankfully they only got through the front chain (was a 12mm). Could see they had tried to go through the ground anchor. Then had a go at the back chain. As a new biker I was unaware a stolen recovered was a Cat N.
@@ontheroadadventure what really rocked me , we provided police with a very clear image from the CCTV of 1 of the lads trying to take it. He is known to them... so far they have done nothing.. 3 weeks since it happened
one point about steering locks, most insurance requires them to be locked. So if you bike is stolen and later found all messed up and the steering lock is not broken, you get nothing. Be aware.
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When my bike was stolen the insrance company wanted the photos of my garage. I told them you can see it on the google maps. I was a little bit upset because it was their 100's question after sending them all keys, receipts for locks and so on. Finally they told me why they want the photos of my garage - they wanted to check if it was built with bricks or wood , which irritated me even further because my bike was not stolen from the garage.
They will look for any out they can find…
Tracker, disk lock, chain lock when needed and cover always when travelling. Get laughed at sometimes but for Dutch insurance its compulsary. I hate the idea of someone stealing my bike.
The more difficult we all make it for a-holes to steal our bikes, the less it will happen
I had a similar experience in Netherlands when some cyclist saw me putting the chains on… they couldn’t believe I thought it needed!
It is not right to blame owners for thefts when it is clearly the criminals. The police usually know who these criminals are but are unable to gather enough evidence to secure a conviction. This could be a case of "must try harder". When a conviction is secured, the courts are too lenient with the sentence.
Yes much tougher consequences are what’s needed and far more effort from the police for prosecution
Thieves are not punished .
Not at all. Its so out of hand in the uk its beyond a joke
True, but they're not caught in the first place. A big deterrent for any crime is the chance of getting arrested. They don't bother to investigate properly, crime number, and they see it as Job done.
@@barrydaly7174 the plod are too busy looking for people saying mean things online
MCN Oct 9 Letters.....'Call that justice? letter raises a poignant point.
We're living in a Brave New World whereby if you were to - Heaven forbid - injure the thief in the execution of his duties you would be punished. Property crime? Insurance issue. Property protection? Please no swear words lest you're charged with a terroristic threat.
Great advice. I agree, if my bike is stolen I hope it’s either written off or never found. I definitely don’t want it back, I wouldn’t trust it.
We have heard the insurance company wont start a claim for 4 weeks because they are hoping it will be found and returned to you so they dont have to pay out... Once again, you lose
I had a bike stolen a few years back and I didn't want it back after joyriders had no doubt thrashed it. I would be afraid the big end would go or the engine seize up. In the event it was found but written off and the insurance paid out.
@@ontheroadadventure Insurance companies need holding to account.
They are ramping up prices drastically in the UK (they don't seem to get away with that elsewhere) and yet also trying harder and harder to get out of paying.
It's a monopoly as we must, by law, have insurance and is becoming a cartel as some underwrietsr pull out or swollow up smaller businesses.
There is a regulator but we saw most regulators lose power, staff and budgets over the last 15 years and industries know this.
It's really time the government acted. They say they are going to as they have even admitted vehicle insurance is now harming the UK economy - can I suggest your viewers write to their MP and voice concerns? When that happens, especially in big numbers, they do listen and they also get evidence they need.
I always travel alone, after I parked my bike I take a picture of my bike with the locks so I have something to show the insurance if needed. I hope I never have too. Thanks for the video ✌️
Thats a good one, to prove to Insurance you had the locks fitted when left alone
Sad that has become your standard practice, but I understand 💯
Hi, great tips thank you One thing I do is to put the bike on the centre stand and run the chain or python lock through the stand and front wheel as tight as you can.This will stop anyone rolling the bike forward as the centre stand won’t move. Also locks the front wheel at an angle. I then add the disc lock front and rear. And finally locked to a fence, lamp post or other bike. Very easy to do and you only need one quality chain. And cheaper locks. . That’s my car park or over night at a camp site method.
The problem with the centre stand chain is that it pulls your chain tight and close to the ground making it easy to cut through. The other downside is its likely the Thief will try to pull the bike off the stand, Drop the bike and leave you with the bill... Its so difficult because we end up in a lose lose situation no matter what we do
Multiple locks guys. The chancers will pick an alternative target. If possible chain the lock to an immovable object. Great informative video well presented. 👏👍
Big locks work. My bike lives on the drive under a cover, a couple of months ago I came out in the morning and the cover had been partly lifted off and the chain had been moved. 1st thing I did was buy another insurance approved lock and a disc lock. It's still under the cover but has 3 hefty locks on it.
As many locks as possible. If a thief can see it will take them 20 minutes to cut all your locks off then they will hopefully move on and find something easier. Overnight mine is chained by the front wheel to metal railings with two heavy chains and padlocks plus a cable lock and a disc lock on the back wheel. When out and about I carry the cable lock and disc lock, with the cable lock through one wheel and an immovable object like a post and the disc lock on the other wheel. Plus I park in a public place where thieves cannot work on my locks without being observed.
Do bike thieves steal bikes from the Hells Angels? probably not.
@@colinbatchford8007 only once
Thoughtful video. I’ve heard on social media that thieves are now overcoming disk/steering locks very quickly using an old sheet or similar. They thread it through the wheel, use it to lift the bike, then wheel into the back of a van. Quicker than a cutting disk. Locks on both wheels and anchored (if possible) more of a deterrent.
Yes this is why its so important to anchor the bike to something. trying to lift a bike attached to another heavy thing is very difficult without allot of man power
Factory steering locks are basically useless and cause more damage than they are worth
You two covered it pretty well. At home in the garage i don’t use anything and when I’m out riding I park where I can see it and lock the forks. Crime is not as bad as where you live because criminals face very serious consequences.
Where do you live that you feel you don’t need security at home in the garage? In the uk it’s essential
@ Texas
Its very different here, Motorcycle theft is a massive Problem
Another good episode. I no longer tell air bnb I'm on a bike as these are strangers. The guy who lost his gs, it's almost like they were expecting him.
I think he would have been seen and heard pulling into the busy residential area and car park and immediately loads of people knew he was there and would have been watching them when they left the bike unattended with no locks. This is why we check Google maps and see if the parking is ok
Those were my thoughts exactly
I haven’t had an issue since I started riding in the 1960’s. I’m in rural USA and park in a garage. I travel all over and leave my helmet hanging on my bike with the panniers unlocked. I generally camp but if I’m staying at a motel I’ll park close to my room and lock everything. I have a disk-lock and should probably start taking it with me. Thanks for the video.
Much better safe than sorry
The frustrating thing around where I am is that none of the dedicated motorcycle parking bays have anything to anchor a lock to
Try to use lamp posts or anything else you can find
@@ontheroadadventure The problem with that is people complain about the bike getting in their way and having to take a few steps to go round them.
I only use a steering lock when over night, but not anymore thanks to you guys, I’m going to up my game 👌🏽
I really would bud, it can be Pushed away in seconds
Good video both and food for thought. My boy had his GS stolen last year - steering lock snapped. The thieves dropped it and ran when a police car came round the corner. Caused a fair amount of damage which was repaired by the insurance company - but only just, it was almost written off. As he'd had it from new it would have been really upsetting. One thought though is that I find it really difficult to find dedicated bike bays in supermarket car parks, and certainly with anchor points. Even in town centres they are rare.
Yeah it would be good to see more ground anchors at supermarkets and hotels etc
Hi Guys what you are saying is all good advice. A police told me just to make things difficult as possible to steal, makes sense.
Always went for Oxford locks! Affordable and reliable
We have to agree, the Oxford Beast is.... Well a Beast!!
Totally disagree- had brand new Africa Twin taken from outside work - locked to solid railings with a so called durable Oxford chain - CCTV showed them cut through it with an angle grinder in less than a minute - nice of them to leave it as a souvenir though never using Oxford again!
Yep, it can suck the joy out of motorcycling. I use my bike to visit wildlife reserves, I leave the bike (locked and alarmed), helmets, jackets/trousers and head off sometimes for many hours. I'm always happy when I see the bike still there on my return! BTW my car has been broken into twice at reserves but so far the bike has been left alone.
I've had thefts from my bike or attempted bike thefts but so far every time it's been in urban areas. (B'ham, Lisbon, Long Eaton) and it's been going on for years. First theft was in the late 70's... it seems nothing new to me, just social media that makes it seem everywhere (I believe).
Its a constant worry, we hate leaving our bikes to sight see when touring but you have to take the risk sometimes
@@ontheroadadventure Yep, that was what we were doing in Lisbon when our panniers were broken into and our helmets and waterproofs were stolen. Since then I've had alarms fitted to my bikes as I was probably within earshot of where it happened.
That is soo annoying! Why do people do stuff like that?!
Great advise guys and a real problem. I have an alarmed garage at the bottom of the garden, but always have alarmed disc locks and the bikes chained to anchors on the floor. I still think that a determined thief will have a go, but the more you can delay the @@@@@@@@ the better. I still feel a bit nervous when touring though, even with the alarmed disc lock- and having seen a GS go missing recently in France on another channel, it’s made me rethink security again.
Yes, its difficult when touring, you have to choose your Hotel wisely, Country Air BNB's etc is the way to go and stay out of towns and cities especially at night
Good practical motorcycle security information 👍👍
Thanks Mark, we hope this helps someone out
Rich like you, I layer my bike up with an oxford alarm disc lock, a lite lock chain, it's alarmed, and an Oxford alarm D lock. Additionally, I have fitted a monimoto 9 tracker. Not so much to track the bike but more as an alarm to my phone. If the fob is more than 20 meters from the bike and the bike moves just 1 meter, it rings me phone with a super load alarm call immediately. It does my wife's head in because if I leave my phone in the house and the fob but move my bike out of the garage to clean or prep to go out my phone makes the most annoying alarm call I can have on it. I agree, though, if my bike got stolen, I would not want it back. Keep up all the great and varied videos coming your both brill. Love you bye😂😂😂
Yes i know this tracker, it is good and better than some other options available
In Europe the are organised groups stealing motorcycles and "exporting" them. There have been a spate of thefts in France over the summer which have the same "MO". It seems that in the larger towns and cities (usually) a van will _follow_ foreign registered motorcycles. As soon as the rider parks up and wanders off, the van will pull up next the the bike, 3 or 4 blokes will jump out and throw the bike in the back and drive off. It takes about 30-45 seconds.
The take-away from this is, if parking in the open, do so in a well lit, high traffic area, and always chain your bike to an immovable object, preferably so the chain doesn't touch the ground, *_as soon as you get off the bike._* Do it before you take off your helmet. Also, watch out for vans (and scooters) which seem to be taking the same route as you.
Note: Disc locks and alarms are unlikely to stop this type of theft. Alarms are easily muffled by blankets especially inside a van.
The other thing to do is carry a heat-proof cover, it takes up about a quarter of the Topbox (and can be used as padding), and cover the bike before leaving it. _What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't grieve over._
In France, my insurer *requires* that I send a photo of the chain/disc lock/lock along with a copy of the receipt and the SRA approval (sort of like Sold Secure). If the bike is stolen, without that lock fitted, the claim is reduced by 50%.
Really? I live in France and I am going to check my insurance because my insurer April Moto, never asked for any of that , and I haven’t read anything about a reduction for not using a locks and chains in a car park for example. Perhaps I am too trusting . Living near a small town in central France, very little if anything , gets stolen.
I will re-read my policy. And ask my French friends who I ride with. In my region, parking in a busy area, ( there is a bike bay, right in front of McDonald’s) with a disk alarm lock is sufficient. But I might invest in a chain. Carrying a heavy chain is a pain in the ass. I have done this before. If I was in Paris, or Lyon , I wouldn’t leave my bike without someone watching it. Where are you?
@@johnycat7373it'll probably depend on who you are insured with and where you live. I live just outside of Paris and AXA, my current insurer, asked for this info for both of my motos
@@johnycat7373 It probably depends on your insurer and where you live. I live in the suburbs of Paris and use AXA. They required proof for both my motos.
Dont give them opportunity...
Paris is as bad as london now i believe?
I mainly ride alone so I dont have any options to chain the bikes together. I always use a disc alarm lock for the sound, a LiteLok X1 to make them work for it and the steering lock. If I can anchor it I will with a chain and lock but being a sportbike I can only get a 10mm chain under the seat so that wont last long. But like you all say more layers makes it less appealing. I also have a tracker fitted with alerts of movement and call center to handle it it does get moved.
Still not happy if I was to take my bike to a hotel. I think I would only do this is they had fixed posts I could chain it too.
It not just losing the bike its what the hell do you do when you are on a trip and your only way home goes missing.
At home make sure you have a ground anchor fitted, a big heavy chain. put all locks on it as well. Put up a camera. If you can lock it in a garage or shed as well, great.
Hotels are the worse time, i can barely sleep for worrying about my bike. This is why we like camping
I've had bikes for 54 years, and the only time I ever had one stolen was when I was 16 and left a moped (which didn't even have an ignition switch) unlocked on the road outside my house overnight. It was found the next day, half a mile away in a back alley, undamaged.
Since then, I've been a lot more careful, and now, at home, mine are out of sight in the back garden, in a locked, alarmed steel garage, chained to ground anchors. Away from home, I always use my hardened chains to lock them, preferably to something fixed. That way they will need to use an angle grinder to get them.
The other factor is that my bikes are not that attractive to thieves, because they are both over 40 years old, not particularly valuable, and not the sort of thing that are easily sold to the bloke down the pub.
Good to hear your making it difficult for the scum bags
I was given a good tip regarding a heavy chain, try and keep it so it can't be put on the ground so it can be easily cut with an angle grinder, if it's in the air it's harder to get a purchase with the blade
Yes this is good advice for locks and padlocks too, If they are in the air they cant be smashed with hammers etc
I know it is not for everyone, but I happily ride my daily which is £300 old cbr600f4i with paint on tank fleaking off due to 6 digit mileage and all I have is a small chain to prevent some drunken to simply roll it off for fun. Otherwise if it's gone by the morning, it's gone. Not losing sleep over it.
I think there’s something really cool about a old scruffy bike with loads of miles and battle scars… the memories and stories that bike holds is worth more than any new machine 👍
Trackers are easy to jam with a cheap jammer.
The thieves fit a jammer in their panel van and the tracker's signal is jammed.
I’m not a fan of trackers, even if it works who is actually going to track the bike down? Even if you get it back the bike is wrecked anyway. I’d rather not see it again
I use the same Oxford disk alarm as you both use , plus always carry decent lock & chain to secure bike to something or mates bike even if only nipping to local supermarket for 5 mins . At home I lock all my bikes to ground & wall anchors & each other in garage with several heavy duty chains & locks plus disc alarm disk locks & covers . I always use the steering lock , even though they are crap ,as I think your insurance is void ,if you don’t use the bikes steering lock even if you used 20 locks & chains . I agree with you , I wouldn’t want my bike back if stolen ,as it’s likely to have been ragged through the gears, wheelied & abused . At the end of the day if they really want your bike they will get it if they are professional bike thieves . The opportunists & local scallies are more likely to choose a bike that’s not chained or the least secure . 👍
Just got to make yours more trouble than its worth to get hold of
In France, the insurance companies will not insure a bike unless you use security from a central list
Its almost irresponsible to buy a Expensive Motorcycle and not secure it. Its sad but true
I've reached the point where the worry of having my Bike stolen is beginning to spoil all the pleasure of having the Bike. If mine get's stolen, I don't think I would get another.
That is sad, but i do understand your feeling... We wont visit cities when touring because of this
@@ontheroadadventure Absolutely, the thought of theft has to be on your mind all the time. Great video you posted, well done!
Thank you
Important video. Thank you 👍
Your Welcome
Great video guys. Some good advice/recommendations.
Have shared it with fellow biker friends.
As much as I love my bike, I wouldn't want it back if stolen, as I would always be worried that they had caused some, initially, unseen damage.
Thanks, yes we feel the same. The bike is tainted after that and would want a new one
Really pleased to see your subs going up you really deserve it after all the effort you both put in , you need to try the burger at Bridge it’s spanking. Great advice as always and come on how about some of Ewa’s cooking lessons. Thanks guys
Thanks Ray, yeah the cafe is good at Bridge. More Camp cooking will come soon
I agree, great channel.
Helpful video for those who had not given much thought to theft. I have a super heavy duty chain and lock. If possible, I chain it to a stationary object when I'm out. In my garage which is reasonably secure, I loop the chain through the crash bar and the front wheel. I also cover it in my garage to make it less visible if someone decides to look in the window. Btw, house and garage has a security system.
Hopefully it makes people think a bit and secure there bikes, prevention is better than cure
Two bikes that were not,
now are,
chained together,
thanks ❤
No problem, Glad to help
One security device not mentioned, although there are videos out there, is a trip wire triggered shotgun cartridge. Can be used at home or while camping, although I don't know the legalities. Blanks, obviously, but the noise will warn you and scare the shit out of the tea leaves. Keeps bears away into the bargain!
Awesome 😂 I’m not sure we would be allowed to do this in the uk though!
They were legal a few years back. I still have one somewhere in the garage.
With the two disc locks on one disc - put the either side, but close to, the brake caliper. That means less room to get a cutting device in and also means there is less scope to roll the bike forward/backward to create more room for attacks on security devices.
Excellent advice there thanks bud will start doing that
All the best, you two. May your bikes never be snagged. I always lock the steering and use a disc alarm quite often. So far, I have not used a chain to secure it to an object.
The more locks you can use, the better, Theres no reason to take the gamble
Mines chained to 2 scrappers with 3 disk alarms in the garage
Good vid - Just to advise you though steering locks are useless. The amount of force you get from a kick on the handle bars will easily snap a steering lock. Many moons ago I nearly lost my bike - saved by an abus u lock through the wheel and forks. The steering lock had been busted along with the key barrel. I had to call recovery and they told me that it wasn't worth using the steering lock as they are easily overcome and very expensive to fix. Good locks and alarms and tracker the way to go. Cheers.
I’m not sure the insurance company will pay out if the steering lock was not fitted
Rich & Ewa. Great video as ever!
Funnily enough I too watched the video you referred to where the guy had his bike stolen on the 1st day of his tour. I was truly gutted for both him and his son. It really made me think hard about security for a trip to Scotland I made a few weeks later! I always use an alarmed disc lock and the steering lock (although I appreciate the latter is largely useless). For the Scotland trip I spent days agonising over my choice of hotels to make sure they had “secure parking” and discounted all Travel Lodges, Premier Inns or other similar places as they’re usual located on main roads or near McDonalds, KFC’s, and Pizza Hits which are likely to attract characters as unsavoury as the local food outlets!
It often meant my hotels were off the beaten track and more expensive than I would have liked…..BUT….this meant my holiday experience was greatly enhanced having had a great night knowing (as far as possible) I’d had a great room, great breakfast and having a bike to ride in the morning! Priceless…!!
PS……If my bike ever does go for a walk I’d really not want it back after some sticky fingered f*ckwit had touched it!
We think you made some wise choices, we never stay in a city or large town, always quiet villages if the bike has to stay outside
I have a datatool tracker on my bike, just have to move the bike slightly without the key handy and they call me.
Bit of a pain moving the bike around the garage when I don't have the key on me. The bike is also factory alarmed but tends to run down the battery if left for a while. But ! It is a deterrent.
Otherwise a siren disc lock with a bike cover , but is only a distraction if thieves want your bike.
You can never have enough security, the more layers you can add the better
I'm very cautious about keeping my bike out of sight if it's on the drive, out of the garage, I try to minimise the time. Recently did a good wash, dry and xcp treatment which was a couple of hours. I was uneasy that it was bin day and that 4 or 5 random geezers would be able to spot a nice bike outside the garage.
I'm too easy going when parking for 20 minutes in Tesco carpark, my area is not particularly hot for bike thieves (south Lincolnshire.)
I must add an alarmed disc lock to my current Leat disc lock that had no functioning alarm after 6 months use in a dry garage.
We can honestly recommend the Oxford Boss alarm, you can find tests and reviews online. Always assume bike thief's are everywhere, Always Lock your bike. You will have peace of mind
I bought a pop up gazebo for bike washing and DIY fettling on the drive. It keeps the bike out of sight and I can work in the dry too. Quick and easy to set up and put away. Easily worth the 150 it cost.
Good idea
I use 'pacsafe' wire protection over the camping gear and one larger bag over the topbox and tent on rear seat. Large motorcycle chains through rear wheel, up over the seat. When camping I thread these chains through the leg or arm of my motorcycle gear - IF they steal my bike the loss of coat and leggings are the least of my problems, at least I will not need to carry them home! Like you I also have a bike cover but will never use a front disk lock (YEP _ Torquay seafront - left the lock in place and dropped my Kawasaki ZRX1200 - gave the lock away!) Crash helmet also chained through under the bike cover.
Sorry to hear you made the Front disk lock mistake but your not alone... We have all done it
I keep my bike out in the street, chained to a lamp post with a 2 metre Oxford Beast chain secured with a Litelock through the rear wheel. I also use a cover secured with another D lock through the front wheel and the steering lock is on. One of my neighbours reported to me that he saw four guys turn up on petrol scooters, at 2am in the morning, who tried to steal it. Two of the guys blocked the road off while the other two ripped the cover off and discovered the litelock then gave up. I've never had a problem since, but I'm wary that they might be lurking around the local area and see me coming home late at night!
There’s an argument for having no cover so they can see the locks right away and they won’t want to know..
As well as the locks etc, i also back my car up to the garage door over night as another obstacle . My bikes weigh over 300+ kg each so that would probably be another security factor. Thanks for your useful ideas.
Thanks, that’s another good tip
I dont put steering lock on as its very easy to break in 1 sec and i was told that insurance company write off the bike after thats been broken. Have 2 disc locks ans a chain and tracker.
But if the Steering lock is not fitted it will give the insurance excuse not to pay out
In France in particular, most thefts seem to be around large population centres. I never stay in cities overnight if at all possible.
We are the same, even when touring we dont visit cities as we wont leave our bikes to explore
I have a BMW R1250 RS. I have two Litelok x3. Normally take one on my trips. I have a tracker and a BMW factory fitted alarm. Hopefully is pretty secure. not sure what to do if some one wants to lift into a van. When stored, I have both two Liteloks x 3 and two chains as well as alarms and trackers
Try to chain it too something so it’s not liftable. They will lift into a van and cut the locks off later
@@ontheroadadventure problem is. It means having to carry a heavy chain. The Litelok x 3 is heavy enough. And when you have a pillion and 3 heavy boxes. Plus the weight of the RS, I am no Schwarzenegger. And it’s heavy enough.
Just found your channel and very much like your approach and content. Having just bought an expensive BMW K1600GT earlier this year, I could not drive it out of the shop until I had an approved tracker fitted. Obviously I did this and also use the onboard alarm and an Oxford Boss Alarm when out and about. Like you say you must make it as hard as possible for the scum bags to take your bike. Personally I never leave my bike anywhere if I can help it, but if I do I have the alarm on and the Oxford fitted. Look forward to looking at more of your content. Cheers guys.
Thanks for joining us bud, much appreciated. We are currently on tour in Thailand, come join us there 👍👍
@@ontheroadadventure Man how I would love to. Anything to get away from the English winter. I usually go to Australia around now and stay with my brother and do some tours with him, but sadly not this year. I will look forward to following your journey in Thailand and you never know I might convince him to join me there!
Send him these videos... We will convince him together
As you say, if they want it badly enough the feckers will have it away. Always put steering lock on and a disc lock which has a built in siren and hope this is enough to deter a bike thief. When at home bike is garaged. Normal key lock on door plus a padlock. Probably be able to beat both locks in minutes i suppose but hopefully a deterent. I also have a baby monitor inside the garage with the receiver in my bedroom.
….Now all us bikers are going to have baby monitors by the bed to our bikes lol
At home I put my gsa front and rear paddock stands and lock the wheels to the paddock stands also 2 alarm disc licks front and rear. If they want it they will take it. I’ve spot of blue keys. 😂 keep up the good work. ❤
Sound advise. I use three disc locks and a chain at home. I hardly ever leave it unattended when out. Also carry spare ignition key and lock keys.
Oh yes thats a god one, We each carry spare keys to the others bike incase keys are lost
Great informative video.
We have 4 bikes in the family. All stored in one garage. All are chained together through ground anchors. The up and over door has a additional ground anchor securing the door from being forced.
On tours I carry both disk locks and chains.. If with friends chain them together.. I personally don't use steering lock.. For the reasons you outlined.
Trackers. I went on a security bike event organised by the police.. Trackers can be useful, but there is no guarantee the police would attend.. It would be deemed as low priority.. So I have never bothered tbh.
Bike parking at hotels including Travel Lodge etc. Obviously secure car parks are better.. But tbf I have always found staff helpful.. Solutions always been found. For example at Travel Lodge Dover they let us chain our bikes to the cycle stand, and the overnight staff kept a eye on the area through CCTV.
The police don’t seem to have the publics faith anymore with things like this
@@ontheroadadventure There simply aren't enough of them. I daren't even tell you how many were on shift on a Saturday night in our county or how many of those were trainees with competencies not fully ticked off. It's a mess. Remember they lost 20k officers under the tories and although that slowly crept back up those officers also had things like blue light training and were often mentors to new recruits.
There are not enough experienced officers to mentor newbies (hence being solo without all competencies checked off) and there are sometimes barley any officers on shift that can use blue lights, let alone pursuit trained. We'll be paying for this mess for a while yet. Cuts like that always end up costing us more.
I use a tracker monimoto 7 really good. Just over £100 to buy only £36 annual subscription works brilliantly you only have to move the bike off the side stand and it alerts you with a phone call rather than a notification that you might ignore initially but a phone call you always answer. Battery powered so very hard to find no wires so thieves can trace to disconnect from main power.
The thing about the tracker is who is tracking it? do you go after it yourself? Or do you trust the police to go after it? Do you want your bike back once its been stolen anyway? Im on the fence on the trackers
Some great info given, personally I do my best not to leave it, when away I Google map hotels to see what parking looks like, and try to use secure underground or gated parking when possible. On a completely separate note…great to see Bridge motorcycles still hanging in there…have been living in SW Ireland for last 25 years after Devon got too busy for us😅..but bought several bikes in there, and the only coffee was a machine tucked away in the corner!
Yes Bridge is going strong, they are a great dealer and have a nice cafe too 👍
I’ve heard that they have wooden trays with casters, put them under each wheel and push away if the bike is not anchored.
I used to have a very expensive Italian bike which gave me concerns, but now run 2 bikes worth about 5k each, not such a big worry or target.
I use a tracker and an air tag on each bike, they find one, but don’t realise it’s got a back up.
Brilliant idea about chaining bikes together in the garage.
Yes defo lock the bikes to each other, it makes it very difficult to lift them into a van with so much dead weight attached
The problem with chain locks and disk locks is that they can still steal your bike, and all your going to find is your wheel still chained up and the rest of the bike missing.
A motorcycle wheel is far more difficult and time consuming to remove than on a bicycle, you would also have to bring the appropriate tools with you to perform the task, as wheel removal is specific to each bike. I have been on motorcycles for 35 years and been a cop for 22 years and never saw or heard of thieves doing this with a motorcycle........ however with a bicycle, we see it all the time!
Bike cover as already alluded to,100% helps
Out of sight, out of mind
If you only have one lock, always put it on the rear wheel. If they can't get it off then they have to pick up the back of the bike and carry it out to a van and up a ramp. If the steering lock is on then the front wheel will try and steer round in a circle, even if they break the steering lock the front will flop from side to side making it hard to move and very difficult to drag it up a ramp into the van. Keep up the good video's.
Good Tip, Thank you
Never knew about the bike being cat N if recovered so quick! Not worth putting the tracker the bike at all unless it has some personal value like you said.
Its a difficult one, Although its great to know where your bike is at all times, there have been plenty of cases when bikes are reported stolen and locations of trackers provided but the Police do not arrive to recover the bike.... So do you go to do it yourself? How does this end?
If they recover the bike then it goes to the impound yard and you will have to pay them for the recovery and storage, so as long as you know we're the machine is, they tend to let you collect it yourself, @@ontheroadadventure
On the subject of trackers, I think they're good option if action is taken to retrieve the bike within the first few hours. There's a chance no damage is done yet and its been hidden it somewhere to cool off. Great advice all the same 👍
This is good but who is going to retrieve the bike? It’s unlikely the police will help you
@@ontheroadadventurebest friends Wince and Chester comes to emotional support when in distress 😅
@ontheroadadventure i agree the police won't help. There used to be a group in the uk called Biker Biker, who were volunteers that would help recover bikes for the owners. I'm in Ireland and our local motorcycle group on facebook has helped people by going out searching the known bad areas with them, it's risky I know, but some people will be willing to take that risk when they are left with no other options
I’m from Newcastle and stopped at that café on my way to Cornwall, what a massive dealership with great selector gear also
Yes we like it there for a coffee and a good look at lots of different brands of Motorcycles
Disc lock every time the bike is out of sight and a hefty cable lock overnight. That Oxford Beast is on my shopping list!
Each link on that chain is a KG, i can barely lift that chain!
Really interesting video and makes a lot of sense. I agree with the tracker opinion... I wouldn't want it back either. Interesting point I have heard regarding steering locks however..... there is a thought that if you don't use your steering lock and your bike is stolen then my concern is the insurance company could argue that you haven't used the manufacturer's security system ( steering lock) and then suggest they won't pay. Not sure if it's true but it's not a risk I want to take.... so it's steering lock every time for me.
Yes we think the Insurance company will look for any excuse to get out of paying
I have a bike cover, an alarmed disc lock on the front, a fitted alarm to the bike itself and I always put another disclock on the back wheel which is a right faff to get to but it stops anyone lifting the front.
I did see someone taking an interest in my bike once but by the time I got down to the car park he was legging it up the road.
I now avoid big hotels and use carefully selected private accommodation.
Prevention is better than cure 👍
If you are staying in a hotel out of sight of the bike but not too far away, buy a drive alarm. Fix the sensor to the bike (blutac will do - pointing at something passers-by won't trigger), plug in the sounder in your room (usually 240v supply) and because some have a range of up to 1/2 mile, you stand a decent chance of being alerted when someone is tampering with your bike. What you then do is up to you. The thief won't hear the alarm but when you appear......! These alarms are cheap from the usual outlets. The sensor is usually black and can be quite inconspicuous. I always do this when staying away from home in addition to the disc alarms & chains like you see in the video.
Thanks we will look for these online
What are they called, tried drive alarms on eBay..
@@rustyblade5845 I have one sensor on the drive and one sensor inside my garage - so if someone comes up the drive I know (security lights then come on) and if they get past the 3 locks on the door (after they've moved my car which blocks the door) if the sensor placed on the inside goes off I really know I've got a problem but they still have to cut their way through 2 chains and 2 ground anchors.
Hi Rich, you know my bikes. The big tourer has an BikeTrac tracker. It’s brilliant even got a call when a thunderstorm in France “moved” the bike the call confirmed that the bike was in the locked car park at the rear of the hotel so no problem. Additionally always the Boss alarm disc lock and the steering lock activated. The little one Boss disc lock and steering lock but it’s always parked next to the expresso stop and I sit outside so I can see it!!😂( rain or shine!). I’m just about to install CCTV with floodlights and a siren in front of my garages for peace of mind. However only last week my friend had his electric bike stolen from his house garage on the main road locally when he was working in his front garden and nipped in the house for a quick pee. He’s got the full video of the thief in broad daylight , great quality and the police aren’t interested other than to just give him a crime report. Only today I was up at Bridge looking at ground anchors and chains to beef up my internal security in the garages!!
You can never have enough Security! Sorry to hear about your friends Electric bike, I had one and realised it could not be left anywhere without attracting unwanted attention, i Sold it as i was afraid to leave it anywhere even chained up whilst i went inside a shop etc.
Just want to comment about the “if you don’t use your lock you’re not insured”. This is a generalisation and cannot be assumed true. Every case is different but usually because risk profile changed the payout is usually reduced. Of course they try to deny a payout in the first instance but that’s not a foregone conclusion. If this happens to you, get a solicitor and pursue it.
Just another excuse for the insurers to wriggle out if they can
@@ontheroadadventure Yes it is, but they cannot wriggle out of everything, I know of bikers that have sued insurance companies and won when they tried to play this game.
Great video you pair.
I hear the rear lock round the chain and sprocket and spokes is awkward too
I've got a cheap screamer but will be getting a Boss soon. My heavy duty chain is anchored and another chain for securing the front wheel to engine bars. Another 3 locks. A vehicle always in front of a closed garage.
You could always chain massive ladders to the bike(s) too!
A camping tip I once read, use a camouflaged line from the bike to the tent so if it moves, your tent gets moved too!
My tracker may never get 'renewed' on the next insurance if that's what can happen if it's recovered after theft. That's disgusting behaviour. Insurance is supposed to help you at the worst time yet that's hindering us. Terrible.
I wouldn't want a new bike back after that happening.
Keep em coming you pair.
Oh we love the Camping tip! thats a good one...
Interesting about the Cat N thing. I upped my security with one of these new angle grinder resistant locks after an attempt. Carrying a big chain around to lock it to something is a problem though.
Yes heavy chains are a nuisance to carry, multiple small locks work best when out
I’m lucky for most of the time might have said this before. I live in one of the least populated areas of the country and I’m in a rural area. Bike thefts are very rare in fact I’ve not known one here ever but there might have been. There are no cities and only one big town although by southern standards it’s not big and it’s 15 miles away. The motorway is 50 miles away. Away from home I have a LITELOK X3 on the front and an X1 on the rear. We’re old now and camping is out so when we book accommodation I always check what the parking is like it has to be right before anything else. I tour on an RT now so alarmed locked either end and fixed to something with a chain or LITELOK cable lock thing if possible. Like you I don’t want my bike stolen in the first place and don’t want it back if it is. I watched a RUclipsr last week had his bike stolen in Manchester they used a petrol concrete/stone cutter to get rid of the locks. He tracked it and went with the police to get it but the area was so dangerous armed police went. He said he only had third party insurance no fire & theft and the damage from the theft mainly breaking the steering lock came to over a thousand pounds.
Must be nice being isolated like that, i love quieter places. You got to feel so sorry for people who have had to go through experiences like that
20 years ago I stayed at a French motel La Saucisse volante.
I thought they were being over the top when they said to park the bike at the back door to the kitchens where there would be staff all night.
Now closed but they treated us like royalty on le Arley.
France has a real problem with bike theft now just like the UK it seems
If I am know I am going to leave it during the day for any length of time where I can’t keep an eye on it, I have a disk lock on the front and I have a litelok x1 on the back and a tracker. If I leave it overnight on holiday then I also put a cover on it as well.
Very sensible
(10:40) i take it you're not allowed to conceal carry, in the UK? (in our group of 4), we always park to the bikes in the center, and pitch our tents, around the outside, this way, we don't shoot each other during the night. at least two people have copies, of one lock at all times.
My friend had his Forza 750 written off when the steering lock was snapped, he had 60 miles on it from new. They couldn't take the bike as it had a disc lock but it was a write-off, I don't use a steering lock. I use five locks one is alarmed one is a hiplock d1000.
Madness...
Very helpful vid thanks ,especially what you guys said about the category N and the value your bike loses even if recovered without any damage,been riding since 1974, and im embarrassed to say i didn't know this. Ive got a tracker on my super tenere and you have made me rethink it, would i want it back after some theif has treated it like crap, no i wouldn't, the guy you mentioned that had his GS stolen two wheeled dreamer said exactly the same thing,he didn't want it back,he just wouldn't feel the same about the bike, i certainly wouldn't feel the same about mine
Yep, last thing i want is a ruined bike being delivered back to me just so the insurance company is happy they dont have to pay out...
Lifting bike is quickest escape rather than cutting disc locks (snugly fit). For the same reason I put front and rear wheel disc locks. I am not sure if this helps but I do it anyway. I don't know what viewers say.
This is true, try to chain your bike too something immovable
Thank you for the bike lock information going to order an Oxford lock.thank you will be waiting for your next video
No problem, hope it’s helpful
Hi , have a look at pacsafe security mesh nets , I always use one if I’m touring with a pillion seat bag
Yes those look very good we might consider one of those
Absolutely I had my motorcycle stolen from my garage in 2009 and it destroyed me I was so angry and I said never again!! I buy the very best locks and alarms 🚨
Thanks, this is definitely one important subject especially for those planning long trips. In my recent trip to Greece visiting also all Balkans, I slept only through airbnb in private homes. They all have secured garden or garage which allowed me to sleep relaxed where I never paid more than 25€ per night.
With regard to tracker, I think its a bit dangerous. First many police are not allowed to raid a place without warrant which would take time to acquire. Then you might think of doing police work yourself which might not end well especially many of those thief’s are part of rime organisation.
It’s infuriating isn’t it, if know one can go track the tracker then what’s the point!
I have just come back from a big European tour !, Just before I went I purchased the Litelok X3 !, Found it to be very convenient!, Stores away great in its Neoprene pouch!, And on the Gs it goes through the centre of the front wheel hub making it difficult to angle grind off!, the thief has always got the option of picking it up and putting it in a van !, But as you say!, If they want it!, They will take it!, It is common practice in London for Range Rovers to be stolen!, So what chance does a bike have??,
Great vid as usual!.🏴
I believe range rovers own insurance won’t insure Range Rover in London anymore!
Both my bikes have covers, an oxford disc lock on the front and an oxford chain/lock through the back wheel. I've just bought a Hiplock dx1000, a £300 lock that is one of the hardest on the market to cut through, but if they really want the bike they'll take it. Unfortunately the idea is to make them take the easier to steal bike next to yours...
I think I'll order one of those alarmed disc locks too so for an extra level of security.
I wouldn't have a tracker for the very reasons you mention, although i'd be really upset at the theft, I wouldn't want the bike back.
Yeah the alarmed boss locks are good to get your attention especially when outside hotel rooms etc
Disc lock, its worth putting it below the brake calliper, so if you do move off with it still on, you stop before the lock has had a chance to build up speed and smack into the calliper, hopefully no damage.
A also ditto below, take a photo, but also in the shed with all the locks and chains, before you leave it.
That’s a good one ☝️
Me again guys. As for
tea leaves . Your advice is good but putting a lock in the front wheel not so good they can lift the front up .put a lock through the rear sprocket nice and dirty and awkward and you can't push a bike so easy on the front. So there you go 😊 all the other locks are still good..
I carry an Oxford boss lock I use when out and about because it included a heavy chain that I use with my ground anchor at home. I also carry another type of Oxford chain when travelling. I think location has a lot to play into it as well. The shopping centre I use in Glasgow has motorcycle parking you can chain up to. when I was touring in Spain I did a mix of camping and hotels with the most secure I felt for the bike was when I booked into a motel that had individual garages attached to your room.
OH wow ive never seen a motel with its own garage. Thats ideal
It was 2 wheel dreamer who had it nicked in Reims, yes it was the first day of a trip with his son. My bike is never left without my alarm disc lock on, even if I'm parking it up in Matlock. I think the biggest theft deterrent is having a VFR1200 😆 we have parked our bikes quite a distance from where we stayed in Europe with no issues. There was a record done at the Triumph headquarters for most women riders and loads got stolen the night before from hotels in the area 😮
Yes events are popular for bike theft, no better place to go if you are stealing to order
I broke my foot in April because I forgot my yellow string for my Oxford brake disk lock. Tired at the end of the day I pulled away and the bike stopped and fell sideways onto my foot. Snapped the break calliper mount to. Riding home with broken foot was tough. I have a rule now that with no string I no longer lock my bike. It’s old now so I don’t think many would want to will steal it. If I had a new bike I would carry several strings just in case I lost one !
Sorry to hear that mate, if it makes you feel any better i promise you we have all done it at least once!
I own 3 cat N bikes all bought direct from the insurance companies, I prefer them, they are cheaper to buy and usually easy fixes. My Mt09 for example was a stolen recovered bike and it was immaculate apart from 3 ignition wires were cut, 10 minutes with a soldering iron and it was fixed.
I guess there are advantages to it
This is my perpetual paranoia when I'm travelling on my bike. I do my best to get hotels or Airbnbs where I can park my bike in a garage. I fit a disk lock, bike cover and have a tracker fitted. The best bit of kit I bought.. a cheap Amazon remote alarm that if anyone touches the bike it let's out a loud obnoxious chirp then alarms if the bike is touched again within a few seconds.
It’s a big fear we all share
They have devices to block the tracker signal now, all you can do it make it as much hassle as possible, if they want it they will take it no matter what. When I’m camping if the site won’t let me park next to my tent then I find a site that will.
I think we would move onto a new site too if we didn’t feel comfortable leaving the bike, we wouldn’t leave them on the road or at a public car park for example
Spot on, basically, you're trying to make your bike less attractive than the one it's parked next to. I've just purchased a litelock x1 as according to reviews, it takes longer than average to cut off, and it goes over the rim. Oh, and I've done the ride off with the disc lock on very embarrassing.
The X1 is coming up allot. We havent had any experience with it but reviews are good
@@ontheroadadventure
It stopped Freddie Dobbs’ bike getting nicked.
This lock is definitely on my list to get.
Yeah we saw that episode. Very impressive
A fine Choice
We put chain inside loop disc lock and join both bikes. Or chain wheels together. Disc locks front and back. Outside hotel take a photo of the chains and locks on for insurance, proof you did it
Good plan
My question is, why can I go on holiday to Greece hire a motorcycle fir a couple of days leave it anywhere unlocked with the keys in the ignition and it won't be touched, we're talking UK here where criminals run the country so what needs correcting to stop theft.
It does feel like this is a epidemic in the uk and the government have no Answers to it.... The uk really needs to begin to turn things around and up our game, we should be better than this as a whole
Find parking. Min two alarmed disc locks. One front and one rear. Tracker. Steering lock on as insurance will not pay out. MOST IMPORTANT Photograph all locks and where you are so you have evidence for your claim. Ultimately if they want it a team will lift it into van, just do your best.
Good tip to photo all the locks on the bike when leaving it alone
@ontheroadadventure remember to try and capture where you are also so there is no doubt. Wishing you well and safe journeys.
It was Two Wheeled Dreamer that lost his GS in Reims
Yes and another followed suit very soon after
Just got my 1st bike. Had a ground anchor sunk, put Oxford chain around to back wheel. Another Oxford chain around front wheel. Alarmed disc locks on front and back. Steering lock on ,plus brake lever lock. Placed the bike at side of my house, infront of sunroom windows, under an Oxford weather cover. In view of CCTV cameras. 14 days it was there before someone had a try for it!!!!!!!! Thankfully they only got through the front chain (was a 12mm). Could see they had tried to go through the ground anchor. Then had a go at the back chain. As a new biker I was unaware a stolen recovered was a Cat N.
You can’t believe the balls these scumbags have to even attempt that! Glad you kept your bike safe
@@ontheroadadventure what really rocked me , we provided police with a very clear image from the CCTV of 1 of the lads trying to take it. He is known to them... so far they have done nothing.. 3 weeks since it happened
one point about steering locks, most insurance requires them to be locked. So if you bike is stolen and later found all messed up and the steering lock is not broken, you get nothing. Be aware.
That would be my worry... Any excuse and they will wriggle out of paying up