SuzukiSavage.com - Print Page

SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
General Category >> The Cafe >> Security for the S40
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1386589595

Message started by Retired Rider on 12/09/13 at 03:46:35

Title: Security for the S40
Post by Retired Rider on 12/09/13 at 03:46:35

Good Day All

I’ve been thinking about the best way to protect my bike when it’s left overnight in a vulnerable area (like hotel parking lots during long rides). The only security I’ve got right now is the fork lock. I understand that there are disk locks, cable locks, alarm systems, etc. but am curious what some of you have chosen to do.

I’ve heard that a favorite trick of bike thieves is to just lay the smaller bikes like ours down on a mattress and then slide the mattress and the bike into the back of a pickup the truck. Am I worrying for nothing? Perhaps thieves just target the higher end bikes and leave our little S40’s alone :)

Thanks

Title: Re: Security for the S40
Post by youzguyz on 12/09/13 at 04:11:12

There is ALWAYS the risk of theft. And the thief will always go after the easiest target that he wants.
So, make it hard. A hardened chain, through both wheels, and through the frame, and around something that isn't going to move. And somewhere well lighted and with security cameras (if possible).
Make it hard, and make sure the thief knows it is going to be hard.

With all that said, the S40 is not a likely target for thieves.

Title: Re: Security for the S40
Post by old_rider on 12/09/13 at 07:16:17

True... but if you are staying at a holiday inn or micro hotel of some sorts, most times they will let you park up near the front desk or under the overhang drive through.

The savage is not a "high profile" theft bike, but I put my disc lock on. If they take it then, my insurance pays for a replacement. Just don't leave anything on it that you would not be able to replace.

Title: Re: Security for the S40
Post by pgambr on 12/09/13 at 07:27:08

If they want it they are going to get it. I take off anything readily accessible, park under the overhang at a hotel, and if possible chain it down. $10 for 12 ft a plastic coated piece of steel probably 3/8 inch with loops on the end.

Title: Re: Security for the S40
Post by Dave on 12/09/13 at 07:29:50

I was bringing a nearly new Kawasaki 250 home once, and I had to stay at a hotel in a not very great area. I just pushed the bike right into the room with me.....I placed an old blanket I had down on the carpet so the tires would not leave any marks.

Anything you do to slow the thieves down will help. Chain it to a light pole, disc brake lock, handlebar locks.....park in an area that is very visible, or one that it would be hard to access if they were backing up a truck. On "How Things are Made" I saw them building a disc brake lock with an alarm - that seemed like that would surely surprise the theives.

And yes, our bike is not very desirable for theives...at least ones that know anything about motorcycles. Park next to a Harley or Ducati, and you are not going to get much attention.

Title: Re: Security for the S40
Post by old_rider on 12/09/13 at 07:40:33

Yup they make the disc locks with screamers.... has a motion type switch in it, after you lock it, it sets the motion sensor. If the lock swings or sways it sets off the alarm.
Just remember to put it on after you have taken everything off the bike...also, you will probably set it off when you go to remove it (the cheaper ones). The higher priced ones have a "fob" so whenever you are near it is shut off, so you don't set It off when you take it on and off.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=brake+disc+alarm

I got a manual one from advanced auto
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_motorcycle-disc-brake-lock-master-lock_6200025-p?searchTerm=lock

Title: Re: Security for the S40
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 12/09/13 at 08:13:24

If I was gonna try to keep the honest folks honest Id consider going to the local Overhead Door company & having a cable made up, using some of their Industrial Heavy Door cable. YOu could get a cable long enough to go thru wheels & frame & around a pole, with crimped on lugs. Bet that wouldnt cost a lot,,
A helmet lock that only grabs a strap isnt worth a lot, One of those Gun Locks with the rubber coated, flexible loop tops will clamp a full coverage to the bars.

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.5040119498211885&pid=15.1&w=126&h=126&p=0

Title: Re: Security for the S40
Post by Blinky-FSO on 12/09/13 at 14:06:51

Dave,
Leave it up to you to always provide a common sense answer, "park it next to a Harley." Love it.

But when there is not a Harley in sight, I use one of these and an old industrial strength Master pad lock I have had for 25 years. It packs away in the saddle bag just fine.

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-ft-x-3-8-eighth-inch-braided-steel-security-cable-67706.html

Good hunting

Title: Re: Security for the S40
Post by Dj12midnit on 12/09/13 at 17:39:52

Am I the only one that just takes it in the room?

Title: Re: Security for the S40
Post by Retired Rider on 12/09/13 at 17:59:17

Fantastic feedback everyone. Thanks very much!

You know, I never even thought of taking the bike into the room with me. Why not? It's certainly small enough :)

All of the ideas you provided are great, and they'll be a great help once I'm back on the road come spring.

Cheers

Title: Re: Security for the S40
Post by old_rider on 12/09/13 at 23:55:17

Just make sure you get the first floor room (save the embarissment of explainin' how the bike got in the room on the third floor, yes I used the elevator) and bring with you a piece of thick cardboard or at least double it, to keep oil off the carpet.

Title: Re: Security for the S40
Post by 23Skidoo on 12/10/13 at 04:27:28

I had a ratty GS 250 that I used to leave the keys in for over 2 years and it never got stolen.. It was a pile of junk though.. I woke one morning to find the the bike cover pinched but the bike still safe. I guess they thought a £10 cover was worth more than the bike..

Title: Re: Security for the S40
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 12/10/13 at 09:11:03

Naah,, they were gonna steal the pair,, got the cover off & saw the bike & decided they had the better part of the heist already in the truck,, no reason to put it back,,

Saw a warning sign to thieves once

WARNING!
This property protected by Abject Poverty,

Title: Re: Security for the S40
Post by stinger on 12/11/13 at 01:38:21

If you own anything worth a dollar, someone will want to steal it. Our S40's are no exception.