Although I have no first hand knowledge of such, I've heard lots of horror stories about people's HArleys being stolen, having to assign someone to 'babysit' them while eating in restaraunts, and the like.

In your experience, is this an issue with sporty's as well?

I could and will do a whole essay on the topic of bike theft if asked. Having lost three of them in NY, I've done a great deal of research on the subject. It's mind boggling.

It's big business these days. Most of 'em find their way to a container ship and go overseas. The rest stay here and can be found at yer local swap meets. Highest risk is at rallies followed by non garaged followed by casual theft. As I understand it, the jap crotch rockets top the list for the plastic.

Don't lull yersellf into thinking yer every day ride isn't a target. These HDs command top prices overseas where titles are a mere formality.

Nope. But I'm usually with a few other bikes/bikers. Can't imagine anyone having the balls to take a Harley

I have always parked my bikes in a place that I can keep an eye on it , and in when that is not possible "L.I.O.L.I." (lock it or lose it) diskbrake lock , and chain it to a solid object(like a light pole)
locking it up will not stop lift aways , so make sure the object you lock it to is permenently fixed to the ground

a parking meter or sign post can be loosened and by by bikey

Nope. But I'm usually with a few other bikes/bikers. Can't imagine anyone having the balls to take a Harley

First bike?

never think that a dirtball chicken shit thief will be scared off by a few biker types

a local watering hole near here is a known biker hangout and in the past two years three bikes have gone missing (no windows to see outa)

In my non harley experiance, Simple things work best, disk locks, or a chain through the back wheel or something. That does it's job, keeps the casual theif away.

If it is a pro, and it's your bike they want, they can get through that stuff easy, and are likely to lift the bike regardless, not much defense against those types of theft.

Sorry to say.

I have always parked my bikes in a place that I can keep an eye on it , and in when that is not possible "L.I.O.L.I." (lock it or lose it) diskbrake lock , and chain it to a solid object(like a light pole)
locking it up will not stop lift aways , so make sure the object you lock it to is permenently fixed to the ground

a parking meter or sign post can be loosened and by by bikey

Believe it! He knows......

I had an Progressive Insurance rep at Americade tell me that the best deterrant (other than locking your bike or keeping it in a garage) is a custom paint job that makes your bike more identifiable. So custom paint some Honda logos on your gas tank and no-one will touch your bike!
Makes sense if its a casual/local thief, but not these international rings that ship container loads overseas.
I personally keep my bike in the closed garage, with a disc-lock. I carry the disc lock with me, but don't use it all the time, like I probably should. At work I park right by my office window so I can guard my bike.
Nowadays, I think the tables have turned and Jap sportbikes are near the top of the most-stolen list.

the best deterrant (other than locking your bike or keeping it in a garage) is a custom paint job... yada yada... I think the tables have turned and Jap sportbikes are near the top of the most-stolen list.

Don't believe it!

Yup! The crotch rockets are tops on the list because of the replacement value of the plastic. Don't allow that to lull you into complacency.

I personally keep my bike in the closed garage, with a disc-lock. I carry the disc lock with me... At work I park right by my office window so I can guard my bike.

Good policy. Believe it or not, your bike has likely been scoped out because of it's visibilty. ALWAYS lock yer bike! even if it's just a quickie to the supermarket.

i know this won't make much difference to a seasoned thief, but I use the circular padlock on my steering lock because you cannot get a setof cutters around it. I thought I saw a computer style lock on a vrod or a newer sportster once, those can be picked with a bic penin about 45 seconds without much skill. Go look up how easy it is to pick a krypolock that has that style of key.

I use the circular padlock on my steering lock

The BEST lock available.

In my non harley experiance, Simple things work best, disk locks, or a chain through the back wheel or something. That does it's job, keeps the casual theif away.

If it is a pro, and it's your bike they want, they can get through that stuff easy, and are likely to lift the bike regardless, not much defense against those types of theft.

Sorry to say.




Basically locks are for honest people. They will keep an honest person honest. Although chains, locks and the like will deter the amatuer, they are a mere inconvenience for a proffesional thief. Even a circular lock is no problem. A couple of swift smacks with a 3 lb. sledge will break the tangs off of the frame and fork. The whole shootin' match will hit the ground in exactly no time flat. Really, there is no substitute for vigilance. I try to have my Annabelle in the garage after dark. The only saving grace we have is that the BT's are the more preferred targets of such activity.

If a pro wants it, they're gonna get it. If not tonight, then later. I'll use the OEM fork lock to keep away a casual thief, and rely on good karma and insurance to handle the rest.

Kim

I was at work one day under the viaduct in Seattle. I looked over where people who ride the ferri's park there bikes. A truck pulled up in the parking spot right next to the bikes, about 15 of them parked there. Three guys got out and next thing I knew they were picking up motorcycles and throwing them in the back of the truck. They took 4 crotch rockets, in a matter of seconds, they just piled them in like toys and took off. I called the cops and gave them a description of the truck and people in it along with the lisence plate number. I hate theifs, stealing shit other people work there ass off to have. Pisses me off. Some punk kid that was working with me started saying shit to me because I called them in. What a little punk asshole he is. :censor :censor :censor :madtwo :madtwo :cloudmad

Who in there right mind would want to steal
a girls bike. :laugh

L.I.O.L.I.

scum of the earth will steal anything

I had some dirtball steal my tools outa my jeep , and these were the worst wrenches in the world (like a 1/2" open end that would fit a 5/8ths nut)

if it will move , it will be gone

Never had a bike stolen...........had 'em back over it, hit it with a bat, piss on it, found a turd on the seat once, mirrors broken, windshield smashed, tires flat...but stolen, not yet. Usually park it, turn the wheel to the left, leave it in first, and pull the key...............half the time the key stays in it.:chop

Never had a bike stolen...........half the time the key stays in it.:chop

You have just redefined the word lucky. Don't tell too many people. :shhhh

but I use the circular padlock on my steering lock because you cannot get a setof cutters around it.
We had a key brake inside one of those locks and had to cut it. IT CAN BE DONE!! Just not as easy. It was the large ABUS lock and we used a large set of bolt cutters. It tool a few minutes but did cut through all the layers in the lock.

If a thief wants the bike, they will get it! If your worried about losing your bike, get the best insurance possible and go riding.

You have just redefined the word lucky. Don't tell too many people. :shhhh
I figure if someone wants it bad enough they'll take it regardless of the security.......why have it all dented up for the guy who's going to buy it from the thief. Actually there's a Lojack hidden on it but don't tell anyone.:shhhh :shhhh :shhhh

I have a Krypto disk lock are thay that easy to get off :yikes

I have a Krypto disk lock are thay that easy to get off :yikes
their a good lock , but unfortunetly they don't prevent lift aways , a good thief will drive up lift the bike into a truck and drive off (less than a minute) they just throw it in and don't even worry about strapping it down (after all its not their bike)

Will -

You bastard...How'd you know???

Actually, I live out in the sticks and always park where I can see her. Other than that, I figure the pros will get her if they want her.

Hey, at least I take the key!

If a pro wants it, they're gonna get it... rely on good karma and insurance to handle the rest.

Kim

That's really the bottom line. If ya value yer scoot, insure it!

Thanks for that Flathead

I use a Disc Lock, a Good fork Lock and a 3/8 cable lock!! But, as we all know if they want it bad enough they'll steal it!!! :frownthre

Won't steal mine, I have one of those HOG stickers that have a toll free number and promise a $500 dollar reward for the caller in case it's stolen ;)

Gazza

Hay Gary my Hog stickes in OZ promises $1000 US.

Won't steal mine, I have one of those HOG stickers that have a toll free number and promise a $500 dollar reward for the caller in case it's stolen ;)

Gazza

I never thought of that Gazza!!!! Thank goodness for the HOG Sticker, I'll have to put mine back on so no one will steal my Scoot!!! :yikes

;)

I couldn't find a sticker for my hawg, so I put on booties instead..


http://www.aardvarkarchie.com/pictures/images/animals/animals046.jpg

G'day gang, no mention on this thread so far about immobiliser/alarms. I had to have one fitted to get my bike insured. It's got a radar to detect any movement within 2 feet of the seat, it gives polite chirps at this stage, and then if too much activity or the bike actually gets moved a fraction, the main alarm goes off. Do you reckon these things are a waste of time? I feel as long as it's parked in an area with people around, she's safe. Am I nuts? Dave.

Bike thefts specially for HDs (BigTwins) is a problem over here. But not many Sporties have been stolen .... ;)
I do not use any 'security gadgets' if I leave my bike outside home/restaurant etc. Not even the steering lock (does not work).
In Italy I use a chain but this will not prevent theft in any way! :o

can monitor mine with a web cam

http://www.lancs.ac.uk/staff/esarie/cam/cam.htm

if you see a scruffy degenerate type tinkering with it - it's prolly me

"Yup! The crotch rockets are tops on the list because of the replacement value of the plastic. Don't allow that to lull you into complacency."

They are also lighter to pick up and lob in a van , alarms are pretty damn useless have you ever noticed how many alarms go off in any built up area and nobody takes a bit of notice. Also some pro bike thieves use refrigerated vans as the insulation means you cant hear the alarm going off inside.

Park the bike in plain view, chain it to something that cant be moved and use more than one locking device.

crooks will steal anything, anywhere, anytime from anyone. sad but true. try not to be paranoid. like everyone here says, insurance and locks. that's all we can do.

Do you reckon these things are a waste of time?... I feel as long as it's parked in an area with people around, she's safe. Am I nuts? Dave.

IMHO, 1) Alarms are virtually worthless. We're so used to the sound, it's become an annoyance. 2) That's pretty much a myth. A large percentage of stolen bikes occur at rallies and in crowded parking lots. People are not wont to get involved these days. It simply ain't safe.

Yes, we can insure our scoots and the companies will pay off but... they pay according to it's listed value. Most of us have far more than that in our machines and that will be lost unless we pay for a custom policy (how do you spell, 'thru the nose'?). So the bottom line really is; if you value your scoot, protect it. If you don't, it doesn't matter.

One more thing. BTs are popular, Customs are high target items and crotch rockets may be high on the list but don't let that fool ya. I don't have the stats but I do know this. A thief looks first for easy pickings. Around town we may be relatively safe but be extra careful at rallies, watering holes and places where we park on a regular basis.

I like alarms , they go off real nice when I rap off my pipes on my sporty , I can set off half the alarms at a few car lots with one pass ;)

Hay Gary my Hog stickes in OZ promises $1000 US.


ah man, Harleys must be worth more in the Southern Hemisphere.

A friend has lost a bike at Daytona twice. A Harley Big twin and a Big Dog. Hopefully he's smartened up by now! You guys going this year take notice. The numbers lost at Bike week are staggering. A metal pipe through each wheel and a guy on each end of the pipe and a bike is gone in 10 seconds.

I live in the sticks, my gate has a sign........STEAL HERE DIE HERE.

A guy I work with has his '03 1200C stolen from his garage at night. They actually did LIFT it to get it over the hood of a car that was in front of it. so even a locked garage can't be safe...

A metal pipe through each wheel and a guy on each end of the pipe and a bike is gone in 10 seconds.
and they'll do it in front of hundredsof people.

ENGINE sez, They actually did LIFT it to get it over the hood of a car that was in front of it
There's more to this story than meets the eye.

See all those cargo vans parked at various motels? See that windowless van seemingly cruising around? See the gal or guy endlessly talking on the cell phone? He/she is the spotter. See the gal eyeing you that normally wouldn't look twice at you? She's a distractor. See the guy buying you drinks and being your newest best friend? He's a staller. Inside one of those vans will be your bike if you're careless.

Most will go over seas. Some will be dismantled and sold off at "swap meets" in other parts of the country. Very damn few will ever be recovered.

It's BIG BUSINESS guys.

Wonder how many bikes have ever been stolen at a Hell's Angels rally? :)

I doubt many ...

Wonder how many bikes have ever been stolen at a Hell's Angels rally? :)
not FROM angels anyway!

In '61, I personally watched a sportster get sprayed with rattle can in front of a funeral home while it's owner was paying last respects to a fallen biker. When he came out, he was either fooled or scared shitless to confront. He lost the bike.

I will NOT name the club.

insurance,insurance,insurance!

insurance,insurance,insurance!
Yes but they only pay the blue book value regardless of condition or mods. Let's face it. Having a bike ripped off is gonna cost money and in most cases... a good amount

i see your point! just make sure ya have it youll get( some!) money back any way. ive put too much blood ,sweat, and tears in to mine to losei it

Park it in an area with a good field of fire, light it at night with motion sensors, sight in on the proper range from a window, defend your property! Oh yeah, keep a couple extra clips by the weapon; practice changing them quickly.

I have a Texas concealed carry permit and I usually strap an empty G.I. 45cal. holster to the fork along with a fork lock. Usually discourages a second look. Not so subtle way of saying"I I catch you screwing with Annabelle... I WILL shoot your fu*king ass."

Park it in an area with a good field of fire, light it at night with motion sensors, sight in on the proper range from a window, defend your property! Oh yeah, keep a couple extra clips by the weapon; practice changing them quickly.
I'm with him. Unfortunatly i don't have any guns but i do have a cross bow and unless their going to throw the bike over a 12 foot fence i have around 1/3 of my back yard they have to come well within range. I have 2 motion sensored lights pointing right at the parking area and i'm looking into camera's and motion sensitive alarms as well. If i had the money my garage would be made of cynderblocks filled with concrete with steel wrapped around the entire outside of the building with steel doors tripple pad locked, barbed wire ontop security camera's and alarmed. I have seriously considered this. and it may happen.

All that macho bravo stuff is good but if yer bike gets ripped, in all probablity, you won't be anywhere around it. Ya see, ths is a profession to those folks. They minimize the risks by knowing where you are. Remember the guy/gal on the cell phone?

Guess I'm just gonna have to do an article on it.

Out on Long Island, NY, there is a club that is known for stealing bikes with the owners right there...LI guys probably know who I'm speaking of, I won't mention the names. They probably had something to do with my co-worker's bike disappearing.

BTW, will, what did you mean by "more to the story than meets the eye"...you know something????

Park it in an area with a good field of fire, light it at night with motion sensors, sight in on the proper range from a window, defend your property! Oh yeah, keep a couple extra clips by the weapon; practice changing them quickly.

Wiz, I LIKE the way you think!!!! You must be from Texas!! :D

I kept my scoot double Locked inside a privicy Fence Locked with a Motion sensored light!!! There's always someone home!!! I have weapons and know how to use them Very well!!! Also two dogs!!! And a Killer Cat!! :yikes

Out on Long Island, NY, there is a club that is known for stealing bikes with the owners right there...LI guys probably know who I'm speaking of, I won't mention the names. They probably had something to do with my co-worker's bike disappearing.

BTW, will, what did you mean by "more to the story than meets the eye"...you know something????

If I may, I believe he was referring to the fact that the story is not that simple...hardly EVER is. The only knowledge he has is experience...your pal was cased....by pros....he never had a chance....

Sure I love my 74 Sporty and would never want to see it lost to some $hitbag thieves...but I'm also not going to lose any sleep or expense trying to protect/surveil it either. When I park it at night I do chain it to the bumper of my work truck, and when I ride I don't carry chains w/ me, alarms people just don't hear or don't want to get involved if they do, all I carry is a lock for the steering neck tabs. My peace of mind comes from properly insuring my vehicle, I go through a company who insures old and antique and collectable vehicles, in that case I (the customer) tell them what it's worth to me and they insure it for that amount, agent also informed me if I ever purchased a new(er) bike I could get "gap" type ins. on top of the full coverage policy, to cover "what it's worth", all goes to say like several posters have already said "if a PRO wants your/my bike they'll get it", and I'm not going to jail for shooting some F##K stealing my bike, ya know my chain and lock won't stop the pro's but it'll probably stop the casual punk-a$$ thieves, at any rate it's insured and I'll get my $$ out of it and get another bike....my little $.02....Mike 74xlh

Out on Long Island, NY, there is a club that is known for stealing bikes.

... and in NY, Buffalo, Cleveland, Dallas, Chicago and where ever bikes exist. I'm gettin' tired of sayin' it. It's big business. There's good money in it. Hang out with the wrong crowd, make yourself vulnerable, be stupid and you'll lose it.

engine also asks..BTW, will, what did you mean by "more to the story than meets the eye"...you know something????

Of course I don't. I meant it figuratively. Do you have any idea of the manpower and difficulty involved in the story you told? I won't even touch on the time, exposure, noise and resulting risks involved let alone not knowing if a security system exists. I can make some pretty good guesses and I'll bet if you think about it... so can you.

... Of course I don't. I meant it figuratively. Do you have any idea of the manpower and difficulty involved in the story you told? I won't even touch on the time, exposure, noise and resulting risks involved let alone not knowing if a security system exists. I can make some pretty good guesses and I'll bet if you think about it... so can you.


I know what you're saying, and the thought did cross my mind when it happened. But I'll give him the benefit of the doubt...

... and in NY, Buffalo, Cleveland, Dallas, Chicago and where ever bikes exist. I'm gettin' tired of sayin' it. It's big business. There's good money in it. Hang out with the wrong crowd, make yourself vulnerable, be stupid and you'll lose it.



Of course I don't. I meant it figuratively. Do you have any idea of the manpower and difficulty involved in the story you told? I won't even touch on the time, exposure, noise and resulting risks involved let alone not knowing if a security system exists. I can make some pretty good guesses and I'll bet if you think about it... so can you.

Alien abduction perchance? Yeah thats the story -- Alien abduction

as good a guess as any!

When I first got the sporty, I was walking around a local "Bike Night" (I drove the car there), looking just at Sportsters, for ideas. I noticed a fella that seemed to be keeping close tabs on me. After about 35 mintues, he managed to get ahead of me. I stopped to look at the next Sportster and he commented "You really like Sportsters huh?" "Yup I do". "Do you have one yourself?" "Yes". Then I went on to give him a line of B.S. a mile long about how decked-out it was "all chrome" etc. "Hey where do ya live? We ought to go riding sometime"?
At that point I decided that he was up to something so I just kept walking. He caught up with me about 10 rows down. He started back up with the interragation. I looked at him and asked "What are you talking about?" He replied "Getting together and going riding." "HUH?? I'm not going to ride on the back of someone's cycle." "No, you ride yours and I'll ride mine."
"I don't have a motorcycle, my mother doesn't like them, she'd kill me if she even knew I was here dreaming." I wished I'd had a camera... :yikes

Point is, willprevale is right, there's alot of stuff going on that isn't what it seems.

Point is, willprevale is right, there's alot of stuff going on that isn't what it seems.
Thanks for your post and the story. It helps to validate what I've been saying.

I live in a townhouse, and use a disc lock, as well as a lock on the steering head. This is a gated complex - sounds cool, however the gate is broken more then it works.

Guy two doors down from me had his M-Benz ripped off. A flatbed truck showed up at "Oh - dark early", and loaded up the car and was gone in about 2 mins.

He did get his car back, they 'dropped' it getting it off the flatbed, so they left it by the side of the road - afterall - who wants a bent 'Benz?? If they want it, they will get it.

loaded up the car and was gone in about 2 mins. He did get his car back, they 'dropped' it getting it off the flatbed, so they left it by the side of the road. If they want it, they will get it.
Amazing story! :clap

Never had a bike stolen...........had 'em back over it, hit it with a bat, piss on it, found a turd on the seat once, mirrors broken, windshield smashed, tires flat...but stolen, not yet. Usually park it, turn the wheel to the left, leave it in first, and pull the key...............half the time the key stays in it.:chop
I know for me, I wouldn't mess with a guy's ride in a place called "Gunbarrel City" that's for sure! :gun

This certainly is a resurrected thread! I just got done going through the posts, and everything said has quite the merit. Thank you for the good read, folks.

my sporty and my bf buell are kept in the house and I often worry about someone breaking in and stealing them.I think a decent pair of bolt cutters could snap my lock.My dog doesnt like strangers but I think if they had a steak or something my bike would be gone.Actually they would probably steal bf buell before they tired to steal a sporty with pink flames.

The casual theft of a bike can be slowed down by a fork lock and also a cable lock through the rear wheel. The disc locks are a nice item also.

But keep in mind, three guys can lift your XL into the bed of pickup in just a few seconds... so if they want it, the pros have no trouble. Try to park in good public lots with store security, although even that's not always safe.

J.W.

can monitor mine with a web cam

http://www.lancs.ac.uk/staff/esarie/cam/cam.htm

if you see a scruffy degenerate type tinkering with it - it's prolly me

I hate to be the one to tell ya, but it looks like someone has stolen your scoot.

JB

Whaddya think about LoJack? I never wanted it on any of my cars, even though some were quite expensive, because I wouldn't want a car back that had been broken into, flogged and then pillaged. I'd rather have the insurance money and buy another. But my bike is worth a helluva lot more than I would get back in insurance if it were to be stolen. For example (rough numbers) bike costs $10,000 has $4,000 in work and accessories and the insurance company places full (depreciated) value at $8000.

I hate to be the one to tell ya, but it looks like someone has stolen your scoot.

JB

heh - it and I will be back there at work tomorrow - but for now it's still weekend and there's beer to be drunk.:)

A buddy of my was at a resturant and could see his bike outside , then a van

pulled up and parked, and he couldnt see his bike anymore. A few min. later

the van pulled away and his bike was gone :( It can happen very fast.

If I'm not watching it, my two Rotties are. Not much of a theft problem on my island, however Progressive insurance company stated that Oahu had the highest theft rating in the country. I'll keep that in mind if they ever get this ferry thing going and we can ride over there.

According to Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS), 18-1-706--Use of physical force in defense of property,

"A person is justified in using reasonable and appropriate physical force upon another person when and to the extent that he reasonably believes it necessary to prevent what he reasonably believes to be an attempt by the other person to commit theft, criminal mischief, or criminal tampering involving property, but he may use deadly physical force under these circumstances only in defense of himself or another as described in section 18-1-704." (18-1-704.5 is Colorado's 'Make my day' statute, allowing deadly force in the defense of one's home.)

So for those of you sighting in your respective firearms in the event of attempted thievery, be aware of this. The law more than likely won't protect you if you gun down a would-be thief. You'd be further ahead to walk out the front door with weapon in hand to scare the bejeezus out of the idiot near your bike. :gun
Or you could just resort to beating the suspect down, then calling the cops. That's okay (so long as the beating is 'reasonable'). :headb

Never had a bike stolen...........had 'em back over it, hit it with a bat, piss on it, found a turd on the seat once, mirrors broken, windshield smashed, tires flat...but stolen, not yet. Usually park it, turn the wheel to the left, leave it in first, and pull the key...............half the time the key stays in it.:chop

Could it be where you live? Gun Barrel City, Texas:geek

Some people will steal anything. I had a pair of rusty Cragar mag wheels sitting next to my garage. I noticed they were gone and thought good, saves me the trouble of throwing them away. 2 weeks later they are laying in my front yard. I wonder if they would bring my Sporty back if they couldn't use it?

You guys are scaring me. What should I do when I go to the rallies?

Hey Gamma, Meet up with Me and My bud Keith at SB@B in M.B. May 10. We wont let anyone mess with your bike.

POP

My 64XLCH was cable locked to the back of my truck. When I got up to go to work no bike. I lived in an apt so I could'nt see or hear anything also it was custom painted and that was not a deterrant. It probably was parted out and sold at swap meets. I rank thieves right down there with child molesters.

If a pro wants it, they're gonna get it. If not tonight, then later. I'll use the OEM fork lock to keep away a casual thief, and rely on good karma and insurance to handle the rest.

Kim

I'm with you there. I've read articles on many bicycle thefts and it is really the same thing with a motorcycle. Locks are a deterant and nothing more. No one listens to alarms any more and I've heard of too many people trying to take off on their own bikes with the disk locks on and do damage.

I'll stick with the simple stuff already in place and hope for the best.

L.I.O.L.I.

scum of the earth will steal anything

I had some dirtball steal my tools outa my jeep , and these were the worst wrenches in the world (like a 1/2" open end that would fit a 5/8ths nut)

if it will move , it will be gone

I have had the same thing happen to me. Except they ended up with a couple bags full of around $2000 in tools. I had been working on my Jeep at a friends on the weekend and was heading back in the morning so I left my tools in the back (Grand Cherokee) and the next morning they were gone.

Freakin' bastages.

Mine's in my apartment at night a lot of the time. If not I've got a hardened steel chain lock with the lockpin set down inside the case of the lock. If they really want it that bad, they're gonna get it, tho. That's why I'm insured!

:smiliesig Won't steal mine, I have one of those HOG stickers that have a toll free number and promise a $500 dollar reward for the caller in case it's stolen ;)

Gazza

That's about as good as it gets right there. I think they have bumped the reward up to a grand though.

Growing up in Philadelphia you learn that, Your going to be ripped off!!!!!

12yrs old got jumped twice in broad day light in front of traffic going to my summer job. Two more bikes stolen out of locked side yard, house broken into during the day. Good summer.

When we were first married we lived in a apt on a hill, someone broke into the car and stole the old child car seat. They pulled the emergency brake and rolled the car down the hill.

Had convertible top cut open while in the house eating lunch on my triumph.
Work truck broke into 3xs. SuperSport nova broke into, but they couldnt get started, so they stole a 2000.00 stereo out of it.

Had new ford van in for service in a gated dealership, they pull it out and hand me the keys, dash was smashed out of it. Didnt you bring it in that way!

I have alot more stories, but the one that broke the camels back was.
Wife calls me at work and says that she was robbed at home, with new born baby at home, two teenage girls knock and say somestory about needing to call there mother, snatch money from her purse and take off. Enough was enough, I started looking for another job and left 11yrs ago.

DONT EVER LET YOUR GAURD DOWN!
Philadelphia is a good place to visit, but watch your ass big time.
Also remember if your confronted, there is no fair fight, they will take your life.

:smiliesig Won't steal mine, I have one of those HOG stickers that have a toll free number and promise a $500 dollar reward for the caller in case it's stolen ;)

Gazza
That's about as good as it gets right there. I think they have bumped the reward up to a grand though.

Damn, I better sign up with HOG again so I can get a better sticker.

Growing up in Philadelphia you learn that, Your going to be ripped off!!!!!
Only time I've ever been worried was when I left it parked on the roof level of a parking garage in downtown Philly a couple years ago. That's the only time I've ever had a disc lock on the bike, just because it made me a tiny bit less panic'd.

Gazza

Good old Smith and Wesson watch over me and mine.

Lock? what lock if you want any of my vehicles just take em, but look out for the guy in the house who loves guns,and the three dogs that may be anywhere at any time, the Doberman loves people.

I Guess it's all in perspective...

I "Usually" lock the bike in the garage. Disc and fork lock.

When i'm out it's a disc lock. Maybe I'll spring for a fork lock holder one of these days.I have one of those HD Helmet locks attached to my downtube. Puts the helmet in the way of the shifter. (I Know a simple knife and helmets laying on the ground)

If I go someplace (ie: rally) I make sure to bring a chain and lock it tight. other then that,,There is nothing that can be done to stop a pro.. Period..

We had 12 cars have their Xenon Headlights stolen right on a Major Road.. We had video cameras and had a great time watching them duck everytime a car came, Fact of the matter is, We lost 24 headlamps and they didn't get caught.

in nyc harleys are stolen in minutes....they use a van with a sling hoist on rails to pick up up your bike and off they go

damn... frightening stuff

no matter what you do, if a thief wants something they will get it. what I do is slide my cell w/tracking under the seat (tight fit). If someone wants to steal my shit, cell phones can be tracked, mine has a global tracking thing on it. dont know how it exactly works, never had to us it. but my buddy lost his cell out hunting and he called someone with my phone and they told him where his phone was. so my thought is why wont it work on a stolen bike..(as long as it stays with the bike). even if it is stolen I dont giv a f@#k because I got insurance for that shit.

my insurance would pay me off more than i can sell it for. Id then go buy a better one. I aint worried about it at all.

Insurance is great.

Hi all.

There are three steps i take to help guard against theft.

1) I park it were i can see it.
2) Lock it, arm the security system and disc lock.
3) I leave a "Lowjack for motorcycles" Ball cap on the tank.

Being able to watch it is a good idea, but you can do it 100% of the time.
Using the factory locks and security system won't stop a pro that wants your bike, but it will keep the armatures at bay, looking for an easier target.

The ball cap is pure decoy, If I really had spent 1000 bucks for a Lowjack, the last thing I would want a thief to know is that it is there to look for. Again, it is just to make them think this bike it not worth the effort, and really that is all you can really do, make that move on to the next easier target.

On my E-glide, you don't need to use a key to start it, you just unlock the ignition(Which is the fork lock) once unlocked, it stays unlocked until you lock it with the key.

You can't believe the amount of tour bikes that are left unlocked, with the factory security off and no one around.

We can be our own worst enemy sometimes.

I rig mine up with some permatex under the tank...trying starting it without flipping the secret switch...and well you get the picture...
ok i am lying but it is something i want to do

Recently had my rear view mirrors stolen.

Life's too short to spend your days watching an insured bike.

Chains and disc locks can do a lot of damage when you forget them, plus huge embarrassment when you set off with a chain around your back wheel (ask me how I know). I used to have a heavy chain around me over my shoulder when I rode, surprising I never got ripped up in an accident.

I try and leave it where people can see it, with the steering lock and factory siren alarm on. If more than that is necessary, they were going to steal it anyway.

6 lb. fishing line attached to wheel spokes and grenade pin.

Growing up in Philadelphia you learn that, Your going to be ripped off!!!!!

12yrs old got jumped twice in broad day light in front of traffic going to my summer job. Two more bikes stolen out of locked side yard, house broken into during the day. Good summer.

When we were first married we lived in a apt on a hill, someone broke into the car and stole the old child car seat. They pulled the emergency brake and rolled the car down the hill.

Had convertible top cut open while in the house eating lunch on my triumph.
Work truck broke into 3xs. SuperSport nova broke into, but they couldnt get started, so they stole a 2000.00 stereo out of it.

Had new ford van in for service in a gated dealership, they pull it out and hand me the keys, dash was smashed out of it. Didnt you bring it in that way!

I have alot more stories, but the one that broke the camels back was.
Wife calls me at work and says that she was robbed at home, with new born baby at home, two teenage girls knock and say somestory about needing to call there mother, snatch money from her purse and take off. Enough was enough, I started looking for another job and left 11yrs ago.

DONT EVER LET YOUR GAURD DOWN!
Philadelphia is a good place to visit, but watch your ass big time.
Also remember if your confronted, there is no fair fight, they will take your life.

i wish i could tell you it's gotten better in philly. but sadly, it hasn't. and the murder rate is at an all time high to boot.

my stuff is all insured. to be honest inside my apt is worth more than my bike, and that is insured to the hilt as well.

like it has been said many times, a pro is gonna get it no matter what you do. the last thing i feel like doing is getting shot because someone wants my bike and i want to stop them.

Here are some stats from the lojack site:

MOTORCYCLE THEFT
NATIONAL INSURANCE CRIME BUREAU STATISTICS

Over 70,000 motorcycle reported stolen in 2005 representing a loss of over $434 million

Motorcycle theft increased nearly 135% from 2000 to 2005

In U.S., one motorcycle is stolen every 7.5 minutes

Typical recovery rate of motorcycles is only 25-30%

For 2005 the ten states with the highest motorcycle theft rates are: (Released 7/06)

California (9,110)
Florida (6,324)
Texas (5,755)
North Carolina (3,053)
Ohio (2,573)
Arizona (2,464)
New York (2,195)
Indiana (2,186)
Georgia (2,159)
Pennsylvania (2,021)

(2005 and 2004 Motorcycle Thefts by State)

From another site (stats vary a bit from year to year):

Top 10 most stolen models
Honda CBR600 (15.8%)
H-D FLS series (13.4%)
Honda CBR900 (8.8%)
Suzuki GSX-R750 (8.1%)
H-D FXS series (7.8%)
Kawasaki ZX-600 (5.6%)
Kawasaki ZX-750 (5.2%)
Suzuki GSX-600 (4.9%)
H-D FLH series (4.5%)
Yamaha FZR600 (4.5%)

HD is the 5th most stolen brand of bike

There was a motorcycle theft in Texas a few months back that made the papers. Apparently, two guys in a car pulled up at the end of this guys driveway, as he was getting home on his bike. They stole his new sportbike, and his helmet at gunpoint.:frownthre

According to Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS), 18-1-706--Use of physical force in defense of property,

"A person is justified in using reasonable and appropriate physical force upon another person when and to the extent that he reasonably believes it necessary to prevent what he reasonably believes to be an attempt by the other person to commit theft, criminal mischief, or criminal tampering involving property, but he may use deadly physical force under these circumstances only in defense of himself or another as described in section 18-1-704." (18-1-704.5 is Colorado's 'Make my day' statute, allowing deadly force in the defense of one's home.)

So for those of you sighting in your respective firearms in the event of attempted thievery, be aware of this. The law more than likely won't protect you if you gun down a would-be thief. You'd be further ahead to walk out the front door with weapon in hand to scare the bejeezus out of the idiot near your bike. :gun
Or you could just resort to beating the suspect down, then calling the cops. That's okay (so long as the beating is 'reasonable'). :headb


That means don't shoot them in the head or chest with your high caliber handgun or rifle. Instead, use your 12 gauge and take 'em out at the knees. As you are waiting for the police and ambulance to show up, you can laugh at the scumbag(s) while they are screaming in pain..

Fortunately, I never have to worry when I'm riding with my group. If we stop somehere we always leave several prospects to watch the bike. Trust me when I tell you that I would rather have to deal with a full PH than a pissed-off prospect trying to make an impression.

Dave

My Grandfather bought his 65 Electra-Glide new. He drove it to work every day until my Uncle Gino (Pictured) heard through the Grapevine that the local Scumbag Thieves had it marked. He told Grampa, and the next day he was out in the garage, lowering the bike into the Pit...then he poured concrete over the top of it... then he parked his Galaxie on top of it... it stayed there until 1983 (12 years!!!) My Uncle still has it. If you look Closely, where the front wheel touches the ground, you'll see where the concrete was put back over the Pit, to keep us kids out of it, as it was a Great place to hide for Hide and Seek, probably what gave Grampa the Idea in the first place. :smoke http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-10/459292/Dadwith65PanheadHD50.jpgNow, while I don't recommend this for every one, actually, ANYONE! I just wanted to point out that sometimes, the thieves don't even have to steal your bike to take it away from you. Just do what you can to protect your investment, and get out there and Ride , and don't worry about it.

i think if u park u r bike the same spot every day...they can spot it...bike for a quick shopping...bike lock is enough...maybe:frownone

Growing up in Philadelphia you learn that, Your going to be ripped off!!!!!

Also remember if your confronted, there is no fair fight, they will take your life.


Philadelphia.... isn't that supposed to be the city of brotherly love? I read somewhere that there is a higher murder rate there than in NYC. Looks like you need some Joe Horns up in Philly :)

I rig mine up with some permatex under the tank...trying starting it without flipping the secret switch...and well you get the picture...
ok i am lying but it is something i want to do

My old CB Honda 750 had an ingnition cut out toggle switch under the seat , installed by the previous owner. Had to unlock the seat, engage switch before ignition would activate. Pretty good idea actually. Easy to do, and may delay a thief just long enough for him to lose his nerve. Again, no protection against a pro, but a cheap and easy deterrent to your average joy rider. Really, anything you can do to delay, discourage or make it more work is a good thing :)

I get Joe Horn to keep an eye on mine!

well, I live in Argentina.

Theft is rampant, but the kind of theft that will shoot you on sight.

So, while riding, I ride fast, and try to skip red lights at night.

When parked, I use 5 locks: a chain, a padlock on the forks, 2 disc locks and a U lock for rear wheel.
I also have Lo Jack and theft insurance. I sometimes wonder if I should buy a kevlar vest too, mainly because I know what I said, theft prefer to shoot you while riding and take the bike with the keys on.

I use a fork lock too. But I think the rust and a few scratches are a better deterrant.

A friend of mine trailered two custom bikes to Daytona some years back and had them both stolen. Plus while he was down there his wife had cleared the house out and left him... you know he said he missed the bikes more.