Bike Security - alarms, locks, covers... gimme your advice

[Stuart Little]

Alright guys, I'm moving to my new apartment next weekend on the 8/9th and will no longer have the luxury of a garage. What are some suggestions for keeping my bike safe. Disc-lock, U-locks, anchoring, alarms.

I already have a heavy duty U-Lock, I'll keep the steering column locked. I can park my bike close to my apartment so I'm thinking just a dinky alarm would work for alerting me if someone was trying to lift it or something.

Saw these cheapos on e-bay, opinions...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...e=STRK:MEWA:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...e=STRK:MEWA:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...e=STRK:MEWA:IT

[sprtbkbabe]

Stu- Why buy something cheap to lock up your pride and joy?

Get this http://www.abuslocks.com/37quick.asp

[Lee]

I have a Scorpio alarm system on my FJR and it is excellent. But, professional thieves are good at defeating alarm systems, locks, and chains.

Can you find a mini-warehouse nearby in which to store your bike? That is what I would do.

Lee

[Stuart Little]

Lol, I live only 3 miles away from the folks house, I could keep it there, wouldn't it become redundant every morning going to get my bike with all my gear in the car and the extra keys...

[Dr. Joe Siphek]

Stew...i've had 2 bikes stolen from me. One had a u-lock and a disk lock...still stolen right out infront of my apt.

The second bike i decided to try an alarm w/ a pager...they still stole it. good luck. Now it stays inside at night.

[konichd]

Keep you bike at your parent's, or it'll be gone within a matter of days Stew. I keep mine at a friends garage and throw the gear in the truck and drive over, the peace of mind is worth it.

However I did pay $1,200 to get LoJack installed on my new ZX-10R. Locks and alarms won't do sh*t if someone wants your bike. LoJack is really the only sure bet with over a 90% recovery rate. Plus, depending on the plan they might cut you an additional check! On my plan if my bike isn't found within 24 hours LoJack writes me a check for $5000! Can't beat that for the price.

[Airreed]

STEW-

I too had a bike stolen...it was under the front porch of my parents house in a "upper middle class" area. If you cannot put it in a garage keep it at the parentals (too many of us had to learn the hard way...now we are all statistics).

If we cannot convince you to keep it as momz; bump up your insurance and drop your deductible and hope for the best.

Can you get on a waiting list for a garage?

Jason

[Stuart Little]

hmm, well i'm now seeing if I can keep it in their garage, they like to park the S-10 and the impala in there so not much space for me I think we'll have to see if I can convince them, i'm sure it won't be a problem, and I guess the 2.3 miles isn't bad..

[Mel]

Keep it inside if possible, if some assclown wants it, he is just gonna take it (my sisters Typhoon got stolen out of my parents driveway).

[Erratic]

When I lived off of Hampden and Yosemite in some apartments, I had a covered parking spot. There was a concrete support beam that I had a cable lock going around to anchor the bike (attached to the front tire, through the forks). I also had a disc lock for the rear tire, a Gorilla alarm with mercury switch (it would only go off if the bike was moved from the leaning position of the kick stand), and a full cover also locked. Never had a problem. Oh and I also parked the car directly in front of it, when I was home.

I now have a town home with a garage, so if you want the alarm I'll sell it to you, as I don't use it and pulled it out a while ago. Just let me know. I would have to look to find the remote for it though.