I am going to buy a Motorcycle in the next month, and one question constantly comes up in my mind. How are motorcycles not stolen? I realize that they weigh a lot, but they are still light enough to be taken. What kind of security exists on a motorcycle?
Typically the handlebars lock when you remove the key. If not...you could just roll them away. This way you'd only roll them in little circles. Lots of people also use U-locks.
Probably the same way as the motorcycle ... the handlebar locks. On my bike when I turn the handlebars all the way to the left and move the key to the lock position you cant move it anymore. Also, if you leave the bike in first gear and turn the ignition off the wheels lock as well and you cant even roll it.
Unless you're dealing with a criminal mastermind, and he finds the clutch lever. Azadre, they make everything from motion detectors to lojaks for bikes. I'd just make sure I had sufficient insurance instead.
My HD came with keyed handlebar locks, keyed ignition lock (I think thats what it's called) and another ignition lock that is activated/deactivated remotely and/or by way of turn signals. Somewhat like you, my biggest fear is how easy can 4 big ol boys lift my bike onto a bed of a truck? I'm sure some kind of lojack/gps unit will be next. Last week in LA I noticed a lot of bikes with wheel locks. People don't like ugly so buy ugly But, in the end, if they want it that bad, they'll get it.
Motorcycles get stolen ALL the time. Sportbikes weigh like 400 lbs, not too much for two guys, especially if you roll them onto a trailer. If you've got a desirable one, you better get insurance on it before you leave it outside. Aside from handlebar locks, you can also get disc locks that attach to the front brake rotor. These are really light and can be carried around easily. The bad part is sometimes you forget and when you put it in gear... BAM!! Your front wheel stops rolling and you fall over. Also, the thief only needs to lift the wheels onto skateboards/dollies and they can roll the bike anywhere they want. I used a heavy chain, and looped it through my frame and around a bike rack. This works best for naked bikes. Some people loop a chain through the rear wheel and to ground anchors. If you have a garage it's a lot better.
When I was in EMT school we called people who rode motorcycles organ donors. At least take a class about how to ride a bike and always wear your helmet!!!!
I had a bike stolen out of an apartment parking lot once, but was fortunate enough to get it back. If it's not chained to the ground or in a garage, it can be taken easily. You need to have it insured, and at least get some form of Lo-Jack. People make a business out of selling stolen bikes-they part them out on Ebay, etc.
