locks

[Slipperyeel]

I am looking for a lock. The kind of thing for short stops in town. I know that short of bolting the bike to the floor there is little to stop the determined types, but i am thinking to at least make my bike look the least appealing when it's sat in a bay...

I have an Abus chain and lock which i use now but wanted something more portable. What are other people using? My ST1100 disappeared with 2 disc locks fitted - Abus shackle version - (I come out in the morning to find 12 rotor bolts where the bike had stood!) but those people were clearly organised as the ST is big lump to get onto the back of a van...

Anyone out there using disc locks? Any other alternatives i'm missing?

Thanks

 

[stever1]

The problem is at regular stops where the bike is often seen such as at home overnight,the scrotes can get organised. If youre talking about a small lock for when you are out and about then a good quality disc lock is as good as anything.
Personally , i dont think you can do anything about thefts if the bike is kept outside overnight. The only answer is to garage it, and yes, i know we arent all lucky enough to own a garage.

 

[Madmountainman]

I used to have to lock my GS up outside at night, on my driveway, due to not having the luxury of a garage. Some scrotes tried to nick it one night but were foiled, fortunately.
I had an Abus 57HB through the forks and front wheel, with chain running to centre stand, further Krptonite chain and Abus disc lock securing the rack/seat frame to a 6" fence post and datatag, all wrapped up in a big black canvas cover.
The scrotes were somewhat organised as they had started to hacksaw my rear rack but, after fully removing the cover, obviously spotted the extra locks and gave up. I've since moved to Devon and have the luxury of a garage, but still use my locks.
I use the disc lock and/or the 57HB for locking the bike when out and about. The important thing to remember is that you never lock a bike and leave any part of the chain lying on the ground, they're too easily broken.
There will always be opportunist thieves about, but most locks will deter them, there's always another bike that's not locked that they'll move on to. Organised thieves will specifically target a bike and will have it away whatever security you have in place, so just be sensible and you should be ok or somewhat unfortunate if it's your bike they really, really want.

If i was regularly using a bay in London i'd go with the 57HB and chain to the centre stand, unless the bay had fixed posts, then cover with a heavy duty - preferably canvas - bike cover that has grommets to pass a lock through. The important thing is to present a bike that'll appear to take a long time to nick. The cover will immediately hide a shiny bike and keep the elements off. Yes, they could cut the cover, but that represents a delay and would draw more attention that someone lifting it off. At the end of the day it's London, bike theft capital of Britain, that no longer has a dedicated police bike theft squad, so expect thefts of motorcycle to only rise. Or... move to the country.

 

[Steptoe]

Doesn't matter what lock/chain/U lock you use and pointless spending a fortune on a big exotic example. .

If they're equipped to cut any of them they will, regardless what lock you use.
If they aren't equipped to cut off your lock/s then you're safe.

Hence why i use simple U lock, easy to carry around, quick to use. Plus i have a very simple means of immobilising my bike And when i park it in central london i always try and park next to a bike with no locks

But if they're going to pick it up and chuck into the back of a van you're fecked whatever you do.

 

[Wapping]

I am with Steptoe.

I would add that even when Westminster Council (and now some landlords) supply anchor points, as demanded by 'bikers'.... few if any use them.

What I do use when away (and it's useful for doubling up as a loop to put through my helmet, jacket etc) is a simple Abus:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/abus/raydo-1450-combination-cable-lock-ec027376

As it has a combination lock, as opposed to a key, it is less of a faff to use....

Nope, it won't stop a determined thief. But hey-ho, if they want the bike that badly they can have it

========

The other lock I do carry is a very simple Abus retractable cable, great for just lobbing through a helmet left on the bike whilst having lunch, say.

Again, it's a combination, so easy to use.... which means I do use it.....

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/abus/combiflex-pro-90cm-ec008995

The 90cm length is perfect.

 

[Shep]

but those people were clearly organised as the ST is big lump to get onto the back of a van...

A guy I know kept his Harley in his garage, chained up against the back wall then he parked his car up against it, then his Mrs parked her car against the door

He got up one morning to find the Mrs's car had been moved, with some force, writing it off, they had got the Harley out by dragging it over his own cars roof, totaling his own car in the process.

If they want it they'll get it

 

[daveg]

A guy I know kept his Harley in his garage, chained up against the back wall then he parked his car up against it, then his Mrs parked her car against the door

He got up one morning to find the Mrs's car had been moved, with some force, writing it off, they had got the Harley out by dragging it over his own cars roof, totaling his own car in the process.

If they want it they'll get it

Jesus

Out of interest what Harley was it, i.e. how big?

 

[Shep]

Jesus

Out of interest what Harley was it, i.e. how big?

A 70's shovel we joked that even had he heard them, they must have been big lads, probably better to leave them to it

 

[Slipperyeel]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Sounds like we all share the same thoughts i.e. use a lock! (+ cover when stopping a while). But if they want it, it'll get taken.

Thanks all your comments on type of locks too. I am now thinking a U-lock might be the way to go.

Steptoe, i will use your hint and try to park nextto unlocked bikes from now

 

[Black Rooster]

i left the keys in a bike overnight once wasnt taken but ofc i am a bit of a phsyco
and that helps sometimes

but i agree with the otherers you cant stop the detemined only make them go i will try an easier target