ahutcheon
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A chain guard? On an 1150?
Security Chain Question
- Thread starter buellzebub
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A chain guard? On an 1150?
I've got a 1.5mt Almax that I use in my Garage, along with a recommended Ground Anchor.
Then I got to thinking that, if they were already in the Garage, they would likely have sufficient Time and Cover to use a Grinder to remove the Chain so I'm not too sure how much use it would actually be.
The Chain came with a very nice Carry Case too, unfortunately the Trailer required to transport it was an Optional Extra and I couldn't afford it at the time.....
Then I got to thinking that, if they were already in the Garage, they would likely have sufficient Time and Cover to use a Grinder to remove the Chain so I'm not too sure how much use it would actually be.
The Chain came with a very nice Carry Case too, unfortunately the Trailer required to transport it was an Optional Extra and I couldn't afford it at the time.....
I carry a 1.5m Almax chain and Squire high security lock in one of the glass fibre Craven panniers on my R60US. It helps to stabilise the back end at high speed.
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never had a alarm on a motorcycle all the time ive had motorcycles and ive never used a chain .
Bendy toy
Registered user
I have an old Motrax English chain that's about 4ft long with a shutter type padlock. It's usually enough for a lamp post around the front wheel if not around the frame. It rolls up into a case that fits onto the pillion seat.
I also have a humungous Almax that weighs about the same as my house. Its almost useless for anything other than locking the bike to the house. Much too heavy.
So you twist the chain to keep it off the floor so it can't be chilled and sledge hammered but then its perfectly placed for this.
I also have a humungous Almax that weighs about the same as my house. Its almost useless for anything other than locking the bike to the house. Much too heavy.
So you twist the chain to keep it off the floor so it can't be chilled and sledge hammered but then its perfectly placed for this.
Bendy toy
Registered user
For commuting buy a bike that wont be too desirable to thieves. Then you can keep your glorious steed at home so they can have that away while you are at work.
Definitely get rid of your alarm/ imobiliser - mine nearly killed me in France and my wife's left her stranded in Spain. We've all seen the video of the bike being stolen outside the police station with the alarm blaring 
Fortunately I know how to link it out so it would no more than a large inconvenience. My primary aim is to minimise the chances of losing it when I'm out and about.
It seems like the Almax is impractical to carry about even though they advertise the series III as being portable.
So come on chaps, what chains (or other security device) DO you use? Having had one bike stolen (recovered later), I don't share sheene's faith and optimism!
It seems like the Almax is impractical to carry about even though they advertise the series III as being portable.
So come on chaps, what chains (or other security device) DO you use? Having had one bike stolen (recovered later), I don't share sheene's faith and optimism!
I carry a disc lock. But never bother using it for fear of riding off after forgetting I'd fitted it.
Don't ask me how I know!
Don't ask me how I know!
On an ECDL course a few years ago, a pupil asked the instructor how often she should save something she's working on. He asked her how much she'd be OK with losing.
Having also had a bike stolen, I view security as quite important - I think the level of importance you place on your security system is dictated by how much you value your bike (not necessarily it's monetary value, but its "worth" to you - did you build it yourself, is it your only transport, etc), whether you've had a bike stolen before, and your perception of the risk of theft.
Steptoe is unfortunately probably right - the best chain is probably little more than a deterrent to a serious gang. But as part of a system it'll still do a job - a few decent locks, locked to an immovable object (or two), in a conspicuous well-lit location with frequent traffic, a cover, or maybe an alarmed garage, an alarm (if that's your thing), a dog, maybe a CCTV set up aimed at the bike, random varied routes home, no "my other car is a bike" stickers on your car...
Regarding using a bike unattractive to thieves, I personally wouldn't have a £15,000 1200GS sitting outside my apartment (even if I wanted a 1200GS...
), but I'd regard a £3500 1150GS as unlikely to be as hot a target. If I'd a garage (or hallway or sitting room or kitchen), that's where I'd be locking up my bike, whether it cost me £3500 or £15,000.
For me, the best security system will be exactly that - a system; not one chain or one disc lock or one anything. And if that system serves to improve the chances of my bike being there when I come back to it then it's all worth it. The sting of an empty space where your bike was is not worth complacency or apathy or cutting corners with security. The age-old comment makes sense - if yours is too much hassle, they'll move on to an easier target.
Having also had a bike stolen, I view security as quite important - I think the level of importance you place on your security system is dictated by how much you value your bike (not necessarily it's monetary value, but its "worth" to you - did you build it yourself, is it your only transport, etc), whether you've had a bike stolen before, and your perception of the risk of theft.
Steptoe is unfortunately probably right - the best chain is probably little more than a deterrent to a serious gang. But as part of a system it'll still do a job - a few decent locks, locked to an immovable object (or two), in a conspicuous well-lit location with frequent traffic, a cover, or maybe an alarmed garage, an alarm (if that's your thing), a dog, maybe a CCTV set up aimed at the bike, random varied routes home, no "my other car is a bike" stickers on your car...
Regarding using a bike unattractive to thieves, I personally wouldn't have a £15,000 1200GS sitting outside my apartment (even if I wanted a 1200GS...
), but I'd regard a £3500 1150GS as unlikely to be as hot a target. If I'd a garage (or hallway or sitting room or kitchen), that's where I'd be locking up my bike, whether it cost me £3500 or £15,000. For me, the best security system will be exactly that - a system; not one chain or one disc lock or one anything. And if that system serves to improve the chances of my bike being there when I come back to it then it's all worth it. The sting of an empty space where your bike was is not worth complacency or apathy or cutting corners with security. The age-old comment makes sense - if yours is too much hassle, they'll move on to an easier target.
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Well put Phaedrus, the whole efficacy of a 'system' relies on it being enough of a pain that the scrotes move on to another target but not so much of a pain to one's self that one doesn't use it. It's all about compromise.
This is the one I use, slightly different model of lock though, mines either one of their earlier ev disc locks or an abus granite.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KRYPTONIT...964517?hash=item3d11ff8925:g:JnUAAOSwPc9WxIt1
These guys also have the heavier 20mm cable too for an extra £10
Rather than start a new thread, I'll ask this on here, cos it's related.
What's the biggest diameter chain you guys have been able to use to lock up your 1150s? Is anyone using one of the big 19mm jobbies? And where do you route your chain, whichever size you use?
My own Abus Extreme 11mm chain fits comfortably over the swingarm/driveshaft (and its 1.2m is just right to also go through my Y-Anchor and leave no slack), but I do want to invest in something more beefy. I might still use the Abus chain as well, perhaps even through a second ground anchor (though I'll have to think hard about that - installing the Y-Max 90 really knocked the bollocks out of me
).
I can't imagine one of the big 19mm chains fitting over and around the driveshaft? And so far, I can't really see where else a hefty chain could be routed on an 1150?
I think I'd like to have a longer chain so I can loop it through the back wheel (and maybe through a footrest hanger), as well as over the swingarm, so I might look at a 2m length.
But I'm thinking a 16mm chain might be the biggest that would fit where I'm routing it.
I do also have a u-lock through the front forks/wheel, and a disc lock, and a plain cover over the bike, and a CCTV camera pointed at it, so maybe the compromise of a 16mm chain rather than 19mm mightn't be so significant, given that my overall system is pretty robust. I've yet to, but do plan to, add a tracker (Back2You top of my interest list for now), some sort of security marking (e.g. Datatag), and perhaps a simple (ie, won't-leave-me-stranded-somewhere) motion alarm (e.g. Datatool Demon)
Yes, I get it - to many this is all OTT. Not interested or bothered by any judgement of my approach - if I have a bike stolen again, it won't be because of any complacency on my part. Each to their own.
What's the biggest diameter chain you guys have been able to use to lock up your 1150s? Is anyone using one of the big 19mm jobbies? And where do you route your chain, whichever size you use?
My own Abus Extreme 11mm chain fits comfortably over the swingarm/driveshaft (and its 1.2m is just right to also go through my Y-Anchor and leave no slack), but I do want to invest in something more beefy. I might still use the Abus chain as well, perhaps even through a second ground anchor (though I'll have to think hard about that - installing the Y-Max 90 really knocked the bollocks out of me
).I can't imagine one of the big 19mm chains fitting over and around the driveshaft? And so far, I can't really see where else a hefty chain could be routed on an 1150?
I think I'd like to have a longer chain so I can loop it through the back wheel (and maybe through a footrest hanger), as well as over the swingarm, so I might look at a 2m length.
But I'm thinking a 16mm chain might be the biggest that would fit where I'm routing it.
I do also have a u-lock through the front forks/wheel, and a disc lock, and a plain cover over the bike, and a CCTV camera pointed at it, so maybe the compromise of a 16mm chain rather than 19mm mightn't be so significant, given that my overall system is pretty robust. I've yet to, but do plan to, add a tracker (Back2You top of my interest list for now), some sort of security marking (e.g. Datatag), and perhaps a simple (ie, won't-leave-me-stranded-somewhere) motion alarm (e.g. Datatool Demon)
Yes, I get it - to many this is all OTT. Not interested or bothered by any judgement of my approach - if I have a bike stolen again, it won't be because of any complacency on my part. Each to their own.
For what it's worth I came to the conclusion that a disc lock on the front wheel and an Oxford 'Barrier' cable lock through the back wheel in order attach to a fixed object. The cable is relatively light weight and the disc lock lives under my pillion seat.
Both are merely deterrents but at least I'm not lugging around extra weight. Finally, get yourself a plain bike cover to cover up the shiny bits and badge.
Both are merely deterrents but at least I'm not lugging around extra weight. Finally, get yourself a plain bike cover to cover up the shiny bits and badge.
For me the weight of a chain/padlock isn't an issue - the bike carries the load, not me. And a good chain - while I agree they are just a deterrent - is generally tougher to defeat than even the better cable locks.
Agree on the plain cover - already got a dull grey one on the bike: very effective at deterring snoopers, as there's nothing to see, so no legitimate excuse to be hanging around the bike.
Really interested to hear where owners route their chains on their 1150, and what's the biggest chain size owners are using.
Agree on the plain cover - already got a dull grey one on the bike: very effective at deterring snoopers, as there's nothing to see, so no legitimate excuse to be hanging around the bike.
Really interested to hear where owners route their chains on their 1150, and what's the biggest chain size owners are using.
Really interested to see what the consensus is for what constitutes a reliable system without all the subjective or snotty replies. I have a 1200GS TE but am picking up a 2017 triple black 1200 next week and riding/parking in London and at home in Hertfordshire is a worry. I'll list below what I currently use below if it helps but am open to suggestions and seeking advice.
Home & out and about:
BMW alarm & immobiliser - factory fitted. Not thatcham.
1x abus granit sledg 77
1x abus granit detecto 8007
-one on each front disc.
Biketrac
Home (as above with):
1x almax series 3 1.5m chain
Squire lock which came with it
Almax ground anchor
I have an optimate which the bike is always on at home so not concerned re battery and alarm. Can switch off when touring.
My question/issue is I think the almax chain is too much weight on the bike or in the luggage and am wondering if anyone else carries this chain on the bike?
I'm not sure he alu luggage could take it and if it could I think the weight is too far back. I've heard someone suggesting a kriega for the back seat with the lock inside and this could work I think.
Also thinking about for the sake of cost getting the 0.7m almax series 3. I know it won't lock to anything, or is unlikely to, but could go on the back wheel alone. Disc lock on the rear of a GS isn't the easiest.
Any help welcome.
Home & out and about:
BMW alarm & immobiliser - factory fitted. Not thatcham.
1x abus granit sledg 77
1x abus granit detecto 8007
-one on each front disc.
Biketrac
Home (as above with):
1x almax series 3 1.5m chain
Squire lock which came with it
Almax ground anchor
I have an optimate which the bike is always on at home so not concerned re battery and alarm. Can switch off when touring.
My question/issue is I think the almax chain is too much weight on the bike or in the luggage and am wondering if anyone else carries this chain on the bike?
I'm not sure he alu luggage could take it and if it could I think the weight is too far back. I've heard someone suggesting a kriega for the back seat with the lock inside and this could work I think.
Also thinking about for the sake of cost getting the 0.7m almax series 3. I know it won't lock to anything, or is unlikely to, but could go on the back wheel alone. Disc lock on the rear of a GS isn't the easiest.
Any help welcome.
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