Security measures for your VFR when traveling?

Hello All;

Planning some overnight travel next month on my VFR.

What sort of security measures do you use when parking the bike overnight in the parking lot of a hotel. I'm thinking I need 2 items for sure, maybe 3

1. A good Cover to keep it dry and protect from elements. I also think this discourages curious folks from throwing a leg over it while unattended.
2. Good heavy duty lock
3. Unsure about an alarm? if so which one?
4. Other items that I've overlooked?

Of the above items what brands, styles, and models do you like?

Thanks:smile:

 

If you are seriously worried about it I would get the LoJack. A disclock will keep em from riding it off but not hefting it into a van or truck. the cover idea is good for casual jerkoffs but won't help with a real thief. A good alarm would at least give you time to get out there perhaps and confront said thief. I think Scorpion is supposed to be pretty good, but I've never gotten an alarm so thats 2nd hand.

 

Most of the solutions out there can't keep a couple guys from picking up the bike.

A cover does a lot to keep people from hopping on or messing with the bike, but takes up a lot of room when packing.

Best advice, ground floor hotel room... Just roll the bike in!

 

SLOavr8r

That's not a bad idea... Have you done that before? Would it fit through a typical door?

 

I use a Xena disk lock to make noise if the bike is moved and a cable lock to lock it to something solid if available. Also ask the hotel/motel manager if you can park it next to the managers office or front entrance door.

 

WVFR

Locks and parking next to the office, also very good approach.

 

I've always wanted to bring my bike in the room, but never had the C.O. Jones to do it. I can't imagine many motel managers being very excited about seeing your bike headed for their carpet.

I do always ask for a ground floor room with a space immediately in front. I leave the light by the window on, too...thieves can't be sure I'm sleeping.

 

I store my VF500F and VFR800 in my basement. They make it through the ground level walk out door. Just fold in the mirrors first. I think if you have hard bags, you might want to remove them first.

 

Hey - I would bring it in the room if possible. The cover is something I would definately recommend and also use a Xena disk lock that makes noise if the bike is moved. I am going to put an alarm on my bike but until then I also use two Kryptonite chains to lock to lock it to something solid like a pole. That is about all you can do. LoJack or a GPS device are good but if somone takes my bike and does damage then they can keep it and I will get another - that is why I pay for insurance.

 

I have a scorpio alarm on my 06 It has a shock sensor,tilt sensor,ignition disabler,battery backup and a perimeter sensor(to protect the luggage). It also has a FMtransmitter keyfob that alerts you of a trigger with a tone & vibration within a 2 mile radius. The audible alarm if unbearably loud. I dont think you could buy anything better.

 

Are we worried about thieves specifically targeting VFRs or just the casual waste-of-organic-carbon dirtbag who'll steal anything available? I travel a good bit on my Guzzi - I've always figured the "Moto Guzzi" logo is one of the better theft deterrents going.

I'm in love with my yellow VFR. But is every mutt out there? Or are they looking for something a lot more squidly. Got another trip coming up - inquiring minds want to know if we should spend money on locks and alarms. (I usually use a cover, and/or park at the front door of the hotel.)

Thanks,
C

 

I was thinking of getting something like that installed on my bike. If you don't mind me asking, how much did it cost? I have a Xena, but it just doesn't seem like enough.

 

no prob.. it was dealer installed for 650 canadian. (DeWilt honda in stoney creek)

 

Is there a monthly access fee for the transmitter?

 

I don't have any specific information on theft of VFR's but I would expect it to be a lower risk than some. They are not particularly popular in North America. Most riders tend to be a bit on the older side so I doubt they attract the same low lifes as some. Of course there are a lot of dirt bags out there so there is still a risk.

 

It's not the VFR in particular they want, it's ANY modern-ish bike with ACCESSORIES. Stuff like my sexy new Micron can, the Galfer Wave rotors (the rear rotors also fit Blackbirds and F4's), the stainless lines, etc...

Most of our bikes are worth more parted out on eBay then if we sold them whole...

So that's why the bike either goes IN the room, on the sidewalk outside the window, cabled to a post (or another bike), parking out of site from street traffic, or outside of the lobby...

Disk locks are handy, but can't keep a few guys from picking up the bike and throwing it in a van.

 

A serious disc lock - or better a proper chain - the probelem with the chain is it has to be put around some thing that is its self concreted in... and it is heavy to carry. I use a Datatool alarm, complete with nudge sensor - a high wind will set it off (though it has an override) http://www.datatool.co.uk/ - though I have no idea if you can get them where you are.

The best idea though - short of getting the bike in the hotel room, is to get the bike immediately outside your room, and leave the window open.

Good luck

 

no jay,no monthly fees........

 

Just a warning, I have had my motorcycle cover stolen off my bike before, so if your going to cover your bike it may be a good idea to cable lock the cover to it. Twice I've walked outside to find that my hundred dollar cover was gone. I don't know if others have had the same problem.

 

That's the most perfect security measure I think you can take. However, doing anything is better than doing nothing. At least some kind of noise maker may alert someone of an unwanted presents.