New Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 11 
Likes: 2
Joined: Jul 28, 2015 12:03:24 GMT -5
|
Post by mulderitsme on Jul 30, 2015 22:53:21 GMT -5
Hi all, new here and new to scooters! I will be purchasing a new Honda PCX 150 in September (been saving up the $$$, almost there!). This will be my first scooter, as well as my only means of transportation since I have no car right now, and I'd like to start preparing on how to keep it safe and secure.
I do not live in a good area (understatement). My apartment complex is in a very bad area, but is gated. However, instead of parking it in a parking spot, I plan to lock/chain/cable the scooter to a pole right outside my apartment door. Landlord has already given the okay, and my apartment is in the back of the complex, mostly out of view from the street. However, since this is my only means of transportation, I will be riding it to school (full-time student) and to work (full-time employee), as well as to Walmart and other stores, ect.
Where do I begin on the security? Because of finances, I'd like to start purchasing things one thing at a time. I will also be purchasing the theft protection with the insurance policy that I will be getting (I'm looking at Geico Insurance right now).
Thanks in advance for the help!
|
|
|
|
Post by cyborg on Jul 30, 2015 23:23:49 GMT -5
Ground floor apartment?,,, bring it inside if you can pull it off,,,if you can't then it's cables , locks and motion alarms
|
|
|
|
Post by javarod on Jul 31, 2015 8:31:24 GMT -5
Well, lets talk security. There is no thing as unstealable, the best you can hope for is to make it difficult enough that they'll look for something easy. That said, how much are you willing to put up with to secure it? For example, depending on where the battery is, you could consider pulling the battery out every day to make it harder to steal, after all, can't hotwire it without a battery (yeah, i know, kickstart if it has one).
More realistically you could go with some part or all of what i do:
Lock the steering
Turn off the kill switch
Close the ignition cover (yours prolly won't have this)
Disk brake lock (you can get these with an audible alarm)
Chain it to a pole (use the rear wheel as its easy to take the front off, and make sure its either a tall pole, or one with a top so they can't lift it off)
Cover it.
|
|
|
|
Post by spandi on Jul 31, 2015 11:50:31 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by JerryScript on Jul 31, 2015 12:53:37 GMT -5
You can spend tons of money on locks and alarms, and it still could be stolen relatively easily, search on YouTube to see how easy! For $35 you can get a TK103 based GPS unit from Amazon and other websites. You call the GPS unit, it hangs up and sends you a text message with Google map coordinates showing where your scooter is.
No lock or chain beats a hacksaw or bolt cutters, and most locks can be broken with canned air and a hammer. So recovery should be a high priority, the sooner the better so they don't have a chance to rip it apart!
|
|
|
|
Post by spandi on Jul 31, 2015 13:12:47 GMT -5
You can spend tons of money on locks and alarms, and it still could be stolen relatively easily, search on YouTube to see how easy! For $35 you can get a TK103 based GPS unit from Amazon and other websites. You call the GPS unit, it hangs up and sends you a text message with Google map coordinates showing where your scooter is. No lock or chain beats a hacksaw or bolt cutters, and most locks can be broken with canned air and a hammer. So recovery should be a high priority, the sooner the better so they don't have a chance to rip it apart! Silly me. I forgot to mention tracker units  (Good thing you didn't) |
|
New Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
Joined: Jul 28, 2015 12:03:24 GMT -5
|
Post by mulderitsme on Jul 31, 2015 13:56:51 GMT -5
Such great advice, thank you guys! I will definitely be investing in some security to prevent the drive-by thefts from lifting it as easily, but the GPS is also a fantastic idea so that if it is stolen, I can contact the police immediately and tell them exactly where it is. I will definitely be looking into that as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by spandi on Jul 31, 2015 14:31:35 GMT -5
Such great advice, thank you guys! I will definitely be investing in some security to prevent the drive-by thefts from lifting it as easily, but the GPS is also a fantastic idea so that if it is stolen, I can contact the police immediately and tell them exactly where it is. I will definitely be looking into that as well. Glad we could be of help. The idea is not to make it impossible to steal (you can't) but just to make it such a pain-in-the-neck that it's not worth the risk and effort to try in the first place.  |
|
|
|
Post by horace on Jul 31, 2015 14:46:45 GMT -5
Hi there, As I am new here, take my advice with a grain of salt, Is it possible to take the scoot indoors overnight? Maybe park it in the livingroom for instance? ...if your in an upstairs unit this could be an issue  ... A Brand new scoot is sure to be a target, A trip to HomeDepot is a decent idea.... Pass by the normal lock and chain section for a tow cable instead. Aprox. $25. Twice now I have thwarted overnight robbery with a cable that is simply to strong for Boltcutters. Another $25 for a GOOD Boron infused lock should do you well. Look into a Wheel lock also... Some have an alarm built in. GPS is a good idea but not so realistic at a budget price (unless you get a prepaid phone) I wish you well and GOOD LUCK!!!!!! |
|
|
|
Post by JerryScript on Jul 31, 2015 15:04:49 GMT -5
Hi there, As I am new here, take my advice with a grain of salt, Is it possible to take the scoot indoors overnight? Maybe park it in the livingroom for instance? ...if your in an upstairs unit this could be an issue ... A Brand new scoot is sure to be a target, A trip to HomeDepot is a decent idea.... Pass by the normal lock and chain section for a tow cable instead. Aprox. $25. Twice now I have thwarted overnight robbery with a cable that is simply to strong for Boltcutters. Another $25 for a GOOD Boron infused lock should do you well. Look into a Wheel lock also... Some have an alarm built in. GPS is a good idea but not so realistic at a budget price (unless you get a prepaid phone) I wish you well and GOOD LUCK!!!!!! GPS units can be found for around $35 plus $10 every three months for a SIM card. That's less than the cost of a good cable and lock, and the police can be shown where the stolen scooter is for recovery. Even the best locks are vulnerable to the freeze and shatter theft technique! |
|
|
|
Post by horace on Jul 31, 2015 15:28:25 GMT -5
Nothing is as good of a deterrent as a decent Lock and Chain, Alarm Combo. GPS does work....... after the fact..... After it's stolen insurance is the best route. Once recovered from tracking it maybe totaled anyway.
Drama is NOT my thing but, I can indeed recommend a lock a chain No freeze/bolt cutter will work on. The price range is a bit absurd for scooter use though. Let me figure out how to post links and pics (this is my 3rd post afterall)
Good Luck!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by horace on Jul 31, 2015 15:30:57 GMT -5
Seems like Quoting the person above you is not needed.......... Sorry if that seems a bit rude.
For extreme security research an Abloy 362 lock and Almax chain.......
The lock is more expencive than the scoot
|
|
|
|
Post by horace on Aug 1, 2015 15:17:55 GMT -5
Here is the chain
These vids are about 5 years old so, better stuff is now availible.
Keep in mind the lock and chain is around the same cost as a 50cc scoot anyway not including shipping.
Fun to dream though
|
|
|
|
Post by SylvreKat on Aug 1, 2015 16:26:21 GMT -5
I agree that the first step is out of sight on your patio. I'd hesitate at inside unless you have a bigger apartment, just in case it develops a leak and fumes escape.
Next, like the others say you want it not easy to grab. If it looks like it might take a couple minutes to snatch, vs "oh look there's another over there that's just parked", the baddies will go for the easy grab. Even though locks and chains can be circumvented fairly quickly as they said, even a minute or two of fiddling vs no fiddling at all will mean your bike's still there in the morn.
Third, I love the GPS idea for your situation. If you live in that bad a part of town, then chances are the baddies will someday go for yours no matter the locks on it. The GPS will give you and the cops a fighting chance to recover it.
Btb, welcome to the forum! And let us know how much you enjoy your scoot when you get it.
>'Kat
|
|
|
|
Post by SylvreKat on Aug 1, 2015 16:29:35 GMT -5
Oh, something else you REALLY need to look into--riding gear. Minimum is helmet and motorcycle gloves. Jacket and pants are better, along with some type of boots that actually fasten over your ankle rather than merely pull on. Real motorcycle boots are better yet.
And if you've never driven a bike before, seriously consider taking the MSF beginner class. It teaches you so much proper driving and safety and bunches else, all in 2 1/2 days. 'Cause of course the best protection of all is knowing how to properly respond to changing situations.
>'Kat
|
|
I use these items. Btw, the cover has an alarm in it (sold separately) that goes off if someone lifts it off the bike. (it can also be secured by a cable lock around the bottom.) As for the chain, I'd get the long model (6 feet) I put these websites out as examples, by shopping around the net you can probably find them at a lower price.
