Wed, 06 May 1998 18:02:50 +0100 - Message No. 2885
From: Pete

Subject: Re: disc locks...




Pete wrote:

> gmitropoulos@pnc.co.uk wrote:
>
> > Pete,
> >
> > since you seem to be an expert on the subject,
>
> Hey, I'm no expert, their just a few observations I've made in my time as an
> alarm installer house and vehicle.
>
> > have you seen sola-larm? RiDE claim they have built a good and cheap unit
> > (around
>
> Don't be too impressed by RIDE and such like claims, they are normally based
> on an attack on the vehicle lasting up to 5 minutes or so, which in the real
> world rarely happens except by a pro and you aint gonna stop them.I have no
> real experience on the Sola alarm but I know the features of it and their the
> same as 1000 other diy alarms so why pay £65 when £40 will do and forget about
> the Insurance approved one's unless your gonna get a substantial discount on
> premiums, the skill is in the fitting, most DIY people will fit the alarm in
> an easily reached spot and all the wiring is done within a few inches of the
> main unit, big mistake,
> 1st:  is to fit the unit in the most inaccessible point on the cycle,
> preferably under a bolted seat with unusual type bolts which are non standard
> to the Cycle.
> 2nd: If the wires on the unit are colour coded cut them as short as possible
> and add extra length's of black wire, that makes it difficult for them to
> trace the wires back, try to get wires that will match with the bikes existing
> wires and run them as long as possible, so for example change the power supply
> from say red to black and route the wires from the back of the bike under the
> tank to the front and then to the back again helps in the confusion and don't
> bunch all the wires together either or its easily spotted, always fuse
> everything, earth, supply, indicators etc. in case of any shorts anywhere
> later.
> 3rd always use a siren that has battery backup built in and mount the siren in
> the most inaccessible place so that access cannot be gained to the trumpet
> because if you can block the air around a siren you wont here it go off, try
> sticking your hand over the siren tube and you'll see.
> and preferably use 2 sirens, you can get little Piezo sirens as used in house
> alarms they draw very little voltage.4th fit it yourself and never discuss
> your security with anyone other than to say it is belled up.5th regardless of
> features always fit the unit as best you can so even the cheapest alarm is
> gonna take 3 or 4 hours to fit and you'll need to dismantle most of the bike
> to do it properly, if it only takes you 10 minutes to fit then how long do you
> expect someone to take to nick it !!!
>
> > £70).
>
> £64.99 from MPS, although there has been some stink about their failing to
> deliver the goods lately along with M & P.
>
> > What's your opinion? I am thinking on buying one.
> >
> > And also they say they offer "optional immobization feature" (at an extra
> > cost of £25)
> > which traps your starter motor rather than the ignition "for safety".
> >
> > In terms of the immobilizer, in my cards that means anybody can jump start
> > the bike without any problem.
> > Am I right?
>
> Normal things to immobilize would be Ignition, starter, fuel pump and ecu (be
> very sure before tampering with the ecu.)
> no one thing is good enough on its own, disconnect the ignition and they'll
> hot wire it, disconnect the start circuit and they'll bump start it. so use as
> many as you can.
>
> but after all that and making us all paranoid the things I would recommend is
> a big chain or two through the frame onto a thick tree or lamp post type
> object, disk locks, (lever locks as a second ) front and rear. U bolts etc.,
> and finally if you store your bike in a shed or garage make sure they also
> have an alarm and strong locks and preferably a good ground anchor sunk into
> the concrete floor, remember the crooks like to work in the peace and quiet,
> so don't give em the chance.
>
> and one of the most important things is to make sure your insurance is very
> good and waterproof with no silly little get out clauses and if your bike is
> ever stolen make sure you emphasize how much care you ALWAYS take over
> securing your bike be it down the local pub or in the garage, and don't ever
> tell em you left the keys in it, even if you did. :)
>
> now the way I book it that little lot should cost you around £10000 :) and you
> still wont guarantee against it being stolen !!!
>
> and DON'T ever think you are just protecting it from the professional thief a
> normal T leaf will see stealing your bike as an opportunity to earn just a few
> hundred pounds for a few minutes work, so lock up guys.
>
> hope this helps some of you, guess I went on a bit.
>
> Pete




dipper@normans.isd.uni-stuttgart.de