Posts: 476
Threads: 24
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jul 2014
I used to put physical bike locks on my bikes until the day my VFR800 was stolen in the middle of Geneva during the afternoon while I was at work. It had locks on it etc., but the guys who stole it just pulled up with a van, got out and lifted the bike in the back of the van and drove off. I didn't see them, obviously, but the police were able to confirm this to me afterwards.
After that I gave up with the hassle. Clearly if somebody wants to steal the bike they will.
Posts: 12,677
Threads: 77
Likes Received: 3 in 3 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Dec 2014
(03-18-2021, 01:55 AM)Henrik_imp Wrote: I used to put physical bike locks on my bikes until the day my VFR800 was stolen in the middle of Geneva during the afternoon while I was at work. It had locks on it etc., but the guys who stole it just pulled up with a van, got out and lifted the bike in the back of the van and drove off. I didn't see them, obviously, but the police were able to confirm this to me afterwards.
After that I gave up with the hassle. Clearly if somebody wants to steal the bike they will.
That is not fun Henrik.
Sounds like for higher risk areas (where ever we think that may be - e.g., NYC?), chaining down or at least to another motorcycle will make a lift theft probably not worth it.
Although, in rural areas, it would not surprise me that a few machines outside a sleepy motel/hotel wouldn't be lifted at 3 am in the morning. But again, a chain between machines might help avert that from happening.
Posts: 476
Threads: 24
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jul 2014
It is not fun, but at the end of the day that is also why I pay insurance.
I would hate for the CB to be stolen, but otherwise it is just an opportunity to get something new. The good thing is that our CBs do not seem to high on the list for bike thefts.
Posts: 1,671
Threads: 41
Likes Received: 138 in 66 posts
Likes Given: 38
Joined: Apr 2014
I only carry liability and uninsured-motorist insurance coverage, so a lock makes more sense for me. I garage my bikes at home, so theft is less an issue for me.
Posts: 862
Threads: 30
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jan 2019
I've almost never locked a bike anywhere, but then, I'm not riding an H-D CVO or a Ducati, either.
Posts: 115
Threads: 7
Likes Received: 19 in 2 posts
Likes Given: 1
Joined: Apr 2025
I have the Honda U lock that lives under the seat and is used in fairly low risk areas for short periods of time. For a bit more security I also use a heavy duty chain with disc lock. I use this to chain the bike to something solid. Insurance can't replace the bike if it isn't made anymore.
Posts: 12,677
Threads: 77
Likes Received: 3 in 3 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Dec 2014
Seems we have a healthy wide range of user perspectives on the matter. All useful.
Posts: 70
Threads: 7
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jan 2020
I use a 1" Cobralink lock ( no longer made) every night as my bike is parked in an open lot in my apartment complex. Have used this lock on my last 3 cycles no one has ever messed with them. Bike is always covered, too.
Posts: 23,416
Threads: 697
Likes Received: 498 in 228 posts
Likes Given: 624
Joined: Apr 2025
If I was in that situation I would probably use some kind of lock too Irv. Bad enough worrying about your bike one night outside of a motel room, but to experience that EVERY night, would be a nightmare
Posts: 12,677
Threads: 77
Likes Received: 3 in 3 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Dec 2014
Hot off the press today:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...light.html
In short:
Once the punk thief has mounted the motorcycle, push over the motorcycle because there is a fair chance they won't be able to lift it up. In this case the motorcycle is a Honda Africa Twin - which is very challenging to upright.
Dismally, however, choose your motorcycle chain carefully - especially in London town.
