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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Scooter Dan on May 07, 2016, 08:59:43 PM

Title: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: Scooter Dan on May 07, 2016, 08:59:43 PM
Karl's recent loss of his scooter reminded me of how precious our scooters are to us. How can we theft proof our scooters to minimize our exposure to these horse thieves? Horse thieves were once hanged for their offence. So we don't take kindly to anyone touching our bikes, moving them and taking off with them.

Several have mentioned some after market mods like hidden fuel petcocks, switches, chains, cables, padlocks and brake rotor locks. Perhaps you may like to share your tips and what works for you.

Again Karl, our hearts go out to ya Bro.
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: bluesin on May 07, 2016, 09:16:08 PM
Bought a 5'x8' wooden shed. Keep it locked up when not riding.
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: AMAC1680 on May 07, 2016, 11:58:27 PM
Can't ever totally theft proof them.
But you can insure them.

AMAC
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on May 08, 2016, 12:32:38 AM
have one of these to use when parking in a lot downtown (dentist's office, etc.)
Loud alarm....with a pager. And a grip lock on the brake lever.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/18784/i/bully-alarm-lock-with-pager (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/18784/i/bully-alarm-lock-with-pager)

Otherwise scoot is parked in the garage, locked with padlocks on the tracks and a motion alarm on the door.
Grip lock on the front brake lever (heavy rear end, but can be picked up...but not steered with front wheel locked from rolling.)
And as amac said....well insured.
Had a Honda bike stolen from old wooden garage while in medic training, Texas, 1960's. Our only transportation.
Stig
.
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: beermak on May 08, 2016, 02:59:42 AM
I use a xena disk lock w/alarm but the most important is a good insurance.
I.dont lock my scoot that often because where i live nobody really likes them.. ;)

Enviado desde mi SM-G920I mediante Tapatalk

Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on May 08, 2016, 11:41:51 AM
Usually the idea is to make your vehicle too much trouble to steal....so they'll move along to another one.
But when YOU own the only goat in the barn.....
Well, s h o o t!
Trying not to get too attached to my goat......Stig
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: Chris0381 on May 08, 2016, 03:38:34 PM
My issue with theft insurance on a scooter with a value of about a $1000 after 3 years usage, is that if I use it, it will probably come back to haunt me on my car insurance as I will have a record of filing a claim.

Thus the insurance companies may charge me more for insurance and get 2x the value back they paid me for replacement.
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: Scooter Dan on May 09, 2016, 02:12:42 PM
My issue with theft insurance on a scooter with a value of about a $1000 after 3 years usage, is that if I use it, it will probably come back to haunt me on my car insurance as I will have a record of filing a claim.

Thus the insurance companies may charge me more for insurance and get 2x the value back they paid me for replacement.

My insurance company (Foremost) is separate but I only have basic liability on my used scooters. Funny, I don't know what the cost of liability vs full coverage would be as I always thought that the extra amount over a period of years would buy my bike again. I'm kinda cheap on buying bikes and have never paid more than 3500 for any bike including Goldwings so I had a hard time justifying paying for full coverage or a used bike without allot of economic value. Perhaps I'm wrong and maybe someone can get me to change my mind.
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: MJR on May 09, 2016, 03:38:05 PM
My insurance company (Foremost) is separate but I only have basic liability on my used scooters. Funny, I don't know what the cost of liability vs full coverage would be as I always thought that the extra amount over a period of years would buy my bike again. I'm kinda cheap on buying bikes and have never paid more than 3500 for any bike including Goldwings so I had a hard time justifying paying for full coverage or a used bike without allot of economic value. Perhaps I'm wrong and maybe someone can get me to change my mind.

As I recall the difference wasn't too much but I do not really remember. One of the guys over on the Burgman board swears by used bikes and full coverage with a low/no deductible since just dropping one of these plastic bodied things can be expensive.
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: mnpugdog on May 09, 2016, 07:17:10 PM
I have the absolute most coverage I can get from GEICO and it's only $116 for the year on my DT. And that's with a reasonable 250 deductible.
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: mclark999 on May 09, 2016, 07:25:12 PM
I have full coverage on my People 50 for $60 a year.

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Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: ScooterWolf on May 09, 2016, 08:25:21 PM
I suggest full coverage. There may be more at stake than just paying for damages your bike, or to another vehicle. If you’re injured and lack health insurance, or miss work because of your injuries, and the other guy’s insurance doesn’t cover that, full coverage may help in that direction. If you have a passenger injured in a crash, our you cause injuries to others, full coverage can help with that too, as well as bike replacement (or the Kelley blue book equivalent).

- Wolf
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on May 09, 2016, 08:47:03 PM
I suggest full coverage. There may be more at stake than just paying for damages your bike, or to another vehicle. If you’re injured and lack health insurance, or miss work because of your injuries, and the other guy’s insurance doesn’t cover that, full coverage may help in that direction. If you have a passenger injured in a crash, our you cause injuries to others, full coverage can help with that too, as well as bike replacement (or the Kelley blue book equivalent).

- Wolf

Please look into exactly how much medical coverage you have as a rider with your scooter insurance policy.
Often the medical coverage to the rider will pay for little more than a few minutes in the ER......
Actual hospital stay, leg repairs, etc. medical coverage on a powered 2-wheeler is VERY limited or very expensive.
I think most rely on their health insurance for after-accident medical coverage.
Stig
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: ScooterWolf on May 09, 2016, 08:57:54 PM
I have full coverage and it  covers up to $5000.00 in medical cost. That was useful when I had my crash and a 4 night stay in the hospital.
But I agree, coverage may vary from carrier to carrier. As two wheel rides we’re the most vulnerable vehicles on the road. That’s how I tend
to look at it.

- Wolf
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: AMAC1680 on May 09, 2016, 11:58:48 PM
For me it's more about the other guy and the rest of the things I own.
Kill or severely injury another and the cost of insurance seems cheap. As stig has said look at the coverage offered and make decisions based on ones own situation.

The scooter repair/replacement could be the least of the problems.

AMAC
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: Scooter Dan on May 10, 2016, 01:27:16 AM
Thanks guys, I need to look at my insurance again. Good food for thought here.
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: xsel777 on May 10, 2016, 04:39:05 AM
While I am fully insured, regarding the title of this thread,  I got me this monster off eBay last night.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160510/82eb68be87fd1d0f8ff6f19192ce13ba.jpg)

 Sent from my Samsung Note 3 with Tapatalk
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on May 10, 2016, 10:47:10 AM
While I am fully insured, regarding the title of this thread,  I got me this monster off eBay last night.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160510/82eb68be87fd1d0f8ff6f19192ce13ba.jpg)

 Sent from my Samsung Note 3 with Tapatalk

Seems like they would have to lift the scooter with a disc lock.
Should work if parked in a public place....preventing a roll away.
Stig
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: xsel777 on May 10, 2016, 12:27:51 PM
Yep, this XC 500 weighs 270+-kg so,  it is a 4 man job to lift.

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Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: xsel777 on May 10, 2016, 12:29:18 PM
I am  sure it is still night time on your side of the world.
You sure get up early!

 Sent from my Samsung Note 3 with Tapatalk

Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on May 10, 2016, 02:10:19 PM
I am  sure it is still night time on your side of the world.
You sure get up early!

 Sent from my Samsung Note 3 with Tapatalk



Most days - if not pouring rain or snowy/icy roads - I watch the sun come up over the handle bars of a scooter.
Used to be during my ride to work....now just getting a ride in before heading home to take the young one to school.
I stop for coffee and read scooter forums ATGATT'ed.....and do not give a hang what passers-by think.
I tell myself not to get lazy with the gear - just because there's little traffic at sunrise and I'm only out 90 mins or so - I still put it all on. Head to toe. Kevlar, armored, plastic and leather. In the winter it's 6 layers and battery heated gloves;  summer it's just a shirt under leather ICON w/POLITE Notice hi-viz vest on (from the U.K.)  Slider jeans, ICON leather gloves, modular helmet and boots.
Stig

Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: xsel777 on May 10, 2016, 06:32:46 PM
Attgat , absolutely agree. I should do it every time,  but it happens like 90% only.
Enjoy your morning ride and coffee with Kymco Power forum.!
I often go for  a quick scoot to clear my head and get  a "feel good." ☺️

 Sent from my Samsung Note 3 with Tapatalk

Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: xsel777 on May 10, 2016, 08:17:44 PM
I also ordered from dx.com a GPS unit with built in  vibration alert.
It must be installed in the bike /scoot somewhere hidden, and it will send Google map coordinates via sms, plus more features.
The suspense of waiting for it to arrive now, argh.
I will advise how it goes once installed.
Hopefully it does not kill my battery.

 Sent from my Samsung Note 3 with Tapatalk
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: ScooterWolf on May 11, 2016, 10:14:50 PM
My BRC instructor once said about this bright canary yellow ATGATT gear, “You can make fun of me all you want. Words can’t me. But the road ... can.”

- Wolf
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: randyo on May 12, 2016, 01:36:06 AM
what is this "full coverage" that is being spoken of ?  I do not believe there is such a thing

Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: Forbes1964 on May 12, 2016, 02:32:15 AM
what is this "full coverage" that is being spoken of ?  I do not believe there is such a thing
Yes, I have it . It covers the scooter just like it does my car. Comprehensive including theft, collision, liability, PiP, bodily injury.
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: ScooterWolf on May 12, 2016, 02:47:18 AM
The works, in terms of insurance coverage.

- Wolf
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: mnpugdog on May 12, 2016, 03:44:14 AM
what is this "full coverage" that is being spoken of ?  I do not believe there is such a thing

For $113.50 I have bodily injury of 250000 /person 500000 /occurrence, 100000 property damage. 250000/500000 uninsured. another 250000/500000 under-insured. And comp/collision and towing with a $250 deductible.
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: randyo on May 12, 2016, 10:55:34 AM
Yes, I have it . It covers the scooter just like it does my car. Comprehensive including theft, collision, liability, PiP, bodily injury.

uninsured motorists ?

For $113.50 I have bodily injury of 250000 /person 500000 /occurrence, 100000 property damage. 250000/500000 uninsured. another 250000/500000 under-insured. And comp/collision and towing with a $250 deductible.

I still don't see full coverage...... when you get sued for $1,000,000 or have only $249 in damage

yes you have good coverage with fairly high limits, as I do my self,


it is what it is, coverage with limits and deductibles, state minimums are a joke and the reason it's wise to carry under insured coverage

no matter how much insurance you have, you can still get more.....and there ain't no such thing as "full coverage"

Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: MJR on May 12, 2016, 01:36:52 PM
no matter which insurance you have, you can still get more.....and there ain't no such thing as "full coverage"

Just as another phrase used in the transportation industry is not 100% true, a bumper to bumper warranty.
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: mnpugdog on May 12, 2016, 05:06:23 PM

I still don't see full coverage...... when you get sued for $1,000,000 or have only $249 in damage

yes you have good coverage with fairly high limits, as I do my self,

Full coverage as in if anything happens there is coverage for it. Will it always be enough? of course not. As far as being sued I have a helmet cam that I have running everytime I ride. So if they want to claim something else that happened and sue me then its up to them to prove the video I have is wrong.

I have been sued before and once the real truth and evidence came out he crawled back under his rock and got nothing from me.
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: djpo on May 13, 2016, 04:11:42 PM
Just got back from getting gas in mine and stopped at the safeway for their bread (in exchange for some of my bread).

All eyes were on my scooter. A lady putting her groceries in her smart car wanted to chat about how fun, how cute.. yada yada yada..  then on the way out a lady and guy were saying how fun it looks and how they'd love to be able to travel around on a scooter. Then they watched as I loaded a bag of bread, salad, hamburger meat, filet steaks and a box of boneless chicken wings in the top box. LOL... (i never leave the store with just the item on the list).

Makes me aware of how many eyes are on the scooter since it's such a novelty, especially in a giant pickup truck / suv crazed place.

I purchased a TrackR unit for the scooter (similar to tile) which I'll install today. Also purchased a lock that fits over the throttle and brake, but I'm not confident in the ability to unlock it once it is on (tried it once and it was challenging to get unlocked for some reason).

I have good insurance thru Farmers Insurance and a secondary insurance that will reimburse me for my Farmer's deductable, so if it gets crooked, I'm only out the time it will take to call someone to pick me up from where they strand me.
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: MJR on May 14, 2016, 08:26:31 AM
Ran across this.

http://www.grip-lock-canada.com/ (http://www.grip-lock-canada.com/)

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/28399b_bd819955198f416a927cd7083bd4ddd1.jpg/v1/fill/w_354,h_264,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/28399b_bd819955198f416a927cd7083bd4ddd1.jpg)
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: xsel777 on May 14, 2016, 12:22:14 PM
Yes,I can see that it certainly has value.
But, if your ride has handle protectors then this item might not fit,as there won't be enough space in front of the brake lever.

 Sent from my Samsung Note 3 with Tapatalk

Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: GLV55 on May 14, 2016, 02:56:50 PM
Just got back from getting gas in mine and stopped at the safeway for their bread (in exchange for some of my bread).

All eyes were on my scooter. A lady putting her groceries in her smart car wanted to chat about how fun, how cute.. yada yada yada..  then on the way out a lady and guy were saying how fun it looks and how they'd love to be able to travel around on a scooter. Then they watched as I loaded a bag of bread, salad, hamburger meat, filet steaks and a box of boneless chicken wings in the top box. LOL... (i never leave the store with just the item on the list).

Makes me aware of how many eyes are on the scooter since it's such a novelty, especially in a giant pickup truck / suv crazed place..
That sounds so familiar...same experiences here in Spud Land. 🚜 (The redneck factor is pretty strong here)
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: djpo on May 14, 2016, 03:53:21 PM
Ran across this.

http://www.grip-lock-canada.com/ (http://www.grip-lock-canada.com/)

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/28399b_bd819955198f416a927cd7083bd4ddd1.jpg/v1/fill/w_354,h_264,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/28399b_bd819955198f416a927cd7083bd4ddd1.jpg)

That's what i purchased (see my post above). I don't trust this item though. The lock moves too much in the housing and the first time I applied it, it took an awful lot to get it to unlock -
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: Scooter Dan on May 14, 2016, 04:22:55 PM
Perhaps a bike cover over the Scooter might defuse someone's temptation when they can't see the eye candy, even if it's not going to rain. Everything is about perception.
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: randyo on May 14, 2016, 05:22:39 PM
grunge..... pretty bikes get stolen before grungy ones
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: genie on May 15, 2016, 07:06:12 PM
hello all from London England - this is my first post on this forum :D

here in London we have a really serious problem with scooter theft, and you need to be pretty clued up about security.

Any cable lock, grip lock, disc lock, or chain lock with a link or shaft less than 16mm in diameter can be cut or broken in two minutes or less by a thief with some basic knowledge and a few cheap tools. Our local scooter thieves (known in the scooter world as 'toerags') travel equipped with 5' bolt cutters, hammers, and freeze spray as standard equipment. Some of the cheaper locks can be picked with a biro (ballpoint pen).

My security setup at home, in a leafy suburb of London, consists of a 1.5m chain with 16mm links, Squire padlock, all locked into a large eyebolt in the wall of my house. I'm also getting a ground anchor put in to secure the rear wheel, which will be secured with another identical chain and lock. The chain with padlock cost about £250 ($500) each, but if you don't invest in proper security then your scooter will surely be nicked. Vespas are particularly vulnerable - I  rode Vespas for over 10 years, and am a moderator on a Vespa forum, but I don't ride one any more because it's too difficult to keep kids from taking them unless you have totally secure parking both at home and at work.
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: randyo on May 15, 2016, 07:30:24 PM


here in London we have a really serious problem with scooter theft, and you need to be pretty clued up about security.

I have read about that on other forums, fortunately here in the US, we have the 2nd amendment and theft is not quite as much of a problem
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: mnpugdog on May 16, 2016, 01:30:34 AM
grunge..... pretty bikes get stolen before grungy ones

Yep never wash it, keep it muddy.  :o ;D
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: Snorvey on May 16, 2016, 02:48:46 PM
Re: Disk Locks

Just remember to take the damn thing off before you attempt a cool getaway in front of the assembled cafe patrons <ahem>

Not too much of a security problem in NE Scotland (other than the odd opportunistic joyriding ned) and there always seems to be a concreted in security arrangement in town (for pushbikes mainly, but motorcycles are catered for also), so it's just a matter of selecting a suitable 'deterrent' lock to carry with you.

I did read somewhere else that cable type arrangements often take longer to chew though as they rarely 'snip' as with a steel bar type lock and boltcutters. A cable might be a bit easier to carry as well. I use a cable in the shed and keep the 2 ends padlocked together with the padlock locked under the  Downtown's seat as it might be the easiest bit to attack with cutters.

I quite like the ignition lock cover arrangement on the Downtown and I generally use it and the steering lock when parking in town. I guess the cable/under seat padlock arrangement might work ok in town too.

Cheers
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: xsel777 on May 16, 2016, 03:50:50 PM
Re the disk lock,  a reminder cable is a must!

I recently saw a utube video on cutting  a security cable with a pair of cheap wire cutters(same size as pliers) 2.44min=job done, and bike gone.!

All he did was snip one or two strands at a time.

 Sent from my Samsung Note 3 with Tapatalk
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: Snorvey on May 16, 2016, 04:58:40 PM
2.44 minutes isn't too bad though eh? I dunno if many tea leaves that would hang around for that long.

I've seen videos where a guy can go through a steel bar or a padlock with a set of bolt cutters in a matter of seconds (Storage Hunters!)
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: xsel777 on May 17, 2016, 04:02:30 AM
Yep,  when I think about it, that 2.44min is a long time when your heart is racing, and expecting to be caught in the act any second.

The utube demo did not show that aspect, all nice and calm in the studio.

However, if the scoot was in  a quiet area, and the thief had steel kahunas, it is feasible with the wire cutter method.

 Sent from my Samsung Note 3 with Tapatalk

Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on May 17, 2016, 02:10:15 PM
That's what i purchased (see my post above). I don't trust this item though. The lock moves too much in the housing and the first time I applied it, it took an awful lot to get it to unlock -
I use this lock when popping into a store and parked in a conspicuous space in a highly populated lot. Bright color announces a lock.
Probably never meant to be a theft stop if scoot is parked in a concealed area or a repetitive location.
If it moves a lot use the provided xtra insert  - is never going to come off without tearing up something. Squeeze it and lock pops open with the key.
I use this (on front brake) and the alarmed/pager Bully lock on the rear wheel to prevent a roll-away theft when parked in a conspicuous and public place.
Unfortunately a lightweight scooter is too vulnerable if parked someplace like a State park lot - while I go off hiking. I just don't do it.
I am well insured - but .....
I do understand those who say, "Insure it well and forget about it." ( a more stress-free way to live!)
Stig
Title: Re: Theft proofing our scooters
Post by: 2wheelfun on May 17, 2016, 05:48:24 PM
I use a rotor lock so it won't be ridden/pushed away. If they carry it to a p/u or van it's just gone.