Basic models stop there, but others offer several enhancements.Ĭheaper models (the same price range as disc locks) include flashing the lights and/or turn signals, sounding the horn (in addition to the alarm), and a remote engine kill switch. These alarms are wired directly to the 12-volt system of the bike, and while they don’t offer any kind of physical locking, they have a motion-activated alarm that can hit 120 decibels or more. The volume is usually around 110 decibels (dB), which is loud enough to cause physical discomfort if you’re nearby. Brute force will defeat one of these locks, but they’re an effective, inexpensive deterrent.Ĭord: A disc lock comes with a “reminder” cord (usually a nylon-covered steel cable) that extends from the lock and loops over the handlebars so you don’t forget the lock is there and try to ride off with it attached.Īlarm: The vast majority of disc locks include a motion-activated alarm that goes off if someone tries to move the bike. The locking pin is usually forged stainless steel, so it’s very difficult to saw through. It’s difficult for a thief to disable the alarm when it’s fitted to your motorcycle because access to the battery and circuitry is on the side that’s against the brake disc. Locking is usually just a question of pushing the pin home with a button, so it’s very fast. It won’t go past the forks or brake caliper, so it keeps the wheel from rotating. Once fitted, you’ve effectively got a big lump of metal attached to your disc. The mechanism consists of a pin that fits through one of the holes in your disc brake and clamps the body of the lock in place. These are a simple but effective solution. We’ll also look at vibration alarms and handlebar locks. There are two main approaches: disc locks with built-in, battery-powered alarms and wired-in alarms that link to the motorcycle’s 12-volt battery. Given the limited space available on a motorcycle, an alarm needs to be compact. Unfortunately, there’s little defense against the pros, but the more security you have, the more chances you have of slowing down or stopping them. Even if you chain your bike down, they’ll either have bolt cutters or freezing spray that makes chains and shackles brittle and easy to break. They arrive in a van or truck and simply lift the bike in. They know how to defeat most forms of motorbike security systems. Professionals frequently target a specific motorcycle in advance. An alarm will stop most because there’s probably an easier target for them just down the street. Any visible physical deterrent will put off many would-be thieves. The opportunistic thief is often on foot or driving around in a car looking for an easy target - a bike without any kind of security. They fall into one of two categories: opportunists and professionals. pro thievesīefore we get to the motorcycle alarms themselves, a quick note about motorcycle thieves. For very little extra money you can fit a disc lock as well. Our recommended models underline the wide range of affordable devices available, and in the following motorcycle alarm buying guide we look in detail at the features they offer.Īlarms that are wired into your motorcycle have extremely loud sirens, which will scare off many potential thieves, but some kind of physical deterrent that prevents it from being moved is still recommended. Even at that low price, they can be very effective. And while you can spend hundreds of dollars, many cost no more than a couple of tanks of gas. The good news is that you have many choices. Investing in a motorcycle alarm is not only a very sensible idea, but it could actually save you a lot of money.īut which motorcycle alarm? That’s exactly the kind of question BestReviews was set up to help you answer, and we’ve been looking at all your options. If it’s your only vehicle, you’re left stranded or reliant on public transport. Insurance often doesn’t cover the true cost of replacement. If you’re unfortunate enough to have it happen to you, there’s likely to be financial loss. The latest figures from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) tell us that there are as many as 45,000 reported motorcycle thefts per year in the United States.
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