How to Keep that New F800GS Reasonably Safe from Theft???

OK... I don't want someone ELSE riding my bike like they stole it!!!

I already know that people can pick up and throw a bike in the back of a pickup or trailer and that there's little help for that.

I also am aware of chain and cable systems.

At home I keep my bikes in my garage with a very good alarm system and they have their steering locked and "other surprizes for thieves" that I'd rather not divulge.

What I specifically want to talk about is security/alarm systems that are compatible with the F800GS and that offer all the latest stuff such as pagers and keyless remotes and starter disconnects.

My greatest fear is having my new to be bike stolen while I'm in a store, restaurant or office and I don't want to have to lug around heavy chains, cables and locks. I'll keep my KLR for times I have to ride to high crime areas or leave it unattended for more than a few minutes.

Anyone have any good ideas other than get insurance and pray a lot?

$bob$

Take whatever measures that you can live with. I personally insure the bikes I want to insure, and park them with the steering locked. Cable, chain, etc., systems are more hassle to me than they are worth.

If I have a bike stolen, insurance will cover it. That's how I live.

They can't ride it without the key/don't worry...be happy. A stolen BMW is very rare. They love harleys tho.

You might pop for the BMW theft prevention system, but I'm with the other guys so far--insurance, fork lock, take the key, relax. But then I don't live where I need an alarm system in my garage or 'surprises for thieves,' so I can't appreciate your level of worry.

I remember buying my first bike (VS800 Intruder) in 2001 and worrying about it being stolen Took a lot to park it, put a disc lock on it and walk away Since that first time I rarely worry, as I know the bikes I like/love are not high on the list of stolen machines. I should mention that at that time I did live in a very lagre metroploitian area and most likely you'll have little to worry about Worry less as others have mentioned and get out & Ride your new wheels

I have the BMW alarm and use one of these:

Stolen 800gs, or any modern beemer for all that matters, it would be a utterly waste of resources and time for the thieves.

No key with the chip? NO WAY IT STARTS.

So the BMW alarm system is pretty good?

If it doesn't come with the bike do you know how much it costs?

Thanks,
$bob$

In the FWIW category:

The local dealer here waved me off on the alarm system, saying that it gave too many false alarms. It also takes up valuable space under the seat where tools or whatever could otherwise be stored

Jim

Just stick your name on the side of it and nobody will touch it...

cool. where did you get that sticker made?

I made it on CorelDRAW and sent off the CDR file to www.anytimesign.com

I've always found that a bike cover is very cheap insurance. I've commuted to work for years and always covered the bike while at work and that tends to keep people away. If someone really wants it there's not much you can do but a simple out of sight out of mind solution works well.

I use the "seat monkey" and the fact that my bike is so ugly nobody would want to steal it.

KLRs are good for that. I never have to worry about mine.

I've been lusting over this particular red Duc for sale locally and keep fretting about the need to keep it locked up.

The likelihood of someone randomly seeing your bike and taking it are slim. This is something that generally has to be planned. That or the thiefs are not very bright. So unless you park it or frequent some place very often I would not put much thought into it. In the end, if a thief wants your bike he takes your bike, period. I don't care what you have on it.

Alarms are a waste of time. People don't pay attention to them anymore. The thief can not start the bike without the factory key. So by the time you figure out what is going on, the bike is on the back of a truck, wastefully wailing away!

I was curious how other riders attempted to keep their motorbikes
from disappearing after a fellow rider's bike was stolen, seems that
some kids (yes Gadget Boy you were spot on!!) took his motorbike
and left their BMX in it's place....

so here's a link on how some of the Chain Gang try to keep others
from walking off with their prized possessions......

http://f650.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=223051&start=0

OH!!!! HE got his bike back

Yup like Gadget Boy said without the Immobiliser key, no way the bike can be started.

The OEM alarm is extremely piercing and loud and would generally deter the casual punk trying to make off with it or just sitting on it. It was funny watching a friend of mine trying to get off my bike when the alarm went off, he didn't know it was turned on
Oh yes there is bright flashing red light on the rev counter with the OEM alarm also I thought that was a nice touch. Whether or not someone actually sees it in the daytime is another story. Night time that flashing light can be seen from miles.

But generally if I have to leave the bike overnight in a high pedestrian traffic area, I always cover it.

I personally don't worry too much about going overboard to lock up my bikes with various gadgets. If I use anything I use a cable and lock the bike to something solid. One thing that I will not use is a disc lock. I saw a van pull up to parked bike with a disc lock.... four guys hop out with two baseball bats... they run one bat thru the front wheel and one thru the rear. On the count of three they lifted it up and put it in the van. The bike was gone is less than 30 seconds. :eek1