Which wheel to lock?

[bikerskier]

I am arguing with a pal over which wheel to lock if you already lock the steering and want to add another lock to one of the wheels. What do folks think and why?

 

[colin]

Interesting question, I know I've thought about it a bit, but not enough to question things....

I guess it depends on what you think 'secure' is. if you aren't locking it to a pole, it doesn't really matter if 4 guys just pick it up and put it in a van.

I would think that it sorta depends on which wheel is easier to take on/off. Having never personally taken my wheels off, I have no idea. On the FJR though, it has most of the weight on the front when you put it on the center stand. not a huge thing to work around, but probably doesn't hurt (so initial guess is front is more secure).

As for me, I use a disc lock on the front, and chain through the back. Nothing scientific though. The back is easier for the chain because i don't have to get through the rotors. I've only seen a disc lock on the front...never thought about putting one on the back.

-colin

 

[huron52]

I have a Xena disc lock and I have tried to put it on the back disc but I couldn't get it to lock or go on. So I put the disc lock on the front. I have a cable lock that if I feel I need to I put through the back wheel and around the seat. I also have another electronic alarm system that I also use. Depending how I feel and where I am I have used any where between one of them or as many as all three.

Bottom line is if they want it it doesn't matter what you use.

P.S. After re-reading the first post I guess I have a forth one (steering lock) I keep forgetting about that one.

 

[twowheelnut]

Four thugs with a couple of 2 x 4's and it won't make a difference - you need to lock it to an unmovable object...

 

[afterburn]

The thing with theft is, if they want your bike, they're gonna take it no matter how well you lock it down. The trick is to make it hard enough for the oppertunist thug to move on to other things.

 

[Toynut]

It's also probably easier to forget you have a wheel lock installed if its on the rear wheel.

Particularily with the cases installed. You might make one of those bonehead mistakes and accidentally ride off without unlocking it. :headbonk:

 

[odot]

I used to do that all the time with my harley. Of course...the few beers that I had in me didn't help the situation.

 

[Rickster]

a tip and a here-here.

tip -- so you dont forget the locks --

1) Cut a ring of velcro/carpet, and stick it over your main motorcycle key (around the ignition collar allowing the key to be used.

2) Cut a ring of velcro/carpet, and stick it over your disk lock (around the lip, allowing the key to be used

3) Now cut a piece of the velcro/hook about the size of a nickel -- I'll call it the 'cover'

Stick the cover on the disk lock ring -- now the keyhole is covered.

When you lock it, you'll have to remove the 'cover' piece from the disk lock to get the key in. Take the cover, and stick it over your main motorcycle keyhole (from step 1)

Now -- if you forget, when you get to your bike, the ignition key has that dang cover on it.... take off the disk lock (currently uncovered keyhole), and pull the cover off the igntion keyhole and stick it back on the disk lock...

viola...

here-here:

Make sure you have good insurance, if someone wants your bike only 1 of 2 things will happen:

1) they steal it regardless of how 'secure' you think it is.

2) they find that they can't steal it, and just bash it up.

 

[worldbound4now]

Rhulcher, that's a simple solution that I love. I (sad to say) have initiated forward motion just to be abruptly stopped while hearing that screaming tone from my Xena disc lock. Thankfully I place it on the rear tire where it makes the rear skid and not loose steering ability.

Either way, I like your thinking.

 

[PapaUtah]

Last year, nearly 10 motorcycle thefts a day were reported to CCC Information Services Inc., and the 2001 Yamaha YZFR6 proved the favorite target. Twenty-four of the top 25 motorcycles stolen last year were made by Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki, and the only other model to crack the top 25 was the 1999 Harley-Davidson FLSTF, ranking No. 22.

It looks like you could skip the lock and buy a Harley-Davidson™... :tease:

 

[worldbound4now]

I'm not old enough nor fat enough to own a Harley. I have no gray hair and my center of gravity is not low. I also still have all my teeth and am not a retired lawyer or dentist.

 

[Rogue]

I read an interview with a bike thief, he gave an example of not even looking for a bike to steal and seeing a GSXR with a disk lock on the front... so he went home and got his tools and a GSXR front wheel and took the bike. :blink:

 

[Thug]

I have a Xena disc lock and I have tried to put it on the back disc but I couldn't get it to lock or go on. So I put the disc lock on the front. I have a cable lock that if I feel I need to I put through the back wheel and around the seat. I also have another electronic alarm system that I also use. Depending how I feel and where I am I have used any where between one of them or as many as all three.
Bottom line is if they want it it doesn't matter what you use.

P.S. After re-reading the first post I guess I have a forth one (steering lock) I keep forgetting about that one.

Four thugs with a couple of 2 x 4's and it won't make a difference - you need to lock it to an unmovable object...

Someone call me? B)