Good quality and long enough to shackle

your bike to asolid object

out by the motorcycle press. These tests compare the products from all the major manufacturers and give impartial ratings on their effectiveness, value-for-money and ease of use.

No one item of security equipment can provide complete protection. It is highly recommended that two or more of the items described below are combined to increase the security of your motorcycle (a lock and chain plus an alarm system is just about ideal). The more security measures fitted to the bike, the less likely it is to be stolen.

Pros:Very flexible to use; can be used to secure the motorcycle to almost any immovable object. On some locks and chains, the lock can be used on its own as a disc lock (see below).

Cons:Can be very heavy and awkward to carry on the motorcycle, although some types

will be supplied with a carry bag which can be strapped to the pillion seat.

• Heavy-duty chains and locks are an excellent security measure (see illustration1). Whenever the motorcycle is parked, use the lock and chain to secure the machine to a solid, immovable object such as a post or railings. This will prevent the machine from being ridden away or being lifted into the back of a van.

• When fitting the chain, always ensure the chain is routed around the motorcycle frame or swingarm (see illustrations 2 and 3).Never merely pass the chain around one of the wheel rims; a thief may unbolt the wheel and lift the rest of the machine into a van, leaving you with just the wheel! Try to avoid having excess chain free, thus making it difficult to use cutting tools, and keep the chain and lock off the ground to prevent thieves attacking it with a cold chisel. Position the lock so that its lock barrel is facing downwards; this will make it harder for the thief to attack the lock mechanism.

Pass the chain through the bike's frame, rather thanjust through a wheel...

, and loop it around a solid object

Security ref.21

forget to remove the lock before attempting to ride off! • Disc locks are designed to be attached to the front brake disc. The lock passes through one of the holes in the disc and prevents the wheel rotating by jamming against the fork/brake caliper (see illustration 5).Some are equipped with an alarm siren which sounds if the disc lock is moved; this not only acts as a theft deterrent but also as a handy reminder if you try to move the bike with the lock still fitted. • Combining the disc lock with a length of cable which can be looped around a post or railings provides an additional measure of security (see illustration 6).

Pros:Once installed it is completely hassle-free to use. If the system is 'Thatcham' or 'Sold Secure-approved', insurance companies may give you a discount.

Pros:Highly effective deterrent which can be used to secure the bike to a post or railings. Most U-locks come with a carrier which allows the lock to be easily carried on the bike.

Cons:Not as flexible to use as a lock and chain.

• These are solid locks which are similar in use to a lock and chain. U-locks are lighter than a lock and chain but not so flexible to use. The length and shape of the lock shackle limit the objects to which the bike can be secured (see illustration 4).

Disc locks

Pros:Small, light and very easy to carry; most can be stored underneath the seat.

A typical disc lock attached through one of the holes in the disc

Cons:Does not prevent the motorcycle being lifted into a van. Can be very embarrassing if you

Date: 2016-01-14; view: 775

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