Author Topic: After-work surprise: theft attempt (Read 4815 times)

db22 · « **on:** July 31, 2015, 07:32:16 PM »

Got off work at 7PM this evening, walked out to the public garage where I had parked my '75 CB550K this morning. Found the left side cover pulled off and all the fuses missing from the Hondaman fuse box. I thought it was just some joke, until I replaced the fuses and saw the panel lights on, with no key in the switch. The ignition switch wires had been cut, and the wires twisted together, incorrectly. Apparently all the fuses blew, and the thief gave up and walked away.

A nice lady cop pulled up a few minutes after my call. She took photos, wrote down the particulars, gave me her contact info and hurried off to deal with the Friday night drunks. I twisted the wires together correctly and motored home.

I guess a canny thief realized how much he could make parting out the bike on eBay, or some junkie just needed enough for a quick fix. Anybody else had a near-miss with bike thieves?

70CB750 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 31, 2015, 07:34:10 PM »

I had a guy trying to get the carburetor of my bike in front of my house.

heyitsrama · « **Reply #2 on:** July 31, 2015, 07:43:02 PM »

man this bums me out, and makes me NOT want to drive a bike around.

also implying that i finished working on my bike.

DH · « **Reply #3 on:** July 31, 2015, 07:55:46 PM »

Not a theft attempt, but vandals knocked my 750 on its side once. It gives one a sick feeling in the stomach to see your bike laying on its side at 2 a.m. (under your own carport) Then, anger sets in... Hope your bike isn't butchered too bad, and you can bring it back even better than it was before.

RAFster122s · « **Reply #4 on:** July 31, 2015, 08:30:23 PM »

There are some pretty loud sidecover alarms available on eBay that are motion sensitive as well as having the remote turn on/off capabilities. It won't stop determinated thieves but it could draw attention to the theft so it will not go un-noticed.
Small consolation that it will be unpleasant for the thief until they render the alarm silent.
Pros will have means of disabling most tracking gps things as well as other methods. So, don't make it easy.
Use your steering lock, use a good disc lock, park under lights in a parking lot or garage & not in a remote area. A heavy weight cable & lock that can disable it being ridden away.
Make them work for it if they are going to take it. Having a loop in the parking area to anchor to would be a good idea if possible.
Dedicated parking spots can yield a means of being able to install a loop in some cases.
Otherwise, dedicated bike parking could have all spots installed the loops If the bikes that use them were to a collection from the riders to fund the purchase of the loops that are anchored in a concrete floor or strip in the asphalt. The concrete can serve dual purposes of preventing bike tip over in hot weather.

Johnie · « **Reply #5 on:** July 31, 2015, 09:00:16 PM »

I know what you mean...makes you afraid to park it anywhere. I mean how long does it take to pop off a couple side covers and they are gone. Find them on eBay. For that same reason I ride, but never park it anywhere except a cycle show. People seem to have more respect at the shows and to many people around.

PeWe · « **Reply #6 on:** July 31, 2015, 10:16:36 PM »

Alarm that can communicate and allert when it happens. (Not booby trap)
http://ridescorpio.com/shop/scorpio-secure/

GSM alarm would be better as Home alarms. That can allert to the cellphone wherever you are. My home alarm has monthy cost for the GSM connection.

With GPS/Tracker
http://www.ermtelematics.com/motorcicle-tracking-security-ebike-roadbuddy/

http://www.ermtelematics.com/motorcicle-tracking-security-ebike-roadbuddy/
http://www.hawkcaralarm.com/MotorcycleAlarmWithGpsgpsTracker.aspx

db22 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 31, 2015, 10:18:16 PM »

Ah well, it'll be easy enough to fix. I have a spare ignition switch and keys, and I was gonna swap out the coils this weekend, so the tank will be coming off anyway. No other damage done; guess I got off easy. Thanks to all for the sympathy and suggestions.

krusty · « **Reply #8 on:** July 31, 2015, 11:17:20 PM »

Our bikes all came with steering locks but who thinks to use them? Not the complete answer but could cause a thief to go looking for an easier mark.

Wobbly · « **Reply #9 on:** August 01, 2015, 01:47:00 AM »

Steering locks will not deter anybody--but are required here to keep your theft protection insurance. In this case, it must have been an amateur. Professionals stealing a bike, simply load the entire bike into a van and drive off with it. So, unless the bike is chained to something else, even a solid lock won't be of any use.

I have an alarm disc lock which works really good. However I never take it with me on my trips because it's completely unheard in the Alps and Dolomites that anybody ever had their motorcycle --or anything else for that matter--stolen. In some places, this world is just the way it should be. At home, the bikes are garaged and locked.

But this alarm disc lock of mine might actually be a good idea for those who need to park their bike in the city. Of course, you need to have a drilled disc for that one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maiGFBxjamY

DaveBarbier · « **Reply #10 on:** August 01, 2015, 05:39:42 AM »

Sucks, but happy this wasn't a "got my bike stolen" topic.

Quote from: Wobbly on August 01, 2015, 01:47:00 AM

Steering locks will not deter anybody--but are required here to keep your theft protection insurance. In this case, it must have been an amateur. Professionals stealing a bike, simply load the entire bike into a van and drive off with it.

Yeah, professionals take bikes they want regardless of chains, alarms, disc locks, even if people are around (pretending to be an owner or mechanic or something). Nothing can stop a professional. BUT, most people aren't professionals. Most people are just thugs walking around and think, "I want that side cover." Or "Hey, that's an interesting bike, bet I could hot wire it in 5 seconds and ride it outta here because I'm a low life ass hat and I'm the reason the world sometimes is a terrible place to live." The thing is to make it hard for those people who are much more abundant. Disc locks, steering locks, alarms, lighted areas, chains, bike covers, etc. All those help as a deterrent.

I was thinking of that disc lock alarm, it's nice. I got a Kryptonite NY Noose which you can use the lock it comes with as a disc lock. Feels nice and strong but will never stop a professional.

On to a question, though. The lock it comes with for a disc lock doesn't fit on my disc anywhere. Not in the drilled holes, not in the disc carriage. Only will work on the spokes...which is a bad idea. Any other place you think I can put it so if I'm just out and about I don't have to bring the chain with me? I only take the chain if I'm going to the train station or some place with a cemented hoop and I'm leaving it for a while.

72 yellow · « **Reply #11 on:** August 01, 2015, 05:46:40 AM »

Correct about steering locks. I got a call from a friend whose Sportster had thrown it's drive belt. I got a ramp and went down to pick him up. When I arrived 3 guys from the club he rides with were there waiting. I dropped the tailgate on my pickup and started to reach for the ramp. They just laughed and told me not to bother. They just picked the bike up and stuffed on the bed. Never broke a sweat. Over in 20 seconds.

grcamna2 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 01, 2015, 05:51:21 AM »

I think short trips not far from home we could choose a reputable business owner where we can ask if he'll keep an eye on the bike(convenience store/gas station)as we're making a purchase from him as a 'customer'.The long trips it's best to keep the bike as close to where you actually are so you can visually check it out often.

Johnie · « **Reply #13 on:** August 01, 2015, 06:22:21 AM »

If they want it they will get it no matter the locks, chains or barricades. How long does it take 4 guys to load a bike into a pickup...not long and gone.

fitzmotor · « **Reply #14 on:** August 01, 2015, 06:50:36 AM »

We used to race at Terminal island, it was so bad there at night you could not let your bike out of your sight, otherwise 4 guys in a pickup truck would pull up toss the bike in and be gone, I think the only real way to try and keep it from being stolen is a Lojack, if the bike moves, your phone goes off and you or the police can track it, but I cant afford one of them.
I came out one morning and my truck was stolen, and they cut all the wires under the side cover of my 750 so I couldn't chase them, the funny part was the only function on the bike that worked was the ignition, the lights and the charging system were dead.

Powderman · « **Reply #15 on:** August 01, 2015, 08:11:03 AM »

I lived in the San Bernardino area and I had a GS750E and one night at around 2am my roommate says "There's cops out at you bike shining flashlights on it" Well this was unsettling, but I blew it off. A few minutes later there is a knock at the door and I answer it to find 2 police officers. They ask if I own 78 Suzuki, I answer yes. They ask do I know where my bike is, I say Yes right out where you were shining your lights on it (motorcycle parking area at an apartment, so about 6-8 bikes. They say "no we just chased some guys who stole in Rialto, some 20 miles away. Do you want us to tow it or do you want to come get it now." I tell them I'll come get it, and they offer to run me out there.I talk to the cop about what happened. He say an officer was stopped on the side of the road chatting up some girl when 3 "African American's" (term used politically correct) went screaming by and they gave chase. They went down a dead end road that had 3' telephone post blockade that they went through with the bike, then dumped in the field when the lost control and ran off. I asked "You didn't shoot any of them", he replied "I couldn't get good shot off."
Anyway, they had screwdrivered the ignition out and left a small dent in the tank, apparently where the 2nd passenger was riding. I got lucky that night.
I now have pager alarms on my bikes. They aren't cheap but they are effective. When someone tries to steal mine or anyone else bike I don't want an alarm to go off and scare them away to try it on some one else. I want the alarm to go off on my key fob and let me catch them in the act thus preventing it from happening again by the same criminal. Gps in them now is great. Sure the pros can disable them but they have to know it is there and it make take dismantling the whole bike before they find it if you hide it well. If the pros want your bike there is nothing you can do to stop them.

70CB750 · « **Reply #16 on:** August 01, 2015, 09:03:42 AM »

Friend of mine had a silent alarm in his car, because he lived in downtown Prague, Czech Rep. It would beep if somebody messed with his car.

One night it goes off, he gets there to check it out and there are three gypsies saying:

About time you showed up.

They robbed him at knife point and took off in his car.

RevDoc · « **Reply #17 on:** August 01, 2015, 10:19:58 AM »

Quote from: 70CB750 on August 01, 2015, 09:03:42 AM

Friend of mine had a silent alarm in his car, because he lived in downtown Prague, Czech Rep. It would beep if somebody messed with his car.

One night it goes off, he gets there to check it out and there are three gypsies saying:

About time you showed up.

They robbed him at knife point and took off in his car.

To quote CalJ737, "Life is short, Shoot first!"

Lostboy Steve · « **Reply #18 on:** August 01, 2015, 10:36:24 AM »

This is worth a watch. http://web-beta.archive.org/web/20120521131811/http://www.stickdeath.com/2005auto.html

RevDoc · « **Reply #19 on:** August 01, 2015, 11:01:30 AM »

Quote from: lostboy on August 01, 2015, 10:36:24 AM

This is worth a watch. http://web-beta.archive.org/web/20120521131811/http://www.stickdeath.com/2005auto.html

LOL! Love the different models available, but none for bikes, dammit!

chewbacca5000 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 01, 2015, 11:19:32 AM »

Install GPS trackeer cost $15.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Unique-Hot-Mini-Vehicle-Bike-Motorcycle-GPS-GSM-GPRS-Real-Time-Tracker-Tracking-/371306803763

Also install hidden carmera and snap a picture of the crook.

For the low cost there really is no good reason to not do this.

Still like this

, but not legal in usa.

DH · « **Reply #21 on:** August 01, 2015, 11:22:39 AM »

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,131780.msg1471328/topicseen.html#msg1471328

This was an experiment. The thread died without an answer, but I figured it out, and it worked well. There were
some other issues, but minor.
The alarm was cheap. I only used the control unit to activate 2 SPDT relays wired into the bikes horn circuit,
and to reroute power around the keyswitch when the key was turned off. This is if you like to build things.

Gene · « **Reply #22 on:** August 01, 2015, 02:39:48 PM »

Lost a couple of bikes to theft - one I had been hot-wiring myself to keep it going cuz I lost the key, totally on me, young and stupid. But the other, no idea if they just backed a truck up or wired it and drove off. These electrics are easy to make 'em go, and the fork locks - no idea, I've never had a key that would fit any of the bikes I've had. if you yank 'em hard enough, would it crack? Truth is, two strong guys can take whatever they want if no one is looking.

spiritof67 · « **Reply #23 on:** August 04, 2015, 11:15:26 AM »

When at home, I have any motorcycle I ride under 24 hour video recording, and everyone around here knows it (that's actually the more important part). When I'm away, I either have my Kryptonite New York Chain, which few thieves want to bother with, or I ride my alarm equipped GS1150 AND use the chain. Back to home use, I had an '82 Katana stolen and all they left was the front wheel which was chained. Lesson learned: I always chain through the frame or swingarm now, nota bene.

True that needy thieves will keep trying: after my Katana was gone I realized that I had "been away" three times when "my alarm went off". Guess what happened the first time I turned off the alarm so as not to bother neighbors? Right.

xtravbx · « **Reply #24 on:** August 04, 2015, 12:17:14 PM »

Full coverage insurance and all my bikes are valued at an agreed upon 5k if they are wrecked/stolen.

Sucks, but such is life.

carnivorous chicken · « **Reply #25 on:** August 04, 2015, 01:40:27 PM »

Worth a read: https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/comments/t5shp/ex_thief_chopshop_operator_ama/

Contrary to what some folks think, according to this (former professional) bike thief, thieves usually don't try to load up bikes into vans or trucks. Steering locks are usually easily sheared. GPS and mobile devices are usually found and disabled quickly. It's long, but like I said, worth a read.

PeWe · « **Reply #26 on:** August 04, 2015, 02:47:25 PM »

You might need to find a good place to live if having a bike.
No bad appartment complex. Locked garage with alarm. I live in an 1 floor villa with garage in the house. Alarm system with cameras and guys calling and visiting when triggered. I will never park my CB750 outdoors. If camping, OK beside tent...

grcamna2 · « **Reply #27 on:** August 04, 2015, 05:13:14 PM »

Quote from: carnivorous chicken on August 04, 2015, 01:40:27 PM

Worth a read: https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/comments/t5shp/ex_thief_chopshop_operator_ama/

Contrary to what some folks think, according to this (former professional) bike thief, thieves usually don't try to load up bikes into vans or trucks. Steering locks are usually easily sheared. GPS and mobile devices are usually found and disabled quickly. It's long, but like I said, worth a read.

hey cc that is good info,Thanks man.

ev0lve · « **Reply #28 on:** August 04, 2015, 08:24:18 PM »

Quote from: spiritof67 on August 04, 2015, 11:15:26 AM

I had an '82 Katana stolen

Made my butt clench a bit. THAT sucks.

RAFster122s · « **Reply #29 on:** August 04, 2015, 10:05:35 PM »

It is difficult to stop a determined professional. Take precautions, insure them for what they are worth and if they make a failed 1st attempt you better be changing lots to make it very unattractive for any future attempts. Even if that means that the bike gets put in storage for a time. Lots of people become very nonchalant where they live with their bikes. I am surprised thieves don't tag them with locator tracking and see if they might be easier to take at home than work. Or, if you are a creature of habit and hit a restaurant for dinner when you ride then take it there.

So, cover the bike for theft and keep it secured and hard to move wherever it is.

David

Hon3ybadger · « **Reply #30 on:** August 05, 2015, 12:59:54 PM »

Just something small that I do that I never realized would work here. I bought a set of side covers for my 76F last year. I noticed the rubbers that hold the covers on was wearing out. Afraid of losing one going down the highway, I drilled small holes in the tabs on the side covers where they stick through the rubber holders. Insert a cotter pin or speed pin like I do and close the seat. Now, they can't fly off on the freeway and some a**hat will have a heck of a time pulling them off.

Lostboy Steve · « **Reply #31 on:** August 05, 2015, 02:26:48 PM »

Quote from: Hon3ybadger on August 05, 2015, 12:59:54 PM

Just something small that I do that I never realized would work here. I bought a set of side covers for my 76F last year. I noticed the rubbers that hold the covers on was wearing out. Afraid of losing one going down the highway, I drilled small holes in the tabs on the side covers where they stick through the rubber holders. Insert a cotter pin or speed pin like I do and close the seat. Now, they can't fly off on the freeway and some a**hat will have a heck of a time pulling them off.

I had someone steal my side cover. It was the hard one to get too. Thats a good idea, but when they yank hard enough and break it then what?

Hon3ybadger · « **Reply #32 on:** August 05, 2015, 02:56:09 PM »

I had someone steal my side cover. It was the hard one to get too. Thats a good idea, but when they yank hard enough and break it then what?
[/quote]

Well, have you ever pulled on something really hard and it finally broke free? I'll guess the outcome. Either lost teeth, a massive headache, or my favorite, the bike falls on the crook and pins him down. Hypothetically speaking.

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Author Topic: After-work surprise: theft attempt (Read 4815 times)

DH

Wobbly

DH