Sudsie and all, here are three combined posts that I made last August on this issue:
Aug 22 2008:
Today, I went to the dealership to consider how to connect a chain/cable lock to the Buddy chassis or wherever. I got down onto my stomach and was looking at the scooter allover and trying to find a secure steel/metal piece that is practical.
It seems like there are a couple of metal parts that can theoretically be used yet they can be removed with a wrench or other tool to then pull away the chain/cable.
A rep, at the dealership, suggested that I wrap a cable/chain underneath and around the body of Buddy (where you place your feet; that area). I'm not thrilled about this idea as it is possible that a thief can loosen up the chain/cable by moving the scooter closer to the physical object it is chained to. A thief can then use the new slack in the chain/cable to maybe lift it off the scooter.
Aug 24, 2008
While others here insist that I don't need to go overboard in securing things in Portland, I'm going to go beyond most people.
From insurance agents and claims reps to scooter dealers to hard-core scooter riders --- all seem to agree that theft here of scooters is focused mostly on those who have older Vespas or other classic models that thieves may target for parts or rarity. Adding on to that, they say that the new Buddy 150 has no demand-market for stolen parts.
There is further some indication that stealing to go joy riding has decreased because of a state law that requires helmet use at all times.
And what is to keep thieves from loading up a truck and driving a bunch of stolen scooters into another state where they don't have to register a 150cc by vin# such as in Oregon?
OK, some folks are too laid back for me here.
For night-time or at times when I'm not taking the scooter with me, my plans are to strongly lock it up. First of all, a cover with my small chain lock will hold it down over my scooter. Then, there will be the disc brake alarm. And then steering column lock.
I like the idea of wrapping a heavy chain around the scooter base (area where you place your feet) and if possible wrapping the chain around a seriously immovable solid object. If there is not enough chain length, I'll then use a noose chain that has a second lock. All together, I'll be getting about 9'6" of chain and two locks. Each chain will be 10mm thick 6-sided and the locks are 13mm thick. Ok, the details are important here about the quality. I'm thinking about using OnGuard Locks. Unfortunately, they do not give out details on their site like 3x heat treated blah blah blah steel. Kyrptonite does a good job explaining their composition. Then again, their marketing people can make any manufacturing process sound good to people who do not know metal molding and lock building.
Some lock reviewers have claimed that they can cut through a 13mm high-quality lock in a matter of minutes, some claim 15-20 minutes. So am I wasting my money getting 13mm OnGuard Locks and 10mm chains? Do I need to buy the 18mm locks and 14mm chains?
Lastly, I might in desperation, wrap a thick long look alike rubber snake around the handle bars to scare off some thief who might be tripping on drugs
Aug 18, 2008
Here is a link to an interesting article in Motorcycle Cruiser called 'Buyers Guide 9 Motorcycle Security Locks':
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/access ... index.html
Down towards the end of the article are additional links to security lock manufacturers and other related articles within the same publication.
Anti-Theft Strategies for Motorcyclists
12 Ways to Prevent Motorcycle Theft
Kiss it Goodbye
Don't Forget Your Motorcycle's Disc or Wheel Lock
Motorcycle Safety Foundation, "Prevent Motorcycle Theft" (PDF)
I glanced through some of these and they look good.
Hope these help.
Portland Rider