Modern Buddy

I just bought a brand new Stella 4t in black and I'm in love.
Which means I'm pretty paranoid about theft. I read a thread about a disk lock and the one they mentioned is back ordered. So what do you use to secure your scooter.

(I keep mine garaged at night. But it's my daily commuter and I work at a mall. Which means its out in the open all day and my only real defense is the headset lock and a mall security on a Segway that makes rounds)

Should I get a disk lock?

gilbee wrote:I just bought a brand new Stella 4t in black and I'm in love.
Which means I'm pretty paranoid about theft. I read a thread about a disk lock and the one they mentioned is back ordered. So what do you use to secure your scooter.

(I keep mine garaged at night. But it's my daily commuter and I work at a mall. Which means its out in the open all day and my only real defense is the headset lock and a mall security on a Segway that makes rounds)

Should I get a disk lock?

I used to use a disk lock. Then my scooter was stolen right out of my own back yard, with the Xena disklock on it, which had a motion-sensing alarm too.

Primarily, use a strong chain, at all times that are possible, and especially where it is going to sit for hours. Don't trust that someone won't break into your garage to steal it if anyone at all knows it is in there. Mine was stolen out of my own back yard, where only neighbors could have seen it.

For quick stops at stores, the disklock is helpful. Personally I hated bending down to lock and unlock it, so I switched to using a Grip-Lock.

For awhile, I was also using a GPS tracker, Enfotrace. But ultimately, it proved flakey, and I dumped it after two RMA attempts.

This weekend I finally installed a Gorilla Alarm, the 8017 model. So far I am liking it, and I am also surprised how often people are messing with my scooter (based on the pager and shock sensor at its least sensitive setting).

there are a lot of threads about security.

Mostly, just have good insurance, and if you overpaid, gap insurance. then secure it the best you can, and try to sleep at night. it does subside, though I am always worried about my scoots.

Husband and I use a cable lock wrapped around the steel railing of the steps leading into the building. We use 1 cable and thread it through my 50cc back tire (my guy said to do the back because to get it off, the thieves would have to remove the entire muffler and wheel where around the front they can just take the wheel off and have the whole scooter) and through the suspension bar of his 125. It's not perfect, but it is a lot more hassle than your casual thief is going to want to deal with. When we are both gone, we leave the cable locked to the railing. I don't have anything to secure it when I am out at the mall or other places. My workplace is pretty secure and I can see my scoot from the windows when I do rounds. I've heard good and bad things about disc locks. Might get one later down the road, but for now, it's what we've got.

Along with good insurance and gap protection, of course!

ditto what skully said. there are A LOT of threads about security, and everyone has their own comfort level regarding it. Personally, I use a disc lock only. Most of the places I end up parking- the store, work, beer store, etc. are all pretty safe, well-lit, populated areas and so I don't mind only having a disc lock. At home, my scooter is parked in the back out of view from the street, and with floodlights shining on it, so I feel comfortable with only a disc lock securing it then as well.

When I move, if I don't have a similar parking set-up, I may get a cover or consider an alarm, but I'm happy with my set-up for now. What other people say here is true, there is no fool-proof set-up. If someone really wants to steal your scooter, they will. The only thing you can really do is add extra layers of inconvenience to make it less appealing. thieves tend to prefer the path of least resistance (hence, their thievery).

Don't trust your bike to just your steering lock, It's easy to break!

Currently I run a cable through the front wheel and through the little Hoop under the floorboard you get when you press down on the brake pedal on the Stella. If there is a pole or pipe or post or other Permanent object I can run my cable around I'll wrap the cable around it.

I know it's not perfect but it's better than nothing.

I'm planning to buy one of these once I have the spare cash: http://www.amazon.com/Grip-Lock-Motorcy ... B0046QSKCO

The Disc on the new Stella's has tiny holes and not very much clearance, I don't know if you can fit a disc lock into it.

A good cable lock through the back wheel.

zuki wrote:A good cable lock through the back wheel.

And a good pair of bolt cutters can get through a cable-lock like that, easy. Walk up, snip, roll away. I don't trust anything less than a big, solid, heavy chain, and the one I have (OnGuard Mastiff) comes with a $1000 warranty of its own.

ed85379 wrote:

zuki wrote:A good cable lock through the back wheel.

And a good pair of bolt cutters can get through a cable-lock like that, easy. Walk up, snip, roll away. I don't trust anything less than a big, solid, heavy chain, and the one I have (OnGuard Mastiff) comes with a $1000 warranty of its own.

The cable lock just barley fits in the small holes of my wheel on my buddy 125.The OnGuard Mastiff chain probably work on my 50 but I really don't want a big heavy chain to lug around under the seat. My scooters are in the garage at night,and in front of the building at where I work. I guess If you leave your scooter outside all the time the chain would be best for that. As for leaving it somewhere in public place the cable lock probably works just fine most people don't carry bolt cutters around.

ed85379 where do u run your chain on your scooter to lock it up?

zuki wrote:where do u run your chain on your scooter to lock it up?

In the picture below, on the underside of the scooter, directly below the front of the seat/pet-carrier, just behind the kickstand, you can see a U-shaped pipe. It's welded to the frame of the scooter, and when I lock up my scooter, I run my chain through that.

zuki wrote:

zuki wrote:ed85379 where do u run your chain on your scooter to lock it up?

At home, I wrap it around the footboard.
At work, having less length to work with, I wrap it around the rear-shock. Not the greatest thing, but the only real option.

Fluffy.......

Now that we're being silly with pictures.

the Italia rims don't leave room for that, so I run it through the front shock and cover it. it's behind a locked metal fence.

It wouldn't be that hard to steal, but the neighbors have motion sensors facing them, and then they have really annoying barking dogs. So, I just try not to worry about it.

I wish I could just chain an attack dog to the scoot wherever I go.

Oh yeah, we cover ours all the time, too. Sucks, though, because my cover is now full of melted burn holes from me having to cover it after a long ride and the muffler being smoking hot. I really wish they made heat-proof/resistant covers so I could cover it right after a ride and also thwart my assh*le neighbors who like to flick lit cigarettes out the windows at them. My dealer says even the ones that are supposed to be heat-proof melt.

persephonelily wrote:Oh yeah, we cover ours all the time, too. Sucks, though, because my cover is now full of melted burn holes from me having to cover it after a long ride and the muffler being smoking hot. I really wish they made heat-proof/resistant covers so I could cover it right after a ride and also thwart my assh*le neighbors who like to flick lit cigarettes out the windows at them. My dealer says even the ones that are supposed to be heat-proof melt.

If you're worried about your douche-bag neighbors, get one of these. No touching, no melting, and takes seconds to cover it, completely enclosed from top to bottom.
http://www.cycleshell.com/

ed85379 wrote:I used to use a disk lock. Then my scooter was stolen right out of my own back yard, with the Xena disklock on it, which had a motion-sensing alarm too.

Wow! Right out of the back yard?! I would be extra pissed if someone stole something off my property.

ed85379 wrote: If you're worried about your douche-bag neighbors, get one of these. No touching, no melting, and takes seconds to cover it, completely enclosed from top to bottom.
http://www.cycleshell.com/

Wow! That would be AWESOME! But, need to get the rest of my gear before I can start saving up for one of those. Still don't have a jacket or good boots. Why can't I just win the dang lottery!?

I wouldn't recommend through the back wheel for long durations outside. It's a lot easier to get the back wheel off then most people realize. I can have the exhaust dropped and back wheel off within 10 minutes, and the internet is a wealth of knowledge for anyone to learn step by step how. It will probably work for most "opportunistic" thieves, however if someone cases you out for a while and is determined to get your scooter, it is always a possibility. Overnight, and especially for stretches of a few days, I'd up the ante. Chain around the floorboard frame. You could also do a chain to shackle with the shackle on the frame attachment where the centerstand connects to.

Really no matter what your security is if someone is determined to steal your bike they will.

JohnKiniston wrote:Really no matter what your security is if someone is determined to steal your bike they will.

Motherfuckers.

That is just cold.

neotrotsky wrote:

JohnKiniston wrote:Really no matter what your security is if someone is determined to steal your bike they will.

Motherfuckers.

That is just cold.

Shit! It's time to riot!

Given the small wheels on my 170i, I can't use the big Kryptonite U-lock I used on my previous maxi-scooter (Burgman 400). So I resorted to a Xena 6mm alarmed disc lock with that little add-on bracket that lets you hook it to a cable or chain.

That's what I did initially and used it to tether my scooter to the in-concrete anchor I had installed in my condo parking garage parking space when I moved in 5 years ago.

Although our underground parking garage is secured and controlled-access, people can still sneak in so I felt better knowing it was locked to something immoveable.

I soon changed to using a Kryptonite NY Noose chain and a Kryptonite small u-type disc lock to secure the chain, on one end noosed around the in-concrete anchor and on the other side locked to the welded part of the center stand. Since it just takes another second to connect it, I also tend to use the Xena lock as well.

Is it being overly cautious -- living in a secured garage, using a Kryptonite heavy chain secured to the frame AND a also a disc lock? Maybe. But then again I can expect my scooter will be there in the morning.

I've also found that the small Kryptonite disc u-lock can be used to latch onto the front fork but I get a warmer fuzzy having it connected to the actual frame.

When I'm at work, my work parking lot doesn't have anything immoveable I can really tether it to, so I park it right outside of my building's front door where my scooter is absolutely visible, and always use the alarmed disc lock.

My scooter seems to have attracted a small but enthusiastic following of admiring co-workers, so I know that it's noticed as folks come and go.

If bad things happen, that's why I have comprehensive insurance.

Mine has as well! All of my clients know that the little white scooter with the stormtrooper Hello Kitty decal belongs to security, so if anyone were to mess with it in the lot, I think most - if not all - of them would pig-pile the would-be thief!

Disclock, but then again I don't use it to run errands. Just weekend rides before the wife and kids wake up.

I keep my Buddy secure by making time to spend with him every day, listening attentively to him, and buying him flowers from time to time "just because".

Xena, Kryptonite chain and lock, anchor (at home), cable lock. At work it is mostly Xena and cable lock through rear wheel. Chained to railing with security camera overhead.
On a more sour note within the past 3 days 10 scooters were stolen in Baltimore county area. One of the folks who got "hit" posted on local riders forum......

JohnKiniston wrote:Really no matter what your security is if someone is determined to steal your bike they will.

Is this your scooter? I'm wondering if maybe the owner just took the rear wheel off to get the tire replaced, or a flat fixed or something...?

Nope, Not my bike. It was from a thread on stellaspeed or modernvespa I think. No details in the thread either.

UPDATE!! (sorry, i'm excited)







So i got this cable and lock from a bike shop for a total of $25. I also got AAA insurance for it (full coverage as an addition to my current "cage" policy).
and security circles the place like wasps, so i'm more comfortable than before... but still pretty paranoid.

what do you guys think?

I like how you went through the brake hook and around the frame both, I'd try and tighten it up as much as possible.However I don't know if I'd agree with using a Cable, Cables are real easy to cut.

ed85379 wrote:

persephonelily wrote:Oh yeah, we cover ours all the time, too. Sucks, though, because my cover is now full of melted burn holes from me having to cover it after a long ride and the muffler being smoking hot. I really wish they made heat-proof/resistant covers so I could cover it right after a ride and also thwart my assh*le neighbors who like to flick lit cigarettes out the windows at them. My dealer says even the ones that are supposed to be heat-proof melt.

If you're worried about your douche-bag neighbors, get one of these. No touching, no melting, and takes seconds to cover it, completely enclosed from top to bottom.
http://www.cycleshell.com/

On the other hand, it won't keep someone determined to take your scooter from doing so....viewtopic.php?t=17697&highlight=blackjack+stolen

michelle_7728 wrote:

ed85379 wrote:

persephonelily wrote:Oh yeah, we cover ours all the time, too. Sucks, though, because my cover is now full of melted burn holes from me having to cover it after a long ride and the muffler being smoking hot. I really wish they made heat-proof/resistant covers so I could cover it right after a ride and also thwart my assh*le neighbors who like to flick lit cigarettes out the windows at them. My dealer says even the ones that are supposed to be heat-proof melt.

If you're worried about your douche-bag neighbors, get one of these. No touching, no melting, and takes seconds to cover it, completely enclosed from top to bottom.
http://www.cycleshell.com/

On the other hand, it won't keep someone determined to take your scooter from doing so....viewtopic.php?t=17697&highlight=blackjack+stolen

Never said it would. That was in response to someone complaining about their cover, but covers are not security.

The thing never has closed right since those assholes took my scooter. I had the pegs in place since I had it battened down for the winter. They just grabbed the bar and yanked it upward, bending it, before realizing that they had to pull the pegs out first. I managed to bend it *mostly* back, but it isn't as 'tight' around the bottom as it was originally. It isn't a big deal though. I haven't yet seen any sign of animals under it, other than spiders, of course. They like to lay eggs in the screw-hole depressions on various spots on my scooter. Stupid spiders.

JohnKiniston wrote:I like how you went through the brake hook and around the frame both, I'd try and tighten it up as much as possible.However I don't know if I'd agree with using a Cable, Cables are real easy to cut.

What would someone use/ do to cut the cable? How long would it take?
The guys at the shop told me that I someone used bolt cutters, the cable would flatten and they would have to work at it for a while. Meanwhile, people would be walking by to get to there cars (because it is parked at the edge of a parking structure just outside a busy mall) and security would be riding by shortly as well. (My thoughts)

gilbee wrote:

JohnKiniston wrote:I like how you went through the brake hook and around the frame both, I'd try and tighten it up as much as possible.However I don't know if I'd agree with using a Cable, Cables are real easy to cut.

What would someone use/ do to cut the cable? How long would it take?
The guys at the shop told me that I someone used bolt cutters, the cable would flatten and they would have to work at it for a while. Meanwhile, people would be walking by to get to there cars (because it is parked at the edge of a parking structure just outside a busy mall) and security would be riding by shortly as well. (My thoughts)

With a good "rigging knife" (a serrated carbide blade made for line workers and stagehands) can cut a 1/2 inch cable in about 5 to 10 seconds if well sharpened. With the plastic sheeting, probably twice that. The key is that they actually cut at the individual strands in the cable, actually "sawing" away bit by bit. Most people don't realize how easy it can be to cut steel cable, since it's made up of many smaller strands. And, the larger the serrations the easier it may be to cut the cable.

Also, when a vehicle is being stolen, most people either

a) Don't know the guy is trying to steal the bike (they think it's the owner)

Or

b) Don't want to get involved. They are afraid of the situation and will pretend to see nothing.

To assume society will do the right thing when your bike is in the process of being jacked is a long wait for a train that don't come. People are a pretty inconsiderate lot unless something is happening to them. Not *all* people, but many.

But, don't be disheartened. You have the right idea, and locking up by wrapping it around the footdeck is an EXCELLENT idea! Is there a completely foolproof way to lock up a bike? No. Everything can be defeated. The trick is to make it as difficult for the thief as possible so they will eventually say "Too much trouble" and look for an easier target. You may actually think of getting a cover for the bike (even a cheap $20 vinyl job). What they cannot see but is also locked keeps too much temptation away from prying eyes.

I live in philadelphia and there is a scooter theft EPIDEMIC. it's a few guys from camden with a large van.
If you live in a similar situation as me (urban environment, lots of theft), you need to realize a few things:
1. bikes stolen from property are CASED. it means someones been regularly seeing when and how you're bike is locked up at night.
2. cable locks can be clipped SO easy. christ I cannot stress enough how easy it is to clip your silly little cable and have two guys throw the bike into a van.
3. a $150 specially crafted kryptonite chain and lock can be dremeled or even bolt cut relatively quickly BUT, it takes TIME, NOISE, and more importantly...
there is always a "greater fool". I hate to see it this way, but after two other scooters in my apt complex have been stolen, both with ginormous cable locks, you realize the safety that exists when you are surrounded with scooters that are easier to steal.

double-o-soul wrote: you realize the safety that exists when you are surrounded with scooters that are easier to steal.

Sad but true, when I was in high school someone moved my Raleigh 3 speed out of the way to pinch my buddy's Schwinn 10 speed. Forty years later I still think about it every time I get on my bike for a ride.....

Probably the only way to 99 44/100% secure a scoot is locked up in a locked garage with some other factor of 'security' added!!
(Someone once even stole a locked car from a locked garage from one of my mother's neighbors while they were home in the house!)

double-o-soul wrote: 3. a $150 specially crafted kryptonite chain and lock can be dremeled or even bolt cut relatively quickly BUT, it takes TIME, NOISE, and more importantly.

I question this statement because I once lost the key to my bike lock while it was locked to a bike staple at a grocery store. It was a $30-40 kryptonite u-lock and I had to have a friend from a bike shop help me cut through it. dremel? didn't work. we had to use an angle grinder, and even that took time and we screwed up one of the blades halfway through and had to change to another blade. we eventually got it, but yeah it was noisy (we notified the store manager and security beforehand to prevent any possible issues) and took some time.

This thread is the most informative I've seen on the topic. It's very detailed and provides almost everything you'd wanna know to get started on security. I know it's pricey and heavy, but a hex-chain of at least 11mm like the OnGaurd locks. Not kidding. The author of the thread I provided you, and myself, live in Richmond, VA, which is a widely known hotspot for scooter theft. A neighbor had one stolen 3 feet from my GF's about a month ago. Luckily, we had the OnGaurd Beast Lock. The victim had cheap chain cut off the reel from Lowes. Do not skimp because a heavier chain is "hard to carry around" or "expensive". It's cheaper than paying the deductible once your scooter gets stolen. It's good to have full coverage, yes, but don't give thieves the satisfaction of getting away with your ride.

The problem with any kind of chain or cable lock in general is that not all municipalities (including where I live) allow scooters/motorcycles to park anywhere but the street, meaning that it will often be hard to find a fixed object close enough to the curb to lock your scooter to (even when you can, there's often already a car parked in front of it), especially if you get one of the better, shorter locks.

BootScootin'FireFighter wrote:I wouldn't recommend through the back wheel for long durations outside. It's a lot easier to get the back wheel off then most people realize. I can have the exhaust dropped and back wheel off within 10 minutes, and the internet is a wealth of knowledge for anyone to learn step by step how...

I know what you mean, but worrying about it beyond the rear wheel's complexity of removal just isn't worth it, IMO. I say it's an acceptable means of locking the bike. We have scooters stolen in Richmond all the time and I've never heard of a thief sitting on the corner of a lit intersection with a set of tools taking exhaust system off of the scooter that has the front column locked only to haphazardly transport said immobile scooter to another location to spend the time and money to buy the specific rear wheel for it THEN having to break the ignition and column lock to get it to run, THEN figure out how to get gas into it and not render the seat completely unsecured... there's just a point where it becomes more of a hassle to steal than it's worth for a thief. Security needs to be proportionate to what you're securing. That goes for anything that's locked up. The heavy chains are so you can sleep at night. Insurance is for the slim chance that it's not there in the morning.

http://youtu.be/VC3hFr8p2ck

kryptonite fuggedaboutit chain (the exact same one I use on my stella everyday) @ 6:10
a single man cuts through it in under 30 seconds with bolt cutters that easily fit in a van.

Rusty Shackleford wrote:This thread is the most informative I've seen on the topic. It's very detailed and provides almost everything you'd wanna know to get started on security. I know it's pricey and heavy, but a hex-chain of at least 11mm like the OnGaurd locks. Not kidding. The author of the thread I provided you, and myself, live in Richmond, VA, which is a widely known hotspot for scooter theft. A neighbor had one stolen 3 feet from my GF's about a month ago. Luckily, we had the OnGaurd Beast Lock. The victim had cheap chain cut off the reel from Lowes. Do not skimp because a heavier chain is "hard to carry around" or "expensive". It's cheaper than paying the deductible once your scooter gets stolen. It's good to have full coverage, yes, but don't give thieves the satisfaction of getting away with your ride.

I'm actually considering buying a super thick chain at a hardware store and use that in addition to the cable lock. I think I'll wrap that one around the body and loop it through the rear wheel and then cable lock it to something.
I also plan on getting a luggage rack so I can transport the beastly chain without cramming it into the glove box.

Any thoughts on that?

gilbee wrote:

Rusty Shackleford wrote:This thread is the most informative I've seen on the topic. It's very detailed and provides almost everything you'd wanna know to get started on security. I know it's pricey and heavy, but a hex-chain of at least 11mm like the OnGaurd locks. Not kidding. The author of the thread I provided you, and myself, live in Richmond, VA, which is a widely known hotspot for scooter theft. A neighbor had one stolen 3 feet from my GF's about a month ago. Luckily, we had the OnGaurd Beast Lock. The victim had cheap chain cut off the reel from Lowes. Do not skimp because a heavier chain is "hard to carry around" or "expensive". It's cheaper than paying the deductible once your scooter gets stolen. It's good to have full coverage, yes, but don't give thieves the satisfaction of getting away with your ride.

I'm actually considering buying a super thick chain at a hardware store and use that in addition to the cable lock. I think I'll wrap that one around the body and loop it through the rear wheel and then cable lock it to something.
I also plan on getting a luggage rack so I can transport the beastly chain without cramming it into the glove box.

Any thoughts on that?

I'd just go with an OnGuard chain lock (which I have), since they also come with a $1000 warranty (which you have to send them an extra $15 for, but still..)

http://www.onguardlock.com/?page_id=329

I use four of the suckers daisy-chained just to reach something to chain to at home, then I take the last one with me to work for chaining to a tree. They wanted 4x the warranty cost at first, but I managed to convince them, with some difficulty, that since they are all protecting a single scooter, I should only have to pay the cost once, since any one of the four could be cut through.

don't get a chain from a hardware store. kryptonite and onguard chains are SPECIAL. they are gold in appearrance, are hexagonal and are formulated specifically to be MUCH tougher than a hardware store chain.
Your stella costs a significant amount of money. pay the 3 figures for a chain and lock that puts you in the toughest bracket.

as to where, I put the small locking unit around my front fork and a structural element.

^ The above. A 10mm+ hex chain specifically designed for the purpose will provide way more protection than a hardware store chain. Plus, like has been stated, they have a warranty that'll cover your insurance deductible in the event your chain is cut and your scooter is stolen... so... the real-deal chains will indeed cost around $100 but you'll come out $900 ahead if anything happens. I have the OnGaurd Beast chain. If someone, for some reason, has an elaborate plan to cut it, it THEN has a 16mm T-bar through the wheel that's even thicker/harder to cut through that houses the locking mechanism.

Also, a good psychological measure; get a cover. I know it sounds stupid, but there's a lot more to "out of sight; out of mind" than you'd think.

I have a Grip Lock and haven't had any problems. In a crime-ridden area, I'd add a Disk lock and a steel chain to the mix.