Modern Buddy

I learned the hard way that you can't leave your scooter unlocked, even in a "good" neighborhood. I hope to replace my Buddy 150cc Italia fairly soon, but not before I have a plan for security. Before I got lazy, I had been locking the scooter with a thick chain locked to another chain around a telephone pole. The trouble was that cars often blocked my access to the pole and the thick chain was difficult to attach underneath the bike. I would often burn myself on the exhaust when doing it. I also had a Xena disc-brake lock and alarm that was easy to use. But again, I got lazy. And the alarm on the Xena seemed insufficiently loud.

I'm thinking that some combination of the Xena (are some louder than others) and a cable, which would be thinner and therefore easier to attach than the chain, might be the best, most practical solution. What are the strongest cables out there? I'm also soliciting suggestions as to any solutions to which I may not be privy. Since I'm spending money that I don't have to replace the bike, I can't drop a fortune on security. I need a solution for $400 or less. I do not see well in the dark, so the security system cannot involve a lot of fumbling around with devices. And I need to be able to park my bike and set it up in a minute or two. All tips and suggestions appreciated.

drinkingthestars wrote:I learned the hard way that you can't leave your scooter unlocked, even in a "good" neighborhood. I hope to replace my Buddy 150cc Italia fairly soon, but not before I have a plan for security. Before I got lazy, I had been locking the scooter with a thick chain locked to another chain around a telephone pole. The trouble was that cars often blocked my access to the pole and the thick chain was difficult to attach underneath the bike. I would often burn myself on the exhaust when doing it. I also had a Xena disc-brake lock and alarm that was easy to use. But again, I got lazy. And the alarm on the Xena seemed insufficiently loud.

I'm thinking that some combination of the Xena (are some louder than others) and a cable, which would be thinner and therefore easier to attach than the chain, might be the best, most practical solution. What are the strongest cables out there? I'm also soliciting suggestions as to any solutions to which I may not be privy. Since I'm spending money that I don't have to replace the bike, I can't drop a fortune on security. I need a solution for $400 or less. I do not see well in the dark, so the security system cannot involve a lot of fumbling around with devices. And I need to be able to park my bike and set it up in a minute or two. All tips and suggestions appreciated.

A cable will only protect you from the guy who happens to be walking by. If anyone comes with bolt cutters, a cable will be useless. A strong chain is the way to go (I wrap mine around the rear shock).

Can you not park on the sidewalk? It is technically illegal in Boston, and you risk tickets, but if it is a large enough sidewalk and you can park in such a way as to not block sidewalk traffic at all, they will generally leave you alone. Also, if you cover it, the chances of getting a ticket is further reduced. I use a half-cover for mine, so it's really easy to put on and take off.

Another added layer of security I use sometimes is a Grip-Lock. It goes on one of the handles, and holds the brake lever down, also just to discourage the casual walk-by thefts.

Another option I have, for when I have to park in a lot with no place to chain it, is a Gorilla Alarm. The negative of this is that it does drain the battery, even when it isn't active. I plan on installing and hiding an on-off switch for mine, so it's really only draining when I need it.

I stopped using a Xena ages ago, because of the trouble of having to get all the way down to the ground to get it off, and the massive stress I always had while trying to disable it and get it off before setting the alarm off.

A cable will only protect you from the guy who happens to be walking by. If anyone comes with bolt cutters, a cable will be useless. A strong chain is the way to go (I wrap mine around the rear shock).

Can you not park on the sidewalk? It is technically illegal in Boston, and you risk tickets, but if it is a large enough sidewalk and you can park in such a way as to not block sidewalk traffic at all, they will generally leave you alone. Also, if you cover it, the chances of getting a ticket is further reduced. I use a half-cover for mine, so it's really easy to put on and take off.

Another added layer of security I use sometimes is a Grip-Lock. It goes on one of the handles, and holds the brake lever down, also just to discourage the casual walk-by thefts.

Another option I have, for when I have to park in a lot with no place to chain it, is a Gorilla Alarm. The negative of this is that it does drain the battery, even when it isn't active. I plan on installing and hiding an on-off switch for mine, so it's really only draining when I need it.

I stopped using a Xena ages ago, because of the trouble of having to get all the way down to the ground to get it off, and the massive stress I always had while trying to disable it and get it off before setting the alarm off.[/quote]

Yeah, I think I can get away with parking on the sidewalk if I need to. I don't find the Xena to be a pain. What do you think of its efficacy, not alone, but as an adjunct measure?

drinkingthestars wrote:
Yeah, I think I can get away with parking on the sidewalk if I need to. I don't find the Xena to be a pain. What do you think of its efficacy, not alone, but as an adjunct measure?

Well, it will keep someone from wheeling the scooter away easily. At the most, they'd have to lift the front tire off the ground. So if you combine that with a grip-lock on the rear brake (and if your rear brake is tight), the only option they'd have is to lift the whole thing up, so would need a truck. The alarm itself... Well, my original scooter was stolen right out of my back yard, despite the Xena. They had a truck, and planned the theft though.

When I use my grip-lock, I generally put it on the rear brake, and then lock the steering column, to effectively make it immobile. But the only way to stop someone with a pick-up from my grabbing your scooter and driving away is a chain.

The only use of alarms is if *you* can hear it. Never expect anyone else to notice it, or care. There is the slight chance that a policeman might happen by while one is going off, but that is too rare to even consider.

The best protection from theft is insurance and it covers wrecks and other mishaps too.

Anyone with enough time on their hands will be able to take the scooter. Sucks, but its the hard truth about these babies. I use a kryptonite chain around the strongest pole nearby, a disc lock, and a grip lock, and I always lock the steering column. Even then I worry somebody will take it. With all the locks on it though it would take some time to get it, and I hope a would be thief decides its more trouble than its worth and moves on to an easier target. All the locks are more of a deterrent than anything, but so far they've worked.

Also, if you're worried about parking on the sidewalk, invest in a plate puller. Worth the 50 or so dollars it costs and reduces the chances anyone will bother you.

Comprehensive nsurance is out of the question. I would spend as much on insurance in a couple of years as the bike is worth. I should have stated that in my original post.

Anthonyf953 wrote: Also, if you're worried about parking on the sidewalk, invest in a plate puller. Worth the 50 or so dollars it costs and reduces the chances anyone will bother you.

A scooter without a plate or registration sticker can be reported as "abandoned", and impounded by the city.

Sorry to hear about your loss. Just last week I bumped up my insurance so that I'm covered if either of my scooters get stolen. Nothing will stop the truly determined thief. I park on the sidewalk at work where nobody is taking my scooter without me knowing and it's in a garage at night, but at least now I don't have to worry quite as much if I'm out somewhere else and can't keep an eye on it.

drinkingthestars wrote:Comprehensive nsurance is out of the question. I would spend as much on insurance in a couple of years as the bike is worth. I should have stated that in my original post.

That sucks. My yearly premium went up $80 for two scooters when I added comprehensive coverage with a $50 deductible. I guess living in Oklahoma is lower risk.

drinkingthestars wrote:Comprehensive nsurance is out of the question. I would spend as much on insurance in a couple of years as the bike is worth. I should have stated that in my original post.

My insurance through Progressive is $263 per year, which includes theft and everything, and only a $300 deductible on comprehensive. You must have a terrible driving record!

True. Its a risk. So far nobody has bothered me this year. I did get one ticket last year from a meter maid and they rarely come in my neighborhood. Its parked right next to a T station on a very wide sidewalk so I think they don't bother. Transit police drive by it all the time too. I probably should invest in a cover anyway my windshield hardware is starting to rust a little.

i actually have a perfect driving record and was insured through Progressive. They quoted me a much higher rate three years ago when the scooter was initially insured. I will check with them again. At that price, I would certainly consider it.

drinkingthestars wrote:i actually have a perfect driving record and was insured through Progressive. They quoted me a much higher rate three years ago when the scooter was initially insured. I will check with them again. At that price, I would certainly consider it.

It could be based on where we live. I actually "garage" mine in Malden. I imagine Roxbury must have much higher theft statistics.

Edit: I don't know why I thought you said previously you were in Roxbury, but I can't find that now. Weird. Either way, Boston itself likely has higher insurance rates than the burbs where I am.

It's West Roxbury--total suburbia, but still considered part of Boston. If I lived in Roxbury, my scooter would have never been left on the street unlocked. The local police said there have been no reported scooter thefts in this neighborhood, though I discovered that there was another one not far away the same night mine was stolen.

drinkingthestars wrote:It's West Roxbury--total suburbia, but still considered part of Boston. If I lived in Roxbury, my scooter would have never been left on the street unlocked. The local police said there have been no reported scooter thefts in this neighborhood, though I discovered that there was another one not far away the same night mine was stolen.

That means it was a planned theft. They had the truck, and probably had bolt cutters ready as well. They had previously cased the neighborhood, and returned to take what wasn't theirs. That also means that your scooter has likely already been taken apart and sold for parts, or shipped out of state already. Just like what happened to mine when it was stolen out of my own back yard.

steering lock. cable lock, and the kill switch. sure if you're determined enough you could take it, but if someone watches some guy trying to bypass all of that security, then im sue they would figure somethings up and hopefully call the authorities.

More likely, I think, is that the scooter was used for joy riding and has been pretty much trashed. That's what happened to the other scooter that was stolen.

drinkingthestars wrote:i actually have a perfect driving record and was insured through Progressive. They quoted me a much higher rate three years ago when the scooter was initially insured. I will check with them again. At that price, I would certainly consider it.

At that rate I would take my biz elsewhere.

We each have a minor speeding ticket. 3 scoots and a brand new motorcycle, we pay $550 a year for $150 deductible. If a meteor strikes all 4, I get the full value of the bikes, bike locks, and up to 2k in accessories/gear per bike. I could get it down to 4 benjamins if I took higher dd or less personal injury, but since they are our only transport I felt it best to insure them well.

Yeah, I have to agree - those rates are scary. Must have bad risk stats in your state/zip code. '11 Victory XC, '08 LX150, '12 Buddy 170i - full coverage - $288/year.

But, I'm ancient (43), I'm sure that helps.

Thank you, everyone, for your suggestions. As it turns out, the rate quoted to me three years ago for insurance that included theft protection must have been incorrect. Progressive quoted me a rate of under $300 a year, so I will be doing that when I replace the scooter. It's worth it for the peace of mind. Without it, I'm sure I would be extremely nervous about the chances of losing another scooter to theft. Besides the insurance, I'll invest in a disk brake lock/alarm, a grip lock and a cable and use a combination of those to secure the scooter. that should deter any opportunistic thiefs, at least.

Back to the locking issue...I put together a through hardened chain and lock combo of the length I needed from these guys.
http://www.1st-chainsupply.com/chain/security_maxx.htm

You can spec out the size link you need and custom size the chain...the lock is massive and the pin rolls to prevent hacking. Two or three guys can lift a locked scoot in seconds into a pickup truck. The only solution to me is to lock on to something that can't be lifted or cut easily. The PROBLEM is when you have a chain that is LONG enough to do the job...it's too heavy to carry around. But for overnite type parking...it's worth having it stashed & available while you use lighter stuff for the day.

Here's a pic of the lock and the 1/2inch chain...with a dime for size comparison.
https://twoscoots.shutterfly.com/pictures/13

Anthonyf953 wrote:True. Its a risk. So far nobody has bothered me this year. I did get one ticket last year from a meter maid and they rarely come in my neighborhood. Its parked right next to a T station on a very wide sidewalk so I think they don't bother. Transit police drive by it all the time too. I probably should invest in a cover anyway my windshield hardware is starting to rust a little.

Well I clearly spoke too soon. Apparently the transit cop now has it out for my buddy. 2 tickets in 3 days. Thats more than I spend in gas in a year! Luckily I can chain it to the fence around my condo. Took a bit of convincing but all is well, minus the tickets.

Anthonyf953 wrote:

Anthonyf953 wrote:True. Its a risk. So far nobody has bothered me this year. I did get one ticket last year from a meter maid and they rarely come in my neighborhood. Its parked right next to a T station on a very wide sidewalk so I think they don't bother. Transit police drive by it all the time too. I probably should invest in a cover anyway my windshield hardware is starting to rust a little.

Well I clearly spoke too soon. Apparently the transit cop now has it out for my buddy. 2 tickets in 3 days. Thats more than I spend in gas in a year! Luckily I can chain it to the fence around my condo. Took a bit of convincing but all is well, minus the tickets.

Sounds like you got a douchey person assigned to the area where you park.

If you don't mind, as a fellow Bostonian, I am curious where, so I know where to avoid parking.

What I do to try to avoid tickets is use a cover. According to one ticket-guy, they're not technically allowed to lift the covers to look for a plate. Some do anyway, but they're not supposed to. I use a half-cover like this to make it easy to put on and off:

http://www.nelsonrigg.com/store/product.aspx?pid=487

Unfortunately it doesn't fit over my top-case, so I have to carry that into work with me.

The back end of JFK station on Sydney St in Dorchester. Theres a transit cop who works the station and makes her rounds once and a while around the neighborhood so anywhere nearby is a risk.

Just got unlucky I guess. I may invest in a cover for when I'm around town, just in case I get unlucky again.

I would use a cable lock and chain lock. The chain can be frozen with freon by a determined thief and then a hammer will shatter it like glass.
No single measure will stop a thief. Multiple measures may help the thief decide its not worth the effort.

drinkingthestars wrote:i actually have a perfect driving record and was insured through Progressive. They quoted me a much higher rate three years ago when the scooter was initially insured. I will check with them again. At that price, I would certainly consider it.

Much is age dependent and location where the scoot is kept at night. When my son first got his license they wanted $900 extra to add comprehensive/collision with a teenage male riding it a Buddy 125 but adding liability only for the Buddy increased my cost $200 the first year and dropped down to $90 the next one. Net result is Vespa GTS, Sports City 250 & Scarabeo 500 with full coverage and the Buddy liability only for $284 a year.

I was thinking earlier, what about keeping an old smartphone in the pet carrier? I have an old iPhone that I'm thinking of keeping in there in case it ever gets stolen. The find my iPhone app could track it instantly. Not a great solution but its something as long as they don't get in there in time. I would still use my grip lock , disc lock, and chain, but this could be a nice extra measure in case all those fail.

Trunk Monkey

For a scooter I use the Capuchin model

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8oPVVGYQ40

Anthonyf953 wrote:I was thinking earlier, what about keeping an old smartphone in the pet carrier? I have an old iPhone that I'm thinking of keeping in there in case it ever gets stolen. The find my iPhone app could track it instantly. Not a great solution but its something as long as they don't get in there in time. I would still use my grip lock , disc lock, and chain, but this could be a nice extra measure in case all those fail.

Has to be powered-on -and- active on a data plan. The LoJack-style kits are permanently wired to the battery and use a bulk rate low-cost data plan available to manufacturers for this sort of low-traffic security work.

drinkingthestars wrote:Comprehensive insurance is out of the question. I would spend as much on insurance in a couple of years as the bike is worth. I should have stated that in my original post.

I don't doubt that Boston has higher insurance rates than Portland, OR but that still seems surprising to me. Sure, theft and comprehensive will be higher in a high risk area but not half the value of the vehicle. And a poor driving record, or young age, or bad credit record usually affects liability/collision more than theft/comprehensive.

PeteH wrote:

Anthonyf953 wrote:I was thinking earlier, what about keeping an old smartphone in the pet carrier? I have an old iPhone that I'm thinking of keeping in there in case it ever gets stolen. The find my iPhone app could track it instantly. Not a great solution but its something as long as they don't get in there in time. I would still use my grip lock , disc lock, and chain, but this could be a nice extra measure in case all those fail.

Has to be powered-on -and- active on a data plan. The LoJack-style kits are permanently wired to the battery and use a bulk rate low-cost data plan available to manufacturers for this sort of low-traffic security work.

I didn't even think of the data plan. The phone could last at least a couple days not being used. I could just charge it up during the day, but the data plan kills that idea. Unless of course the thief decides to scoot into a free wifi zone Oh well back to the drawing board.

Anthonyf953 wrote:I was thinking earlier, what about keeping an old smartphone in the pet carrier? I have an old iPhone that I'm thinking of keeping in there in case it ever gets stolen. The find my iPhone app could track it instantly. Not a great solution but its something as long as they don't get in there in time. I would still use my grip lock , disc lock, and chain, but this could be a nice extra measure in case all those fail.

The battery won't last, so even if it had service (at obscene smartphone rates) it wouldn't be find-able unless you'd just recharged it. Far better to go with a purpose-built solution that draws power from the scooter's battery.

I live in Royal Oak, Michigan and have Progressive as my insurance but I was told I could only get medical on my Stella 4T 2012? I asked for damage and theft and they told me I couldn't?? Am I missing something?

Obviously, a new scooter owner.

I guess my situation is a bit different with 2 motorcycles yet similar since my small bike weighs almost the same as a scooter of similar engine displacement; I use the steering lock and augment with a padlock thru holes in the front brake rotor...so far so good