Anti-theft measures

[Bulls Eye]

I've looked 'round the site a bit and don't see much about anti-theft measures.

Is there any advice folks here can offer about the best way to prevent some ne'er-do-well from absconding with my Buddy?

[ed85379]

As someone who had my scooter stolen from my own back yard a week after I finally dug it out from the giant mound of snow, I have a lot to say about security.

First thing, if you plan to leave it anywhere, for any real length of time, even if you're sure it isn't visible, chain it. Get yourself a GOOD chain, one that can't be cut through with hand-held bolt cutters (I use the OnGuard Mastiff chains). Don't trust wrapping the chain around something that can be easily removed if it is in a location where there will be plenty of time for an enterprising thief to remove, such as the rear shock on the buddy. I have my chain wrapped around the floorboard now. I also had to get four chains for a total of 20 feet just to reach something to chain it to in my back yard.

For places where it is simply impossible to chain it to anything, get yourself a disc lock, preferably one with a LOUD alarm, such as the Xena. That will lock the front wheel, so locking the steering column at that point becomes pointless.

I also use, in situations where I don't want to deal with the alarm, like when just popping into a convenience store, a Grip-Lock.

http://www.grip-lock.com/

I attach that to the rear break, and then lock the steering column, to prevent anyone from just lifting one side and wheeling it away. It would take someone throwing it into a truck to steal it, and that usually requires forethought, so unlikely to happen in just a few minutes.

Finally, I also installed an EnfoTrace.

http://enfotrace.com/

This is a GPS system, kind of like LoJack, that I installed myself. If the scooter is moved without the ignition on, it will send me a text message, and I can then track its location via the website, and give that location to the police.

After having my scooter stolen out of my own damn back yard, just before riding season, I went a little crazy securing the new one. I spent about $600 all together on the chains, grip lock, xena disk alarm, and enfotrace GPS.

[Mulliganal]

For places where it is simply impossible to chain it to anything, get yourself a disc lock, preferably one with a LOUD alarm, such as the Xena. That will lock the front wheel, so locking the steering column at that point becomes pointless.

I also use, in situations where I don't want to deal with the alarm, like when just popping into a convenience store, a Grip-Lock.

http://www.grip-lock.com/

I attach that to the rear break, and then lock the steering column, to prevent anyone from just lifting one side and wheeling it away. It would take someone throwing it into a truck to steal it, and that usually requires forethought, so unlikely to happen in just a few minutes.

Isn't the Xena lock also easy to attach? I was actually thinking about getting this one with the alarm for those times you mentioned like running into a convenience store. I just like the idea of the alarm I guess.

[ed85379]

For places where it is simply impossible to chain it to anything, get yourself a disc lock, preferably one with a LOUD alarm, such as the Xena. That will lock the front wheel, so locking the steering column at that point becomes pointless.

I also use, in situations where I don't want to deal with the alarm, like when just popping into a convenience store, a Grip-Lock.

http://www.grip-lock.com/

I attach that to the rear break, and then lock the steering column, to prevent anyone from just lifting one side and wheeling it away. It would take someone throwing it into a truck to steal it, and that usually requires forethought, so unlikely to happen in just a few minutes.

Isn't the Xena lock also easy to attach? I was actually thinking about getting this one with the alarm for those times you mentioned like running into a convenience store. I just like the idea of the alarm I guess.

Yes, it is very easy to attach. You just slide it onto the brake disc and press the button in.

Taking it off, on the other hand, takes a little finesse to unlock it and slide it off without setting it off. Even if the alarm isn't set off, it will chime a warning, very loudly, a couple of times. It's a big anxiety thing for me, especially if it is late at night.

[ericalm]

The somewhat definitive (anti) theft thread from Richmond, VA, one of the hottest scooter theft cities in the country:
topic12044.html

[black sunshine]

Finally, I also installed an EnfoTrace.

http://enfotrace.com/

This is a GPS system, kind of like LoJack, that I installed myself. If the scooter is moved without the ignition on, it will send me a text message, and I can then track its location via the website, and give that location to the police.

how much did / does this cost you? looks super cool, i would even want it just for the mapping capabilities . . .

[BootScootin'FireFighter]

I've looked 'round the site a bit and don't see much about anti-theft measures.

Is there any advice folks here can offer about the best way to prevent some ne'er-do-well from absconding with my Buddy?

do a search under the keywords of "stolen scooter" filtering results with both terms. Ed and I have threads relating. His being stolen, also my GFs. Hers was even chained, but had a lot of slack in the chain. Also look up chains, grip locks, and xena.

[ed85379]

Finally, I also installed an EnfoTrace.

http://enfotrace.com/

This is a GPS system, kind of like LoJack, that I installed myself. If the scooter is moved without the ignition on, it will send me a text message, and I can then track its location via the website, and give that location to the police.

how much did / does this cost you? looks super cool, i would even want it just for the mapping capabilities . . .

$300, which includes all the hardware, and the first year of service. After the first year, it is $50/year for 500 traces. If you "check-in" more than that, you will end up having to pay more.

[Lil Buddy]

I have a Zena disk alarm (loud) and a gorilla motorcycle alarm (louder). My scoot is parked in my garage at home or parked 10 feet in front of me at work, so I don't chain it up.

http://www.gorilla-auto.com/motorcycle.alarms

[Bulls Eye]

These look like excellent recommendations- exactly the sort of experience-based advice I was hoping for!

Sorry to hear about your stolen scooter, Ed

Thanks to all who have posted!

[Howardr]

I don't know that there is such a thing as a chain that can't be defeated with bolt cutters. There is a youtube video of a guy testing every major brand of chain. They tell you how much they cost and how long they are "guaranteed" to last against someone trying to cut them. They set a timer and he's goes at it.

Most of them he cuts through in 15-20 seconds. It's been a while but i think one minute is about the longest it takes him. Most have "guarantees" of about 5 minutes, none of them make it.

it's a pretty depressing video, especially when you thin about thieves watching it and getting a "lesson" on the best tool to steal motorcycles and scooters.

Found the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC3hFr8p2ck

Howard

[ed85379]

I don't know that there is such a thing as a chain that can't be defeated with bolt cutters. There is a youtube video of a guy testing every major brand of chain. They tell you how much they cost and how long they are "guaranteed" to last against someone trying to cut them. They set a timer and he's goes at it.

Most of them he cuts through in 15-20 seconds. It's been a while but i think one minute is about the longest it takes him. Most have "guarantees" of about 5 minutes, none of them make it.

Maybe so, but OnGuard warranties their Mastiff chains for $1000 f they are cut, just in case.

[Plisar]

My antitheft method when I'm out --- I always park next to Ducattis and Harleys that have no security. I figure that---combined with my Xena---makes my scooter a ton less attractive.

[Mulliganal]

I have a Zena disk alarm....

I wonder which Xena disk alarms fit the Stella scooters because I've read that some people have problems getting the Xena on the disk.

[ericalm]

I have a Zena disk alarm....

I wonder which Xena disk alarms fit the Stella scooters because I've read that some people have problems getting the Xena on the disk.

The one for my LX (which also fits a Buddy) does not. Try contacting Xena; they're very cool about this kind of thing.

There's a discount for MB members, too!

For a 20% discount and a free Cable and adaptor, visit www.lockandloud.com, enter discount code mbuddy99 at checkout for discount. The additional cable and adaptor is very useful and FREE a $27.00 value

These new models have a 120db alarm and use 1 CR2 lithium battery (supplied)

You can also order over the phone 1 888 345 XENA (9362)

To see how they work and how to install the battery check these videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9RtWxvxxYI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLd76vlfkIU

[BootScootin'FireFighter]

most thieves are opportunistic, looking for a quick and easy grab. The chain will deter almost all of these types. The professionals are prepared and often have tools such as large bolt cutters, pneumatic cutting tools, and even arc (welding) type cutters. They also succeed in conceiled areas with darkness and rare foot or vehicle traffic interference. When my GFs was stolen, it was a dark area, set back a ways from the main highway, and no foot traffic (not the safest neighborhood). It was visible from the road during the day, so very likely we were cased for some time. Her chain, a 7' kryptonite, was locked to a railing and was not cut, but worked around the wheel and headset, just the same as in this video (video from Washington, DC within a few days ours was taken, and in daylight... could be the same dirtbags who stole ours). It was also one of the occassional times she didn't put on her Xena lock. Complacency cost us big time. Make sure you synch that chain tightly to the body of the scooter!

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/01fBflJh3x4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[out18law18]

I could be wrong, but wouldn't a smaller cable style lock like a python ran through the front wheel or fork be much more effective than the large lock used in the video? In my experience thief's are lazy, I had an expensive top of the line audio system in a past car and someone stole the jUnky Sony system in the car parked right next mine cause his was unlocked. I know the python is no match for a pro thief but for it's small size and ease of use I like it.

[Mulliganal]

The one for my LX (which also fits a Buddy) does not. Try contacting Xena; they're very cool about this kind of thing.

Thanks eric, I gave them a call yesterday and the woman said she would get back with me after she talks to some of here folks. I'll pass the info along after she contacts me.

There's a discount for MB members, too!d
For a 20% discount and a free Cable and adaptor, visit www.lockandloud.com, enter discount code mbuddy99 at checkout for discount. The additional cable and adaptor is very useful and FREE a $27.00 value

Thanks for the code.