disk lock recommendations (alarm or not?)

Edwub · Post by **Edwub** » Fri May 04, 2012 3:05 pm

Hey all,

I have a chain that I use at work, but it's cumbersome and I've started getting lazier and lazier about locking up the Blur. I park in the motorcycle parking lot at the university, and I'm not really worried about theft but good habits are good to maintain. I know for a quick 10 minute stop at the grocery store, I stopped doing anything other than locking the steering.

I think I want a disc lock brake, with one of those reminder cables that go up to the handlebars. Easy to use and pretty visible - most importantly, very quick so it'll be easier on me to keep up regular usage.

Any recommendations on makes/models? I'm torn on whether I want an alarm or not.

I've seen it often recommended here, but I'm worried about sensitivity. I don't want a lot of false alarms - I know occasionally a careless person brushes against my scoot on their way to the laundry room. I don't want to piss anyone off. I'm thinking if I keep my steering locked consistently when parked, it should be fine and the alarm will be no issue --- though I do want to use a reminder cable.

Anyone use disc locks sans alarm? Feel secure with it?

Asking as budget is an issue : / (and the alarmed ones seem costly).

Thanks!

AWinn6889 · Post by **AWinn6889** » Fri May 04, 2012 3:47 pm

I got the Trimax 5.5mm disc lock (w/ reminder cable) in the picture below from Amazon for about $15 shipped. I have about the same level of need for locking the scoot up that you described here and it has served me well.
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find is on Amazon this morning, it could be because my brain is pretty fried from this week, or because it's just not there. I'll keep looking.

EDIT: Motorcycle-Superstore has a few similar ones, but they are a little more expensive and it looks like the reminder cable has to be purchased separately.

EDIT EDIT: Here's the link for the one that I have, but it seems they don't have it in stock right now.
It is also more expensive and back ordered on Trimax's website as well.

Maximus53 · Post by **Maximus53** » Fri May 04, 2012 3:51 pm

AWinn6889 wrote:I got the Trimax 5.5mm disc lock (w/ reminder cable) ]

I have the same one. I dont know if it makes me feel any more secure, but is was an inexpensive easy way to hopefully make the thief move on to the scooter down the street without the disc lock.... If not I guess that what insurance is for.

I bought a big heavy chain lock, thinking i would chain my scoot to a sign when I park at night. I think I've used it 3 times in 2 years... not very practical and damn heavy!

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Fri May 04, 2012 3:53 pm

Here's the Trimax 5.5mm at Amazon, but it's currently unavailable:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W0RQCI

I got mine last year for about $13, but it was upwards of $20 when I looked last month.

I use this un-alarmed disc lock pretty much all the time, plus I have the Gorilla 8007 installed, which has variable sensitivity and a key-fob for enable/disable.

The Xena scares the poop out of me - I know I'd trigger the darned thing every time I took the cover off the scoot. The Mrs. would not be pleased.

Edwub · Post by **Edwub** » Fri May 04, 2012 4:00 pm

PeteH wrote: The Xena scares the poop out of me - I know I'd trigger the darned thing every time I took the cover off the scoot. The Mrs. would not be pleased.

Hehe, yup...I cover my scoot at home, didn't mention it but I was thinking I may set off the alarm putting it on/taking it off.

Also, heavy annoying chain = check. I realize that breaking a security habit is bad, which is why I'm looking into locks. Thanks for the recommendation guys, the one mentioned is definitely in my price range!

I like the idea of an alarm, but I don't want to use that as an excuse to not use it!

AWinn6889 · Post by **AWinn6889** » Fri May 04, 2012 4:04 pm

I found it!
There is one listing for it on Ebay for $9.95 "Buy it now."
Jegs seems to have it in stock, and is selling it for $16.99 (+shipping I think). I would maybe call and order it, just because I think it's weird that they don't have the picture up there for it.
Sears also has it in stock for online ordering, but they want almost $50 for it!

AWinn6889 · Post by **AWinn6889** » Fri May 04, 2012 4:20 pm

Maximus53 wrote:
AWinn6889 wrote:I got the Trimax 5.5mm disc lock (w/ reminder cable) ]
I have the same one. I dont know if it makes me feel any more secure, but is was an inexpensive easy way to hopefully make the thief move on to the scooter down the street without the disc lock.... If not I guess that what insurance is for.

I bought a big heavy chain lock, thinking i would chain my scoot to a sign when I park at night. I think I've used it 3 times in 2 years... not very practical and damn heavy!

I'm not terribly worried about anyone trying to walk off with my scoot just because there are very few around here, and most people don't know what it is- or think it's a cheap chinese 50cc (because it's obviously not a Vespa) that can only go 30mph max, which would make it extremely impractical and hard to sell in this area.

So this lock is enough for me. When I work evenings, and when we go to shows and things I use the cable and the U-lock to either lock up to a pole or fence, or to lock my scoot to my bf's Harley, or both. I don't see anyone having the man power to pick up both bikes and shove them into the back of a pick-up as the Sportster weighs almost 700lbs.

I think about it the same way you do though, it's an inexpensive way to keep people honest. If they really want to steal something they will likely give up on this and move on to something easier to steal.

On the Xena alarm-- I noticed that the dealer in Burlington, well the guy I talked to anyway (I think he's one of the owners), had one on one of his scooters, so I asked for a demo... I jumped when it first went off, and my ears were ringing for days.

bilyum · Post by **bilyum** » Fri May 04, 2012 4:32 pm

Remember, it's the back you want to lock,,,or they will lift front wheel and drag to loading vehicle.Rear wheel will turn easily due to cvt.

Post by **ericalm** » Fri May 04, 2012 4:44 pm

I vote for alarm lock.

bilyum wrote:Remember, it's the back you want to lock,,,or they will lift front wheel and drag to loading vehicle.Rear wheel will turn easily due to cvt.

Can't lock the rear wheel with a disc lock, as there's no rear disc!

velobuff · Post by **velobuff** » Fri May 04, 2012 5:06 pm

So a problem with a disc lock is if someone knocks over or otherwise tampers with your scoot (or doesn't see the disc lock and tries to roll it away), the disc lock could damage your scoot pretty easily.

bilyum · Post by **bilyum** » Fri May 04, 2012 5:07 pm

True , no disk, but a cable lock or other wheel lock will work.
"The Club 493 Tire Claw Security Device" may work

bilyum · Post by **bilyum** » Fri May 04, 2012 5:21 pm

If they want it bad enough they will get it. Just remember not to contribute by buying used parts and creating a market for stolen property.
Some states don't even require a title on smaller scoots,,so the vin doesn't even matter. "good insurance?"

AWinn6889 · Post by **AWinn6889** » Fri May 04, 2012 5:35 pm

velobuff wrote:So a problem with a disc lock is if someone knocks over or otherwise tampers with your scoot (or doesn't see the disc lock and tries to roll it away), the disc lock could damage your scoot pretty easily.

This is true... BUT that's why there is a bright orange reminder cable, and why most disc locks are bright yellow. It's pretty obvious what they are based on where they are, so if a thief really wants to steal something that they are going to have to damage pretty badly to get, then more power to them, and good luck with getting rid of it.
Disc locks are mostly meant to be a deterrent- say I'm about to steal a scooter and I find a nice orange Buddy 125, I look around at it, it's pretty sweet! Then I see the disc lock, I look closer at it, it's on the brake rotor, right up close to the fork.. if I move this thing at all it's going to get badly damaged. So I think to myself, this scooter's not going to be worth anything to me if it's busted... so I'll continue on my way and find another one that doesn't have a disc lock on it. Maybe I'll get lucky and some chump left his chain lock loose enough for me to get it over the handle bars (there is a video that was posted here a few months ago, that showed two guys doing just that to steal a scoot. Knocking it on it's side and finagling it in such a way to leave the chain and lock completely in tact, locked to a metal-barred fence).

The OP was just asking about and looking at a lock that he can use quickly and easily. He has a chain and has found it to be cumbersome, which has made him more likely to not lock his Blur up at all (aside from locking the handlebars). So a disc lock is still better than nothing.

Also, a disc lock with an alarm, or even locking your scooter to something with a chain or a cable, isn't going to keep someone from knocking it over (unless you have to wrap the cable around the base of the headset and lock it to bars on top of a 4ft cement block like I do).
Also nothing but a cover is going to deter people from "tampering with" a scooter. If it's not covered someone can fiddle with it, THEN the alarm may go off- in which case the damage is already done.
Chaining the scoot to something will make it harder for someone to just roll it away or throw it into a pick-up truck, but it's still not going to stop anyone from finding a way to get through that security. It just depends on how much time they have, and how determined they are.

Owning and securing a scooter is a bit of a sacrifice. You have a vehicle that you absolutely adore, but it is also extremely vulnerable to the public at large. Most of us do what we can, and what is most efficient for our particular circumstances-- but scooters are still fiddled with in mall parking lots, backed into by careless cagers, they're still stolen, they're still damaged by obnoxious people with bicycles (see skully's recent thread), and monkeyed with in any other number of ways. There's only so much you can do to protect it, the rest is trusting that people are smart and respectable enough to just plain leave it alone.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Fri May 04, 2012 5:49 pm

Xena disc lock/alarm. I've used one for as long as I've had my scooter and it has performed flawlessly both with and without a cover. I wouldn't consider owning a scooter or MC without one.

jasondavis48108 · Post by **jasondavis48108** » Fri May 04, 2012 5:55 pm

I just put alarm locks on all my scooters. A few weeks ago I had a scooter stolen from right out front of my house while I slept. The window was even cracked open a bit and I didn't hear a thing. If I had had an alarm I would have woken up and they probably would have gotten scared and ran. Luckily the scooter wasn't damaged except for the steering column lock and that doesn't effect it's ride-ability but it could have been much much worse. I would say if your scoot can be locked up where you can hear it if it goes off then that is the best option. Also, the alarm doesn't go off for very long if its bumped and then left alone.

velobuff · Post by **velobuff** » Fri May 04, 2012 6:54 pm

Intrigued by the alarm/disc lock combo and I've never heard of them before. The guy I bought my used Kymco off of included a disc lock and reminder thingy but I haven't used it since I don't park in high-risk areas but I keep it in my pet carrier in case I do.

So which Xena alarm/lock do you guys use? I saw one on amazon that's bright yellow and says it's for Scooters... but it wasn't on Prime :/ and I need that instant gratification....

Edwub · Post by **Edwub** » Fri May 04, 2012 7:34 pm

Hmm. Quick look at Amazon for "disc alarm lock yellow" sorted by price. I think I'd prefer yellow to a generic chrome.

With that search term at least, reviews aren't glowing but I trust Skootz with his thumbs up. I see the Trimax brand has one at $50, and the Xena's all are $70+.

inspyre5 · Post by **inspyre5** » Fri May 04, 2012 10:27 pm

I use an Onguard disc lock on my Blur. I haven't had any problems with it and the reminder cable comes with it. I purchased it at a local store in the valley but found it here too...

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/ ... -Lock.aspx

I believe I chose the smallest size to fit on the Blur's disc. As for effectiveness, I can only guess its more of a visual deterrence. I haven't had any attempts at tampering (at least that I know of) so I can't say much about real world tampering.

Edwub · Post by **Edwub** » Fri May 04, 2012 10:44 pm

inspyre5 wrote:I believe I chose the smallest size to fit on the Blur's disc.

hehe, good call! If you had moved up to 8mm, you may have had a problem (I had emailed Genuine to ask earlier about the size).

Response:
The slot in a Blur rotor is 7.5mm but further in is a sizable opening that a larger pin disc lock may work in.

Regards,
Massimo

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Sat May 05, 2012 7:26 am

Edwub, you might try giving Xena a call or emailing them about the best size for a Blur. They were incredibly helpful to me when I called. Also don't forget that MB members get a 20% discount on Xena locks!

topic13178.html#203844

velobuff · Post by **velobuff** » Sat May 05, 2012 2:27 pm

Wow xena does a horrible job at telling you the differences between their locks! Where's the secret decoder ring on their site?

Coffeejunkie · Post by **Coffeejunkie** » Sat May 05, 2012 2:49 pm

Xena is not just a warrior princess, but a great disc lock with an ear-piercing howl.

Edwub · Post by **Edwub** » Mon May 07, 2012 8:37 pm

Skootz Kabootz wrote:Edwub, you might try giving Xena a call or emailing them about the best size for a Blur. They were incredibly helpful to me when I called. Also don't forget that MB members get a 20% discount on Xena locks!

topic13178.html#203844

Wow, nice! 20% off might be enough to tilt me towards one of these over the Trimax one.

I found this neat chart on their webpage:
http://lockandloud.com/page/customer-ca ... oters.html

Interestingly, the Blur and the Psycho fit four sizes (whereas the 50, 125, 150, and 170's fit only two of those).

Edwub · Post by **Edwub** » Mon May 07, 2012 8:47 pm

Now that it sunk in, that surprised me. Xena has four that fit, yet Genuine had said "7.5mm but further in is a sizable opening that a larger pin disc lock may work in."

Had to double check what the Blur's disc looks like:

Roomy. The small holes must be 7.5mm, looks like every other hole is "sizable." Guessing I wouldn't want to use the rod shaped ones, as they all slide pretty close to the edge of the disc.

Looks like the only other potential place to use the bigger ones (such as 14mm pin) are the tear shaped ones between the smaller holes. Those can be jiggled around too. Might be easier to physically attach (harder to miss!) but probably less secure than the 7.5mm hole. [....says the guy thats never even touched a disc lock]

Edwub · Post by **Edwub** » Wed May 23, 2012 4:17 am

ericalm wrote:I vote for alarm lock.

bilyum wrote:Remember, it's the back you want to lock,,,or they will lift front wheel and drag to loading vehicle.Rear wheel will turn easily due to cvt.
Can't lock the rear wheel with a disc lock, as there's no rear disc!

You can on a Blur (front+rear disc), though it didn't seem easily accessible. It's the only Genuine scooter with dual-disc brakes, isn't it? I know Buddy and Stella's are disc+drum.

-----

I bought a Xena XX6 yellow through Amazon, + a Trimax orange reminder cable. It slightly bothers me the colors don't match, but I'm pretty happy with the combo, hehe. Wouldn't want to risk NOT having a reminder cable, I'd probably damage something! It's a 6mm pin, but I think that'll be the easiest to use and the least hassle to fit. The "alarm" module seems like it might be easy to set off by accident, if something thick enough slips in and blocks the sensor. It did the "alarm set" beep in the car when just the reminder cable went over the sensor.

I pranked three co-workers with the alarm today and had a HILARIOUS time. When I got home from work I slipped it + the reminder cable on the front disc. Didn't try to see how it'd fit on the rear, though I suppose it would.

Thanks all for the advice

The Xena was actually on sale at Amazon for around $60 so I felt pretty good about the purchase.

jonlink · Post by **jonlink** » Wed May 23, 2012 4:55 pm

Totally recommend the Xena lock.

It isn't too easy to set off (usually) even with the cover. And I've had a butthead move my scooter a foot or two with the disc lock on and there was no damage.

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Wed May 23, 2012 5:29 pm

The Gorilla alarm is a good alternative if you are concerned about accidentally setting off an alarm when removing a scooter cover. You can put a regular cable through your tire(s), cover up your scooter with your scooter cover, then arm the Gorilla alarm.

You can disarm it while you walk up to your scooter, so you don't have to worry about accidentally setting it off when you take the cover off.

Yes, it makes 2 loud chirps when disarmed, but the Xena makes a loud chirp when you disarm it as well.

Modern Buddy

disk lock recommendations (alarm or not?)

disk lock recommendations (alarm or not?)

about locking

Re: about locking

wheel lock

locks

Re: about locking