theskrebs

I start with a copy of my last post from the 'newbie' forum. This relates to the theft of a YZ80 and YZ125, form their garage a couple weeks ago. I've had a look round some web sites, spoken to a few mates. Like kenDAWG says, there are lots of stories out there like this one. Not just in this country, but all over the world. The official response seems to be the same, " Sorry to hear about your loss, but there's little we can do". But what about us? We hear another sad tale, then go off to the shed to make sure our pride and joy is still there. Smile at the sight of gleaming metal, then lock and bolt the door as we leave. I'm good, no problem here. Then someone comes in the night and grinds the doors off their hinges, or puts a hole in the roof...... they manage to carry bikes through obstacle courses that would defy the military, without leaving a mark on anything else. These kind of tales are all on the net. It happens! Is your bike still there this morning? Are you sure? The officials don't want to know. Maybe they're happy to discourage bike ownership, who knows? So, is the answer to the problem in our hands? Is it in our interest to do something about this? Do we just keep a low profile and hope it doesn't happen to us? Is there anything WE can do about this situation? Maybe its time to start a new thread... WELL HERE IT IS There are a lot of sad tales out there, so I don't want to burden this thread with tales of woe. What I would like is some idea of what WE can do, as law abiding citizens, about this problem. So, suggestions like 'hang the f....ing ba...rds by the balls till they die' might well meet with approval, but will not be very constructive. One thing that strikes me, is that there is very little information out there relating to stolen bikes. With offroaders, there is no registration or ownership documentation. Anyone buying an MX bike has to trust the seller has legal possession. There is no regulation of second hand parts dealers. There is no effective database, for people to check frame and engine details before buying. There is no effective check at organised track events, for frame and engine numbers. There seems to be general apathy among bike owners - unless their machine ends up on eBay in bits! Over to you guys...... Your comments would be appreciated.

I've had a look round some web sites, spoken to a few mates. Like kenDAWG says, there are lots of stories out there like this one. Not just in this country, but all over the world. The official response seems to be the same, " Sorry to hear about your loss, but there's little we can do". But what about us? We hear another sad tale, then go off to the shed to make sure our pride and joy is still there. Smile at the sight of gleaming metal, then lock and bolt the door as we leave. I'm good, no problem here. Then someone comes in the night and grinds the doors off their hinges, or puts a hole in the roof...... they manage to carry bikes through obstacle courses that would defy the military, without leaving a mark on anything else. These kind of tales are all on the net. It happens! Is your bike still there this morning? Are you sure? The officials don't want to know. Maybe they're happy to discourage bike ownership, who knows? So, is the answer to the problem in our hands? Is it in our interest to do something about this? Do we just keep a low profile and hope it doesn't happen to us? Is there anything WE can do about this situation? Maybe its time to start a new thread... Follow 'Stolen bikes - started by theskrebs' in the Bar

Not covered by insurance. There's very little paperwork to prove ownership, no registration, easy picking. All you need is a van, bolt croppers and portable grinder. You get beer, hash - whatever, off the back of someone trying to work for a living. Death sentence - slow and painful....

Police response was typical. Issued a crime reference number and goodbye. They're not interested. There's as much chance of getting the bikes back, as Barrack Obama hosting a KKK meeting! My kids worked hard, in off school time to help fund those bikes. Now some bone idle scum has got the benefit of their hard work - and got away with it! What sort of message does that give to youngsters? Work hard for what you want - or just steal someone else's? I'm tempted to buy a shotgun. I can claim its for controlling vermin..... true in a case like this.

Well..... Since I said "Hello", scum came in the night with bolt croppers and took the Yz's. Both bikes had been prepped for the new season. The 80 had a complete engine rebuild. Bore, piston, rings, big end, main bearings, crank balance, reeds - even new suspension! To say I'm gutted would be putting it mildly. In the old days, they used to hang horse thieves. Its a tradition I'd be happy to see re-instated. Anybody want to buy some MX gear? Tony

Trowbridge

Yep. The YZ is a '08 model. I'm getting a bit long in the tooth for the bumpy, slidey stuff. I prefer to keep the black round bits in firm contact with the ground these days. Its fun watching the son go for the odd flight though.

Hi guys. The name is Tony. I'm a 'mature' rider - not born again though. Been riding since I was 16 - many years ago. Got a YBR 125 a while ago for my son to learn on. He's since passed his test and moved on to a 2005 Fazer. The YBR is now in regular use as a commuter/hack. It keeps my Suzuki (OK, I know) in good condition. The YBR is also being used to teach son basic maintenance and mechanical skills. In the stable we also have YZ 80 (daughter) and YZ 125 (son). Hope you all had a good Christmas! Regards, Tony

Hello guys. My ybr fell over the other day. Rolled off the side stand. Landed on the left side, no real damage but the trip meter reset knob took a whack. Since then, the trip meter can be reset, but only clocks up to 7miles, then sticks. I've taken the speedo out to inspect the innards - but there doesn't seem a way to get it open. Is this a factory sealed unit? Or is there a way into this that I've missed? I use the trip meter as my fuel gauge, so its loss is a pain. Is buying a new unit the only option here? Your help greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tony