XJ6NRIDER Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 I was just wndering about the costs and benefits of fitting a high tech aftermarket alarm to my bike, how much would it cost, could i install it myself and does anyone have one they can recommend? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator DirtyDT Posted March 12, 2011 Moderator Share Posted March 12, 2011 Views on alarms vary. Most newer bikes have an immobiliser as standard. Alarm wise there are 3 options; 1) don't fit one 2) fit one yourself/get a mate to do it 3) get a specialist to fit one I would have one on a new bike, price dependant. I wouldn't retro fit one. I would not be put off buying a bike if it had no alarm. My SV has a Datatool and it has never caused me any problems. I would look at Datatool for a specialist (get a certificate for slightly cheaper insurance) - £400. I would look at www.cyclonealarms.co.uk for retro fit alarms as they seem to be good value and a good reputation - £35. I would buy a big chain anyway but make sure you use it. Alarm cost - £0 I do not know any decent data to say how effective an alarm is, or isn't. Bikes do still get nicked if alarmed but who knows if an alarm puts off a big percentage of would be bike thieves? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Cynic Posted March 12, 2011 Moderator Share Posted March 12, 2011 I was just wndering about the costs and benefits of fitting a high tech aftermarket alarm to my bike, how much would it cost, could i install it myself and does anyone have one they can recommend? Waste of time a good quality lock is fine, if someone really wants the bike nothing will stop them. They use fridge lorries to nick alarmed bikes. Bloke with a helmet and stuff with his mate helping out with a truck cos his alarm don't work. Sound like fantasy. Happend to a bloke i knew, he felt sorry for the guy in leathers and HELPED them load the bike. I say again for the price of an ok alarm you can get a really good lock. Locks don't go off at 3 am or leave you stranded cos the imobiliser has gone on the fritz. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Baker Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 After what i've been through i agree with you. I got the datatools and metasystem defcomT fitted to my XJ6, cost a fortune all for a bleep bleep when you walk away. Didn't have it all a month and the thing wasn't working properly. You can sit on the bike and it wont go off. Big locks are the key but Cynic is right, if they want it, they'll take it. Save the money and put it to better use. Waste of time a good quality lock is fine, if someone really wants the bike nothing will stop them. They use fridge lorries to nick alarmed bikes. Bloke with a helmet and stuff with his mate helping out with a truck cos his alarm don't work. Sound like fantasy. Happend to a bloke i knew, he felt sorry for the guy in leathers and HELPED them load the bike. I say again for the price of an ok alarm you can get a really good lock. Locks don't go off at 3 am or leave you stranded cos the imobiliser has gone on the fritz. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2 Wheels Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Well ive never had an alarm on any of me bikes down through the years. From what i here from some of the guys near me, they seem to have some sort of boather with them every now and again. I just try to park in the Right places and use a Big chain. I hope i havent just tempted faith here ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ttaskmaster Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 Immobilisers stop someone from riding the bike off without the key/fob. They can also fail mid-corner if improperly fitted (even if fitted by a professional). Seen this one happen... What works best is a decent big-ass chain, secured off the ground, with a disc-detainer lock, that properly secures your bike to something immovable (like a house) - NOT just through the front wheel, but through the frame somewhere that cannot be cut without wrecking the bike. Alarms are good for only one thing - Letting YOU know someone's messing with the bike. I use an Accumen self-fit alarm and I will be out there with big sticks and violence if ever I hear it go off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
up.yours Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 would your chains and locks stand up to this puppy.. http://www.youtube.c...feature=related yes it's portable too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barkwindjammer Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 This guy aint portable either if they want it they'll have it-buy a Jawa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 They can also fail mid-corner if improperly fitted (even if fitted by a professional). Seen this one happen... have to agree ttask,two different bikes both datatool alarm immobilisers fitted from the factory,they were a bloody nightmare,overtaking outside lane on the motorway and the engine just cut out,yamaha dealers were crap could not find the problem yet a little back street garage took one look and as soon as he saw datatool was fitted just laughed 10 minutes later he had it sorted,alarms and immobilisers stick them in the bin big chain all the way,as others have said if they want it they will have it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator DirtyDT Posted March 14, 2011 Moderator Share Posted March 14, 2011 This guy aint portable either if they want it they'll have it-buy a Jawa Or a big chain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ttaskmaster Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 The real trick is to make it SUCH a FECKING hassle to try and nick you bike that the thief will leave it alone and go looking for something else. 125cc bikes and Sports bikes (particularly those commonly used as track bikes) are the most wanted - These will always have a market and are frequently broken for parts, too. People always crash 125s and Track bikes. Mine, especially at the moment, looks like a bag of shite and will look horrendous if I do decide to Rat it. Customs frequently have special/custom/one-off parts too, so are very hard to shift. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sikander Posted April 8, 2011 Share Posted April 8, 2011 Adding an alarm to a bike would take away it's charm .I have seem bikes with alarm that make noise even on applying of brakes. That becomes too irritating . I would rather recommend to park and drive carefully. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator DirtyDT Posted April 8, 2011 Moderator Share Posted April 8, 2011 Adding an alarm to a bike would take away it's charm .I have seem bikes with alarm that make noise even on applying of brakes. That becomes too irritating . I would rather recommend to park and drive carefully. I would agree with that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedshop Posted April 9, 2011 Share Posted April 9, 2011 Any alarm system you add to a bike can be removed in minutes. Seconds when you're good at it. Absolute waste of money. Datatool removal from my BMW......me doing it 5 minutes.......bike thief less then a minute as he's not taking care about the paint or scratching things The only security that works is when its built in to the bike's entire system as it can't be removed. Or accessed by home mechanics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyedee Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Thought about this same question on and off for the past decade in which time I've bought 6 bikes. Whether or not its worth it depends on so many factors including age, bike type, bike age and worth, bike location, where and how it's parked/garaged etc. On the whole if you're over 30 and aint planning to park up in Wormwood Scrubs I doubt it's worth getting a pro fitted Thatcham 1 approved alarm put on your bike as it probably won't reduce your premiums in line with the cost of fitting one. For peace of mind and a little extra security you may want to fit a decent, but cheap, alarm system such as a Cyclone V2 which can be done by a competent DIY'er in around 30 mins - or 2-3 hours if done properly. By done properly I mean fitted very carefully to make it most difficult for potential thieves to disarm it. I promise you no tea-leaf could disarm by partners bike alarm in under a minute like I've seen mentioned. It would take the thief a good 5 minutes to even work out where the hell the alarm system is located and that's only if they have a whole load of tools with them to remove some seriously well fitted bike components - though I won't say which. However if a pro thief wants your bike, alarm or no alarm, they'll have it - probably in the back of a van in which case the alarm is pretty useless whatever you get fitted. In this case you're relying on physical security which can be as hit or miss in security terms as an alarm system. I'm not sure why some people would think an alarm would ruin the charm of a motorcycle, unless the bike was a classic or pedigree example? You don't have to fit the flashing led if you don't want the alarm system to be obvious, but surely being obvious is the whole point? I've never had any of my alarms fail on me, suffer many false alarms or cause me any real aggro... other than having to carry the alarm fob. And I'm not sure what's meant about alarms going off when the brakes are applied or similar? If that happens the bikes electrics would be an absolute mess or the alarm fitter is incredibly incompetent. And seeing as most alarm/immobilisor combo's only have 7 or so wires to fit up... well you get the gist. Get a couple of insurance quotes. If a Cat 1 alarm doesn't blow you away when the discount is applied then don't buy one. If you want a little extra security and don't have it in for alarm systems on bikes (?) go for a good cheap one such as the Cyclone V2. They work well, are well made and easy to fit. Otherwise buy that monster Ship chain that DirtyDT posted! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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