I bought a bike off the floor at a dealer and it didn't have the security on it and at the time I wasn't worried. In the past I have seen bikes and ATV's stolen by throwing into the back of a truck and hauling them off. Never have I seen someone try to start and ride one off. I don't have any statistics but thought it would be interesting to get some input from fellow riders who have had bikes stolen in the past. Is the security something that would deter theft more than locking the steering?

 

If they want it, they'll just lift it into a truck like you said. A siren MAY be the only real deterrent I can see.

 

Unless you bought a crotch rocket chance are not very high it will be stolen.
How are they stolen ? in many case it is arranged owned can't sell it for what they want, and or payments eating into life style so they arrange for it to be stolen.
Picked up placed in a U-Haul van or truck not as hard as you think to someone that was worked it all out.
I have security system on one and not on the other makes little difference with thief IMO
This guy is not very good but he got it anyway

 

it wont stop a determined pro thief ,especially if they have a truck to put it on for a fast getaway. unless you leave your fob with the bike it should stop those amateurs who may just want a joyride.

 

Locked ignition and locked steering will deter the amateur who is looking for a joyride as well.

 

A current full coverage Insurance policy with full replacement value will work.

 

Haven't had one stolen, but heard a popular way to take one is 4 guys, two poles - stick the poles through the wheels, lift into whatever they're taking it with, gone in less than a minute. Would take some hefty guys for a bagger I'd think.

 

Anything you do to slow down a thief or make your bike harder to get will help. Alarm, disc lock, steering lock, etc... Casual thieves will grab the lowest hanging fruit, make sure yours isn't and they'll likely pass you by for an easier target. If someone wants it bad enough they'll probably get it, but around here we don't have that problem. Make sure to have comprehensive coverage on the bike, that will cover theft and vandalism.

 

Locked ignition and locked steering didn't stop the thief that took my Kawasaki H1 while I was parked at UNLV in 9/71. I usually used a dog choke chain collar/padlock through the rear wheel.

But the day I was late for class, and didn't take time to use the little chain, was the day my H1 was stolen. Coincidence?