As someone else posted, all you can do is make your bike appear more difficult to steal than the next one. You want the thief to weigh the risk of taking longer to steal yours thus increasing the chance they get caught. A lot of times, they will move on to the easier target.

I park in a shared garage, use a plain black cover, lock the forks, and park next to a group of sport bikes. Chances are, they will lift the light sport bikes over the almost 900lb Road King. If not, the bike and every item on the bike is insured. If it gets stolen, I get to go shopping.

All these locks and security systems that people spend tons of money on are next to useless. They can be popped / disabled / shielded in seconds. If it gives you piece of mind or makes your insurance cheaper then by all means have at it.

 

Your gonna get all kinda smart *** answers to that question in here , most these people think good insurance is all they need. As someone who lived and played on the shady side of the tracks and dealt with bike thieves the best deterrent is layers or multiple lock combinations. Yes there are pros out there but all thieves are clock watchers they want to hit the least time consuming thing they can.

For a fast in & out deal a fork lock or disc lock , bikes gonna sit a few hours it get's a cable around the frame and though a wheel even in the garage. If you don't feel comfortable try to chain it down to a pole or something too. In general just make it a pain in the *** to deal with and they will go elsewhere.

 

"That right there is funny.......no matter who you are!"
(To be said in a "Larry the Cable Guy" accent.)

 

If they want it they will take it

 

Ride a 15 year old Ultra classic with a dented fender and a few scratches. Nobody will WANT to steal it


Seriously though, TwiZted nailed it.

 

Having insurance alone is some times not the best deal if you have a well cared for motorcycle.
If a bike is stolen and not found, you are paid book value and sometimes that is less than you want.
Basically you loss the time and effort in getting the bike to how you wanted.
You are also at a loss due to deductible in most situations.
Then when you go purchase a replacement bike there is the issue of sales tax.
Then you have a claim history so you might fall into a different insured rating category that could increase your rates a few dollars.
About the only people that do better on insurance are those who had a bike that was abused, damaged, had bald tires and was generally worth less than book before bike went missing. OR maybe someone that acquired a bike at a super low price.

 

Maybe one of those exhaust flame thrower kits can be rigged up to an alarm.

 

On the road,at home the bike stays in the garage. However I'm more concerned when out traveling.

 

Put Buell Stickers or Decals on it.

I prayed that someone would take my bike. it weighs 900 lbs. Stock looking bike. No one is stupid enough to steal something that is almost 1000 lbs. It would take 3-5 people to steal a touring bike.

 

My choices- on the road or parked at home. (Besides an unmarked cover)
http://www.xenasecurity.com/xx15-disc-lock-alarm/
http://www.grip-lock.com/home-en/