Factory Security
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 6
Factory Security
OK, I've got a deposit on a 2008 Roadster and I've got a question about the security system...
Is it worth the money? I've never trusted a factory security system because they are 1) Easy as heck to bypass and 2) Standard on that type of vehicle so the "professionals" know exactly what they're getting into when they walk up to a vehicle.
All of my vehicles have a hidden ignition cut off (at the minimum) that I put in myself, but the idea of a switch that I don't have to turn on and off is appealing.
Or, would I do better to get a true alarm with pager, ignition cut off, annoying siren?
Of course, I will continue to use common sense, bike covers, locks, etc....
Is it worth the money? I've never trusted a factory security system because they are 1) Easy as heck to bypass and 2) Standard on that type of vehicle so the "professionals" know exactly what they're getting into when they walk up to a vehicle.
All of my vehicles have a hidden ignition cut off (at the minimum) that I put in myself, but the idea of a switch that I don't have to turn on and off is appealing.
Or, would I do better to get a true alarm with pager, ignition cut off, annoying siren?
Of course, I will continue to use common sense, bike covers, locks, etc....
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 3
From: Boise, Idaho
RE: Factory Security
"Easy as heck to bypass" ?.... lmao.... Have you ever tried?.... Even the certified mechanics have a very difficult time gettinga bike with a lost fob to start....I have far less faith in the low-life worthless thieves of the world, than I do in the HD certified mechanics 
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 6
RE: Factory Security
I have no experience with the HD security system, hence why I am asking about it.
My statement was about most factory security systems. I've had to bypass four or five of them over the years for various reasons (ever lose your keys while deer hunting? I have... [8D]) The longest any of these has stopped me is about 15 minutes and I'm not a certified mechanic or professional car thief. Heck, I didn't even stay in a Holiday Inn last night!
One thing to think about is that the HD certified mechanics don't want to tear things up the way a thief will. Thinking that thieves are handicapped the same way is, in my opinion, foolish.
Now, if I may ask again, is the $350 factory installed key fob ignition cut off worth $350 or would I do better dropping $300-$400 on a solid system with alarm, pager, ignition cut off, etc?
My statement was about most factory security systems. I've had to bypass four or five of them over the years for various reasons (ever lose your keys while deer hunting? I have... [8D]) The longest any of these has stopped me is about 15 minutes and I'm not a certified mechanic or professional car thief. Heck, I didn't even stay in a Holiday Inn last night!
One thing to think about is that the HD certified mechanics don't want to tear things up the way a thief will. Thinking that thieves are handicapped the same way is, in my opinion, foolish.
Now, if I may ask again, is the $350 factory installed key fob ignition cut off worth $350 or would I do better dropping $300-$400 on a solid system with alarm, pager, ignition cut off, etc?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,431
Likes: 38
From: Caldwell, Idaho
RE: Factory Security
HDK works at a HD dealership.........think he'd know about factory alarm systems! But, go ahead ask your question again....maybe other folks can clarify what HDK said.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 3
From: Boise, Idaho
RE: Factory Security
No, I believe that thieves are handicapped in a much more profound way.... And the term "professional car thief" is an oxymoron... I don't consider thievery to be a profession.... More like a virus... Sorry for the rant.... I just hate thieves [:@]
With that said... I am not a huge fan of the silent factory alarm system (didn't purchase it on my bike)... I do think there are much more effective systems out there... Even the old fork lock is a slightly better deterrent IMHO... Your money is probably better spent on something with an audible alarm I would think.
With that said... I am not a huge fan of the silent factory alarm system (didn't purchase it on my bike)... I do think there are much more effective systems out there... Even the old fork lock is a slightly better deterrent IMHO... Your money is probably better spent on something with an audible alarm I would think.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 3
From: Boise, Idaho
RE: Factory Security
ORIGINAL: Spudster
HDK works at a HD dealership.........think he'd know about factory alarm systems! But, go ahead ask your question again....maybe other folks can clarify what HDK said.
HDK works at a HD dealership.........think he'd know about factory alarm systems! But, go ahead ask your question again....maybe other folks can clarify what HDK said.
It's a good idea in theory.... But.... Many of the low-life thieves either push/lift the bike to another area, and worry about starting it later... This is why I believe that an audible alarm would be much more of a deterrent.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 2
From: Metro Milwaukee, WI
RE: Factory Security
Alarm systems are a waste of time. Alot of good those blinking lights are gonna do when a theif is running your bike up a ramp into a truck. THe sirens aren't much better. They go off for any little reason and after awhile become such an annoyance that people just quit using them.
Invest in GOOD insurance with a good gap policy and a fork lock. If you are still worried, get a rotor lock too but don't forget to take it off before trying to ride...
I've NEVER locked my bike anywhere I've gone. It's never been Fu**ed with or stolen.
Invest in GOOD insurance with a good gap policy and a fork lock. If you are still worried, get a rotor lock too but don't forget to take it off before trying to ride...
I've NEVER locked my bike anywhere I've gone. It's never been Fu**ed with or stolen.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 6
RE: Factory Security
ORIGINAL: HighDesertKid
No, I believe that thieves are handicapped in a much more profound way.... And the term "professional car thief" is an oxymoron... I don't consider thievery to be a profession.... More like a virus... Sorry for the rant.... I just hate thieves [:@]
With that said... I am not a huge fan of the silent factory alarm system (didn't purchase it on my bike)... I do think there are much more effective systems out there... Even the old fork lock is a slightly better deterrent IMHO... Your money is probably better spent on something with an audible alarm I would think.
No, I believe that thieves are handicapped in a much more profound way.... And the term "professional car thief" is an oxymoron... I don't consider thievery to be a profession.... More like a virus... Sorry for the rant.... I just hate thieves [:@]
With that said... I am not a huge fan of the silent factory alarm system (didn't purchase it on my bike)... I do think there are much more effective systems out there... Even the old fork lock is a slightly better deterrent IMHO... Your money is probably better spent on something with an audible alarm I would think.
And, FWIW, I agree completely. I loathe thieves of any type, and I really don't like the term "professional car thief" anymore than you do - I just can't think of a way to differentiate between the dirtbags that are "good at what they do" and those that aren't.
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