Locking & Security
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Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 251
Likes: 2
From: Western MA
Locking & Security
Just purchased 07 RK (1st time HD owner). My question is how do you normally leave the bike locked and secured? The fork locks, the ignition locks, and I have this buttonless security system that I keep in my pocket and engages and disengages based on my proximity to the bike. The dealer said to just leave the security module in the saddlebag and lock the fork. That would seem to negate the purpose of having a security system. Appreciate your thoughts on this. Thanks.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 2
RE: Locking & Security
well.... the "Security Module" which is called a FOB will be meaningless if it is left in the bike if you don't set up you own keycode in the bike. Someone wants to steal your harley or get it started they will inevidibly try and use the default key-code combination to gain access so it will start up. That being said .... I would NEVER leave my FOB in my bike. I keep it in a jacket pocket with my key.
Going to the mall I lock everything (saddle bags, tour pak, forks, gas). Going other places ... I just walk away and the FOB is with me at all times. Course I did go and create my own combination for FOB-BYPASS and so I do feel secure it can't easily be 'started' by anyone.
Depends on where you are parking you bike. Inner-city ..... I'd lock it up tighter than a drum. Over at the park in the suburbs ..... probably nothing... to me it just depends on where I'm at as to what gets locked up at any given time.
but I think the salesman is an idiot to tell you to leave you fob in the bike itself.
Going to the mall I lock everything (saddle bags, tour pak, forks, gas). Going other places ... I just walk away and the FOB is with me at all times. Course I did go and create my own combination for FOB-BYPASS and so I do feel secure it can't easily be 'started' by anyone.
Depends on where you are parking you bike. Inner-city ..... I'd lock it up tighter than a drum. Over at the park in the suburbs ..... probably nothing... to me it just depends on where I'm at as to what gets locked up at any given time.
but I think the salesman is an idiot to tell you to leave you fob in the bike itself.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 981
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Locking & Security
I wouldn't leave the fob on the bike ANYWHERE.
I just bought an '07 RK and put the fob on the end of the chain for my wallet.
I usually use this wallet only when riding to make sure I don't lose the damn thing (have a regular wallet for daily use). So keeping a fob on the chain is no big deal.
I willtry to get in the habit of keeping my saddlebags locked if I'm not using them and lock both ignition and forks when parked in public. Too many people with curious fingers around might start messing with the bike so I'd recommend locking anything you can lockwhen parked in public.
I just bought an '07 RK and put the fob on the end of the chain for my wallet.
I usually use this wallet only when riding to make sure I don't lose the damn thing (have a regular wallet for daily use). So keeping a fob on the chain is no big deal.
I willtry to get in the habit of keeping my saddlebags locked if I'm not using them and lock both ignition and forks when parked in public. Too many people with curious fingers around might start messing with the bike so I'd recommend locking anything you can lockwhen parked in public.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 13
From: MA
RE: Locking & Security
When my bike is out of sight for more than a few minutes, I lock the forks and activate the alarm. I also upgraded my alarm to the Siren II w/pager. I also carry a small cable lock that I can secure my leather jacket and helmet to if needed.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 2
From:
RE: Locking & Security
Just remember, all locking a bike will do is keep an honest man honest.
If somebody wants to steal your ride, they will, and there aint a whole lot you can do about it.
I rarely lock mine. At work, the bike parking area is in direct view of the security guards. At home, well, lets just say that if someone tried to break into the garage to steal it, they would wind up better ventilated and a few hundred grains heavier
I'llset the security system if I have to nip into a store for a minute or two. About the only time I lock it down (fork and key lock) is when I park it at a bar. No sense in shooting a damn fool drunk who just thought firing up my bike in the parking lot seemed like a good idea at the time.
Security systems cannot ever replicate the peace-of-mind of a good insurance policy.
Tim
If somebody wants to steal your ride, they will, and there aint a whole lot you can do about it.
I rarely lock mine. At work, the bike parking area is in direct view of the security guards. At home, well, lets just say that if someone tried to break into the garage to steal it, they would wind up better ventilated and a few hundred grains heavier
I'llset the security system if I have to nip into a store for a minute or two. About the only time I lock it down (fork and key lock) is when I park it at a bar. No sense in shooting a damn fool drunk who just thought firing up my bike in the parking lot seemed like a good idea at the time.
Security systems cannot ever replicate the peace-of-mind of a good insurance policy.
Tim
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,417
Likes: 0
From: Salem, OR
RE: Locking & Security
I have the security safeguards on my bike and use them at home and out in public areas, I figure that I paid for them so Imight as welluse them. Fork lock, ignition lock, helmet lock, security alarm/siren, and ample insurance.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
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From: MA
RE: Locking & Security
My saddlebags are always locked. Had one pop open while riding and now sicne I installed the LED latches on them, they are even easier to open.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 162
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From:
RE: Locking & Security
I always use my FOB to set the alarm anytime I am away from the bike, even if just a few minutes to go into the convenience store. It only takes seconds for someone to hop on, crank it and go...not much you can do if your inside a store 20 feet away. I lock the fork and everything else when away from the bike for any length of time. People and kids have a tendency to be curious and "screw" with things for the hell of it. My '03, you can turn the key to accessory and listen to the radio, even with the alarm set, it will not set the alarm off. A few years back, I parked my bike right next to the front of a theater and when I came out, someone dumped a lit cigarette in my helmet, melting the lining (sonsabitches). Like Cowracer said, the locks keep honest people from stealing your ride. I hear down in New Orleans they steal bikes by driving up to one, 4 or more big guys jump out and stick 2 by 4's or 2 by 6's under the bike, throw it in the back of the truck and go. No alarm is going to stop that. Personal property means nothing to people anymore.........
