Sold Sincere?

Motorcycle theft is a serious issue - especially if it's your bike that goes missing. Between 2001 and 2003 an annual average of 49,500 machines were reported stolen!

There are several options you have to try and reduce the chances of your bike going missing. These include marking ('Datatag' or 'Smartwater' - or simply embossing into metal parts and painting plastic), alarms, taking care where you park . . .

. . . and locking the bike.

Options here include disklocks, and chains.

But how do you, the consumer, know if the products you buy are up to scratch (or sledgehammer)?

Two of the best-known 'labels' for tested products are 'Thatcham' and 'Sold Secure'
"http://www.thatcham.org/security/index.jsp?page=75">
"http://www.soldsecure.com/">

Sold Secure say:
"http://www.soldsecure.com/why_do_we_test.htm">
A determined thief will take some risks to secure the bike he wants even to lifting them over gates with a crane! Sold Secure has a single level of Motorcycle Security Approval. Both mechanical and electronic security devices are certified to the same high level. Using a fully specified burglar’s toolkit the motorcycle is proven safe from the average thief. There are a number of options for security at home and also when parked away from home.

So one of the best options is a suitable chain, securing the bike to a 'ground anchor'.

Here's their approved product list:
"http://www.soldsecure.com/downloads/Rev%20may08pdf.pdf">
However, it has become apparent that the Sold Secure tests don't seem to include the use of substantial - but easily portable, bearing in mind that thieves are likely to be using a van - croppers.

Have a watch of the video, and wonder, perhaps, about how long your chain might last . . .
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC3hFr8p2ck">

Frightening, eh?