Related to me recent post about the price of an 02, I wanted to ask you guys your opinion about street parking.
I currently own a 1977 CB750, and although its in great running shape, its visually a piece of crap, is worth $1400, and I only have liability insurance. I live in a city apartment and the only place to park it is on a street behind my apt. It is well lit, and at least with the CB750 haven't had any problems other than it being towed on a re-scheduled street cleaning day.
I told myself I would never get a VFR until I had a garage to keep it in, but I want one REALLY bad and found one that might fit the bill. Now the question is, can I really park such a nice bike on the street permanently?
I can cover it, lock the fork, but primarily I'd be afraid of it getting picked up, put in a truck never to be seen again. If I had a garage, I probably wouldn't get comprehensive coverage on it. Can I get comprehensive just for theft?
Would you guys risk buying a VFR given this parking situation? Any recommendations? Anecdotal advise is also appreciated.
I wouldn't do it if you can wait to get a garage! Crime has been escalating in many cities lately because of the economic conditions. The chances that some low-life will mess with your VFR are so much higher lately. Be patient and avoid the sorrow and dissapointment of getting victimized by a bike theif or a vandal. JMOs
[image: View Post]Beck, on Oct 3 2008, 03:44 PM, said:
I wouldn't do it if you can wait to get a garage! Crime has been escalating in many cities lately because of the economic conditions. The chances that some low-life will mess with your VFR are so much higher lately. Be patient and avoid the sorrow and dissapointment of getting victimized by a bike theif or a vandal. JMOs
Beck
95 VFR
Lets assume that I can't get garage parking in the next 4 years (which is more than likely the case).
[image: View Post]Badazzteacher, on Oct 3 2008, 04:01 PM, said:
Only if you can put an anchor in the concrete to lock your bike to......or some other inanimate object.
Hopefully Dutchy pipes in soon from the 'NEVER-NETHERLANDS' to post a picture of his solution.
A very robust anchor bolt and chain.
There's also a variety of alarms with things like perimeter sensors, angle/movement detectors, verbal warnings and pager control units etc. that may help.
Ultimately, a bike can be stolen/vandalised no matter where you place it.
A Police Officer put it to me this way once: "Anti-theft devices are really available to keep the HONEST people honest."
[image: View Post]drdreas, on Oct 3 2008, 07:37 PM, said:
I can cover it, lock the fork, but primarily I'd be afraid of it getting picked up, put in a truck never to be seen again. If I had a garage, I probably wouldn't get comprehensive coverage on it. Can I get comprehensive just for theft?
Would you guys risk buying a VFR given this parking situation? Any recommendations? Anecdotal advise is also appreciated.
Thanks
Although I have not seen her posting lately, Martina from NYC leave her 4th generation on the streets (not a p/lot) and has been relatively unmolested. I beleive it was knocked over once.
If you cover and lock the bike, find something that does not move (i.e. post, etc..)
When buying insurance, you can buy just comprehensive (w/o collision coverage), but you cannot pick specific perils within the comprehensive coverages.
If someone wants to mess with/steal your bike, they are going to do it. No need to life your life in fear of what might happen. Enjoy yourself. Buy the bike and ride.
Where do you live?
Do you have a semi-auto next to your bed because the area is tough? :unsure:
#1 if pro's really want your bike, they will get it.
#2 if the bike is not chained to a fixed object, 4 guys with 2 pieces of scaffolding pipe carry your bike in the back of a van/trailer in no time. This is how I lost my K100RS 20 yrs ago..
#3 since you live in an apartment, chances are slim that you are allowed my solution, but it doesnot hurt to enquire with the building's owner
This device requires a hole to be drilled in the wall and a wedge/cotter bolt affixes the ring to the wall. enter an ABUS brand chain and a Spyball alarm system should deter most.
Click HERE to a test done on anchors. It is in Dutch but it will give you an idea of what is out there.
Enter your problem, you are parking on a public road and you probably live in the US. that means if you install a ground anchor, someone with trip over it on purpose and sue your ass.....
Morale? Insure for theft, fit an alarm system and sleep well at night... :fing02:
First, go by your local police/sheriff station and get them to check the crime stats in your area. Specifically auto and bike thefts. Then consider having them also look up the amount of the hard drug offense arrests. We all know hypes, tweekers and crack heads usually don't have jobs and usually supply their habbits by theft. If the stats in your area don't turn you away from it, then invest in some good old theft insurance and a nice HK USP 45 cal handgun. Ohh equip the bike with an alarm too. Good luck. :fing02:
I live in Fairfax VA and my VFR sits in front of the townhouse I live in. Also, my brothers SV650 and up until recently a 25th edition R1 (now wrecked) are in front of the house. We have had at least one bike in front of the house for two years with no problem. We live in a good neighborhood but there is always a risk. I commute on my VFR daily to S.E. Washington D.C. where the bike sits on the street. I am by the new Nationals stadium in a decent area but it's still S.E. I have comprehensive insurance just in case the bike is stolen. I purchased my VFR used and it is not perfect, I didn't purchase a new bike partially for that reason.
It's a risk but the reward (riding a VFR) is totally worth it. I hope I never walk and find the bike missing but if I do at least I can upgrade!
[image: View Post]drdreas, on Oct 3 2008, 08:45 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Beck, on Oct 3 2008, 03:44 PM, said:
I wouldn't do it if you can wait to get a garage! Crime has been escalating in many cities lately because of the economic conditions. The chances that some low-life will mess with your VFR are so much higher lately. Be patient and avoid the sorrow and dissapointment of getting victimized by a bike theif or a vandal. JMOs
Beck
95 VFR
Lets assume that I can't get garage parking in the next 4 years (which is more than likely the case).
As the Jerry Seinfeld's "soup Nazi" might have said, "No bike for you! 4 years!"..........
What about relatives in the area that might let you squat your bike in their garage or back yard??
I once rented out a space in one of those gated and locked storage space facilities to park my bike for some time, some years ago, till I was able to finally get parking at the apartment complex (I was on a waiting list) I was living in then. That could be an option.
Do it, but have insurance. If they want it bad enough, it doesn't matter if it's in your garage. There are a few people here who can attest to that.
I do it, but my bikes have been molested quite a bit. I think my 00 might have been knocked over once. One weekend night, some punk decided he would tag my bike with what looked like a permanent marker. Most of it came off, but a little was left. Then my bike was stolen while I was in class for 3 hours, parked in front of a security camera. Turns out the campus security camera was a 'theft deterrent'! It had a disc lock on it, but was not covered. I think a cover is the best theft deterrent.
My 04 has been a bit more molested. I've probably come back to it on its side 4 or 5 times. One time though, I think was my fault for leaving the cover on during a rain and wind storm. Seemed possible that the cover after being weighed down with water, became a sail and knocked the bike over. Another it seemed to be melted asphalt as there was a decent sized hole where the right centerstand leg had been.
What gets me the most is when other cars around my bike come and go, leaving a space not quite big enough for a car, then some asshat decides he really needs the spot. So I come back to my bike in a different spot/direction then when I left it. The telltale drag marks from the centerstand are a give away, but you never can know who did it. :pissed: Man, if I caught someone dragging my bike, I'd probably flip out.
The freedom and enjoyment that having a bike in this urban jungle provides, far outweighs some scratched fairings and exhaust. I can't see it when I'm riding... :wheel:
What city are you in? Keep an eye out for other bikes. There have been a growing number on my block. Including scooters, there are probably 8 just on my block.
[image: View Post]CrazyInNYC, on Oct 3 2008, 10:15 PM, said:
Do it, but have insurance. If they want it bad enough, it doesn't matter if it's in your garage. There are a few people here who can attest to that.
I do it, but my bikes have been molested quite a bit. I think my 00 might have been knocked over once. One weekend night, some punk decided he would tag my bike with what looked like a permanent marker. Most of it came off, but a little was left. Then my bike was stolen while I was in class for 3 hours, parked in front of a security camera. Turns out the campus security camera was a 'theft deterrent'! It had a disc lock on it, but was not covered. I think a cover is the best theft deterrent.
My 04 has been a bit more molested. I've probably come back to it on its side 4 or 5 times. One time though, I think was my fault for leaving the cover on during a rain and wind storm. Seemed possible that the cover after being weighed down with water, became a sail and knocked the bike over. Another it seemed to be melted asphalt as there was a decent sized hole where the right centerstand leg had been.
What gets me the most is when other cars around my bike come and go, leaving a space not quite big enough for a car, then some asshat decides he really needs the spot. So I come back to my bike in a different spot/direction then when I left it. The telltale drag marks from the centerstand are a give away, but you never can know who did it. :pissed: Man, if I caught someone dragging my bike, I'd probably flip out.
The freedom and enjoyment that having a bike in this urban jungle provides, far outweighs some scratched fairings and exhaust. I can't see it when I'm riding... :wheel:
What city are you in? Keep an eye out for other bikes. There have been a growing number on my block. Including scooters, there are probably 8 just on my block.
Hmmmm... you say "Do it" but then scare the hell out of him by giving us your horror stories about your bikes and it's various interactions with street deritus.
You might be getting him more confused than ever about his decision to get a bike! We have to help him man! :(
[image: View Post]Beck, on Oct 3 2008, 04:24 PM, said:
Hmmmm... you say "Do it" but then scare the hell out of him by giving us your horror stories about your bikes and it's various interactions with street deritus.
You might be getting him more confused than ever about his decision to get a bike! We have to help him man! :(
Beck
95 VFR
I'm not sure you're in a position to say that I scared the hell out of him...The point being, don't do it if the expectation is that everything will be fine. I'd say it's more likely not to be (albeit I don't actually know his location). That's what insurance and touch-up paint is for. Understand and accept the risks. I believe the reward far outweighs all the risks which have even become reality for me. Hell, now I don't even always use the disc lock and cover... I purchased some scratched mirrors from a member here to cut down on the cost of replacement parts... I walk into work with a bigger smile on my face then if I had to take mass transit. When I go out for lunch, I look fondly at my bike as I walk by. When the day is over, it's fun time, fun time...
[image: View Post]alwaysaware, on Oct 3 2008, 02:00 PM, said:
First, go by your local police/sheriff station and get them to check the crime stats in your area. Specifically auto and bike thefts. Then consider having them also look up the amount of the hard drug offense arrests. We all know hypes, tweekers and crack heads usually don't have jobs and usually supply their habbits by theft. If the stats in your area don't turn you away from it, then invest in some good old theft insurance and a nice HK USP 45 cal handgun. Ohh equip the bike with an alarm too. Good luck. :fing02:
[image: View Post]alwaysaware, on Oct 3 2008, 02:00 PM, said:
then invest in some good old theft insurance and a nice HK USP 45 cal handgun.
I'm sure that you meant to say that in a sarcastic way, but in the off chance you weren't joking, i would like to say that if you were to find someone stealing your bike from public property, and you shoot them, you will be in serious trouble, most likely jail for many years, especially in California. Politically i strongly disagree with the system and feel that this should be justified but that is not the world we live in.
[image: View Post]codeMonkey, on Oct 3 2008, 05:55 PM, said:
[image: View Post]alwaysaware, on Oct 3 2008, 02:00 PM, said:
then invest in some good old theft insurance and a nice HK USP 45 cal handgun.
I'm sure that you meant to say that in a sarcastic way, but in the off chance you weren't joking, i would like to say that if you were to find someone stealing your bike from public property, and you shoot them, you will be in serious trouble, most likely jail for many years, especially in California. Politically i strongly disagree with the system and feel that this should be justified but that is not the world we live in.
Not that this is the place for such a discussion, but not if it's Texas... Just ask Joe Horn.
Get all the insurance and ride what you can afford. If they want it bad enough, then oh well. Don't let other people/ criminals dictate/squash your dreams. Get the bike you always wanted and have a blast!
[image: View Post]CrazyInNYC, on Oct 3 2008, 11:58 PM, said:
[image: View Post]codeMonkey, on Oct 3 2008, 05:55 PM, said:
[image: View Post]alwaysaware, on Oct 3 2008, 02:00 PM, said:
then invest in some good old theft insurance and a nice HK USP 45 cal handgun.
I'm sure that you meant to say that in a sarcastic way, but in the off chance you weren't joking, i would like to say that if you were to find someone stealing your bike from public property, and you shoot them, you will be in serious trouble, most likely jail for many years, especially in California. Politically i strongly disagree with the system and feel that this should be justified but that is not the world we live in.
Not that this is the place for such a discussion, but not if it's Texas... Just ask Joe Horn.
Yes, they used to hang horse thieves in the West. Some places might still have this as law!
Motorcycles can be considered as something like a horse can't they?
[image: View Post]Beck, on Oct 3 2008, 07:41 PM, said:
[image: View Post]CrazyInNYC, on Oct 3 2008, 11:58 PM, said:
[image: View Post]codeMonkey, on Oct 3 2008, 05:55 PM, said:
[image: View Post]alwaysaware, on Oct 3 2008, 02:00 PM, said:
then invest in some good old theft insurance and a nice HK USP 45 cal handgun.
I'm sure that you meant to say that in a sarcastic way, but in the off chance you weren't joking, i would like to say that if you were to find someone stealing your bike from public property, and you shoot them, you will be in serious trouble, most likely jail for many years, especially in California. Politically i strongly disagree with the system and feel that this should be justified but that is not the world we live in.
Not that this is the place for such a discussion, but not if it's Texas... Just ask Joe Horn.
Yes, they used to hang horse thieves in the West. Some places might still have this as law!
Motorcycles can be considered as something like a horse can't they?
Beck
95 VFR
If there were laws in place that allowed citizens to protect thier property with deadly force it would take only a few shootings here and there to drop crime rates dramatically!!!!!!!! I mean really who wants to hang over a horse, but how much does the owner need and love and work for that horse???? Back to topic Id buy the bike add the insurance and ride.....and buying the HK isnt a bad idea ethier just dont shoot anyone not threating your life or your going to made out to be a perp instead of the victim..unfortunatley!
[image: View Post]codeMonkey, on Oct 3 2008, 06:55 PM, said:
[image: View Post]alwaysaware, on Oct 3 2008, 02:00 PM, said:
then invest in some good old theft insurance and a nice HK USP 45 cal handgun.
I'm sure that you meant to say that in a sarcastic way, but in the off chance you weren't joking, i would like to say that if you were to find someone stealing your bike from public property, and you shoot them, you will be in serious trouble, most likely jail for many years, especially in California. Politically i strongly disagree with the system and feel that this should be justified but that is not the world we live in.
What happened to the old days when we used to shoot horse thieves? Did we grandfather out that law. Okay kidding aside. Have you ever confronted a thief unarmed. I personally wouldn't recomend it but thats me. I work in LA and belive me, the fools that are out stealing don't want to get caught and if that means using a weapon on you when you confront them, then they will do what they have to just to get away.
Carefully read the fine print of the insurance policy, as with some (if not most) it is not possible to insure a bike against theft when it is parked on the street, no matter the rating of the locks and alarm system.
I had a bike that I had to keep outside for a while. One morning when I went out someone had "tagged" something on th tank with a paint pen. I was able to compound it out so it didn't cost me much, but man did it piss me off. Some idiots are jealous of anyone who has anything nice. Unfortunate side of being parked out doors.
If you park your prized out on the preverted streets then take steps to out smart the theives... pour a little
motor oil on the ground underneath the belly pan and hang a sign on the fairing stating...
LOJACK IS YOUR BEST BET, AN ALARM WITH A PAGER FUNCTION ALSO, TO GET THE SEARCH GOING FASTER BUT INDOORS IS ALWAYS BEST OF ALL IF YOU CAN AFFORD A SELF-STORAGE THATS ON GROUND LEVEL THAT'S A OPTION AS WELL.
I always get full coverage insurance, just in case. If a bike is going to get taken, it can happen in the grocery store just the same. The few dollars that you will save with substandard insurance, is not worth it in my opinion. Just get the damn bike!
Can't remember the name of it, but someone makes disc lock that shrieks very loudly when the bike is jostled.
All the locks and chains in the world won't stop a pro (or a team of them) but they will discourage most would-be crooks. The longer it takes them to get thru your security, the higher their risk of getting caught.
One small piece of advice: If you do buy a new bike (VFR or whatever) and you finance it, ask about GAP insurance. It pays the difference between the amount the bike is worth (NADA or Blue Book) and what you owe on the loan. That can be a big difference.
Also, make sure your insurance covers accessories or upgrades. IIRC, my insurance includes coverage for the first $1000 of mods for free.
[image: View Post]jeremy556, on Oct 3 2008, 05:15 PM, said:
Get a storage unit, or find someone that has some extra garage space that can store it for you.
That is a good idea! :warranty: I had to do it for 18 months but I did not mind it. Even though I had to walk about a 1 km (1000 yard) in full leathers (each way) in the summer, it always worth it. My bike was always in the same spot where I left it!
I live in NYC and have ridden year round for 14 years there.I had several bikes before I bought my first VFR,which always was garaged, and left all of them on the street.All of them were knocked over several times,trashed a beautiful CB-1 and once I had just finished fixing some plastic damage on a Ninja 750 from a knockover went inside for 5 min and came back to find the bike on it's side.Arghh,.!Damage was always more of a problem than theft.But I have seen bikes picked up and thrown in vans.Also you can guarantee that you'll always have your wheels and brakes well watered by neighborhood dogs.Also water and dust will slowly trash a bike's finish,electrics and rust prone parts,even a always covered bike like mine.
If your gonna get anything you value,I would garage it.If your gonna buy any bike worth more than a few thousand dollars I would get full insurance with a high deductible .That way if you get any major damage ,you'll be covered.
Sounds like the CB750 is perfect for your current situation.
I would say cover it, lock it up and get full coverage and GAP insurance. Even if it was in a garage, that won't some one who is very determined to get it.
Don't let other people/ criminals dictate/squash your dreams.
Exactly. Get the bike you want. Secure it as best you can. Buy the insurance. :fing02:
If you can find an off street nook to park, it would likely be better.
One apt building I lived in back when had a rear courtyard,
back steps of units going down to concrete. Manager allowed me to park back there under the stairs. :biggrin:
AAA wouldn't sell theft insurance to me without comprehensive and collision.
I've gone liability only, because the full ins cost was insanely high.
The money saved on insuring 2 bikes could buy a nice used bike in 3 years.
So I take my chances and try not to crash or leave the garage open.
However, I park in a house private garage, in a semi quiet area.
And put on the disc locks to boot. Watch for the Pit Bull with aids. :rolleyes:
If you are afraid of it being stolen, get a lo-jack for it. Or, get an alarm installed on it (I have a Cyclone). Nothing is going to stop the bike from getting knocked over by some fruity freckled emo kids, though.
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