Every 7.5 minutes someone's motorcycle gets ripped off. Prime stealin' time is right around 3 a.m., when the chop shops start turning your beloved into eBay-ready morsels before you roll out of bed. Even the simplest security system improves your chances of deterring a theft. Read on to learn about your options.
GPS Snitch
Using the GPS Snitch is as easy as finding a place to hide it. About the size of a cell phone, the Snitch is the ultimate tattle-tale, informing you of its every movement via text message or e-mail. Track your dog on his daily wanderings, see where the kids take the car on Saturday night or stash it on your bike so you know exactly where it is at all times. An online feature allows you to track movements in real time-terrific for security but also great for road trips. Friends can check your daily progress and you can even map your route on Google Earth once you return. This silent sentry retails for $299.99, plus a monthly or yearly service plan.
www.gps-snitch.com
Talon T-3300IP
Talon's T-3300ip alarm system costs less than the insurance discount you're likely to get for installing it. At just $184.95, the T-3300ip boasts all the features of much pricier systems, including a microwave perimeter sensor, two multi-function remotes and a battery back-up siren. Installation requires no special tools or wire cutting and leaves you with ignition, proximity, tip-over and shock protection. A weatherproof microprocessor differentiates between minor infractions and full-blown violations, triggering the appropriate combination of beeps and blinks or ear-piercing siren and flashing lights.
www.talonalarms.com
Guidepoint Systems
If your bike is stolen, Guidepoint will find it or your money back. Working under the umbrella of AT&T's nationwide wireless network means thieves can't get away by riding out of police coverage areas. Guidepoint Response Centers are able to track your bike's location, speed and direction anywhere in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The company can also provide emergency assistance, and keeps the rider's emergency contact, drug allergy and other pertinent information on file to relay to emergency personnel if necessary. The system is transferable and is available at a set price of $795 with no monthly service fees.
www.guidepointmc.com
Scorpio SR-I900
As if pushing a button was too much effort, Scorpio has equipped its SR-i900 alarm with RFDI technology for entirely hands-free operation. Walking toward or away from the bike will arm or disarm it accordingly. A gentle chirp lets you know your motorcycle has been covered in a blanket of security as you stroll away. A dual-axis accelerometer detects the slightest bump, and a perimeter sensor with audible "warn away" dissuades potential troublemakers. Any activity will trigger an audible/vibrating alert on the PDF-like remote from up to a half-mile away. Retail price is $379.
www.scorpioalarms.com
Lojack For Motorcycles
LoJack has been reeling in thieves for years, and now offers a condensed version of its proven recovery system for motorcycles. The only system with tracking computers operated by the police, LoJack boasts an encouraging 90 percent recovery rate, with most bikes retrieved within hours. The $695 Early Warning package adds a key pass and motion sensor to the tracking system, and sends a text to your cell phone the moment your bike is moved. LoJack is not for do-it-yourselfers; professional installation is required to insure the appearance and placement of the transmitter remains a secret-a key element to LoJack's 22 years of success.
www.lojack.com
Cyclone 866F
Like a cold sore on your date's lip, the Cyclone 866F is a small yet potent deterrent. Engineered to be the smallest full-featured alarm system available, all parts are confined to a single weatherproof module no bigger than a pack of smokes, including the 120-decibel Piezo siren and backup battery that are capable of sustaining a deafening shriek for two hours. The usual dual-axis tilt sensor and dual-stage shock sensor take note of all goings-on, and communicate activity through a series of R2-D2-like beeps upon your return, or via an optional pager. The $219.99 unit has a lifetime warranty, and all its features are programmable and adjustable.
www.freymoto.com
SteelMate 986G
Queue the Knight Rider soundtrack as a crook walks up to your bike, only to be scared off by a stern electronic chiding. With a $199.99 Steelmate 986G installed, your machine gets a bit of automation, just like KITT. In addition to standard features such as a tilt-sensor, siren and engine immobilization, the 986G has a voice warning, remote-start feature and keyless driving. An LCD remote keeps you up to date on your bike's situation, with a motor battery status indicator and an array of buttons that let you control nearly every aspect of the alarm from up to a half-mile away. Sorry, no gravity-defying Turbo Boost button.
www.steel-mate.com