City Riders, Help Me Out!

[Quick281]

Hey guys, I know it has been forever but soon I will be out of Alaska and back into civilization!

I have several questions for those of you that use your bike as your main form of transport. I spent about 4 months riding in my college town where things were calm and rather safe. However after being gone for 4 months I will be heading back to Atlanta and for the first time, using my bike to get around the city. This provides me with many newbie questions for all of you! :pwhore2:

First off, what kind of anti theft devices would you guys recommend? I will probably take my car on rainy days but otherwise I would like to use the bike to get around. Chains, brake locks, noise makers? Let me know.

Second off, I assume if I got something rather bulky like a chain, I would need to bring a backpack with me to haul it around. I don't even have a tank pack yet, so I could use some advice on various luggage options I should look into. I believe Icon has a backpack that I could even use to hold my helmet when I am walking around away from the bike. It would be nice if it were water resistant and maybe reflective too. Any brands I should look into? Any first hand experience?

Third off, after 4 months of being gone should I go ahead and chance the coolant and oil again? I did these things right before I parked the bike and the bike has been inside my mom's living room ever since. Not exposed to the weather or anything of that sort.

And yes, you guys can pretty much assume that your favorite newb is back. :dthumb:

[Dnyce]

id change the oil and coolant, cuz your mom rode that bitch all over while u were gone lol



as far as locks, it depends on where u leave it. i got a bigger disc lock, but my job is gated, and i can see my bike at all times, its garaged at my house, or any other house i go to. when i come home for lunch, i park it on the sidewalk next to the front door...i use the car for groceries and stuff....and if some1 manages to steal it during the 10% of the time its out of my sight and not under severe lock and key(garage, etc) i get 5200bucks frm ins, and i'll get another one lol

alot of ppl like the scorpio alarms i hear.

[Mr Lefty]

First... Welcome back...

2nd, as far as anti theft... nothing is gonnna be 100%... all you can do is deter the "honest" crook... if they want it... they'll take it. that being said... disk locks are nice... makes it at least a 2 to 3 person job to steal the bike... theres even one that has a siren on it... can't remember the name. the big chains are nice too... but as you said quite bulky and if your like me... eventually you'll grow tired of it and leave it at home.

the backpack... I have no idea... I've got cortec luggage and honestly after all my trips... I'd rather just have the tail bag than have a tank bag... bugs me less...

as for change'n your oil and coolant... it's up to you... I stored mine from October through the winter in ND and didn't change it again before I left for my journey through FL and back up. I think you'll be fine... but check the levels... check your chain... lube your cables, check the tires... ect.

Take your time settling back into the bike and riding... no need to rush it and possibly get hurt.

Above all... Welcome back!

[marko138]

My dad always said locks only keep honest people honest. I believe that 100%.


Now...GasMan has a nice set up on his chopper. I'll let him comment on that.

There are all kinds of good luggage out there now. Tank bags, back packs, saddle bags, tail bags. Find one that fits your needs and budget.

And def change the fluids.

[BobTheBiker]

For great security, go with a Phantom security setup. its like lojack, but not crap. as I understand their system, if the bike moves without the alarm deactivated, you are immediately notified, and they can track the bike's movement pretty accurately, which helps cops a good bit. but remember, like many other things, there are only so many places on your bike you can hide an alarm, and all of them are fairly easy to access.

For parking it somewhere, I'd go with a Kryptonite lock and cable setup, run through the FRAME, not a wheel, FRAME. the wheel, all a thief needs do, is remove that axle, and BAM they've got a bike with one wheel, not that htat one wheel is a big deal to them anyways. frame is much more of a bitch to get the cable off of.

I use mine for daily transit, but mine looks like shit, which makes it less appealing to a thief, because in a group of more appealing bikes, or newer and better looking, mine will probably be like the Yugo in the back corner of the parking lot. aint nobody gonna bother with it.

changing the fluids is a good idea. never hurts at the least.

[smileyman]

I have a Scorpio alarm. Just a loud tip sensor really but for daytime in a public place works well. I also use a small U-lock for my brake disk when I am gone for 8-10 hours leaving it on the rear brake and park the bike where the steering lock and the brake lock makes it to where someone would have to lift the whole bike to get it moved. Also park where there are lots of windows or people. Thieves don't like witnesses...

4 months away? Change the oil, check the coolant...

[z06boy]

The high end alarms and lojack systems seem to be the best BUT here is another idea.

A disc lock on the front of course...even one like this with an alarm that serves two purposes...one to deter a crook hopefully and the other to remind you that the disc lock is there. :dthumb:


http://www.kneedraggers.com/image_storage/7/c8/7c8bb6ab3fd719b90edb6f318d0030d7_refined.jpg


...and this cable lock is not very heavy...about 3 lbs. but is still strong...

http://www.trimaxlocks.com/zoom_img/TG3048SX_1199272065.jpg

[Quick281]

Thanks for the replies guys, as usual I am thrilled with the information that I am getting.

I have been away from my bike for quite some time but it seems like locking the frame would be a great idea. I can't remember if any part of the Gxsr is easy to get to other then the swing arm, but I will look over it when I get back.

I will look forward to Gas Man's response as I am sure he has a very innovative idea to keep his gorgeous chrome machine in place while away.:drool:

I intend to go on several late night trips out of the city to help refresh myself on the bike. It will be nice to get back two wheels.

I suppose I will start ordering stuff before I get home so I don't have to run around and wait for it like Christmas. :D

[marko138]

Also remember, there are several issues when the bike doesn't get up to proper operating temperature on short runs. So if your ride is shorter than 10 minutes it will behoove you to take the long way to and from where ever you are going on occasion.

[jeeps84]

Change your oil. Check everything else. Buy two disk locks and sum good insurance. Stunting is big in ATL so bikes disappear all the time. Atl is one of the worst cities to drive in on this side of the country. Second only to Detroit.

[Smittie61984]

Well I have 1st hand experience of city driving in Atlanta being I live there (Sort of) and I daily drive my bike.

Atlanta is full of crazy ass drivers. When on I-85 remember that unless you want to get ran over you need to be traveling atleast 85mph (except for mornings and evenings where you average 1mph). But Atlanta also has a booming Motorcycle and yes a huge growing scooter community. Which means people are noticing bikes even more now. The news has even covered it and told it's viewers to pay extra attention.

As for theft. Most bikes that I hear of that are stolen are from apartments at night. You don't hear much about bikes being stolen while you are at the store or at work. When they are stolen they are usually thrown into the back of a truck by 4 dudes and it's gone. Most I do is handlebar ignition lock and throwing it in 1st gear and my bike has been left in some very questionable places. Nothing much but my bike's ugly enough so that no one wants it anyways.

[JoJoYZF]

Change your oil. Check everything else. Buy two disk locks and sum good insurance. Stunting is big in ATL so bikes disappear all the time. Atl is one of the worst cities to drive in on this side of the country. Second only to Detroit.

No doubt. I went to EMU for a year and used to go up to Detroit all the time. Fucking ridiculous. And thats not even factoring the parts of Detroit that youll probably just get jumped and have your bike stolen right out from under you.

[m0n1]

as for backpacks, this one is on my xmas list
http://oakley.com/pd/5473
http://oakley.com/a/3f/fb/BAh7CGkKIgwyNjh4Mzg1aQtsKwf_OJdIaQhpAgwf.jpg

but i havent been able to inspect one in person. its marketed for mt. bikes, but it looks there shouldnt be a problem fitting a helmet in that space.

[Quick281]

m0n1, good find on that link. That is about the same price range of back packs I had been looking at but it seems to have all the goodies. Meaning things such as a hydration slot, phone/mp3 pocket, helmet holder etc etc.

Smittie, thanks for tuning in with the first hand experiences. Having driven in Atlanta I know first hand that people are loco. I also realize that if they could rarely see my loud, bright yellow Mustang then I am probably upping the anti on my bike.

Sounds like this is giving me even more of a desire to get an exhaust system on it and brighten up both the tail light and the headlight. Even beyond those mods, I am pretty sure that it will always be up to me to avoid the idiots trying to kill me.

From the looks of it I am going to go ahead and order new oil and a filter for the bike. I litterally changed the coolant right before I left and I can't see how my Mother's living room would be harsh enough to justify changing it. But I will check it too be safe.

What about brakes? Any reason to bleed them or anything like that?

[marko138]

Never hurts to put fresh fluid in the brakes. If nothing else they might feel a little better. Inspect the fluid. If it looks off color or the levers feel spongy, change it.

[the chi]

For heavens sake, BE CAREFUL!! I lived in ATL for a year, and visit family every few months and every time I ride or even drive up there I am stunned at the manuevers needed to NOT get run over. And I am a fairly aggressive rider/driver...nothing like the ATL 500 to get the blood pumping!

All the anti theft info is good, and there are plenty of places to run a cable thru the frame, I myself have done this on a few occasions and it worked great. Not saying that your bike wont still be in danger depending on where you are, but its worth it to make the effort.

Keep us posted!

[Quick281]

Thanks for the info Chi.

I will probably go with a cable lock and just try to lock the bike to a well founded object in front of where ever I am heading. I just upped my insurance so that I am now covered on theft. So if something does happen, I will really just suffer from the basic inconvienence of being stuck somewhere and losing my beloved baby.

I wont start up another job for about 3 weeks after I get back to Atlanta so I will have plenty of time to take things slowly.

[Smittie61984]

And I am a fairly aggressive rider/driver...nothing like the ATL 500 to get the blood pumping!

!

It's called the Watermelon 500 by truckers.

Here is what happens if you drive the 55mph speed limit on a road where most people are running between 70-90mph.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B-Ox0ZmVIU

[jeeps84]

They should all be ticked for impeding traffic.

[Smittie61984]

The head of the GDOT (Georgia DOT) saw it and said everyone could learn from this video and slow down and drive 55mph. It was brilliant and everyone in Atlanta loved it (Except for the people on the 63mile loop which).

Oh yeah quick281. There are some local forums to check out for Georgia.
You have GSB or Georgia Sportbike: http://www.georgiasportbike.com/
Then BSB or Blokes Sportbike: http://www.blokessportbike.com/index.php . Don't let the name fool you. It's Georgia based. They had a split similar to TWF and TWFix. BSB is barely moderated and people have flamed the owner and the owners wife to not be banned. It's Drama central but fun. GSB is more moderated but still a good website. Together they both make a great combo.

Then there is the forum in my signature (www.SEMF.org). My buddy started it and it doesn't get a lot of activity but we are getting more members everyday so it's worth a look see.

[Quick281]

Smittie thank for the other sites to check out. When I get back down to GA I will be sure to try and get involved in any rides around the state.

I think I have found a pack that I like.

http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1667&id=7047


I don't know if I like how the helmet is held but it does cover some of my desired traits. Despite the fact that most of you don't like Icon, I have been very pleased with the quality of their products. First off the pack is bright and visibility is important to me. It is reasonably priced and seems to offer alot for one pack. The helmet/jacket holder is convienant but does look weird. However I like the idea of the visor section, a small tool compartment, laptop compartment, and a cell phone area. I might give up on the arm pieces, but otherwise I like the bag.

This would not only function like the Mil Spec vests that I believe Ebbs had recommended to me a while ago but would also function as a great backpack.

Edit: I sent Icon a message asking if the product was waterresitant or water proof. If it covers that as well then I am almost game for the thing.

[Smittie61984]

If you are looking for a backpack I got a "Cargo" that is awesome. It's made by Frank Thomas and I got it for school. Fits great.
http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=FTL_CAR005_G&tier2=3094
(Looks more like the camo one with the bungee n the back but also is more grey than the black bag).