The English weather has let us down again this year, ice and snow has kept a lot of bikes off the road so far. So, where do you keep your bike in the winter months???
When storing a Scooter or Motorbike it is important that you invest in a decent storage method.
Scooters and Motorbikes are easy prey for thieves – Particularly if they have been left on the street overnight, so common is this crime there are whole websites dedicated to it. http://www.weeklygripe.co.uk/arc266.asp . Check out these figures.
In 2007 26802 motorbikes were stolen - National Bike Safe Security Advisor.
When storing a Scooter or Motorbike it is important that you invest in a decent storage method.
Scooters and Motorbikes are easy prey for thieves – Particularly if they have been left on the street overnight, so common is this crime there are whole websites dedicated to it. http://www.weeklygripe.co.uk/arc266.asp . Check out these figures.
In 2007 26802 motorbikes were stolen - National Bike Safe Security Advisor.
THREE QUARTERS of these were taken from the bike owners home.
Statistically a thief takes less than 30 seconds to steal an unsecured motorcycle.
Statistically a thief takes less than 30 seconds to steal an unsecured motorcycle.
Approx 40% of all stolen motorbikes are never recovered. – Most are stripped down and sold for spares.
By far the best solution is a dedicate storage garage or motorcycle shed. There are very few of these on the market, so you have a limited choice. Which is actually a good thing; lets have a look at other motorcycle securtiy first.
Nothing but a cheap lock: A cheap chain can be cut in seconds with a simple bolt cutter. If it can be seen it can be stolen.
Plastic sheet: Great if you have a secure backgarden or yard. A couple of bungee ropes around it will help to keep the sheet on the bike in the wind! The sheet keeps the seat nice and dry. Not a lot of security though. If the budget is tight, try the plastic sheet with a ground anchor for around 50 quid
Ground Anchors Are Secure – But Your Bike Will Get Wet!
You bolt a metal loop to a concrete base, then loop the heavy duty chain around your bike and through the metal loop. Look for anchors that are sold secure standard – these are really strong and near impossible to cut through.
Wooden shed/store
Good for keeping your bike dry, though the level of security isn’t high. Wooden sheds and wooden bike stores are very easy to break into. When looking at a wooden shed, 1st check the lock. A hasp and staple really offers very little deterrent to a thief. No matter how good your padlock is, most thieves will simply force the hasp off the door with out ever touching the padlock. Wooden sheds will also require regular maintenance, every 12 months or so you will need to apply wood preservative to the panelled sides, then every 5 years or so re-felt the roof. In the long term – you may find a cheap wooden shed has a high long term running cost. Wood burns, there could be nothing worse than seeing your prized bike burn inside a £100 shed. Metal sheds These offer the best all-round security to store your bike. However, you do tend to get what you pay for. A cheap metal shed can actually be worse than a wooden shed! When looking at metal sheds check the following:
Does it have an integral base? Essential.
Nothing but a cheap lock: A cheap chain can be cut in seconds with a simple bolt cutter. If it can be seen it can be stolen.
Plastic sheet: Great if you have a secure backgarden or yard. A couple of bungee ropes around it will help to keep the sheet on the bike in the wind! The sheet keeps the seat nice and dry. Not a lot of security though. If the budget is tight, try the plastic sheet with a ground anchor for around 50 quid
Ground Anchors Are Secure – But Your Bike Will Get Wet!
You bolt a metal loop to a concrete base, then loop the heavy duty chain around your bike and through the metal loop. Look for anchors that are sold secure standard – these are really strong and near impossible to cut through.
Wooden shed/store
Good for keeping your bike dry, though the level of security isn’t high. Wooden sheds and wooden bike stores are very easy to break into. When looking at a wooden shed, 1st check the lock. A hasp and staple really offers very little deterrent to a thief. No matter how good your padlock is, most thieves will simply force the hasp off the door with out ever touching the padlock. Wooden sheds will also require regular maintenance, every 12 months or so you will need to apply wood preservative to the panelled sides, then every 5 years or so re-felt the roof. In the long term – you may find a cheap wooden shed has a high long term running cost. Wood burns, there could be nothing worse than seeing your prized bike burn inside a £100 shed. Metal sheds These offer the best all-round security to store your bike. However, you do tend to get what you pay for. A cheap metal shed can actually be worse than a wooden shed! When looking at metal sheds check the following:
Does it have an integral base? Essential.
How does it lock? Avoid hasp and staples.
How is the unit fixed together? If the screws are on the outside a thief can just take your shed apart
British-made or import? UK manufacturers work to better quality standards by law, but imported sheds are not necessarily as good quality.
Accessories? Do you need shelves or hooks? For your helmet and other gear – and often overlooked but very handy for wet clothes to dry on after a tough winter ride.
What type of metal is the shed made from?? Look for galvanised steel, with a warranty against rust. Also check the gauge of the steel – avoid corrugated materials.
How heavy is the unit? You don’t want it to tip or be kicked over
Do you really need a store with LCPB certification? Such a shed will cost you more than £600 – if it’s just for a £250 bike it’s a waste: for a £10000 sports bike then yes, it’s a worthwhile purchase.
What do others think? Check the internet for feed back. Try review sites for real life reviews of products and service and check the manufacturers site for a feedback or case studies section?
Location:
Finally, choose the position of your shed/motorbike store wisely. No matter how secure the shed is. If you leave it in the middle of a dark field out of view, you will find not only the bike has been stolen, but the shed as well! Try and keep the shed in view of your house and either tight against a wall or a 4 metres away. A metre away from the wall and the thief will use the wall as a lever to get into your motorbike store .
General Bike Maintenance During The Winter Months:
We are experts on sheds, not motorbike maintenance – so we have found a great site with lots of advice on how to store your motorbike and keep it it tiptop condition. http://motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/winter-motorcycle-storage-guide.ph
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