Motorcycle Alarm Systems

8042 Views 33 Replies 14 Participants Last post by VTXman, Oct 4, 2010

Tezz

Discussion Starter · Nov 30, 2009

Hello and greetings from a new member. Recently I attended one of the main motorcycle shows here in the UK and man, was I taken by the Victory bikes on show, particularly the Hammer S in blue with Shelby Cobra stripes. Awesome! I've already signed up for the UK dealerships open days next Spring so I can get to try out both the Hammer S and Vegas Jackpot. Anyway, my question is this. I was toying around with getting a Harley and I know their alarm system is a simple plug-in unit. Anyone have problems installing some kind of security system to their bike? Being in London, and having had two Harleys and a big Kawasaki stolen in the past, security sorta comes top of my list

21 - 34 of 34 Posts

SirP

· #21 · Sep 3, 2010

You guys are mixing up technology terms. GPS is receive only. Satellites send a time encoded signal. The GPS receives those and based on time differences detemine how far from a satellite it is. With 3 satellites you can triangulate a location on a map. With 4 satellites you can also get altitude.

So when a security system says it is a GPS system that means it uses GPS to determine location. It needs to use some other technology transmit that location. For example, rlink.com's security system uses T-Mobile's data cell service. FIN's FAQs say it uses a cell data service.

So with those system they will only work where there is cell data coverage on the carrier the product uses.

I've seen some interesting DIY systems. In ham radio there is something called APRS - a way to send data over ham. Here's a youtube video on the technology.

Commercial APRS GPS tracker.

Granted you do have to be a registered ham operator for those.

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Keith Grey

· #22 · Sep 3, 2010

SirP said:
You guys are mixing up technology terms. GPS is receive only. Satellites send a time encoded signal. The GPS receives those and based on time differences detemine how far from a satellite it is. With 3 satellites you can triangulate a location on a map. With 4 satellites you can also get altitude.

So when a security system says it is a GPS system that means it uses GPS to determine location. It needs to use some other technology transmit that location. For example, rlink.com's security system uses T-Mobile's data cell service. FIN's FAQs say it uses a cell data service.

So with those system they will only work where there is cell data coverage on the carrier the product uses.

I've seen some interesting DIY systems. In ham radio there is something called APRS - a way to send data over ham. Here's a youtube video on the technology.

Commercial APRS GPS tracker.

Granted you do have to be a registered ham operator for those.

There are numerous GPS tracking devices which also transmit on cellular networks as well as on the phones themselves. These types of devices have been around in Gov't for over a decade, and available to civilians for at least half of that. My guess is these are the types of devices referred to.

Zoomback is one of the universal devices I have seen used recently, for investigative functions where minimal manpower is available. Obviously it's an aid and inadmissable due to calibration, accuracy, and repudiation issues.

http://www.zoombak.com/

KG

SirP

· #23 · Sep 3, 2010

Yep. I just wanted to make sure anyone reading this thread doesn;t think just because something is a GPs it can be used for locating something. I've heard people say they leave their GPS in their vehicles so it can be tracked. I just wanted to make it clear GPS itself doesn't not transmit, another technology is needed.

LoJack, I believe, uses radio waves, but needs to be turned on. It is a transceiver - meaning it can transmit and receive data. When a LoJack vehicle is stolen they need to tell the LoJack device to start broadcasting. That's why it only works in certain areas. It works like a cell service. There needs to be towers in an area to tell the LoJack to turn on and then to listen and triangulate where it is. I am 85% sure that's how LoJack works. Similar to cell phone triangulation before GPS was in phones.

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VTXman

· #24 · Sep 4, 2010

This is starting to get interesting. I research major purchase buys before i spend my money...( well...what is major to me anyway )
I actually bought a Zoomback and never could get it to work right. I had to fight with them to deactivate it also. At $14.95 per month they kept charging my card.
Like anything else QUALITY comes into play...Zoomback is a small rechargable battery operated device and does not have a very strong GPS antenna....ANY device that operates off batteries has limitations on its components as it has to be concerned about draining the power source.
As far as cell providers that GPS devices use.....it really doesn't matter as long as their main provider is one of the major carriers....T-Mobile, AT&T ,etc....all your major carriers have roaming plans set up so they operate of all the towers.
SirP...you are da man.....I don't know too many people that know how the satellites work...although all you have to do is google it...LOL....which is what I did. After being burned by LoJack & Zoomback.....I REALLY looked into GPS technology..how it works and lots of the security type devices......I have found that the one from http://www.finditnowusa.com/ works very well and apparently is constructed better than most as it gets a fix very quick and responds in seconds. I have had mine for many months now and it has never failed me.
Keep up the good comments....LOL

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VTXman

· #25 · Sep 16, 2010

Can anyone tell me what the loudestalarm system thats out there...or the loudest you have seen and heard, etc ?????
I can't seem to find one more than 135db

Keith Grey

· #26 · Sep 20, 2010

VTXman said:
Can anyone tell me what the loudestalarm system thats out there...or the loudest you have seen and heard, etc ?????
I can't seem to find one more than 135db

There are a few car alarms louder (or used to be) I'll try to find a link.

Keith Grey

· #27 · Sep 20, 2010

VTXman said:
Can anyone tell me what the loudestalarm system thats out there...or the loudest you have seen and heard, etc ?????
I can't seem to find one more than 135db

Here you go:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kabrus-Alarmed-Motorbike-Lock-Motorcycle/dp/B00331QXJK
http://www.jcwhitney.com/paralyzing-140db-sirens/p2001355.jcwx

VTXman

· #28 · Sep 22, 2010

Thank you keith....I checked this out....I guess I must be too picky....I want something really loud and really small....LOL.....is there such a thing ? Size matters....lol
I have a GPS Tracking Device that i feel pretty good about..just thought something nice n loud would be an added layer so it would scare the **** out of the thief before i would even have to track them to get my bike back, etc..

Keith Grey

· #29 · Sep 23, 2010

yeah they used to have a couple of off brands with 135-140db in a compact unit like the gorilla alarm, but I guess the citizenry griped enough, so the new standard is 120db with a few 130 or 135s. Gorilla alarms are still my favorite, but I like reliable as much as loud.

http://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Automotive-7007-Motorcycle-Transmitter/dp/B000GVIOPQ/ref=dp_cp_ob_auto_title_1

But even they have gotten a little fancy:

http://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Automotive-7017-Motorcycle-Paging/dp/B000GZXAEC?tag=dogpile-20

VTXman

· #30 · Sep 23, 2010

Thanks keith..I agree...I like the gorilla alarm too....some of the ratings as far as db are a little exagerated....I had one on my bike when I got it but it just stopped working and thought i would just get a new one...haven't messed with it much as I have a GPS tracker but just thought..for the money...why not throw another alarm on it just in case....think I will order the gorilla one today...thanks for the input

VTXman

· #31 · Sep 27, 2010

Well...ordered the Gorilla alarm ...thanks for the input keith....I have to agree,,,reliablility is key. The one on my bike now doesn't work and its only a year old. With the Find It Now GPS and my new Gorilla Alarm...I feel pretty secure in knowing my bike is protecting against the scumbag thieves out there.

Trix

· #32 · Sep 29, 2010

Well for what its worth I use a Xena XX14 Disc lock. It has a 120db alarm and if the bike is moved it gives a warning chirp and then starts screaming. (Don't test it in the house with out earplugs!) As for the issue about forgetting it is there and trying to drive with it on I always lock my steering if I am using it and that way it is impossible to forget to remove. I paid just over $100.00 Canadian and I sleep great!
http://www.xenasecurity.com/home/current/lock/

Keith Grey

· #33 · Oct 2, 2010

Trix said:
Well for what its worth I use a Xena XX14 Disc lock. It has a 120db alarm ,,, I paid just over $100.00 Canadian and I sleep great!
http://www.xenasecurity.com/home/current/lock/

If I wasn't such a lazy creature of habit I'd use the Xena, and actually will probably purchase one for extra security when I'm going to be a long distance from my bike.

However, I've known me, and my sorry habits, for a looonngg time now, so something I can just push a button on while I'm walking away, is something I'll use all the time.
The Gorilla Alarm has been a proven method for me, and I'll set it every time I walk away from the bike. I just won't do that with a wheel lock, I know from experience.

VTXman

· #34 · Oct 4, 2010

Installed my Gorilla alarm over the week end and it works well...nice n loud....got the alarm to scare the **** out of em and my FIN Tracking Device to find the assholes if they take my bike.....feel pretty good I am protected now.

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