Ahem, it may seem I’m labouring a point but there is an unwanted scourge that unfortunately encroaches on to our scene from time to time – namely, scooter theft.
With the value of classic scooters rising and the unwanted attraction of certain scumbags to high performance modern autos – stolen to perpetrate further crime, You do really need to ensure that you secure your ride. Quite frankly and I know this has been the subject of many articles on SLUK, removing the keys after setting the steering lock is no longer enough.
Securing your scooter properly actually not only potentially saves you the heartbreak of losing it, but will also contribute to lower costs moving forward.
What I’m talking about here is of course insurance costs. If we were to all become a little more security savvy, fewer bikes would be nicked. With fewer claims on their books the insurer would reflect this in the cost of their premiums.
Testomony to the adverse effect of theft is anyone trying to insure a Vespa GTS right now, particularly in urban areas and cities, no need to guess what’s happened to their premiums in the past couple of years or so. Undoubtedly or so it may seem, investing in decent security right now will save you money in the longer term.
It’s obviously an area of concern that the likes of Piaggio are aware of. This feature gives you some ideas regarding the “layering” of scooter security, namely using more than one of their devices to deter the thieving scourge.
Lee
Scooter theft on the rise
With scooter theft on the rises and in the headlines, both the Metropolitan Police and MotorCycle Industry Association (MCIA) are advising riders to layer security. Using more than one device to maximise protection.
London only?
Scooter theft isn’t restricted to London – West Midlands police surveyed parking bays in Birmingham’s Cathedral Quarter and discovered that only 40% of bikes and scooters were protected with a chain, disc lock or similar device.
Piaggio deterents
Specifically designed for modern and retro scooters, Piaggio produce alarms, handlebar locks, chain and disc Locks, offering multiple ways to secure vehicles and giving owners peace of mind that their machine will be safe and sound when they return to it.
DISK LOCK TOP – a compact brake lock with a 5mm diameter locking pin and reversible key, with drill-proof and pick-proof casing. Supplied in a carry bag with reminder cable. RRP: £33.00.
HANDLEBAR LOCKS – (Our feature image) Permanently attached to the scooter for convenience, they can be secured to the handlebar in seconds to immobilise the vehicle. When not in use they fit discreetly between the seat and footrest, keeping underseat storage free. Extension cables are also available, allowing owners to secure their scooter to an item of road furniture. RRP from £59.00.
PIAGGIO ® MULTILINK LOCK TOP – cable lock, protected by steel tubes with pipe-ball joints, for increased flexibility, and extra drill protection on cylinder. Available in 100-170 cm lengths, RRP starts at: £29.00.
CHAIN LOCK – 110-140 cm long chain, with 10 mm square steel links, secured with a 12 mm diameter shackle in a hardened steel lock body, with drill-proof and pick-proof keyway. RRP from £45.00
Alarming
Piaggio produces a range of electronic alarm systems too, including the E-POWER. This plug & play is system designed for scooters equipped with a pre-installation connection. It comes with an electronic key and two button remote control. RRP £146.00.
Info and orders
For a complete list of Piaggio’s genuine Alarms, Handlebar Locks, Chain Locks and Disc Locks, for Piaggio and Vespa scooters, call 0117 972 5552 or visit Fowlers website here.
Layering costs
So, in conclusion you can effectively layer secure your scooter for a little over 60 quid using Piaggio deterents, that’s effectively the cost of less than half a dozen bottles of decent fully synthetic two stroke oil, makes you think doesn’t it?
Visit the SLUK Shop
Some interesting facts on this page. Some I already knew, and some I didn’t.
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-crime-the-facts
And some interesting stuff on some of the other pages,like the pros and cons of different types of chains.
Disclaimer. Don’t work for Bennetts. Don’t have insurance them either. Used to. Years ago. Until they dumped their ‘ride any scooter you like’ policy. (Like many scooterists I should imagine!)