I realise that social media is a magnifier, that it is the Daily Mail of the internet.
Everything bad is going to happen.
Everything you enjoy doing is going to make you unwell.
And so on.
But the scary amount of motorbike thefts that I have heard about in the last couple of weeks have energised me to do something.
The final straw was hearing about the theft – from his locked garage – of Jody’s brand new Blade.
It seems that having the normal, factory-fitted steering lock, no longer stops criminals from stealing one’s treasured two-wheeled possession.
So, even though my bikes are kept in my locked garage overnight, I went out and bought a pair of bright yellow disk locks.
These little, hi-visibility goodies, just lock on to the front disk of your bike, immobilising it completely.
The added bonus of these locks is, unlike the heavy steel chain and clunky padlock that I bought last year, these devices are light enough to be carried in a rucksack.
And for just £23 each, why wouldn’t buying these be a good idea?
Steering locks are pretty useless. My bike is kept in a locked garage. Locked with the normal garage door lock, plus two small deadbolts fitted inside.
I also use a disk-lock (a Squire) to secure it when it’s in there. And my bike isn’t in the top ten of the types of bike that get nicked, I’m sure.
But, be wary of the disk lock. On my previous bike, I used the lock once when I went into town.
Coming back, my mind was elsewhere and I completely forgot about the lock – as visible as it’s bright red shackle was. I started the bike, waited for someone to let me out and then pulled away with gusto.
I got all of two feet before I found myself on the ground, dazed and confused in front of several onlookers.
A dent in the tank, a snapped indicator, a broken brake caliper and a cracked rib. Ouch.
I still use the disk lock, but I doubt I’ll forget about it again.
Young Masher, thanks for the cautionary tale. I have learned from your experience, and have obtained (a) long pipe cleaner(s) which I bend around the bike(s) throttle(s) every time the disk lock(s) is (are) deployed.