Artago Disk Lock

[Quickmarch]

Help please.

I'm looking at the Artago 26S.10M (10mm pin) Disk Lock for my (new to me) 2011 Super Ten. I'm going touring in Europe this fall and the motorcycle is likely to spend a fair amount of time parked outside at B&B's, Pensiones, hotels, etc.

There's been some discussions on the internet noting that installing a disk lock on the rear wheel is far better than installing it on the front wheel. This motorcycle is in Ireland and I'm still in Canada so I can't do any measuring. I have a photo of the rear disk and it is not the same as the front in that it does not have the large cutouts inside the brake swept surface. It looks to me that I'll have to find a disk lock that fits through the drilled holes in the disk.

I'm wondering if one of you ladies or gents would measure the diameter of the holes in the rear disk of your bike and reply to this message. Here's a photo of my rear disk:

 

[Boris]

March, sorry but I cannot answer your question as I'm not with my bike at the moment, however I really wouldn't get too hung up over bike security in Europe.

Disc locks, wherever placed, will stop the petty/opportunistic thief, however those that want your bike won't be put off by which disc the lock is on. If they're going to take the time to remove a front lock, then anything on the rear is going too! The probability is more likely that bikes chosen for theft are going to be lifted into a van if the bikes not tethered to something like a tree/lamppost/metal fence, once in the van the disc locks are removed at leisure.

I've been doing European touring for around 30 years now and been to many many parts and never had a problem with theft, although at times it has concerned me. In my experience the vast majority of hotels etc have garages or secure parking, with others often so remote or in very quiet locations that the bikes are safe anyway. The problem is more likely to be in cities or very big towns, which is where I would make a point of ensuring my accommodation had a garage.

You can only do so much to secure your bike! My advice would be to take a good quality, perhaps alarmed disc lock for the front and accept that if they get through that, it was going anyway.

Hope you have a great trip!

Cheers
Boris

 

[Dogdaze]

^^^^^ ::026:: What Boris said, if they want it, they'll take it. Nice thing about the S10, it's ugly and not in high demand for parts. In cities it will be scooters that are taken, pleasure ride then dumped. Don't worry too much.

 

[gv550]

The holes in my rear disc are 7 mm.

 

[Quickmarch]

Thanks for the replies.

@boris, @dogdaze - I hear you.

@gv550 - Thank you for the information

I guess I'd better keep looking, or simply take the advice from @boris and lock/alarm the front disk. It makes sense that the cities in Europe have the same issues as cities in N.A.. I'm planning to avoid cities if possible, in favour of smaller towns/villages.

 

[Dogdaze]

If at all possible, and so inclined, get a heavy duty cable with a good lock, run the cable through the front wheel and through the centerstand, that should disable the bike from movement. If all you want is a deterrent, then a dayglo disc lock is sufficient. Also remember, EU is full of exotic bikes, and they are relatively safe from sticky fingers. But also, there are so many bike-friendly B&B's you'll be okay.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Check with your insurance company too. Some European coverage for theft is denied if you can't prove that you have a compliant heavy chain and lock.

 

[Quickmarch]

Check with your insurance company too. Some European coverage for theft is denied if you can't prove that you have a compliant heavy chain and lock.

Good plan. Thank you, I will check.

There seem to be a number of these country-specific requirements (or in this case company specific). That's an area that I have yet to do the research on. Several I've come across include: Swiss Vignettes, French high-visibility overjackets, French restrictions on GPS speed camera warnings, etc. I've got eight weeks, so I'd better get at it.

 

[Boris]

Hi March

With regard to requirements for driving across different European countries there is an awful lot of mis-information out there, making a sometimes already daunting adventure even more stressful. For example, the must have spare bulbs requirements is nonsense, even for cars, but repeated so frequently, in fact spare bulbs are not a requirement almost anywhere across Europe.

Anyway, the link will take you to a useful guide, you'll be surprised what you don't actually need. (make sure you read the associated notes)

https://www.theaa.com/european-breakdown-cover/driving-in-europe/what-do-i-need scroll down the page and open the Compulsory Kit - Our Handy PDF document.

The Swiss vignette is only required if you use their motorway system, personally, motorways are something I avoid on my bike so don't bother with it.

If you need any info regarding euro touring, just shout, will help out wherever I can.

Cheers

 

[Checkswrecks]

Check with your insurance company too. Some European coverage for theft is denied if you can't prove that you have a compliant heavy chain and lock.

It was France where I ran across this.

 

[Quickmarch]

Thank you, @boris and @checkswrecks,

Great advice - you've saved me a fair amount of research as this info is not (easily) available here in Canada. Probably has a lot to do with the difficulties encountered driving across the Atlantic. I have downloaded the .PDF files for Ireland, Great Britain, France, Spain, and Portugal. Those are the countries we may be travelling in.

My wife and I wear reflective vests all of the time on the motorcycle. These consist of a series of straps over the shoulder and around the torso (actually made for joggers). They make the rider much more visible to both oncoming and following drivers. Unfortunately, our riding clothing manufacturers are not up to speed on this important feature. As well, I think, there are a significant number of motorcyclists who consider bright clothing to be "un-cool" (Darwin, take note).

Are we likely to run into problems if we continue this practice in Europe?

 

[Dogdaze]

Are we likely to run into problems if we continue this practice in Europe?

No, as long as it is reflective then you are fine, France also has a law stating that helmets must have reflective stickers, hence Shark helmets all come with a sticker pack...

 

[scott123007]

Since it has not been mentioned yet, one of the most theft deterrent things you can do to your bike is to COVER it.

 

[Quickmarch]

No, as long as it is reflective then you are fine, France also has a law stating that helmets must have reflective stickers, hence Shark helmets all come with a sticker pack...

Hmmmm! That raises another question - hope you guys don't mind.

Also, maybe this thread needs to be posted under a new heading - looks like I'm getting off topic. I'm going to keep it within the discussion forum.

I'll post a new subject: "European Regulatory requirements". I've done a few searches on this site and cannot find anything so I think I'll go ahead and start the new subject. See you there.........

 

[Quickmarch]

Since it has not been mentioned yet, one of the most theft deterrent things you can do to your bike is to COVER it.

Thanks @Scott123007,

I've seen several websites that have subjects like: "Ten best ways to protect your motorcycle against thieves"

Covering the bike is one that comes up all the time. I do have a cover.

 

[Sierra1]

If at all possible, and so inclined, get a heavy duty cable with a good lock, run the cable through the front wheel and through the centerstand, that should disable the bike from movement. If all you want is a deterrent, then a dayglo disc lock is sufficient. Also remember, EU is full of exotic bikes, and they are relatively safe from sticky fingers. But also, there are so many bike-friendly B&B's you'll be okay.

::026:: I use the heavy cable/lock method....at my house. I run the cable around a pole, and a hard part on the bike. A cable & lock doesn't take up much room on a trip either. I've read more than one report that advises that MOST thieves will leave it if they can't push/ride/carry it from the scene. Kryptonite is just one company that makes all sorts of locks/cables