Security dots for new Tenere?

[mrpincher]

Hi -
This Tenere will be my reintroduction to motorcycles, motorcycle gear, etc.

I stumbled across these and wondered what the more seasoned moto tourers thought - http://www.datadotdna.com/us/view_cart.php Basically these are ID granuals you paint onto valuables that Law Enforcement can us to ID the things in the event they are stolen.

I have two dogs watching over the stuff at the house - would be great to bring them on tour - they are effective deterrents. These dots would not be a deterrent, unless they come with a big sign like they post in the yard - "Protected by ........."

I've bicycle toured extensively and the rule there is never bring anything you cannot afford to loose. Most of my cycling gear is dirty and worn and not worth stealing or even getting near... Motorcycles, new motorcycles are a bit different in that regard.

Cheers - Thanks - Mike

 

[Chadx]

Interesting concept. I agree that is more of a recovery method than a deterrent unless there is adequate notification to would-be thieves that the technology is there. Of course, then they would look for it and remove it from the stolen product (if that is possible). I read about it a little bit and couldn't quite tell if the dots would be removable in any way (if one new to look for them) or if they were a permanent bond.
Also, the police would have to know about the technology and look for it. With as many different and new technologies out there, I'm not sure every police department would look for each and every 'marker' technology on each and every piece of recovered stolen property. Kind of like when the injected chips became popular for pets. Once it was widespread enough, now they automatically scan for it in the spot the chip is supposed to be located. There would need to be a standard location for these microdots on a bike or car unless the entire vehicle are covered with them (as their website mentions). If one technology became the most common, then maybe it would be something the police would check every time and and then it becomes more worthwhile.

 

[Swagger]

In the UK they're called Datatag. I have them on all of my bikes. A mix of coded fluid, transponders and unique indelible numbering. Definite deterent as theives recognise the issues associated with ringing etc. At the major events in the UK the feds tend to do random checks looking for Datatagged machines. I also use Datatool alarms and immobilisers .... just to make sure.

 

[jly51]

These only work if your stolen machine is parted out then recovered. I quess you could get some of the parts returned.As a former salesperson at a high volume dealership i recomend a good insurance policy instead.

 

[markjenn]

No comment on whether these things might work or not, but I can say that in a 40+ year cycling career and probably 500+ tours in all parts of US, Canada, Mexico, and Europe, and using only common, everyday precautions, I've never had anything stolen. Ever. Now I don't do a lot of travel in the third-world, nor urban areas. And perhaps I've been lucky.

If you're going to invest in something associated with protecting your valuables, I'd go for things that protect your bike and gear from being stolen, rather than things that might (or might now) help in recovery. For example, a really good u-lock.

Another comment I'd make is that stuff is just that - stuff - and everything can be replaced and can be covered by insurance. I worry a lot more about my health and safety than my stuff. For example, I'm considering a SPOT. And if you're going very far afield in the adventure touring role, having someone in one's group with a sat phone is a wise precaution. Another thing I'm going to be doing on overseas trips is taking out the insurance that will fly me home to a hospital of my choice wherever I am in the world. This is the "insurance" stuff that covers the "stuff" that is really important - my safety and health.

All in all, seems like a minor issue to be worrying about in the realm of gear you're going to be acquiring in your "reintroduction". Speaking of which, welcome back.

- Mark