Anti Theft Device Tech tip

[petejw]

All the XS11's I've owned have had a separate steering-head lock as well as the ignition switch steering lock. So do the US XS11's only have the ignition switch steering lock?
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hey tom,
the 80 standard i had 3x1 i think from memory
didnt have the steering head lock.
funny what they put on sum models and not others.

[James England]

On the XS bikes, the steering lock is part of the ignition switch, not separate. So you can't have two keys....

All the European bikes have two steering locks... one on the ignition lock which you push down and twist and another separate lock on the steering head.... That's because Yamaha knew that the only XS1100 model that people would really want to steal is the European model...

[MPittma100]

Getting New Keys is Too Easy

If a person wants your bike, the easiest way to get it is if he has a key. Unfortunately, it is TOO EASY to get one. There are places that will make a key if given the code. So the "secret" switch is a good idea.

MP

[IanDMacDonald]

I had my bike stolen out of my driveway in July. I stupidly did not have it locked up with chains and caliper locks and in my garage as I do now. I know they were not able to get it running based off how they chopped up the wiring at the ignition and the TCI. My suggestion is to not keep those seat nuts loose, as that is their access to the TCI. I cannot say the thieves up here are smart enough to get a key to our bike, as the only three shops up here require a title to give key copies for. The 11 is a stupid-heavy bike, and it would definitely be a back-breaker to drag that thing, let alone lift it into a truck to steal. Best bet is some caliper locks or chains for peace of mind. If you really wanted to be cool, get a bike alarm with a two-way radio transponder on it.

I like the kill-switch idea, but the problem I have with that is the fact that the thieves we have up here are not sophisticated with keys. They come up with their vans or trucks or whatever, and just load it up in the early morning and go. So, even if they do not get the bike going, they will trash the bike in frustration before dumping it somewhere.

[natemoen]

Key doesn't matter AT ALL! You can jam a screwdriver in the lock of these things and turn it on anyways.

[Yard Dogg]

That's what I'm saying natemon. There are many ways of stealing a bike, and no doubt the determined thief will succeed, but there are also many thieves who won't plan their heist at all. Those kind are depending on getting your bike running to get away. This little mod amounts to 5 bucks and 10 minutes of work and can solve many scenarios of theft.

[TomB]

Hey Yard Dogg, sorry man, I don't want to take anything away from your anti-theft mod, its definitely a good mod.

I 'spose if Ians bike thieves had got as far as the TCI and wiring they'd have found a cut-out switch though so locks-n-chains as well as a switch has to be best. Kinda makes you think hanging for bike theft would be the best punishment

Key doesn't matter AT ALL! You can jam a screwdriver in the lock of these things and turn it on anyways.

Yup! very true. Thats why I like the steering head lock, its much more substantial. Shame on Yamaha for not fitting it to all the XS models, you lads have missed out. Wheeling away a heavy bike with a steering lock is a major PIA, even a short distance to a waiting van.




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[Yard Dogg]

A chain doesn't hurt either. Steering lock, ignition lock out, chain, a thief will have a real bad night. Might as well run an extension cord to it as well, that might put them in a state of shock.

[motoman]

Key doesn't matter AT ALL! You can jam a screwdriver in the lock of these things and turn it on anyways.

Guess that means the factory chain and lock on my Venturer would get ripped out by the roots when the clutch engaged.......(actually never has been used, but gets some curiosity)

[trdriver71]

Do you think you could take a picture of the steering head lock I would like to see what it looks like. I only thought they had the one the switch.



Yup! very true. Thats why I like the steering head lock, its much more substantial. Shame on Yamaha for not fitting it to all the XS models, you lads have missed out. Wheeling away a heavy bike with a steering lock is a major PIA, even a short distance to a waiting van.




.[/QUOTE]

[natemoen]

I am not arguing with you dogg, I am talking to everyone else who's is talking about keys, and key codes and blah blah blah. I am just saying, if someone wants your bike, they are going to get it no matter what you do to prevent it.

[Yard Dogg]

I am not arguing with you dogg, I am talking to everyone else who's is talking about keys, and key codes and blah blah blah. I am just saying, if someone wants your bike, they are going to get it no matter what you do to prevent it.

I agree with you, a person could hammer a screwdriver into your keyhole and break it all up until it turns. They could even break off the housing all together and then fiddle with it. The housing is plastic after all. The separate steering locks are okay but the cap can be popped off and the tumbler set removed. The more you have to slow them down the more likely they will give up.

[TomB]

Do you think you could take a picture of the steering head lock I would like to see what it looks like. I only thought they had the one the switch.

Heres a frame I was straightening, sorry it doesn't show the lock too well but its on the right side of the steering head (left when sat on the bike) The steering stem has a notch cut out of it that the lock bolt fits into when operated

[crazy steve]

Yep, that's not the same frame as the US version. What's even more interesting is there's four frames listed for the 2H9 'euro' bike; some minor differences for specific countries....

[ManagerMike]

Key doesn't matter AT ALL! You can jam a screwdriver in the lock of these things and turn it on anyways.

You got it in one! Most bike thieves will push it somewhere away from the place from which it was pilfered before trying to start it anyway, if they try at all to start it before loading it up and hauling it away.

I'm not in a high crime area but still ascribe to the minimalist idea that if a thief wants something bad enough, he will get it at all cost. An example is the instance in which the stereo was stolen from the dash of my truck when parked during a sporting event in the nearby metropolis. The stereos were also stolen from many adjacent vehicles, the difference was that all of the other nearby vehicles also had broken windows and/or lock damage in addition to missing stereos. I, having not locked my truck, was just out a Pioneer Supertuner (and a Metallica CD). Far less to cost to replace than my deductible.