Hi there, I’m moving to Kings cross soon but I’m bricking it over my motorcycle getting knicked? Is it wise to bother trying to own one or should I just jack it in? I could keep it up my parents gaff and take it out once every couple of years 
Why did you pick Kings Cross? :w00t: You can own a motorcyle all over the city but you must have chosen about the worst place in London to move to!
+2 the bike’ll be nicked whilst your padlocking it :w00t:
Oh dear. It’s just so central I love the location. There are those motorcycle bays you can park at but hmmmmm…
My motorbike spent its first year in London living in my employer’s car park. I’d cycle 4 miles in to work at the weekend, do whatever, and then cycle back home - an inconvenience all because some people would rather rob than get an honest living.
I’ve lived just up the road in Angel and had my bike here for 10 months… parked on the street, but always chained to something, with cover that was held in place by chain+disclock…
Also for those 10 months I parked on the street at work in London Bridge with just a disclock… and nothing happened
I know I’m tempting fate here but I do believe that it’s not that impossible - if someone wants your bike, they will take it no matter what you do or where you store it… all you are doing is reducing chances, nothing more…
All of course depends on the type of bike - scratched, dented and bruised bike is not likely to attract attention whereas a race spec sports bike is just tempting fate…
Edit: Though to be fair I did once park it outside a busy pub (on the pavement) where people were constantly outside and still some scrote tested the steering lock and after someone yelled at them, they threw the bike - and that area was King’s Cross (well sort of)… 
It is a GSR though… 
I think you’ll find that the GSR is the finest bush trimmer money can buy!
I’ve got a fazer and the best locks money can buy. I’ve had one attempt on it but they decided to just push it over than nick it.
My work has a secure compound but I’m not sure if they’d let me leave it there all the time.
What’s the deal with finding lock-ups?
I know of a secure car park in Kings Cross but its 100-120 pounds a month.
A month? :w00t:
Well if you look at the bikes being stolen at the moment they’re all chained and most had alarms. Although why some of the sports bikes only had basic Datatools and HISS alarms is beyond me. If it’s going to be chained make sure it’s chained to something like a lamp post…not a street sign, a lamp post and don’t bother with bollards either. They’ll some how get the chain up and over and that will be the last you see of it.
BM
Do you have any lockups nearby? I think there’s a website, park at my place - perhaps you can rent an offroad space nearby.
I parked my bike in Lambeth North at a work lockup during the day for a while. I think it’s always a risk if it’s on the road. If you do park on the road though, find a nicer bike than yours with less security and park next to that! :w00t:
There are plenty about too. I’ve seen some pretty amazing looking bikes with NO security at all, they might have immobilzers and so on but they’re pretty useless against two men and a van.
Hi there, Great Read. I am moving to London as well from Barcelona for work.
I am riding up on my Harley FAT BOB. Whats keeping me a little worried is parking!
We are still choosing where to live.
Any recommendations regarding parking a bike! I have heard that secured parking is pricey.
Would really appreciate some guidance.
Many thanks
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If you can secure a private garage = win!
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If you can park off road (ie drive, patio, alleyway, garden) = good! At least with these options you can get a ground/wall anchor with massive HD chain and lock, alarm, immob and disc lock and finally cover her up.
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If you have to park on street = not great as you’re very limited to what security you can apply - the usual - massive HD chain and lock, alarm, immob and disc lock are all you can really do. Immovable object to secure to is a must, failing that it’s pretty much there to be lifted.
It all sounds rather gloomy as everyone here will tell you or know of someone who’s be stung but you can only do the max that you can to make it harder for the thief.
At the end of the day if they want it, they’ll take it. And if they can get through all of the security you can possibly apply to your steed, fk it - that’s what insurance is for.
Personally, I wouldn’t leave an HD in the street, or any bike really, at least one I truly cared about. But, it depends on your situation.
Good luck dude and enjoy the road from sunny Spain! 