Security Markings - Worth it?

Just in the process of acquiring my new bike. Whilst it's fitted with the Ducati Standard immobiliser and will have a disc lock and heavy duty chain, is it worth fitting Datatag, Alphadot or Smartwater?

I've looked into all three of these and various others and see they can vary in cost between £30 and £75 and and haven't reduced the premium at all, wtf?

Anyone had experience with these and are they worth doing?

[Rally]

I would rather have one of those than an alarm myself. Alarms get ignored and drain the battery, whereas the others I think deter people more.

Tracker - worth every penny, also spoke to a police officer once who said when they get a tracker alarm they love it because its virtually a guaranteed arrest

[Rally]

I agree about the benefits of Tracker but was shocked when recently buying a car with group 19 insurance, finding it had one fitted and then being told it wouldn't reduce my insurance! However, it would cost £135 per year to keep it turned on.

[J.P]

But when the Hoodies steal your Group 19 car, (hence group 19), you're much more likely to find the remains once they've crashed it, (hence group 19).....

[Rally]

Originally Posted by J.P

But when the Hoodies steal your Group 19 car, (hence group 19), you're much more likely to find the remains once they've crashed it, (hence group 19).....

So it costs me £135 a year to find the remains! I suppose you would get a quicker settlement though.

I made a one off payment for tracker on mine for the life of the bike, 200 quid I recall

I might go for an Alpha Dot system, seems quite cheap here on Ebay,

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ALPHA-DOT-THEF...item3a65d4cd6e

As you say, even if it doesn't reduce my premiums it would act as another theft deterrant.

For what it's worth, Tracker 'Retrieve' pricing,

TRACKER Retrieve (basic option for motorcycles)

Installation - £361
Annual sub - £124
Duration subscription - £349

http://www.tracker.co.uk/tracker/Pro...otorcycle.aspx

[utopia]

As far as alarms are concerned, I'm wary of fitted systems and their associated electrical issues.
I use a Zena alarmed disc lock instead.
Also, I reckon my 10yr old monster is less likely to attract the attentions of the professional thief than a more modern bike, so I'm sticking with it.
Funnily enough, I dreamt last night that my bike had been nicked. Took me half the day to get over the feeling of hollow despondency. Couldn't even muster the enthusiasm to get out of bed for half an hour.

[slipperyweeguy]

Systems that rely on the police to go looking for/recognize/process the information such as transponders, code numbers, etc are less of a deterrent than a chain or a dog that barks. They may help identify parts at a later date if that is what you or your insurers really want.

I used to sell several of the things you ask about. I just use chains inside the garage and big locks on the outside. If they want it enough they will get it.

I'll probably go with the good disc lock and heavy chain I already have.

Chaining the bike to something is always a big help too. luckily I won't have to park the bike on the open road too much whilst out and about in London.

Visual deterants are good ... big chain .. disc locks.
Big dog ... doesn't always work friends mastiff looked at burgular and went back to sleep she was lazy.

I think a thief makes a fast assesment can they nick it.
How fast..
or if its a serious professional what tools can I come back with.

Most thefts are oportunistic I reckon.

I forgot my bike was elsewhere once looked out the window and ran outside .. heart in chest in panic.
then realised ...oppps!!

mind you having had a bike stolen in a split second was dreadful.
They picked it up and legged it!!! unreal! took under 5 mins .
I assumed a joke by which time they had got into an estate.

[bigredduke]

I know this is an old thread but........ I fitted a datatag system to my PS because one was offered to me for £35 rather than the usual £60 +

On renewal I mentioned this to the insurer (Ducati Insurance) in case they would offer a discount on the premium. Both the Monster & the PS are on one policy. They said that because the bike was already fitted with the Ducati security immobiliser system no further discount was available.

I was a bit surprised by this, but worth knowing if you are thinking about Datatagging your bike & expecting a reduction in your insurance premium.

That said, I am happy to have fitted the Datatag anyway even though it is not a complete deterrent to a determined tea leaf as has been pointed out.

[Dirty]

My Honda is datatagged, they want £15 to change owner details which although not a lot of money I thought a bit cheeky just to change a name.