First Look
Hot Bike Magazine [Hot Bike's Homepage]
VOL 39, NO10 2007

Aside from keeping our V-Twins running and looking their best, bike security is one of the most though-about issues that riders face. There are few feelings worse than losing your ride to the dirty hands of a bike thief. If losing your prized possession isn't enough, good luck attempting to recoup your loss from your insurance company. Many (if not all) of those custom parts and days worth of labor (either by you or paid for) are not usually compensated for. Aside from possibly having armed guards posted by your scoot, there are no guarantees to motorcycle security.

The best we can do as bike owners is make it more difficult for the knuckle-draggers to nab it. If it's not that easy to steal, hopefully they'll leave it alone and move along to a softer target. Aiding our security quest are alarms, satellite-tracking devices (aka LoJack), fork locks, cables combined with locks, and disc (rotor) locks. The first two don't prevent the bike from being rolled away and work best in combination with one or more items on the rest of the list. Only a few makers offer a steering lock but still allow a bike to be moved, while a cable and lock is usually too bulky for most of us to want to haul. That leaves the compact-sized disc lock as the number one (personal observation here) used security device.

There are different styles of disc locks that attach to the brake rotor in an attempt to stop a bike from being rolled away. That's somewhat true. In reality, if you've ever forgotten (like me) to take your disc lock off before disengaging the clutch, you'll find out pretty fast that the bike can roll up to a few feet before the lock rotates around, slams into your caliper (and speedometer cable on older bikes), locks up the wheel, and causes you to go down. It happens fast. Another drawback to the disc lock is where to put it when it's not locked to the rotor. A saddlebag or small bag fastened somewhere on the bike works. Many custom or stripped-down bike owners carry theirs. I don't particularly enjoy having a pound's worth of metal strapped to my belt or inside my jacket pocket.

Well, I worry no more, as the decision to have a lock or not has been made sleek and easy. RoadLoK Security recently partnered with Hawg Halters Inc. (HHI) to incorporate their Sniper Motorcycle Immobilization Device in an HHI 4-piston caliper. In plain English, the MID is a front disc immobilizer that's integrated into a high-performance caliper. With a turn of the patented key, a barrel lock mechanism extends and locks a stud through the rotor. This not only protects the bike from theft, but also you from an unwanted launch when forgetting to remove the locking pin.

IMAGE CAPTIONS:

 1 The RoadLoK MID Sniper/HHI 4-piston Brake Caliper (MSRP: $499) directly replaces your factory front, left-side brake caliper. The BrakeBolt™ (with hardened stainless steel locking pin) is inserted into the hole (covered here with the included cover), and then locked with the key. The ABLOY® EXEC lock mechanism features X-Rod™ Anti-Drill Technology. The Sniper is a brake upgrade, aesthetic upgrade, and a high security system for your bike that works with H-Ds from '84-present as well as custom applications utilizing OEM and many aftermarket rotors. Calipers come chrome, polished or black anodized. Matching right side and rear calipers are also offered.

 2 The HHI 500 Series 4-piston differential bore calipers are constructed of 6061-T6 hardened billet aluminum and feature stainless steel brake pads. Brake systems (100% made in America) include all mounting hardware and banjo bolt. This front side view shows the extended and locked BrakeBolt passing through (arrows) both halves of the caliper.

 3   4 Setting the RoadLoK MID into action is as simple as inserting the BrakeBolt into the caliper, through the disc, and turning the key to lock.

-Hot Bike

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Eric's Commentary
to Web Visitors and Customers:

Wow! Great commentary on "the theft topic" in the motorcycle industry. We've had tons of magazines review the actual installation-process of each RoadLoK® motorcycle locking system, but have not really been part of a motorcycle-theft social commentary—at least not in print. I'm elated that the editor of such a highly-regarded magazine has reported that the RoadLoK Sniper™—at least in his opinion—is a 'sleek and easy' solution to a BIG problem that effects us all. That is our mission at RoadLoK Security. Eric for President in 2008. Thank you.

A few comments: I first want to address a major point regarding the actual operation of the RoadLoK motorcycle locking system. When I first read this I was a bit nervous about the wording of the sentence regarding the physical way in which we activate the system. HB readers may get the impression that the locking pin (BrakeBolt™) remains in the caliper while the bike is being ridden. That is a VERY SCARY CONCEPT for almost everyone! I know I wouldn't ride my Harley® with a locking pin hovering near the rotor while speeding down the highway! The fact is: the locking pin is completely removed from the lock system while you're riding. It goes in your pocket or is clipped on your keys. We don't want the pin anywhere near the rotor while you're hauling a$$ down the road. That'd be extremely dangerous! Again, the locking pin is released from the RoadLoK with the key so you can move your bike (unlocked). There is absolutely no chance of accidental/unwanted locking during motorcycle operation.

The second point I'd like to make is regarding the engaging of the RoadLoK motorcycle locking system. You do not need to use the key to lock the pin in-place—it's a one-handed maneuver best illustrated in this video:

I'd like to thank the team at Hot Bike Magazine and Primedia for their excellent feature on the RoadLoK® motorcycle locking system. As stated in the beginning of this article no bike is perfectly safe... except for mine because it's in my office right beside my desk— the desk I'm chained to... so GOOD LUCK, knuckle-draggers! Come 'n' get it!

Please contact us directly if you have questions or concerns! We're here to educate the masses!

Ride Safe!

-Eric X
Co-Founder & CEO

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