When it comes to buying a Thatcham approved motorbike alarm
When it comes to buying a Thatcham approved motorbike alarm, there are simply loads to choose from. However, as the largest and one of the oldest installers in the UK we have tried them all and some are great, some are not so great and some, to be frank, are pretty poor!
We have chosen and are sticking firmly with Acumen, Datatool and Meta. Each of these products has something special about it that makes it perfect for what we believe to be, its chosen and most suitable application.
Acumen is our chosen alarm for bikes, quads and trikes that go off-road, therefore, it’s also ideal for any trials or pit bikes that have a battery too. The reason we specify Acumen for these machines is simply down to one specific and unique reason – its waterproof!
Great, who cares I hear you say; well just try jet-washing your bike and give your non-waterproof alarm a good soaking, then try and start it. The alarm will corrode within just a matter of days and in the meantime, you’re immobilised! Now, all of a sudden, buying a waterproof alarm sounds like a good idea doesn’t it?
Next Datatool, why do we recommend that? Is it the fact that the name is perhaps the most established or that the product is considered to be the best? Actually, no. We truly believe that the very best alarm is Meta, however, Datatool has one important design asset that makes fitting it to certain machines, the only way forward. Its small! Size sometimes does matter!
Over the last few years we have seen a huge increase in the custom Harley and chopper market and now more people than ever, and from all walks of life, are choosing custom naked bikes like Harley’s and, only for those very lucky bikers out there, Orange County Choppers. They all look amazing and personally, I like the fact that the engine isn’t hidden behind a plastic fairing. However, the major drawback with these machines is space. Quite simply, there isn’t any. This makes it extremely difficult to fit an alarm when the world and his wife can see it as clear as day.
Fortunately the Datatool system is not much bigger than a box of matches and can be squeezed into the smallest of places, securely and covertly. So, if you are lucky enough to own a chopper or cruiser, Datatool is the only choice.
Finally, we move onto Meta; our best selling and most asked for product. In fact, not only are we requested Meta more than any other system, but we suggest it more than any other too.
There are several reasons for this including the price – it’s a bargain and excellent value for money. Next, because bike alarms get a bad rap for being responsible for battery drain, even when most of the time it poor fitting that actually causes it; Meta has no battery drain when in winter or sleep mode, so you’ll need to find something else to blame when your Meta fitted bike won’t start, as we’ll all know it’s not the alarm at fault!
The Meta system also boasts two different styles of remote control; one that can have your ignition key placed and locked inside it; a second that is not much bigger than a packet of Rizzlas, so not need to carry a brick like object around on your key-ring and see if scratch the hell out of your petrol tank.
So, to conclude; if you go off-road, buy an Acumen; if there’s no room to breathe then get a Datatool; however, if you want good value for money and have a little more room, then Meta is a clear winner!
