[Emile]

What about installing a GPS-tracker? Anyone tried it?

I found this really cheap one from china:

LSON TX-5 Portable GPS / GSM / GPRS / SMS Motorcycle Vehicle Tracker - Black - Free Shipping - DealExtreme

If someone were to steal my bike it would be nice to be able to track it!

 

[sup909]

If I ever get my act together I was going to try to build something in Arduino that tracked GPS and lean angle of the bike.

 

[DJ_Fission]

That looks pretty neat. I suppose you'd have to provide your own SIM card for connectivity. If you could do the tracking on Google Maps or something, that would also be great for more than just tracking a stolen bike.

 

[bidib]

Emile, have you ordered and tested this tracker ?
I'm about to order one at DX, but the cheaaaaap price makes me hesitate. I have googled "LSON TX-5" in vain, no review.

Most of those chinese trackers send http links to chinese map services... I'd just need a google maps link !

 

[Emile]

Hi,

No i haven't ordered it yet since I crashed my bike. ;(

 

[bidib]

oh hope you didn't hurt yourself

 

[DJ_Fission]

Oh no! Are you okay?

 

[Hoshiko]

Hi,

No i haven't ordered it yet since I crashed my bike. ;(

Noooooooo, hope you are fine and get back in the saddle soon.

 

[ddaamian]

I installed one on the bike, but not the one you mentioned. It has worked very well in the past year. When the theft happened, I retrieved lost bike through small GPS. The location can be tracked in real time, which allows me to fall asleep at night.

 

[Panzermann]

They seem like a good idea, but some things to consider:

• Needs to be 4G compatible.
• Ongoing subscription fees.
• Need power supply for the tracker so it can be permanently installed.
• Small enough to conceal somewhere that’s not easily discovered by a thief.
• Contemporary BMW’s cannot be started without the key/fob so you’re guarding against a thief that will carry your bike away, or will discover the key/fob.

 

[Anthonyp0808]

Ongoing subscription fees

The cheapest option for a SIM in Australia is a Belong one which cost just $10 per month, unlimited calls and SMS, and 1gb data with rollover. Belong is a Telstra company and works (almost) everywhere where Telstra does (some off-grid spots in outback areas).

I have considered wiring one of the cheap GSM GPRS trackers (cost around $30) - discretely fitted somewhere under seat would probably be good enough as the thief can't access that area with key.

This would make tracking the bike a breeze if it is stolen. The tracker can also send a movement alert so you get an earlier warning if it gets lifted!

 

[Panzermann]

I have considered wiring one of the cheap GSM GPRS trackers (

Is GSM not dead in Australia (or at least moribund)?

 

[zer0netgain]

When the theft happened, I retrieved lost bike through small GPS.

Thanks for the link. I might buy that before I head out for a long trip.

 

[Anthonyp0808]

Is GSM not dead in Australia (or at least moribund)?

Yes, brain fart. I should have said "el cheapo 3G/4G GPS tracker" 😀

 

[Panzermann]

For Aussies, this came up on my social media feed (someone is listening ...)

Motorcycle GPS Tracker | Protect Your Beast of a Bike

50% of motorcycles are NEVER recovered. Click me to find out how this Aussie-made Motorbike tracker is helping riders fight back.

www.solidgps.com

$147 up front and $70 p.a.

Family could track you if you wanted ... (subject to network coverage).