Motorcycle Alarm Reviews

Xena XX15 Disc Lock Review

The motorcycle alarm does have at least one problem for some riders; it is not portable. Once you install an alarm on your bike, it becomes a part of that motorcycle. If you happen to have a bike which you do not wish to alarm ? maybe you have very good insurance or actually live in an area where motorcycle theft is low ? then it could be a potential issue-causer instead of problem solver. There is also the possibility that you do not keep a bike for long. The most portable and durable solution to this problem is a disc alarm. Xena is the leader in this market and the XX15 model is one of the more popular of their very extensive model line.

The XX15 will also serve as a general stand-in for any of their models as the features vary mostly in cosmetic or fitment characteristics only. The disc lock concept works only on motorcycles which have sufficient (meaning: accessible and useful) disc braking systems, so some scooters will not be compatible. Most disc locks are in a sort of clamshell, or narrow-angle C, shape which slides over the brake disc. On the end closest to the axle a sliding pin locks the unit in place. This makes it impossible to roll the bike either to or fro for very far ? it can also damage your front fender if you forget and take off with one installed.

Xena seriously differentiates its own products by integrating a very loud alarm with one of the strongest disc locks on the market. This prevents someone from sitting, pushing, or picking up your motorcycle without a first-hand encounter with an ear-splitting 120dB alarm. Removing the disc lock from the bike is made very difficult due to an all stainless steel construction, a 14mm thick carbide-reinforced pin, and a completely Freon-proof barrel-style locking mechanism. The lock will endure longer than the disc on which it is secured.

The XX15?s alarm uses sensors which detect shock and movement once armed, which is very simple and automatic ? it only arms when the disc lock is engaged and it detects metal between its two tangs. It does weigh in at 620 grams, so it is dense, but small enough to fit under most seats or in one?s jacket pocket.

Something nice and new with the XX15 is the need for only one CR (watch-type) battery, as opposed to the stacks used for other models. The alarm module is removable should you choose to only use the disc lock portion, and, for security, it can only be removed with the lock disengaged. Xena provides their customers with three keys so you always have a spare, and you can order more should you have a serious memory problem.

The only complaint about the Xena is that it can give false alarms easily if you have many large trucks driving through your neighborhood, so care should be taken with placement. The closer to 6 o?clock on the disc the less sensitive it will be in most cases, but you may need to experiment. Battery life is a bit shorter if you live in an environment with large temperature variation, especially if it gets very cold. Since there is only one battery to replace, though, you can still purchase them in bulk and recycle only once per year.

The Xena XX15 disc alarm retails for only US$90 and is widely available at dealers, bike shows, eBay and many other locations. It is a very cheap investment in capable security for your motorcycle.

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