Bike Storage, theft prevention

[BensMCwWarehous]

Ok, BARFers...wasn't sure where exactly to post this, so...please let me know if this is totally wrong or not, please.

Having been a motorcycle (and moped) theft victim, I though of this (niche) idea for motorcyclists.

I have just opened a shop off 880 and Montague in San Jose. It is in a low theft, commercial area and has highway visibility (would have to be kind of an idiot to break into a place so visible....not that crooks are smart.) I have wired the building with a police dispatch alarm, and will be offering MOTORCYCLE STORAGE. I rent motorcycles, so being in or near the shop, near everyday is a cinch. I even detail bikes, so customers could call ahead and schedule a pick-up, a pick-up with wipe down, pick-up with detail...or whatever.

OK...so what does everyone think? Will it fly? Could you use a service like this, and if you could...what types of things would you like to see offered? Oh...coffee is free...my wife already thought of that one!

Ben

[bluenoser]

What about adding lockers/storage for gear (helmets, leathers, etc.)? If one has to do business or travel in the area, that might be handy.

Also, getting the place known to shuttle services would be useful too. Being able to park the bike, leave the gear, and get a shuttle to the airport would be nice. Most car parks aren't MC-friendly, so if you offer that, then you've got a decent market segment.

As for lockdown, good anchors are a must. Being able to wrap a chain through the frame of the bike to an anchor point in the floor (or through a solid post) is another level of security I'd like available.

You'll probably end up with a lot of nice bikes there, too. A glass-front display or a showroom (even a virtual showroom) might be an interesting way to drum up business (as long as the display doesn't appeal to the "smash and grab" type of thief). It could be the Candy Store for motorcycles!

Sounds like a good idea, and I hope it takes off.

[four_bar]

I'm looking for storage for 2 bikes. Please tell me how to call you.

Mark

[BensMCwWarehous]

I may be reached by driving, riding, calling or e-mail:

408-433-3316

I am located right off 880 at the San Jose/Milpitas border. My address is:

2138 O'Toole Ave,
San Jose, CA 95131

Although accessible from either Brokaw or Montague, the 'rider friendly' route is definitely Montague. Take the Westbound exit and turn left at the very first chance you get. My shop is 1/4 mile down on the left. The building I am in have two tenants, me and a camper shell place called Kamper King. I should have signage up on the west side of the building soon, but for the time being I am placing most my signage on 880.

Thanks for your interest, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Ben

[Wolf]

How much would storage for a bike cost?

[BensMCwWarehous]

Well, as many have said before me, by product of value. The short answer is $89.00 a month. The long answer is:

My facility is fully secured, and offers a full compliment of services. At my shop, for instance, you could call me up (a day or so in advance) and I could check all the fluid levels, check and fill tire pressures, clean the bike, and make sure it starts. Basically, you should just need to show up and ride off on your bike. Incidentally, 'fully secure' means that more than likely, your bike is safer at my shop than your own house. I keep my personal bike at the shop. This level of service could be rather time consuming, so I would offer the first wash and inspection free once a month, and a small fee (if this service is desired) more than once a month.

Incidentally, the shop does offer full-service detailing as well. So when I mentionthat I clean the bike, it is done with the utmost care and knowledge. My cleaning systems include: 1) Water softener 2) Reverse Osmosis water filtration (these two combined make the water 'purified' and simular to bottled water.) 3) Deionization Beds- Deionized the water for the fimal prep in water use. When the water comes out of the tap at this point, virtually all minerals and contaminants have been 'stipped' from the water, anbd it is actually 'hungry' for dirt. Deionized water is SO 'active' taht it can be corrosive to all but stainless steel and plastic. For that reason, I only use deionized water for bike washing, and will actually wash the bike with the sofened and purified water just to be safe. NOTE: Although many detailing facilies and dealerships have rinsed with deionized water and never documented corrosion, I would rather be safe than sorry...this is why I ad this step.

Thanks for the question...should you require additional information, please contact me at 408-433-3316. or better yet...I see you live in Milpitas, drop by one of these days! The address is 2138 O'Toole Ave, San Jose. It is 1/4 mile north of Montaguge Expressway at 880 (thats near the Great Mall.)

Ben

[BensMCwWarehous]

This post is in response to 'Bluenoser'

You said >>>>>As for lockdown, good anchors are a must. Being able to wrap a chain through the frame of the bike to an anchor point in the floor (or through a solid post) is another level of security I'd like available. <<<<<

My opinion: Actually, most bike thefts are not to 'ride your bike'. Lockdowns to concrete or posts are (like any other antitheft device) not perfect, and only serve to slow down a theft. While appropriate in the outdoors, it would be VASTLY overkill indoors with a 'fully secure' facility such as mine (pardon the French, but I have a HELLUVA alarm system.) Most people feel much 'safer' knowing their bikes are 'chained' to an immovable object. The fact of the matter is, anything with numbers on it (frame and engine case has numbers stamped for identification) is useless to a thief. They are not steeling your bike to ride it (most cases), but rather to part it out and makes some bucks off it. Frames and engine only pose a serious problem as far as getting caught...so who will stop at cutting it given a chance. Check out the stolen bikes in this forum...how many of those were in underground garages. The thief would have time and opportunity to cut the locks or the frame and remove the bike.

Thanks for all your comments...I just wanted you to know some additional facts about bike theft. Incidentally...THANKS for the ideas...everything is helpful at this point.

PS Oh, if someone REALLY wanted to 'bolt their bike down'. if they want to supply the lock (I recommend Cobra Links) and a floor anchor (has to be designed for use with CobraLinks, or the lockdown may not be effective) I can make sure the bike is secured in this manner. If one were to visit the shop and check out the alarm, you would probably agree my security measure are MORE than enough to keep the bike secure. ;)

Ben

[MotoDave]

I'm hoping the alarm is a big ass dog:)

[BensMCwWarehous]

LOL...How about a big ass shop owner! ;)

[MelloGixxer]

Originally posted by BensMCwWarehous
Well, as many have said before me, by product of value. The short answer is $89.00 a month. The long answer is:

My facility is fully secured, and offers a full compliment of services. At my shop, for instance, you could call me up (a day or so in advance) and I could check all the fluid levels, check and fill tire pressures, clean the bike, and make sure it starts. Basically, you should just need to show up and ride off on your bike. Incidentally, 'fully secure' means that more than likely, your bike is safer at my shop than your own house. I keep my personal bike at the shop. This level of service could be rather time consuming, so I would offer the first wash and inspection free once a month, and a small fee (if this service is desired) more than once a month.

Incidentally, the shop does offer full-service detailing as well. So when I mentionthat I clean the bike, it is done with the utmost care and knowledge. My cleaning systems include: 1) Water softener 2) Reverse Osmosis water filtration (these two combined make the water 'purified' and simular to bottled water.) 3) Deionization Beds- Deionized the water for the fimal prep in water use. When the water comes out of the tap at this point, virtually all minerals and contaminants have been 'stipped' from the water, anbd it is actually 'hungry' for dirt. Deionized water is SO 'active' taht it can be corrosive to all but stainless steel and plastic. For that reason, I only use deionized water for bike washing, and will actually wash the bike with the sofened and purified water just to be safe. NOTE: Although many detailing facilies and dealerships have rinsed with deionized water and never documented corrosion, I would rather be safe than sorry...this is why I ad this step.

Thanks for the question...should you require additional information, please contact me at 408-433-3316. or better yet...I see you live in Milpitas, drop by one of these days! The address is 2138 O'Toole Ave, San Jose. It is 1/4 mile north of Montaguge Expressway at 880 (thats near the Great Mall.)

Ben

What time do you close as I might drop in tonight to check it out.
I might be interested in storing my bike there.

[motojava]

sounds like a great idea to me.

[BensMCwWarehous]

I am here until 5:00 PM everyday, sometimes until 7:00 PM. One thing I have found in being in business for yourself...there is NEVER a shortage of chores! What time would you like to drop by?

Ben

PS Tomorow, Thursday March the 11th, my landlord is sealing the lot in back of the shop. This means I will not be able to display my bikes, rent or deatail tommorow. Sounds like a great day to ride being that the weather is 85 degrees. Anyone agree with that idea? ;)

[MelloGixxer]

Originally posted by BensMCwWarehous
I am here until 5:00 PM everyday, sometimes until 7:00 PM. One thing I have found in being in business for yourself...there is NEVER a shortage of chores! What time would you like to drop by?

Ben

PS Tomorow, Thursday March the 11th, my landlord is sealing the lot in back of the shop. This means I will not be able to display my bikes, rent or deatail tommorow. Sounds like a great day to ride being that the weather is 85 degrees. Anyone agree with that idea? ;)

I'll probably get there right at 5pm as I get off work at 4:30pm .
Are you near Trade Zone or further up near the Mall?