Bike Alarms

[MarkPBG]

Anyone have any good experiences with motorcycle alarms? Can the electrical systems on these bikes handle the extra load? I mainly want one to keep the passerby honest. I know it won't stop the real thieves, but it would be nice when I ride to a restaurant for a meal, and can't see the bike from my seat. :)

I've been eyeing the Gorilla 8007 alarm which has the three main good detectors...Shock, Voltage drop (hot-wiring), and a tilt sensor for when someone takes the bike up off it's side stand. It also has a very loud siren. This alarm is also half the price of other systems that have the same sensors. Again, this is just to keep the sidewalk strollers honest. I know it won't stop a real thief.
I am also looking at the model 8017 which adds a 1/2 mile range pager.

I really want to know if anyone is using one, what they use, and how they like it. Thanks. :)

[sgtslag]

This part is not about alarms, but it is related to the topic, tangentially...

If you tour on your bike, an easy way to discourage looky-lou's at your motel/hotel, is to put a cover over your bike.  It will keep people from looking it over, and it will keep the seat dry, should it rain.  An alarm, as discussed by Mark, is even better, but combining the two, is probably the best option.

Now for something directly related to your posting...

Regarding electrical loading of an alarm system, look up the specifications on its current draw.  It likely is quite low.  The standard battery for a CB750 is 14 Amp-hours, which means it will supply 1 Amp of current, for up to 14 hours, or 1/10 of an Amp (100 mA), for up to 140 hours, 1/100 Amp (10 mA) for up to 1400 hours, etc., before it is drained.  As long as you do not leave the alarm activated for several days, continuously, it should not harm your battery, if the alarm system has a low current draw (see examples above, for current draw, and time).  Cheers!