www.smartwater.co.uk

I have always had DataTag fitted to my motorcycles, The idea being that if my bike is stolen then recovered it would be easier for the police to trace me as the bikes owner. The also has the benefit of proving that the bike is a stolen bike and the chances of making prosecution better.

Security marking also has another angle. Self-preservation! If there are two identical bikes parked together and only one of the bike has any form of security marking (Given away by the warning stickers) conventional thinking dictates that the thief would steel the unmarked bike.

SmartWater is now standard on all new Honda motorcycles but if you don't own a Honda or purchased your Honda before Smart Water was available you can purchase the kit from authorised motorcycle dealers or direct from Smart Water. You will need to present your bikes registration document and other proof of I.D. when purchasing.

Well what do you get in your little black box? A few warning stickers to deter would be thief's, a complete set of instructions and what can only be described as a massaccara pen that contains is a clear, water based solution which is simply painted on. Each brushstroke contains millions of microscopic particles encoded with the owners details.

It's very simple to use, you just brush the SmartWater onto the insides of the fairing, engine casings, frame spars etc and leave to dry...That's It! I said it was simple to use.

Along with other security marking systems, some insurance company's offer discount's but it's best to check before hand.

As with any security device, the proof of the pudding is in the thieving (or so me old grandma tells me) and I have yet to have my bike stolen to help prove that it can easily identified, then again maybe that's why I still have my bike as a device such as SmartWater can act as a visual deterrent to thieves.

SmartWater can only act as a deterrent to thieves and at the end of the day a good quality lock, chain, ground anchor and alarm will help us all keep our bikes ours, but the more you do to make the thieves job more difficult the better.

A worthwhile product that can give you a discount off your motorcycle insurance, may prevent your bike being stolen and gives you a little more piece of mind.

SmartWater Instant won the Motorcycle News Product of the Year Award (Accessory) 2000.

Good Points
  Easy to apply, it's just brushed on.
  Insurance discounts available.
  Thatcham approved.

Bad Points
  More expensive that DataTag or Alpha Dot

How much?
  From £50

Available from
  Motorcycle dealers
  Direct from SmartWater