Tracetec vehicle tracking

When I bought my Dakar a tracking unit was fitted as part of the deal by Motorrad AutoAtlantic. My insurance is through BMW as well and I think the premiums were less as a result, though I'd have to check. ''The world needs dreamers that DO!''

Frank and Pete, BMW was the first ones to use Traceteck. It is about the size of credit card, and about 5 mm thick. It is attached with double sided take onto the vehicle. Some of the benefits are: Since it is not attached to the battery it keeps on working, even if thieves disconnect the battery. Since it is so small it gets hidden in the wierdest spots (on the bike). Thus no "standard" installation spot for thieves to target. You can also remove it when you sell your bike and use it on the next bike. I dont think BMW would even consider insuring your bike without Tracetech.

Thanks Padlangs, I didn't know that it was a Traceteck unit. Should we test them occasionally? If so how do we go about it? ''The world needs dreamers that DO!''

Thanks Peter I have asked Hamman Motorrad to put me onto someone from BMW insurance who can get me a quote. Cheers Frank

Frank I do believe Hamman should be able to help you. Pete, how about we ask Dave to give a little talk about this at one of the club meetings?

Good call, I'm sure there will be interest. ''The world needs dreamers that DO!''

Hi Guys, I'd be very interested in hearing more - my car is fitted with a tracking unit already and I'd like the piece of mind of doing the same for the Bike - who's the best guy to speak to? Also - who's the best to speak to about insurance - I'm not terribly happy with my current setup for the bike. Thanks Alan

BMW Insurance 011 541 75 45 or mail Shermon.Stevens@partner.bmwfinance.co.za I RIDE THEREFORE I AM!

Thanks Mars!

Frank , this is what it looks like: http://corne.ygm.co.za/#070929-TraceTec Plastic card like. They have used double sided tape when placed under my seat. However riding off road it came loose very easily. I've now fixed it with a cable tie. Corné Kloppers 0849130391 ckloppers@gmail.com

PeterO Yes you should. RFID cards can get damaged. The last time I tested mine they only seemed to be able to help me during office hours :-( Just phone them up and say you want to test your tracking device. Contact details: 0861 872238 Emergency No. 0861 786536 These are the people providing the technology behind TraceTec: http://www.wavetrend.net/ Corné Kloppers 0849130391 ckloppers@gmail.com

I have one installed on my bike somewhere - i just can't remember where. LOL

The question is do you HAVE TO have the card checked? What does BMW require? No use having all these gadgets and when you need to claim you are told that you should have had the unit checked. Does anybody KNOW the BMW requirements?

Padlangs (Chris)... I've just read the Terms & Conditions on the back of my TraceTec Certificate and in short it's YOUR responsibility to check that the unit is functioning. If it's not working you can arrange for a warranty claim (12 month) at one of the fitment centres. You are entitled to two `free tests` per annum. THE SERVICE PROVIDER (TRACETEC), BUT NOT THE SUBSCRIBER (YOU) SHALL BE RELIEVED OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE AGREEMENT DURING ANY PERIOD IN WHICH THE TRACETEC UNIT IS NOT FUNCTIONING. Hence YOUR responsibility! My questions? What happens if the unit croaks after the 12 month warranty period? How much does the plastic card cost? Reading the Terms and Conditions it could be a good idea to get a TraceTec representative at one of our club meetings to answer some questions we have. Corné Kloppers 0849130391 ckloppers@gmail.com

I'm talking worst case scenario... but basically if the TraceTec unit is not working and your bike gets stolen, the Insurance might refuse a claim payout because a WORKING TraceTec unit was noted as a prerequisite... Maybe I'm just being pedantic? But it is a possibility. Better you test that TraceTec unit :-) Corné Kloppers 0849130391 ckloppers@gmail.com

Thanks Corne I contacted Hamman Motorrad and they will be including the fitment in the quote for the insurance. In JHB I had a great system fitted to my Suzuki that would squeel if someone tried to remove it from the stand. Flashing indicator lights and all, ek se! After I had it fitted, we found out that our cleaning lady was bumping the bike really hard when she went into the garage. She got a groot skrik, but not so groot as the skrik she would have got if she had bumped it off the main stand! Ha ha! The system used to get me some strange looks in parking lots when I walked up to the bike, pointed the remote and the lights flashed in time to the chirp, chirp. :-) Cheers Frank

Just for those who did not know, the Tracetec chip or device is not a Satelite Tracking system but works on transmitters and responders throughtout the country. It will not always be trackable(but then again I suppose nothing is), escpecially the GS's where roads are not the limit. "There is just something about riding a motorcycle, something I can't explain, but that it's just so good for one's soul... " Ewan Mcgregor - 2007

Tony jip it is NOT a satelite tracking system. I think BMW recons that at some point some sucker will rockup at a dealer with a bike that he got at a "good" price. When he comes back to collect it after the service the cops will be waiting!! Corne I share your "feelings" on this topic. That is why I ask if you HAVE TO have the unit checked? If so, how regularly? Surely this should be spelt out CLEARLY in the tracetech/BMW documents. Let's hope one of the dealers that reads this will give us the "COREECT" answer.

Thanks Corne I'll certainly use those contact numbers and get it checked. ''The world needs dreamers that DO!''