Theft rate?

I work on a large university where sport bikes grow legs and walk off. I ride a Suzuki vstrom right now, so luckily I don't have to worry about it.

Any ideas where a VFR800 sits in comparison? Shopping for a 2007. Is a disc lock in order?

 

I know in Vegas, if it isn't bolted down it will walk away. Depends how much you trust your town and your bike's theft deterrent devices. Good luck!

 

I always use a disk lock, just because it adds a small level of complexity for the casual thieves. I think the VFR is relatively safe as compared to an RR bike, other than somebody who just wants to go for a joy ride, hence the reason for a disk lock.

 

Just make sure to have a flag or a bungee run from your lock to your handle bar to remind you to remove the lock before ride off.....
It can be ugly if you forgot.....

 

VFR's are not as popular with "professional" thieves because there is not a big demand for the bike or its parts. However, since it looks like a sport bike to most people, I think if the opportunity was there it would be gone pretty quickly. I carry a thick cable (long enough to go through both wheels and a stationary object) and heavy lock with me when I have to park the bike down town.

Action

 

The VFR is a heavy bike so it isn't something that can readily be picked up by a couple of guys. Some sort of lock would probably be in order to keep it from rolling away but as others have stated, it probably isn't a likely target. Just make sure to not forget about whatever lock you use.

When I had my Shadow I would occasionally use the steering lock and always forget about it. It wasn't integrated into the ignition switch and had its own lock up by the triple tree. I'd hop on the bike, fire her up put her in gear then move the bars to leave... only to realize I hadn't unlocked the steering. Then I'd have to shut her down, unlock it, and fire it all back up. If it were a disc lock I'd have been screwed as I would have forgot about it.

 

I agree about using the disc lock as per the comments above. Whether the bike is popular as a theft target or not, it would be prudent to take as many practical precautions to reduce the temptation of theft as possible.
I too am forgetful so to help out I put a small magnet, wrapped in yellow tape, on the disc lock over the key hole. When I put the disc lock on I have to take the magnet off to put the key in the lock. I then stick the magnet over the ignition on the bike. I can't start the bike without taking the magnet off which triggers my lame old mind that I have intalled the disc lock. If the magnet is missing I know someone has been messing with the bike. Makes me cautious. Hope this is of some help.