SAVOIR-FAIRE  REVIEWS | TESTS  PERFORMANCE  RIDER 
 
 
     
 
 


Xena locks and security systems are on our side when it comes to protecting our most valued ride from the perils of motorcycle thieves. I'm impressed by the Xena XN14 "Disc Lock Alarm"—it has to be the heftiest disk lock I've ever tried and weighs in just under 2pds—its small enough to tote around yet strong enough for the job of protecting your motorcycle. And the XN14 disc lock has a built in alarm makes a thief’s life even more difficult.

Brake disc locks are ideal, except when we forget to remove them, but that’s another added benefit of the XN14’s alarm—it’ll sound off before you ride away. Disc locks are so darn portable—honestly who wants to ride around with a big bike chain over your shoulder! And unfortunately, owning a motorcycle means dealing with the possibility of motorcycle theft--a very real culprit in every rider’s life. And though there’s really nothing stopping a determined thief, we make every conscious effort to deter them and slow them down to prevent it from happening. Xena security products—built by expert engineers and motorcycle enthusiasts make that task is much more difficult.

Xena Intelligent Security Disc Locks come in four different sizes, from the 80 mm long XN10 (3.25") and XN14 to the 102 mm long XN15 (4.0").  The XN collection also includes the big XN18, which is 113 mm (4.5") long and also features an 18 mm diameter four-pin locking system and an LED light to let you know it's active.

Similar to other Xena locking products, my preference the XN14 combines a self alarming 110dB piercing alarm. It uses a smart LED arming sensor which is linked to a sophisticated microprocessor triggering the 110 dB alarm. As soon as you place the Xena XN14 on your disc it will activate in about 5 seconds of placing the unit over your disc. You’ll hear a confirmation chirp confirming you’re in protect mode! Its movement or shock sensors will set off the alarm. There’s no or off switch, so once the unit is activated it will emit 2 chirps and then the siren will sound for about 15 seconds after which the alarm will reset and rearm. *TIP*--I suggest you keep the sensor, called a reflector, clean—give it a swipe every so often with a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol. If the sensor becomes blocked it could cause it to go off unwarrantedly.

Its 14mm double-locking, carbide-reinforced hardened-steel locking pin provides ultra high security strength and the body and key barrel are ice spray proof!
The battery is easily replaced and is housed in a waterproof casing accessed by Allen Key provided in your purchase kit along with 3 keys, a CR2 battery pack housing 6 batteries.

The lock comes with a neat carrying pouch that can be attached to the frame of your bike—it’s not advisable to wear the lock or place it in your jacket. This could be a very dangerous item in the case of a fall. The pouch also helps you pack the unit away neatly.

There are no replacement keys provided by the manufacturer.

What’s also cool about the Xena line is you can add on either a cable to the lock or a ground anchor—smart thinking!

There are just two downsides as far as I can see to the Xena XN14—one being it’s available only in the colour picture here. A bright coloured disc lock such as in orange or yellow also helps to ward off criminals advertising the fact that the bike is locked, yet maybe the blend in-ability of this lock will catch them off guard. Secondly there‘s nothing preventing thieves from lifting your bike into a bike or van—obviously you need to choose the locking system best suitable to the situation you need it for. And don’t forget to remove stickers on both sides of the lock advertising its 110dB alarm and 14 mm locking pin!

The new Xena XN14 retails for around $100.USD but check your local retailer—prices vary depending on location.

And do visit their  “DOES IT FIT MY BIKE” online system to see if the Xena XN14 is the right model for you. 

Vicki Gray for MOTORESS.COM



Yamaha FZ 8 DAYS A WEEK - New 2011 Models Could be Your All Rounder!
“You can’t be all things to all people” my father often said, yet that’s exactly what many seek from the motorcycle we choose. Sporty performanc...
Motorcycle Adaptive Headlamps Bring Cornering Safety
Often when touring we’re travelling at night time and often on twisting roads. Well, BMW’s new K1600GT has enhanced cornering safety with an adaptive headli...
BMW Motorcycle Motorrad Sport Helmet Integrated Bluetooth
BMW Motorrad has expanded the application spectrum of its Bluetooth communication system and now offers it with its BMW Motorrad Sport helmet.  The Sport helmet is...
AIRHAWK Motorcycle Cushions Your Gluteus to the Maximus
If you’re one for long rides but your motorcycle seat doesn’t satisfy your comfort demands, preventing you from going the distance-you’ll find the AIR...


Test Review KTM 690 Duke: Making Do with One
When you're in the market for a light motorcycle (as in light weight), a single cylinder dual sports or supermoto-style bike is an interesting choice. These are usually easy to ride, don't have a lot of horse...
Cleaning and Lubricating Your Motorcycle Drive Chain
Cleaning and lubricating your drive chain will extend the working life of your motorcycle drive chain and sprockets. A dirty chain and sprockets will reduce the ability of your engine to efficiently transfer ...
Bike Washing - Give your baby a bath!
Washing your bike isn’t just about vanity (although who wants to be seen with a dirty bike?) it’s also a very important part of motorcycle maintenance.  In the process of washing your bike yo...
BMW Telelever Front Fork System Gives Performance Leverage
If you're not that familiar with BMW motorcycles then it's likely, unless you're a mechanic and motorcycle design/science enthusiast, you’re not aware of BMW’s telelever system. Believe me, I info...
Don't Come Unsprung! Lighten Up!
Part of travelling so smoothly and keeping the bike on the ground has to do with the components that make up the "unsprung" weight. It’s also known as unsprung “mass”, where the op...
Decoding BMW Motorcycle Categories
We’re all familiar with coding items to simplify product definitions. Women, just like men, are equally accustomed to such systems; just observe brassiere cup sizing. Denoted...
Cafe Racer Trend And the Ace Cafe
A Café Racer is a type of motorcycle as well as a type of motorcyclist both having their roots in the 1960s British counterculture. The Café Racer became the must-have motorbike among groups such as t...
Still Time to catch the Harley-Davidson Night Train: MOTORESS Test Ride Review
Its chrome-defying powder black treated engine is what initially sets the Harley-Davidson FXSTB Night Train apart from all others in the collection. Not new to the Harley-Davidson's product line; it was the...
MOTORESS Test: KYMCO S 125cc - People Pleaser
Often I'm puzzled at the origins of the KYMCO product names—“Bet & Win”, “Frost”, “Vitality”. Certainly, when looking deeper into the characteristics of the mot...
Motorcycle Traction Attraction
Traction control science is making its way onto motorcycles. Traction Control Systems help you to accelerate, brake and steer properly and efficiently, which obviously makes riding safer and easier than it wo...
MOTORESS TEST-XCITING Discoveries on KYMCOS 500Ri
MOTORESS TEST:  XCITING Discoveries on KYMCO’S 500Ri The era of the scooter and its grown up version the “maxi scooter” is upon us causing us to re-associate the term ...
Motorcycle Bar Ends Smart Handy Accent
Bar ends offer protection if you happen to drop your motorcycle when, say, manoeuvring it in a parking lot, loading it into your trailer or during a higher speed mishap on the track. And these bar ends featur...
Pretty little head - buying the right motorcycle helmet
Buying a helmet is not as easy as it may sound—there are so many choices, makes, models, prices and factors all part of the decision process whether you’re new or experienced. Clearly it’s n...
START YOUR ENGINES' EVERY WOMAN'S TOOL KIT MUST HAVE
Here it is the new OptiMate 4, a truly unique diagnostic battery optimizer for 12V lead-acid batteries (sealed maintenance-free, gel, or filler caps). And this baby won MCN’s product of year, 2008! ...
Motoress Test BMW F650GS-Miss Independent
The BMW F650GS undoubtedly has off-road pretention written all over it but if you’re wanting an all round fun go anywhere bike ready to tackle a diverse riding world--the F650GS will take you ther...
THE SCOOTERS' STEPLESS SECRET TO ARRIVING FAST
Scooters are super fun—they’re easy to handle and described as simply “twist and go”. Scooters have climbed to high engine capacities and enjoyed by many not only in the cit...
Gears Make the Final Motorcycle Drive
Gears make the final drive and just how then do they work on a motorcycle? Gears are used in heaps of mechanical devices not just motorcycles. You can observe “gears” in just about everythin...
HORSE POWER BASICS
Confused when talking about bike horsepower? Someone says, “yeah, its fast, it’s got 160 brake horse power”--or how about “it’s got 140 horsepower on the back wheel”. Or how about “I’ve got 23kw” of pow...
 
 
MOTORESS LIPSTICK
MOTORESS lipsticks are enriched with Vitamin E known for its soothing and healing properties. Our formula is designed ...
RETRO CRUISER BAMBOO T-SHIRT
This cool "cruiser" decorated MOTORESS bamboo t-shirt is soft ...
SPORTY BIKE BAMBOO T-SHIRT
This modern "SPORTY BIKE" charcoal MOTORESS bamboo t-shirt is ...

Support!

 
 
 

 

 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 

About Us | Contact Us | Partners | Media | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | MOTORESS Cares

Copyright©2006-2010 MOTORESS® All Rights Reserved.