How Do You Protect The Bike You Love from People Who Would Steal It
One of the things riders hate and fear most is 'theft.' We hear on the news that "gangs of bike thieves are running rampant" throughout the world. Unforgivable, but how can we protect our bikes from theft? There are countless anti-theft devices sold specifically for motorcycles, including U-locks, wire locks and chains. These items may, in fact, have an effect on reducing theft, but are they enough for total protection?
It goes without saying that Honda has also taken countermeasures, and one way in which Honda is battling motorcycle theft is with its Honda Ignition Security System (H.I.S.S.). H.I.S.S. is an electronic anti-theft device (called an immobilizer) that automatically disables the starting of the engine by means of electronic control.
Stop and get off the bike, remove the ignition key - and from that moment on H.I.S.S. begins to work... an effective amulet to ward off theft.
Though its effects are outstanding, this theft deterrent changes nothing from the usual.
"Gangs of motorcycle thieves are running rampant!" - Scary news stories like this can be seen and heard almost anywhere in the world these days. As a rider, I get especially disgusted with a situation in which so many bike thefts are taking place. These ominous circumstances have become an endless source of anxiety, and I get angry whenever I hear the news. It's hard to accept that people's beloved bikes are being so easily stolen.
So, it's only natural that we take defensive action. Responding to this crisis, many anti-theft devices can be found in shops that carry motorcycle gear. From U-locks, to cable and chain locks, to disc brake rotor locks that stop the wheels from turning, to motion detector alarms and more. The more robust the device is, the greater the gains in perceived protection, but it's always such a bother to have to carry that stuff around wherever you go. And besides, these security devices aren't cheap.
Then, what do the bike thieves think of these anti-theft items?
Whenever a new anti-theft device appears on the market, thieves scramble to prepare the tools they'll need to break the new device and continue their thefts, creating a vicious circle. However, thieves also prefer bikes equipped with no anti-theft devices, or having easily breakable ones, over those equipped with troublesome and time-consuming devices. In other words, it's best that thieves think that "this bike is going to be difficult to steal," which is another effective means of repelling theft.
Every manufacturer takes positive measures to protect against theft.
In Honda's case, these include:
- Key cylinder shutters that rotate to cover-up the ignition key hole with a metal plate, this preventing picking and tampering with the key cylinder. Honda is also making efforts to integrate key switches, so that the main key can either switch on the ignition or open the seat lock depending on which direction it's turned. Efforts have also been made to reinforce the construction of the key cylinders and handle locks themselves.
- Anti-theft systems with circuitry that prevents the engine from being started, even if hot-wired in an attempt to bypass the security system.
- Locking centerstands that prevent bikes from being stolen by being pushed away from where they're parked.
- Immobilizers that use the main ECU's electronics to control the starting of the engine.
Honda's immobilizer is called H.I.S.S., which stands for Honda Ignition Security System.
H.I.S.S. offers the following features:
A microchip embedded in the original key is programmed with a coded password that can't be picked up by any antenna-like devices that could read the code and subsequently communicate it to the ECU when another key is inserted into the ignition. The ECU checks the programmed code number and only allows the engine to start when the code numbers match. For example, even if a duplicate key of exactly the same shape as the original key is used, the engine cannot be started unless the built-in microchip code matches. No match, no start.
In other words, arrangements have been made to prevent the engine from being started without the motorcycle's original key. The fact that the engine cannot be started means that thieves must think of some way to physically carry the bike away, since they can't ride it, and the black market resale value of a motorcycle that can't be started would be greatly diminished.
A more significant feature of H.I.S.S. is that it uses a contact communications method, like the IC cards of major public transport systems, to communicate the key's coded password to the ECU. Generally, the vast majority of immobilizers use contact-free radio signals to communicate between keys or key fobs and vehicles. These radio signal types literally initiate communications between the IC chips built inside the key and the bike's security system.
And in spite of key-to-vehicle communications taking place over very short distances, the possibility that communication failures could occur due to the influence of radio signals saturating urban areas, or thieves abusing communication signals to get engines started, can't be denied.
In contrast to these types of push-button security systems, H.I.S.S. employs contact-type communi- cations. Inserting the original key into the ignition instantly starts chip communications within the key cylinder. It is impervious to both radio interference and signal interception, which is to say its operation is resistant to outside influence.
In spite of this, the real convenience of H.I.S.S. is that it starts operating the instant the key is removed from the vehicle's ignition. In other words, protection against theft requires no special action, as there's no switch or button to forget to turn on.
And for the first 24 hours that the bike is parked, a red LED lamp can be seen in the meter display, signaling its operation to passersby with a flash every 2 seconds to indicate that its anti-theft device is in operation.
Even though basically user-friendly, the radio signal communications employed by many immobilizers can still panic a user. When on the road, system errors or inability to start the engine can arise owing to communication conditions between the key and the bike's security system.
A similar situation could occur if the built-in battery used to power communications is completely discharged.
And in the case of these sorts of radio signal type immobilizers, it's been said that thieves are using new devices to intercept the transmitted radio signals, then retransmitting the copied signal, which is recognized as if it were coming from the correct key.
In this respect, Honda's system has the advantage as well.
In my own case, while on a magazine shoot in a remote locale, the immobilizer on the bike I'd borrowed failed, and I couldn't get the engine started. I couldn't just leave the bike there and go home, and I clearly recall having a lot of trouble dealing with the situation. Stuck out on the road, I had no idea what was causing the system error, and contacting the maker's press office got no results. So in the end, I had to start the trip all over again.
A situation like this could have major implications if it occurred while out on a weekend ride. First, I might not be able to leave home. Or I could be left stranded out on the road, and be forced to call a tow truck to carry the bike to a dealer, since it can't be repaired at my touring destination, thus forcing me to completely change my travel plans.
Despite this, I reluctantly accept this theft deterrent. However, once you've had this sort of experience, it's not pleasant to find yourself asking "Am I going to be alright this time?," and praying for a safe trip every time you step out the door.
In fact, I used H.I.S.S. myself when riding a CBR954RR. Or more correctly, it was equipped that way. I could ride this H.I.S.S.-equipped machine the same way I'd ridden other bikes for over 30 years, but it offered highly effective-and totally automatic-electronic anti-theft protection.
To sum up, with H.I.S.S. the engine is impossible to be start without using the bike's original key. And even if thieves carry the bike away in a truck, both the ECU and the key cylinder must be replaced before it can be ridden or resold. And since replacement is costly, the theft doesn't pay. Also, even if the thief goes to a dealer pretending to be the bike owner and claims he lost his key, he can't replace the ECU and key until his ownership and identity are confirmed, so getting over these hurdles is going to be a lot of trouble for any thief. In other words, motorcycles equipped with H.I.S.S. make lousy targets for most thieves.
What's more, that red H.I.S.S. LED continues to flash around the clock, whispering every two seconds, "You're looking for trouble if you try to steal this. Don't even think about stealing this bike." Fortunately, I never experienced any theft or acts of vandalism while riding the CBR954RR. And even if I'm not particularly aware of it, thieves will quickly recognize what a headache H.I.S.S. is. Or rather, the most effective way to deter theft is to let thieves clearly see that a bike is equipped with H.I.S.S. Then they'll decide to look elsewhere for targets rather than taking aim at a bike equipped with H.I.S.S. This is surely an excellent anti-theft side-effect of having H.I.S.S.
Using this motorcycle the same way as ever, nothing special has to be done to reap the highly effective rewards of H.I.S.S. as it automatically protects against theft. I couldn't be more grateful for this technology and this device. Although few riders have a chance to test out its performance themselves, it's almost the same as hiring a good, but invisible, security guard. Definitely a reassuring technology. However, thieves are sure to be looking for new ways to steal bikes, so we shouldn't let down our guard or slacken our efforts to protect our beloved bikes by using a second and third anti-theft device besides H.I.S.S.
[H.I.S.S. Equipped Models]
<400cc>CB400, FJS400D/A, VT400S, VT400C
<500cc>CB500F
<600cc>CBR600RR, CBR650F
<700cc>NSA700,CTX700NA CTX700ND, CTX700A, CTX700D
<750cc>NC750D, NC750S, NC750X, NC750, VT750S, VT750C, VT750C2
<800cc>VFR800X
<1000cc>CBR1000RR
<1100cc>CB1100
<1200cc>VFR1200F, VFR1200X
<1300cc>CB1300, VT1300C, CTX1300
<1800cc>GL1800, GL1800B, GL1800C
*Production models as of Mar. 4, 2014
*Models may vary depending on regional specifications.
*The H.I.S.S.-equipped models listed above are included for reference purposes only. H.I.S.S. and model availability may differ depending on region and country. Please contact you nearest Honda dealership for more information regarding H.I.S.S.-equipped models in your area.
Q&A
Q1.What does H.I.S.S. stand for?
A.It's an acronym for Honda Ignition Security System, and the name of Honda's immobilizer system for theft prevention. H.I.S.S. is a highly effective anti-theft device developed exclusively by Honda.
Q2.How does it prevent theft?
A.An IC chip built into each of the motorcycle's two original ignition keys is programmed with a secret coded password, which is checked by the vehicle's ECU every time the key is inserted. The engine can only be started when the coded password of the matching ignition key is in close proximity.
Q3.Is H.I.S.S. installed in all models?
A.Not all Honda motorcycle models have it. Please contact your nearest Honda dealer or refer to your local Honda web site to find out which models sold in your area are equipped with H.I.S.S.
Q4.What is the H.I.S.S. operating procedure?
A.The H.I.S.S. immobilizer is enabled the instant the ignition key is removed from the key cylinder.
Q5.Can this anti-theft system be bypassed by making a duplicate key?
A.Even if a new ignition key is made to the exact same shape, if the key does not have the correct IC chip programmed with the matching password, the engine cannot be started.
Q6.Is an alarm also included in the system?
A.No alarm function is available. However, some models do have optionally available H.I.S.S. alarm kits, so please check with your nearest Honda dealer.
Q7.What is the battery life for a model equipped with H.I.S.S.?
A.Since the system uses a contact communications method similar to IC cards, its operation has no effect on battery life. However, the engine cannot be started if the vehicle's battery is completely discharged.
User Reviews
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CB500F
Male, 40 years old
I mostly use my motorcycle for commuting, and park it in a roadside public parking space. Every day when I return from work, I feel relieved to see my bike parked in the same place I left it that morning. Worries about theft never end, but having H.I.S.S. installed does greatly reduce the risk and alleviate much of that worry.
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CTX700
Male, 57 years old
I bought a CTX700! I thought for sure that I'd have to buy an extra anti-theft device, but the bike came standard-equipped with a reinforced handlebar lock and reinforced ignition key cylinder in addition to this immobilizer device they call H.I.S.S. Since I never want my new bike stolen, I also had an alarm fitted. I bought the strongest chain lock I could find, which can supposedly beat any attempt to cut it, and now firmly chain up my CTX700 to a pole at my apartment. If my new bike is still stolen in spite of all these efforts and investment... I think I might cry.
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CB400F
Male, 54 years old
I vaguely recall getting an explanation about H.I.S.S. when I first bought my bike. But honestly, I completely forgot what I heard because I was too happy about the purchase of my new motorcycle. However, when I took the key out after getting home, I noticed the red lamp begin to blink, indicating that the anti-theft device I was told about had begun to operate. The H.I.S.S. switches on without having to do anything more than simply removing the key as usual. It couldn't be easier.
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CB1100
Male, 49 years old
I'd like to suggest that Honda more assertively advertise the advantages of H.I.S.S. to motorcycle users. If more people get to know that the blinking red light indicates that H.I.S.S. is in operation, and that the bike can't be operated even if stolen, then the number of thefts might just decrease.
Male, 45 years old
I eventually plan to customize my CB1100 with more of a café racer look. Although this will take a lot of time, the CB is still a bike that I know I can enjoy for a long time. Being equipped with H.I.S.S. now seems to be standard for most of Honda's larger and more expensive motorcycles, and I can't imagine any of those bikes without H.I.S.S.
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SILVER WING GT
Male, 30 years old
I like this scooter a lot, mostly because its carrying space is quite large and I can use it comfortably for both commuting and long rides. I think H.I.S.S. should also be considered a comfort feature, because I certainly wouldn't want to return to find my scooter missing from where I parked it.
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CBR1000RR
Male, 39 years old
I've experienced an attempted bike theft before. The key hole was tampered with and broken. Although it happened quite a long time ago, I've always been careful since then. I heard that the H.I.S.S. immobilizer was excellent. However, in spite of this, that thief might still have tried to steal my bike. Therefore, I wanted to get something extra that ensures a little better security than before. In a way, this is sort of like a superbike performance comparison, isn't it?
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SILVER WING GT ＜400＞
Male, 48 years old
A few years ago I owned a 250cc scooter, but it was stolen. I thought it was safe enough with a chain locked around its wheel, especially since my scooter was parked at the back of a narrow alley. However, it seems I let my guard down, and one day I returned to find the chain cut off, and my scooter gone. So, instead of buying another scooter of the same type, I bought a Silver Wing. Anyone can clearly see that it is equipped with H.I.S.S. with just one glance at the red lamp blinking on its dashboard when parked. I'm sure thieves won't feel like stealing this scooter because of the major hassles that would be required to destroy its security system. In my opinion, this security system would be perfect if an optional alarm were also made available.
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CB1300SB
Male, 38 years old
Just seeing that red LED lamp blinking in the meter gives me a strong sense of security. I once lost my spare key, and so had no choice but to have a new key made by the Dream shop. I was surprised to find out that it would cost me as much as 8,000 yen for the replacement. However, if I think about it coolly, that 8,000 yen key was actually quite cheap, since it would be far worse if my BIG-1 were ever stolen.
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CB400SF
Male, 56 years old
My feeling is that H.I.S.S. is absolutely necessary. To put it simply, this is an anti-theft immobilizer, but any bike equipped with this device will make thieves throw up their hands in despair. It can't be started by any other key than the bike's original keys, and doesn't that ensure that a thief can't ride it even if he is successful in somehow stealing it? There may be only one small red lamp to be seen blinking in its speedometer, but that alone serves as a really effective deterrent to theft.
Male, 56 years old
It seemed like bike thefts were pretty frequent a few years ago, but I guess this situation hasn't change all that much even today, has it? After I returned to my home town, I started riding a CB400 Super Four. They say that thefts these days are the work of professional gangs, and that once they target you, it's your loss. Scary, isn't it? However, it's fundamentally important that we all show a strong conviction to not become victims of theft. After a long time away from riding, I'm happy that this new CB I bought came standard-equipped with H.I.S.S., and an excellent warning against theft.
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Gold Wing
Male, 55 years old
When staying at hotels during long touring trips, I sometimes get suddenly worried about my Gold Wing, and have to check to be sure that it's still where I parked it. I've taken every security measure that I can. However, I've been told by the dealer that the Gold Wing's immobilizer is reliable, and though I don't precisely understand the mechanical details of H.I.S.S., just knowing that the engine can't be started as long as the key in my pocket is not used certainly gives me a greater sense of security.
Male, 61 years old
H.I.S.S. is certainly a great feature. However, if I were to ever lose my keys, including the spare, the entire electronic control system would have to be replaced, which I'm not very happy about. The main keys, the ignition switch assembly, the ECU and other parts... all together the cost could easily exceed 100,000 yen, which I'm sure you can understand would be a very difficult price to have to pay. I realize that I'd have to accept this costly expense, because it would cost me hundreds of thousands or even millions of yen more if the bike were stolen. However, I'd still be grateful if the replacement cost could somehow be a little less expensive.
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Shadow
Female, 35 years old
I really like my Shadow's cool, laid-back appearance. But the fact that it also came with H.I.S.S as standard equipment was another important reason for buying this bike. A friend of mine told me she had her motorcycle stolen. Since a theft like that could unfortunately happen near me, I also had an alarm included with it.
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Shadow Phantom
Male, 44 years old
My old motorcycle was stolen some time ago. I only managed to buy that bike after a long time scraping together enough money. But one night when I left my company office to go home, my bike was nowhere to be found. I called the police and was exasperated by what the policeman told me, "This was the work of professionals. You should give up on ever seeing it again." I regretted not having H.I.S.S. then. Since my new SHADOW Phantom is equipped with H.I.S.S., I think its effect on deterring theft is excellent.
Tsutomu 'Ben' Matsui (b. 1963, Tokyo)motorcycle journalist
Since 1986, motorcycle journalist Tsutomu Matsui has contributed interviews, riding impressions and first-hand race reports to a host of magazines and specialty motorcycle publications. He has also ridden in the Paris-Dakar and Baja 1000 rallies.
