MOTORCYCLE SECURITY
Product Review
HeimVision Security Cameras
By
Joe Zimmerman
Legend has it that during the early American frontier period of the Wild West, horse thieves were swiftly lynched. Today, unfortunately, hanging someone for the crime of stealing one’s ride is simply not allowed. In fact stealing motorcycles today can fall under the trivial charges of a misdemeanor, or possibly sometimes as a felony depending on the intent of the theft (if the thief was depriving the owner of the bike on a temporary or permanent bases). It’s true all automotive thefts are evil criminal acts and thieves should be swiftly prosecuted to the full extent of the law by the legal system, but more often than not they never are, and let’s be clear here … stealing someone’s motorcycle is downright PERSONAL and these crimes need to be addressed and dealt with.
Although in the United States there are more automobile thefts than motorcycles, unlike automobiles, motorcycles are much easier to steal. Usually that parked Honda CB500 that a criminal is focused on can simply be dragged or lifted off the ground by one or two people and then quickly stashed into a van or truck.
Of course there are numerous other ways thieves steal motorcycles: by gunpoint, bypassing the ignition switch, removing the tire that may be locked, breaking the handlebar lock etc… but simply lifting it and hauling it away in a van is the overall choice for motorcycle thieves. Despite what kind of security precaution bikers take, chain locks, alarm systems, disc locks, GPS location gadgets, there’s no guarantee they’ll ever see their bikes again once that van takes off.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), a non-profit organization of insurance companies, annual motorcycle thefts in the United States during 2018 were 41,674. As well, in the United Kingdom, there always seems to be widespread thefts of motorcycles. Data shows that in 2016 alone our British counterparts had nearly 15,000 motorbikes snatched from their owners.
If you’re a Honda owner (as I am), congratulations - you have the distinction of owning the most frequently stolen motorcycle brand; this seems to be the case because of the sheer number of Honda bikes produced and sold. To round off the motorcycle manufactures and their number of stolen bikes during 2019 in the U.S., Honda had 8,122 bikes reported stolen, while Yamaha had 6,495, Harley Davidson 4,737, Suzuki 4,686, Kawasaki 4,641, KTM 805, Ducati 501 and BMW with 443.
The Los Angeles and New York counties are first and second in the United States when it comes to bike thefts. And, in places like Melbourne, Australia, figures from the National Vehicle Theft Reduction Council state that the majority of Aussies who have their motorcycles stolen usually experience the theft from their very own properties.
To reduce this common home theft problem for the community of bike owners, and to decrease their chances of becoming statistical victims, obviously we want to reinforce the steps to securing motorcycles with covers to conceal bikes to make thefts less inviting, use disc locks to help secure front brake discs, use grip-locks to secure brake and throttle controls, and to even use simple chain locks. All these methods are good deterrents and make it slightly more time consuming for bike thieves to commit their crimes. But the truth is, as we noted, a determined horse thief usually gets around preventive measures, and the record number of stolen motorcycles are a testament to that.
Motorcycle steering locks just can’t prevent simple forces of pressure from popping the handlebars loose, and disk locks can’t stop thieves from simply removing motorcycle wheels. Again, the most common way to steal a motorcycle is by simply lifting it off the ground and loading it into a van. Riding a stolen motorcycle away comes with a much greater risk of getting caught. Throwing a stolen bike into a van offers many benefits. Once a nabbed motorcycle is in the van it's invisible to the public and law enforcement as it’s driven away in a cloak of cover, and the people doing the snatching wouldn’t even need to know how to override an ignition switch or ride a motorcycle. The van method requires no experience and is simply quick, easy and quiet.
Below: Actual images of motorcycles being stolen using the Van and Truck method.
So what can prevent a rider from ever having his/her motorcycle stolen? Well, the one sure way to stop this crime from ever happening is by knowing when the theft is about to take place. Knowing when it’s about to happen is the key to stopping the theft before your bike is loaded onto a van. One way of doing this is by simply observing your motorcycle at all times, or at least getting notifications when someone is approaching your bike.
The best way to monitor your motorcycle, or anything for that matter these days, is by using a security camera in combination with your smartphone. But, in today’s world of sophisticated gadgetry it can be very difficult to find the right camera for your specific needs. There are many security cameras available that offer different features and it can be wearisome trying to find the right one to choose from - wired or wireless, DVR’s or SD cards, internet hosting providers, cloud space plans, batteries or other power options, etc.
With so much to consider, here’s what this biker did to safeguard his own motorcycle. In the past I have used professionally set-up security cameras that were hardwired throughout my property which included a dedicated DVR (Digital Video Recorder), and a yearly network subscription fee for a company to host, to store my security footage on the internet and provide me playback viewing. All this, with cameras, installation and internet access plan ran me a hefty price - well over $1,500.00 at the time.
Today, I am happy to say that you can get the same security features (and much more) for a one-time fee of around $50.00 (just the simple cost of purchasing the camera itself). The camera I chose to test for securing my Honda NC700X was HeimVision’s wireless battery camera the Freed 3. Although the Freed 3 is HeimVision’s newest camera, their previous model HMD2 offer’s the same functionality at even a lower price. HeimVision itself is very familiar with people’s security needs as they offer a respectable line of other security cameras and related equipment packages. Because the Freed 3 and the HMD2 models are both superb cameras and offer virtually identical features (with the exception that the Freed 3 maintains a flatter bottom base for tabletop placement and is equipped with an extra mini-LED night vision lamp), I will review both units as one product.
To start off, I had been increasingly unhappy with my previous security camera setup as mice could easily chew the hardwire cables, the fixed positions of the cameras made mobility an inconvenience, and because my DVR’s hard drive crashed, I lost all (6) of my camera’s footage. It also forced me to pay every year for an internet company to allow me the capability to view my cameras’ live feed by remote.
I simply wanted to find an easier, more convenient and reliable security system setup, so I took a chance on a discounted sale that Amazon had for the HeimVision camera. After going through a partial list of the well over 4,000 members of Amazon’s community who recommended the HeimVision unit, the stellar reviews affirmed to me that this camera had everything I wanted and more. And with the camera being discounted for that particular day to $40, I made the purchase - I mean what could be the harm? The unit was just so inexpensive. Well, after testing the little camera, which happened to arrive the following day, I eventually ended up ordering several more HeimVision cameras, as they were that good.
Because HeimVision’s camera units worked flawlessly, I dedicated one of them specifically for my motorcycle inside the garage. Even if I kept the bike out in front of the house, I had another HeimVision camera watching it out there too. It’s like having a 24/7 personal security guard. I get notified the second anyone walks near my bike as HeimVision’s camera offers two simple and easy motion sensitivity range options: Low or High – both of which have actually worked perfectly at all times with a range of 23-35ft. My tests actually suggest the “high” setting’s working range is even further than the manufacturer’s findings. At any rate, here’s the run-down on these little inexpensive yet exceptional security cameras:
Long-lasting battery that doesn’t need to be charged every other day, these portable cameras can last weeks if not months without needing to be charged (depending on how many times it wakes to record movement). But, if you don’t want to deal with having to periodically charge the camera every 8 weeks or so, you can simply power these cameras directly with a 5V2A power adapter …
… or via solar power with HeimVision’s mini weather resistant HMS1 Solar Panel (Below).
The camera uses a 2 Megapixel HD lens, which provides very clear videos (Below).
The night vision which turns on automatically using its (3-4) infrared LEDs is superb. The image quality choice settings are either SD (Standard Definition) or HD (1080P High Definition). Below are actual screenshots from the HeimLife App from my phone for quality comparisons. Note: these images were shot in 100% absolute pitch black darkness.
Below: HeimVision quality settings, SD (Standard Definition) Left, and HD (High Definition) Right.
Below: HeimVision’s magnetically attached wireless camera alongside my old professionally installed and immovable wired security camera (Left), and a night vision comparison of both cameras with my previous camera’s night vision image quality on top and HeimVision’s night vision quality on the bottom.
Instead of your video feed being sent and recorded to a standard DVR, which could have a confusing navigation screen profile with complicated setting adjustments that could be a learning curve to use, or require an expensive hard drive (which can crash, and has for me) to house the footage, the same storage and playback results can be had within the HeimVision camera itself by simply using a $6.00 microSD Card that slips into the IP65 weatherproof compartment at the bottom rear of the camera which is covered by a rubber seal. So yes, these cameras work indoor and outdoor in all weather conditions.
Below: The rear compartment which contains the on and off button, the reset pin, the microSD card slot, and the power charge input connection, is covered by an IP65 weatherproof compartment rubber seal along the bottom rear of the camera.
The HeimVision camera can take microSD cards as large as 128GB and the HeimLife app’s menu screen on your phone is simple to use with a true user-friendly interface that includes plain and practical control options for flawless scrubbing playback review. Although HeimVision does offer an unlimited cloud storage option (for a small subscription fee), it’s not necessary at all as I’ve been using only microSD cards with my cameras which work perfectly. So using the SD card allows you to save money by avoiding any additional subscription fees. Do note that the manufacturer states you should install your microSD Card before powering on the camera.
As for the footage on your SD card, if you don’t eventually delete your videos and the card becomes full, no worries, as the new recordings will eventually overlap your previous footage. But if you want to keep certain video clips, the app offers simple features that allow you to export your clips from your SD card straight to your phone or export via e-mail, messenger etc.
Below: Example screenshots of HeimLife’s simple app interface.
The camera includes a microphone for listening, as well as a speaker which allows you two-way audio communications with anyone you are viewing during a live feed. So if somebody suspiciously starts to approach your bike you can instantly warn them that they are being monitored.
HeimVision also offers several mounting options that are included with the camera in the box. A simple metal and sturdy standard screw-on option with an adjustable head (Below) …
… or a magnetic mount that simply attaches to the rear of the camera automatically and allows you to freely adjust your angle (Below).
Or, you can simply stand the camera on its bottom base on any flat surface.
The camera’s field of view is a generous 120/130 degrees and does an exceptional job in allowing zoom-in clarity.
Again, the beauty with this little camera is that you are immediately notified when anyone approaches your bike. You will receive an instant notification on your phone with a photo of the screenshot where you can press “play” and actually view what your camera caught during playback, or quickly press “Live” to view the live stream.
Below: HeimVision’s Camera offers immediate notification via the HeimLife app to your phone the minute anyone approaches your bike.
Because the camera does not support 24/7 recording, the 6000mAh battery is capable of lasting an extremely long time. The camera only records video when the motion sensor detects movement, thereby saving you tons of storage space which in turn allows you to use the HD option as the camera doesn’t waste any of your storage space with constant unnecessary recordings. And again, this allows for a very long battery life.
Despite the camera coming with a little instruction manual, you most likely will not need it or use it. Just install the HeimLife app on your phone and charge the camera (it’s recommended you fully charge the camera when using it for the first time), then follow the app’s 3 to 4 on-screen steps which use both visual and audible assistance for simplicity. Once you’ve added the camera(s) to your phone app and connected it to your local WiFi, you’re done. The whole connection set up should take you no more than 5 minutes, if that. The camera’s Wi-Fi range of distance is between 50 to 80 feet (depending on obstructions like walls, etc.), but I experienced zero range issues from placing the units throughout my property. As a convenience, each camera offers the WiFi range strength on the app, so you can see the strength of the signal between the camera and your router.
Lastly, sharing your camera’s security feed to other phones is as simple as sending a family member or friend a request to join through the app. The camera supports multiple users who can use and view the camera and its recordings simultaneously. But note, only the main account holder can share to other accounts.
Below: What you receive in the box. The Wireless Battery Security Camera, a USB Charging Cable, a 360° Metal Stand Mount, a Magnetic Mount, a Small Quick Start Manual, Two 3M Adhesive Pads, a Reset Pin, and Mounting Screws.
In conclusion, yes, motorcycle thefts are atrocious acts and we bikers take the stealing of our rides VERY PERSONALY, but there’s no need for any biker to turn into a victim or a vengeful assassin these days; our motorcycles simply need to be monitored a little more often. In my case, HeimVision’s wireless cameras have been doing that job for me in a superb way, and so I highly recommend their cameras for motorcycle protection. More so, I’d recommend getting them as standard gifts as well. At today’s bargain basement prices that these cameras go for, handing them out as gifts is a no-brainer and can go a long way to protect not only motorcycles but everything else you and your family and friends hold dear.
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For More Information On HeimVision’s Cameras, Or To Order Units Go To:
or
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089DC59ZV/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_fabt1_VGUTFbMHKXBV9
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Disclaimer:
For clarification purposes: I do not work for HeimVision, nor have I been given any of their product cameras for free in exchange for this review. Each of these cameras were purchased on my own from Amazon.
(Contributing assistance to this article: Aaron Zimmerman)
Photos: Joe Zimmerman (Any additional user uploaded photos and scans are used for informative, promotional, editorial, and educational purposes only. All images, logos, and other respective materials are copyright by their respective owners. No rights are given or implied in any way)