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“Meta M357 bike alarm the most reliable alarm on the...”

written by abacuscaralarms on 08/02/2012

Firstly let me state I fit Meta alarms for a living & without doubt these are the most reliable electronic bike security systems on the market today. Its true these alarms can start too give problems at around the ten-year mark, I still know of the earlier model fitted in 1998 which are still going strong today. Now before the moaners out there say ‘10 years is that all’ I'll let you into a little secret that in my experience similar Datatool products on average gives problems after 5 or 6 years as do many other makes including Acumen. I fit these Meta’s day in & day out they are very high quality superbly designed & manufactured security devices.

Every poor report here on the review pages is about an alarm that was discontinued in 2002 (M357T replaced by the TV2 version in 2003), that makes this alarm around 10 years old now, come on reviewers wake up to yourselves, when’s the last time you saw a review about a 10 year old TV or kettle. Oh and before someone mentions they have a 30 year old Sony Triniton TV still working (as I do) note the conditions this product has not lived in such as massive heat variations, dampness, water spray, excessive vibrations, owners messing around with the bike's electrics etc etc. These are the conditions these alarms must endure.

To cut down on many of the problems mentioned here are a few simple tips about buying a bike with a Meta alarm fitted.

1/. Always make sure you get the red code card from the previous owner, this contains the 16 digit code & the over ride code, without this you will not be able to purchase replacement remotes and most importantly override the immobiliser should the remotes fail to operate. If missing sooner or later the only option will be to remove or replace the alarm should a problem occur. This is the single most reason Meta alarms are removed/replaced - if the codecard is missing negotiate with the owner for a replacement which will cost around £150 plus fitting (the TV2 is not directly plugable into the M357 loom but adapter looms are now available which makes replacement simple & cheaper)

2/ Make sure the LED functions, by counting the flashes this is used enter the over ride code. This is a cheap component to replace but a very important part of the system. By the way if the LED is fitted in the taillight I suggest it be moved so it can be seen while operating the ignition switch. I just do not know why fitters mount the LED in the taillight unless of course they think their customers are gorillas with extra long arms.