I use a disc alarm on the front and a cable through the rear wheel, along with the front fork lock. Then cover it all with a bike cover. Many years of Motel 6 camping with no problems.
I don’t find this topic covered much, so thanks! You’re clear that you can reduce the risk of theft, but you can’t prevent it. If that ever happens to me, I have a cell phone to call police with, a hidden air tag on the bike, and I have theft coverage in my motorcycle insurance. It would end my trip, but I’m resourceful enough to find other ways to get home. But the more serious concern is - where’s your cigar!!!?
All good common sense advice 👍 I, like you, use a cover over my bike when parked up overnight and, as well as a ‘D’ lock and steel cable lock (which is useful for locking my helmet to the bike at a stop) but I also carry an alarmed padlock. Whilst someone could cut it off the bike with an angle grinder etc but, If it’s moved the alarm will sound, so my theory is that it will scare off any casual attempts to move my bike as it immediately draws attention to what they’re doing. Like you say, if someone is serious about stealing your bike they will. All you can do is make it awkward for the casual thief!
Great video with some great tips, Craig. I like the cover idea. I have a cover but have not brought it for my last few trips because of its packed size. I was not familiar with the Nelson Rigg line of covers (I use their bags) and how small that packs with the compression bag. I will probably pick one of those up. Thanks Craig, stay safe, brother- AL
I use a small diameter cable and lock to lock riding gear, helmet, pants and jacket to the bike when stopping for lunch or exploring a national park for extended time. This helps people for just grabbing gear when walking by.
Craig, i always enjoy your video's. Common sense and situational awareness goes with me, anywhere i go. One item i find comes in very handy, is a cable gun lock.They are available for free at many police departments, and are great for locking your helmet onto the bike. They can also be used at night to secure your cover on the bike. Obviously they are not going to stop someone with criminal intent, but its just an additional layer of defense. Safe travels and Happy Adventures!
Good advice. I carry a long cable with loops on each end. I can run it thru my jacket sleeve and helmet to secure it to the bike with a small padlock. Not for an overnight stay but for times I will be away for a little bit of time and not wanting to bring them along
Spot on, Craig. I use a Nelson Rigg half cover. Been passed down from my BMW, V-Strom and now Tiger. For all my travels, I only use my Givi V-47 top case with Admore Lighting and a waterproof duffel bungeed to the back seat. Of course at night the duffel comes in, but have never (knock on wood) had anyone, anywhere mess with my 'stuff' while off the bike for a moment. Situational awareness goes a long way for personal and property protection! Ned in SC
Thanks for the comment on the bike cover. I have K1600GT and you answered my question if the XXL would fit. Good info. You provide greqt info on what everyone is thinking but wont admit. Lol.
100% agree on the cover. I have used the E-Z Touring Traveller cover for 30 years as they pack in about half the space of the cover you showed. It only covers the top half of the bike, but that covers most things people are likely to fiddle with. I also remove my GPS and take it into the hotel and leave no valuables on or in the bike. Fortunately, in almost 40 years of motorcycle touring covering all of the USA, except Hawaii, and almost all of Canada and the UK and parts of Europe, my wife and I have never had an issue. We generally try to avoid hotels in large cities and sketchy parts of any city or town. We also try to park in a lighted area near the hotel entrance or right outside our door if at a motel. I suspect we have just been lucky, but taking a few basic precautions tends to help one be more lucky than others who are more cavalier. Some day we will probably get hit by a thief, but so far, so good.
I do exactly as Craig says with one addition…I always use a disc alarm, but be sure your bike cover doesn’t interfere or you may hear the alarm in the middle of the night in high wind/storm conditions….can be embarrassing if you sleep ohnaturel…..trust me on this one!
Great video! On the subject of firearms, I did carry on a cross country ride on US50 I did a few years ago. I educated myself on which states recognized my state's carry permit and acted accordingly. The only place that I felt in possible danger (but nothing happened thankfully) was in DC on the NE side of town on US50. Rougher area. Middle of the day. Some rough looking characters on the side of the road just milling about and eyeballing me. Red light. Not a lot of traffic. I realized how vulnerable I was to being attacked. And, my gun and ammo were tucked away in different parts of my bike because my carry permit is not recognized in DC. I did the same in IL and in CA (disarmed myself) but didn't find myself in a similar vulnerable state again on the ride. When it comes to protecting my life, I would rather have it and not need it than the other way around, just like my helmet and other riding gear.
I've never thought of taking my bike cover with me when I go on a trip - that's excellent advice! As far as chains are concerned, I prefer to use a brake disc lock with alarm, which is lighter and easier to install and remove. As far as possible, I try to do without luggage (rigid, semi-rigid or soft) attached to the bike, preferring one or two waterproof bags plus a tank bag. But it's true that for a 2-month trip, it's not that easy. Thank you for your videos Craig, they are very informative and to the point.
Been enjoying your videos. Just got back from a 1,000-mile solo trip to Virginia Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway and am glad I bought your recommended motorcycle cover. The Nelson Rigg Defender Extreme Adventure Cover was on sale so I bought it. The second night there was heavy rain and the bike stayed dry. Going to check out your top 10 places in North America to ride next.
In 12 years of touring in the UK and Europe, the worst problem I’ve encountered is kids (sometimes helped by their dads) /pissed-up idiots sitting on the bike, pressing every switch and button, winding the throttle all the way back etc. One time the bike went over and was badly damaged. I also saw it happen to a fully-loaded GSA in Ireland. Use a cover and nobody bothers your bike, it’s like it’s invisible
All great tips. I do pretty much the same. If I'm staying in a city I try to look for a place with underground or 'secure' parking wherever possible. Totally agree about taking a cover, good idea for other reasons as well as security. I use a disc lock and a D lock as deterrents, knowing full well if they want it they will have it. I still can't drum up the courage to leave my helmet or jacket on the bike. One of my old bosses used to say 'Remove the temptation, remove the crime'. 👍 (Edit for typo)
Asking the deck guy (and $$$ helps) to let you park by the entry way, under lights helps immensely, steering lock, a disc lock and a brake lock as a visual deterrent as well
It just a matter of luck so far so good. I travel the US and Canada on my motorcycle and had no problem but it's always on my mind with all the lunatics that roam this earth !
You are spot on about travel safety. I don’t carry a firearm for the reasons you said. Use common sense adont put yourself in that predicament. Have a little faith in human nature sometimes it’s hard.
I just returned (yesterday/Sept 10) from a 5200 mile round trip, staying at hotels, due to time constraints. For me, the key ingredient is whether the hotel lets me park the GSA right in front, under the awning. If I can’t park in plain sight, where most of the guest traffic & cameras are, then I’m not staying. So far, no issues.
Thanks for this video, Craig. I am planning on a small trip in October did some research on covers for my S10 this past weekend. I ended up ordering the Nelson-Rigg ADV cover. Will see... As far as additional security, I also lock the steering column and have a Kryptonite disk lock that I keep in one of my panniers. I do have a Mosko Moto tank bag that I remove every time I get to a rest stop or restaurant. Like you said it's a pain in the... to remove it and reattach it, but certainly a piece of mind considering I carry valuable items on that bag. I don't have my GPS secured (yet), so I also have to remove it every time. Bottom-line is common sense; trust but making sure certain things are with me most of the time, or locked 'safely'.
Great vid as usual. I have heard other tube channels say they will not come and visit us in Canada because of our gun laws. Which is a real shame. I would like to say that when they say u can't have a hand gun up here they ain't kidding around. No one cares what kind of permit u have or from where. No one cares if your a member of law enforcement. They don't care if your a member of the FBI or CIA, If your caught with a hand gun you will loose it and you will go to jail, no question about it. If your armed find some place to leave it before you cross the border ( my brother in law who lived in Texas would find a church in Montana who would store his gun before he came home to Alberta). Not saying any of this is good or bad, but am saying it's the way it is. Also make sure your vehicle insurance and plates are valid. Spent many yrs in law enforcement and was amazed how many vehicles I stopped from U.S. with invalid plates or insurance. In most provinces no insurance could mean getting your bike taken and a ticket of hundreds of dollars, and yes they can enforce the ticket fine in many U.S. states
I am likewise a law abiding gun owner and additionally have a higher level of certification in my home state since I lead my church’s security team (Act 235 in PA). I generally carry when I can do so legally, but given the patchwork quilt of laws in the US at the state level and the rapidity at which they change, carrying while traveling is challenging to say the least, even with an app that tracks the law changes in every state. However, a firearm should never be used to protect property. That is simply illegal in all states except Texas, and even Texas has some pretty tight requirements as to when you can use deadly force to protect property. A firearm, or any potentially lethal weapon, really should only be used to protect your life or the life of another person. Pretty much any other use stands a good chance of landing you in the crowbar hotel. So, while I carry, I would never employ a firearm to protect property.
Hi from the UK, personal safety here and across almost all parts of europe is never a concern, but the saftey of your bike very much is especially here in the UK. One thing I would add is your bikes steering lock IS frighteningly easy to defeat, yes it may deter the opportunist thief but someone who knows what they're doing will bypass it silently in only a second or two so don't rely on it as your primary form of defence. A good alarmed disc lock (the oxford boss would be my recommendation) that will scream its head off should anyone mess with your bike or try to remove it. Low lives don't like all the attention as a rule and more often than not will move on to easier pickins.
I deliberately do not use the steering lock. You're right, a thief can break it in seconds and, if you still have the bike, it is very expensive to repair the damage. I'm wondering about an alarmed disk lock, as I'm fed up with carrying an ultra heavy padlock and chain.
@@m2menuiserie540 Unless you're using the chain to secure the bike to an immovable object a disc lock will offer the same protection with out the need to carry a heavy chain everywhere with the added benefit of making a racket should anyone mees with your bike. When I'm away on tour I usually carry two disc locks, one high end alarmed one and a slightly cheaper one that I put on the rear and also a braided steel cable lock so I can lock the bike to something if available. I know braided steel cable lock are fairly easy to remove but I work on the principal that most scum bags are lazy and having to defeat three locks is just too much work and they will move on looking for easy pickins. If you do go with an alarmed disc lock avoid the cheap push in pin kind that look like a stapler as the are so easy to remove and get one that looks like a traditional padlock.
Bike security also depends upon where you are travelling. Some areas of the country are worse / better than others. What I did with my '01 GoldWing many years ago was to purchase a Scorpio Alarm system. This system had a proximity sensor so if someone got close (like put a hand on a seat or sit on it), then the alarm would go off. And, the alarm would go off if the bike were moved. Plus, I had a remote for the alarm so if the alarm went off or the warning alarm went off, the remote went off as well. So, if someone were too close to the bike in the middle of the night, I got alerted (happened once as a drunk staggered by). On my BMW, it comes with a Security System so I just used that. I figured if someone tried to take the bike then the alarm would go off and that would be an additional deterrent. Yup, use lots of common sense and again be wary of the area that you are in.
I didnt have any issues until camping in tok Alaska. Luckily I camped with two other riders and one being a retired police. He woke up at 2:00 am and caught locals going through our bikes bags. Luckily it was rainy and had my bag with money and passport in my tent.
@@andrewpeter6128 Yea. Sh*t happens. It was just a bad experience in Tok. Before that it was pouring down rain. I got gas and parked my bike between the pumps so people could continue getting fuel and went in to get food. The guy working there yelled in store who’s has the motorcycle and made me moved right away. Needless to say I left the things I was gonna purchase and will never do business there again.
@@davidbarth3504 as an Alaskan resident, I don’t even remember taking the fob off my bike, or locking the boxes as an anti human intervention. Bears, however, I use the boxes to keep my food away from the little furry creatures.
I used to work for Thule and Craig is exactly right. Often customers would have all sorts of questions regarding the locks on the various products and it came down to using layers of security. Thieves, as all of us, employ risk assessment. If its an easy swipe, they will take your property 100% of the time. But if they are given pause to question what their visibility is, how long it will take to defeat a lock, how quickly they can escape, the relative value vs. rhe risk, they will increasingly doubt their success. Small, valuable and accessible- like camera equipment is very high on their list. The bikes themselves are not. Even so, there are many ways to go about making the bikes less accessible. I don't think I heard Craig mention disk locks. There are many tracking products that will also alert to movement while connected to an app on your phone. Just saying, the layers of products are out there and a few of them are really worth considering along with the SOP procedures for finding locations and types of placement for your bike and luggage. Best wishes all.
Other than a good ground anchor and chain there's not too much you can do. If at all possible I lock my bike to something like a guardrail. I also have a Monimoto GPS tracker and a cheap air tag. Lock Picking Lawyer has some good advice.
No device is theft proof. They’re only there to extend the amount of time it takes to defeat them. Other than the fork lock, I use a disc brake lock. They’re probably not going to roll it away. And at 617lbs wet, I don’t think they’ll carry it. So some kind of hydraulic means will be necessary to haul it away. And there isn’t much I can do about that. So if they get it, they get it….
Good topic , I have a wheel lock that attached on the steering and it will ring if it moved. Agreed with good location ( hotel) that is most sager. I lock my helmet on the seat with a fast mini lock. I take gps and camera off. No firearm in Canada ..we cannot carry.
Cheap cover, remove the locked GPS, and empty the aluminum boxes. I typically leave the tools that I carry, but throw an extra padlock on the box. I'll remove them if the area is sketchy. I'd rather replace stuff maybe, than worry about every detail every night. My buddy prefers ground floor rooms so he can park outside his window, but I prefer to park in a lighted area and be upstairs so I don't need to listen to anyone banging around above me.
I'm a budget motel user 95% of the time, and on all my trips have never had security/theft issues. I follow a young man's channel where their enclosed trailer was opened and his *and* his girlfriends motorcycle stolen in the middle of the night. It was a well lighted Raddison ($302 night) parking lot. Thieves know where the money people with toys stay.
I have a V Strom 1000 and it's not very attractive to the professional thieves. In Europe at least they prefer the BMW 1250/1300 GS. And for the young kids it's too heavy to play around with. I have an extra disc lock for the bike. For the helmet I have a cheap wire with a combination lock. It makes it a bit more difficult for a random passer-by just to lift the helmet from the bike when I'm leaving the bike for a short time. The gps I put in the top box.
Great video, spot on…all of it.
I use a disc alarm on the front and a cable through the rear wheel, along with the front fork lock. Then cover it all with a bike cover. Many years of Motel 6 camping with no problems.
I don’t find this topic covered much, so thanks! You’re clear that you can reduce the risk of theft, but you can’t prevent it. If that ever happens to me, I have a cell phone to call police with, a hidden air tag on the bike, and I have theft coverage in my motorcycle insurance. It would end my trip, but I’m resourceful enough to find other ways to get home.
But the more serious concern is - where’s your cigar!!!?
All good common sense advice 👍 I, like you, use a cover over my bike when parked up overnight and, as well as a ‘D’ lock and steel cable lock (which is useful for locking my helmet to the bike at a stop) but I also carry an alarmed padlock. Whilst someone could cut it off the bike with an angle grinder etc but, If it’s moved the alarm will sound, so my theory is that it will scare off any casual attempts to move my bike as it immediately draws attention to what they’re doing. Like you say, if someone is serious about stealing your bike they will. All you can do is make it awkward for the casual thief!
Great video with some great tips, Craig. I like the cover idea. I have a cover but have not brought it for my last few trips because of its packed size. I was not familiar with the Nelson Rigg line of covers (I use their bags) and how small that packs with the compression bag. I will probably pick one of those up. Thanks Craig, stay safe, brother- AL
I use a small diameter cable and lock to lock riding gear, helmet, pants and jacket to the bike when stopping for lunch or exploring a national park for extended time. This helps people for just grabbing gear when walking by.
Craig ,thank you for pointing out a very good point of view. excellent presentation!
Craig, i always enjoy your video's. Common sense and situational awareness goes with me, anywhere i go.
One item i find comes in very handy, is a cable gun lock.They are available for free at many police departments, and are great for locking your helmet onto the bike.
They can also be used at night to secure your cover on the bike.
Obviously they are not going to stop someone with criminal intent, but its just an additional layer of defense.
Safe travels and Happy Adventures!
Good advice. I carry a long cable with loops on each end. I can run it thru my jacket sleeve and helmet to secure it to the bike with a small padlock. Not for an overnight stay but for times I will be away for a little bit of time and not wanting to bring them along
Spot on, Craig. I use a Nelson Rigg half cover. Been passed down from my BMW, V-Strom and now Tiger. For all my travels, I only use my Givi V-47 top case with Admore Lighting and a waterproof duffel bungeed to the back seat. Of course at night the duffel comes in, but have never (knock on wood) had anyone, anywhere mess with my 'stuff' while off the bike for a moment. Situational awareness goes a long way for personal and property protection!
Ned in SC
Thanks for the comment on the bike cover. I have K1600GT and you answered my question if the XXL would fit. Good info. You provide greqt info on what everyone is thinking but wont admit. Lol.
100% agree on the cover. I have used the E-Z Touring Traveller cover for 30 years as they pack in about half the space of the cover you showed. It only covers the top half of the bike, but that covers most things people are likely to fiddle with. I also remove my GPS and take it into the hotel and leave no valuables on or in the bike.
Fortunately, in almost 40 years of motorcycle touring covering all of the USA, except Hawaii, and almost all of Canada and the UK and parts of Europe, my wife and I have never had an issue. We generally try to avoid hotels in large cities and sketchy parts of any city or town. We also try to park in a lighted area near the hotel entrance or right outside our door if at a motel.
I suspect we have just been lucky, but taking a few basic precautions tends to help one be more lucky than others who are more cavalier. Some day we will probably get hit by a thief, but so far, so good.
Great discussion Craig. I appreciate and respect your approach to both personal and property security.
I do exactly as Craig says with one addition…I always use a disc alarm, but be sure your bike cover doesn’t interfere or you may hear the alarm in the middle of the night in high wind/storm conditions….can be embarrassing if you sleep ohnaturel…..trust me on this one!
Great video! On the subject of firearms, I did carry on a cross country ride on US50 I did a few years ago. I educated myself on which states recognized my state's carry permit and acted accordingly. The only place that I felt in possible danger (but nothing happened thankfully) was in DC on the NE side of town on US50. Rougher area. Middle of the day. Some rough looking characters on the side of the road just milling about and eyeballing me. Red light. Not a lot of traffic. I realized how vulnerable I was to being attacked. And, my gun and ammo were tucked away in different parts of my bike because my carry permit is not recognized in DC. I did the same in IL and in CA (disarmed myself) but didn't find myself in a similar vulnerable state again on the ride. When it comes to protecting my life, I would rather have it and not need it than the other way around, just like my helmet and other riding gear.
I've never thought of taking my bike cover with me when I go on a trip - that's excellent advice! As far as chains are concerned, I prefer to use a brake disc lock with alarm, which is lighter and easier to install and remove. As far as possible, I try to do without luggage (rigid, semi-rigid or soft) attached to the bike, preferring one or two waterproof bags plus a tank bag. But it's true that for a 2-month trip, it's not that easy. Thank you for your videos Craig, they are very informative and to the point.
Been enjoying your videos. Just got back from a 1,000-mile solo trip to Virginia Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway and am glad I bought your recommended motorcycle cover. The Nelson Rigg Defender Extreme Adventure Cover was on sale so I bought it. The second night there was heavy rain and the bike stayed dry. Going to check out your top 10 places in North America to ride next.
In 12 years of touring in the UK and Europe, the worst problem I’ve encountered is kids (sometimes helped by their dads) /pissed-up idiots sitting on the bike, pressing every switch and button, winding the throttle all the way back etc. One time the bike went over and was badly damaged. I also saw it happen to a fully-loaded GSA in Ireland. Use a cover and nobody bothers your bike, it’s like it’s invisible
All great tips. I do pretty much the same. If I'm staying in a city I try to look for a place with underground or 'secure' parking wherever possible. Totally agree about taking a cover, good idea for other reasons as well as security. I use a disc lock and a D lock as deterrents, knowing full well if they want it they will have it. I still can't drum up the courage to leave my helmet or jacket on the bike. One of my old bosses used to say 'Remove the temptation, remove the crime'. 👍 (Edit for typo)
Great video. You make wise choices!
Asking the deck guy (and $$$ helps) to let you park by the entry way, under lights helps immensely, steering lock, a disc lock and a brake lock as a visual deterrent as well
It just a matter of luck so far so good.
I travel the US and Canada on my motorcycle and had no problem but it's always on my mind with all the lunatics that roam this earth !
You are spot on about travel safety. I don’t carry a firearm for the reasons you said. Use common sense adont put yourself in that predicament. Have a little faith in human nature sometimes it’s hard.
“Using common sense when you travel”…..who’d a thought..🤔. Great video…👍🏻
I just returned (yesterday/Sept 10) from a 5200 mile round trip, staying at hotels, due to time constraints.
For me, the key ingredient is whether the hotel lets me park the GSA right in front, under the awning.
If I can’t park in plain sight, where most of the guest traffic & cameras are, then I’m not staying.
So far, no issues.
...surprised hotels/motels don't begin offering secured parking or gated premises...it'd be an attractive offering by the hotel.
Good video. I do most of what you said.
Thanks for this video, Craig. I am planning on a small trip in October did some research on covers for my S10 this past weekend. I ended up ordering the Nelson-Rigg ADV cover. Will see... As far as additional security, I also lock the steering column and have a Kryptonite disk lock that I keep in one of my panniers. I do have a Mosko Moto tank bag that I remove every time I get to a rest stop or restaurant. Like you said it's a pain in the... to remove it and reattach it, but certainly a piece of mind considering I carry valuable items on that bag. I don't have my GPS secured (yet), so I also have to remove it every time. Bottom-line is common sense; trust but making sure certain things are with me most of the time, or locked 'safely'.
There is a company that sells a light weight steel net to cover the soft luggage/rear of the bike to slow down a potential theft. FWIW
Great vid as usual. I have heard other tube channels say they will not come and visit us in Canada because of our gun laws. Which is a real shame. I would like to say that when they say u can't have a hand gun up here they ain't kidding around. No one cares what kind of permit u have or from where. No one cares if your a member of law enforcement. They don't care if your a member of the FBI or CIA, If your caught with a hand gun you will loose it and you will go to jail, no question about it. If your armed find some place to leave it before you cross the border ( my brother in law who lived in Texas would find a church in Montana who would store his gun before he came home to Alberta). Not saying any of this is good or bad, but am saying it's the way it is. Also make sure your vehicle insurance and plates are valid. Spent many yrs in law enforcement and was amazed how many vehicles I stopped from U.S. with invalid plates or insurance. In most provinces no insurance could mean getting your bike taken and a ticket of hundreds of dollars, and yes they can enforce the ticket fine in many U.S. states
Aerostitch makes a great travel cover.....Packs way smaller than the Nelson Rigg...
Good tips. I do these too.
I am likewise a law abiding gun owner and additionally have a higher level of certification in my home state since I lead my church’s security team (Act 235 in PA). I generally carry when I can do so legally, but given the patchwork quilt of laws in the US at the state level and the rapidity at which they change, carrying while traveling is challenging to say the least, even with an app that tracks the law changes in every state. However, a firearm should never be used to protect property. That is simply illegal in all states except Texas, and even Texas has some pretty tight requirements as to when you can use deadly force to protect property. A firearm, or any potentially lethal weapon, really should only be used to protect your life or the life of another person. Pretty much any other use stands a good chance of landing you in the crowbar hotel. So, while I carry, I would never employ a firearm to protect property.
Hi from the UK, personal safety here and across almost all parts of europe is never a concern, but the saftey of your bike very much is especially here in the UK. One thing I would add is your bikes steering lock IS frighteningly easy to defeat, yes it may deter the opportunist thief but someone who knows what they're doing will bypass it silently in only a second or two so don't rely on it as your primary form of defence. A good alarmed disc lock (the oxford boss would be my recommendation) that will scream its head off should anyone mess with your bike or try to remove it. Low lives don't like all the attention as a rule and more often than not will move on to easier pickins.
I deliberately do not use the steering lock. You're right, a thief can break it in seconds and, if you still have the bike, it is very expensive to repair the damage. I'm wondering about an alarmed disk lock, as I'm fed up with carrying an ultra heavy padlock and chain.
@@m2menuiserie540 Unless you're using the chain to secure the bike to an immovable object a disc lock will offer the same protection with out the need to carry a heavy chain everywhere with the added benefit of making a racket should anyone mees with your bike. When I'm away on tour I usually carry two disc locks, one high end alarmed one and a slightly cheaper one that I put on the rear and also a braided steel cable lock so I can lock the bike to something if available. I know braided steel cable lock are fairly easy to remove but I work on the principal that most scum bags are lazy and having to defeat three locks is just too much work and they will move on looking for easy pickins. If you do go with an alarmed disc lock avoid the cheap push in pin kind that look like a stapler as the are so easy to remove and get one that looks like a traditional padlock.
Bike security also depends upon where you are travelling. Some areas of the country are worse / better than others. What I did with my '01 GoldWing many years ago was to purchase a Scorpio Alarm system. This system had a proximity sensor so if someone got close (like put a hand on a seat or sit on it), then the alarm would go off. And, the alarm would go off if the bike were moved. Plus, I had a remote for the alarm so if the alarm went off or the warning alarm went off, the remote went off as well. So, if someone were too close to the bike in the middle of the night, I got alerted (happened once as a drunk staggered by).
On my BMW, it comes with a Security System so I just used that. I figured if someone tried to take the bike then the alarm would go off and that would be an additional deterrent.
Yup, use lots of common sense and again be wary of the area that you are in.
I didnt have any issues until camping in tok Alaska. Luckily I camped with two other riders and one being a retired police. He woke up at 2:00 am and caught locals going through our bikes bags. Luckily it was rainy and had my bag with money and passport in my tent.
I’m sorry to hear that, and very atypical of rural Alaska
@@andrewpeter6128 Yea. Sh*t happens. It was just a bad experience in Tok. Before that it was pouring down rain. I got gas and parked my bike between the pumps so people could continue getting fuel and went in to get food. The guy working there yelled in store who’s has the motorcycle and made me moved right away. Needless to say I left the things I was gonna purchase and will never do business there again.
@@davidbarth3504 as an Alaskan resident, I don’t even remember taking the fob off my bike, or locking the boxes as an anti human intervention.
Bears, however, I use the boxes to keep my food away from the little furry creatures.
I used to work for Thule and Craig is exactly right. Often customers would have all sorts of questions regarding the locks on the various products and it came down to using layers of security. Thieves, as all of us, employ risk assessment. If its an easy swipe, they will take your property 100% of the time. But if they are given pause to question what their visibility is, how long it will take to defeat a lock, how quickly they can escape, the relative value vs. rhe risk, they will increasingly doubt their success. Small, valuable and accessible- like camera equipment is very high on their list. The bikes themselves are not. Even so, there are many ways to go about making the bikes less accessible. I don't think I heard Craig mention disk locks. There are many tracking products that will also alert to movement while connected to an app on your phone. Just saying, the layers of products are out there and a few of them are really worth considering along with the SOP procedures for finding locations and types of placement for your bike and luggage. Best wishes all.
good stuff
Other than a good ground anchor and chain there's not too much you can do. If at all possible I lock my bike to something like a guardrail. I also have a Monimoto GPS tracker and a cheap air tag.
Lock Picking Lawyer has some good advice.
No device is theft proof. They’re only there to extend the amount of time it takes to defeat them. Other than the fork lock, I use a disc brake lock. They’re probably not going to roll it away. And at 617lbs wet, I don’t think they’ll carry it. So some kind of hydraulic means will be necessary to haul it away. And there isn’t much I can do about that. So if they get it, they get it….
Good topic , I have a wheel lock that attached on the steering and it will ring if it moved. Agreed with good location ( hotel) that is most sager. I lock my helmet on the seat with a fast mini lock. I take gps and camera off. No firearm in Canada ..we cannot carry.
Cheap cover, remove the locked GPS, and empty the aluminum boxes. I typically leave the tools that I carry, but throw an extra padlock on the box. I'll remove them if the area is sketchy. I'd rather replace stuff maybe, than worry about every detail every night.
My buddy prefers ground floor rooms so he can park outside his window, but I prefer to park in a lighted area and be upstairs so I don't need to listen to anyone banging around above me.
Budget motels are safer because their rooms are usually outside access letting your bike being parked right in front of your window.
I'm a budget motel user 95% of the time, and on all my trips have never had security/theft issues. I follow a young man's channel where their enclosed trailer was opened and his *and* his girlfriends motorcycle stolen in the middle of the night. It was a well lighted Raddison ($302 night) parking lot. Thieves know where the money people with toys stay.
I have a V Strom 1000 and it's not very attractive to the professional thieves. In Europe at least they prefer the BMW 1250/1300 GS. And for the young kids it's too heavy to play around with. I have an extra disc lock for the bike. For the helmet I have a cheap wire with a combination lock. It makes it a bit more difficult for a random passer-by just to lift the helmet from the bike when I'm leaving the bike for a short time. The gps I put in the top box.
What brand of T-shirt are you wearing in this video?
It's a cheap workout shirt I got off Amazon.
heres a question -- whats with the red motorcycle in the trees?
Yard art
What is it?
So, why don't you put your helmet in your top box, when you're visiting a cafe etc?
Because when traveling, it has stuff in it.
Nothing to disagree with for me.