Thank you so, so much my friend! Fingers crossed… In the meanwhile I have borrowed a bike so that Ben and I can salvage a little of our time together (in the U.K.) 🙏
Hi James, thank you so, so much! Fingers crossed it won’t take too long… in the mean time I have borrowed a bike so that Ben and I can salvage a little of our time together with a U.K. trip 🙏
@@TwoWheeledDreamergood on ya Steve, I hope you and Ben have an epic time in Scotland on with you on the Bonny (I’ve been reading through the comments and fire and ice has filled us in )😀👍
Thank you so, so much! That is amazing, you are so kind and hopefully I’ll be up and running soon with another bike. I have managed to borrow a bike so Ben and I can salvage some of our time together (back in the U.K.). Thank you once again 🙏
What an incredibly kind gesture. This means so much to Steve and support like yours has motivated him even more to keep the channel going despite this setback increasing the large net loss it makes. Xxx
Truly Gutted watching that as it’s every bike traveler’s worst fear. To continue with the recording to show what happened next showed a great sense of character and strength as it’s a lesson to us all so thanks for sharing. You have my respect.
I’m really sorry to hear that Steve. I am just shocked how quick things turned out bad for you on that first day of your trip… i hope you’ll get some better news in the coming hours/days/weeks.Stay safe and Greetings from Hamburg Germany (as a R1200GS owner i could feel the pain..)
What an absolute pisser! I'm gutted for you Steve! I hope things have now slowly started to sort themselves out. Please keep us updated. All the best, G
Been meaning to send you a note since seeing this vid when it first came out to say how gutted I am for you with some scumbags stealing your bike, I hope they get what they deserve, you clearly havent, that said, you must pick yourself up and go again, your channel is awesome mate, love it ..........this is a mere bump in the road fella
Gutted for you - I’ve just done Cambridge to south of Spain through France - on a 2023. GS1250 fully loaded solo - I took my bike cover / disc lock - and used two chains front and back to secure the cover - I also made sure that all places where possible were under the hotels or car park gates where locked after 22:30 and if poss the bike was in view of reception or the place is in the middle of nowhere - fist thing I look at when booking a place to stay is how safe is the bike - I use street view and look at Reviews and comments - I know this doesn’t help you now - but don’t let this kick you in the balls bounce back - hope all goes well 👍🏻
Watched pretty much all of your videos, which are really good (thank you) and so really feel your loss, you’ve done so much together!! Absolutely gutted for you Steve, and hope Bennett’s get their act together and sort you out quickly, good luck mate and looking forward to your next video, stay strong brother 👍!
Really gutted for you Steve (& your lad, having both your holiday’s ruined) fingers crossed it won’t put you off your travels and everything crossed for a speedy resolution and possibly a new bike. Take care.
Absolutely gutted for you Steve!! Nothing is safe anymore. I do a lot of touring in central Europe and im always fearful of this happening. Hope you get back on the road soon 🏍️🤞🏻
Was going to say the same thing the amount of times I’ve unloaded the bike putting the lock on is usually the last thing I do, it’ll be the first from now on
Steve, am so sorry to hear about your pride and joy gsa being stolen, gutted for you, so many good memories on that bike for you. Having watched all your trips I feel like it's my bike those low lifes have taken. Hope you get home OK and keep your chin up , some bad things happen and it leads to good.
The first 5 mins is breaking my heart! You're buzzing. Id happily donate to a go fund me type thing. A pint from each of us would make a difference. I'll keep watching. 👍🏻
So sorry to see this. I can't imagine how that felt. As bad as it is, you are both ok and its just a bike. Looking forward to new adventures on the next bike.
Hi, just watched the video with you and son, gutted that your bike got stolen just a day into your holiday. I hope Bennetts sort out your insurance claim quickly,interested how you get on all the best wayne.
Really sorry you had your bike stolen, it serves as a timely reminder to me to be very cautious about leaving my bike anywhere. I am doing a tour in France next week with my brother and his wife and am now thinking about how I can better secure the bikes. If it is possible to get some good out of a very bad experience, at least it can warn your subscribers that you need to be vigilant. Keep your chin up and eventually this will be just part of your back story and you will have moved on to new adventures. Best of luck to you and your son.
I hope you enjoy your trip with no problems. I’ve been lucky, been touring Europe every year since 2006 & my bike has never been touched. I only use the steering lock, which is bit silly of me.
I live in France and rarely lock my bike unless I am leaving it somewhere outside overnight. It’s generally a safe place to park up. Take reasonable anti-theft precautions but don’t be paranoid on the back of this one unusual incident. Enjoy your trip.
So sorry to hear about the theft of your bike Steve , like you, I was really looking forward to watching you’re trip with Ben . Hope the situation is resolved quickly with your insurance . Good luck with it all .👍
Gutted for you Steve. What a kick in the plumbs! Proper sickener… When you was tired, headache, they pounced. Absolute vermin. Hope insurance is sorted quickly and you smash your next trip 👍🙏🏻
Bummer, Hopefully it will be settled quickly and your then able to purchase a new bike Steve, our Stuart had a R6 stolen in Amsterdam a few years back I was amazed how quickly it was all sorted out
Jeezo, I’m gutted for you Steve. I’d grown affinity to your lovely bike after watching all you vids too. Hopefully by now you’ll have gotten over it a bit and well on the way to getting another bike or even by a miracle it’s recovery. It’s a lesson to us all to lock our bikes up immediately with good quality devices. There’s some real shits out there! All the best matey.
Absolutely gutted for you. I love your videos, lots of envy as i cant tour as much as i want to at the moment. I hope this doesn't put you off getting another bike or touring. It coupd happen to anyone of us
A bit disappointing that other “viewers” haven’t contributed to try and help. Even eu1 would help I’m sure! Most people are takers rather than givers in modern society…there, I’ve got that off my chest!!
This is appalling and very sad news Steve. I feel for you mate, on the first day of a Father/son trip too. I hope your insurance company will assist in the way we all expect them to do so and a new bike will be on the horizon soon. Good luck pal and hope the journey back went ok.
So sorry so hear this news. Painful to watch given it was the first tour with Ben. Hope you got home safe and are back on a bike and having better travels soon
What a terrible thing that happened to you, I hope you can solve it in the best way possible.A hug from Spain and let's continue with even more strength.
Absolutely gutted for you Steve, some really awful people around 😢 More than happy to donate , chin up the adventure of you and your son will be so worth the wait when it happens! Insurance companies suck that’s for sure! Best wishes and sorry again 😢
Sorry to here this I no what it's like getting your bike stole. Happen to me in March time this year. Keep your head up. U will be back on the the road soon 🤘
First time watching your vids, so bloody sorry for you, I got back last night from a tour of France, we always lock our bikes together so they can be dragged...hope you're on the road again soon...ps I'm with Carole Nash insurance, expensive, but you're fully covered to get home.
Gutted for you , toured Europe in August and irs always at the back of your mind how safe is your bike , hope you get sorted with the insurance and are back on the road soon , keep your head up ,👍
Steve both my wife and I are absolutely gutted for you. Having owned our GSA for only three months we dread this happening to us. Living in France now for 17 years we are really surprised at the theft. If ever you are stuck over here please get it touch. We are in the Mayenne region 53. Translation or a place to stay just shout. We are looking forward to a positive outcome for you and in the meantime will miss your videos. Good luck.
Although I already know your bike got stolen this has still been a shock to see. Horrible to watch and makes me even more mindful of my bike security that I told you I have upgraded in my earlier comments. I have spent so many nights staying around these areas in France without incident. We all need to be more aware of the potential threat of this occuring . Multiple security devices, trackers and a bike cover are necessity now I think. Sent you a donation Steve as the insurance will likely leave you out of pocket from my experience. hope you get back up and running very soon mate!
What a sickening thing to happen. I hope by now you are getting things sorted. I would imagine it will take some time , but looking forward to seeing you back on a bike very soon.
I’ve just watched this and subscribed and how devastating for you and your son I had my gsa stolen and it made me so angry and there karma came to them🤬 but since then even touring on my new one my top box is full off locks and most importantly a tracker as been fitted I’ve learned a lot and even hotels I understand if your on your own to leave the bike but if there is 2 of you one stays with the bikes until sorted with the hotel with preferably with a lock up garage. I learned the hard way which changed my issues to leaving it please fit a tracker to your bike people it’s the way forward once again my heart feels the pain for you mate
Well that's a rotten bit of luck. I must admit I have left my bike in similar scenarios in Europe in the past but thankfully I have not suffered the same fate. I always try to find a place with off street parking but if it's not available then sometimes you have to make do with what is if it's a last minute thing. If I'm planning a night in advance then I never go for open parking. I always saw that as the best way to do it. Anyway, this is not a lecture - just a mention of how I do it, nothing more and nothing less. Hope you get it sorted very soon coz I flippin love your videos!
I’ve already commiserated you on the loss of your bike Steve, but having seen this video feel the need to do so again mate. I hadn’t realised it had happened in broad daylight. In all your videos you are so relieved when you get back to your bike and it’s still there, but to think it could vanish so quickly in such a public place in daylight astounds me. I hope it’s all sorted out very soon so you can get back out in the road.
Hi Steve , absolutely gutted . Was looking forward to seeing the sights of the Black Forest . Hopefully you have managed to sort things either Bennett’s too . That’s one to ask of insurance from now on. Nothing worse than finding out the lack of service from insurance company , in you hour of need too . Chin up and hopefully you have something sorted soon All the best Mark
@@JakeStrada I think you’re misinformed . My motorbike insurance covers me to get home if stolen. I have separate breakdown insurance. I also have travel insurance, that if I’m the event of an accident that covers hospital fees and repatriation. The bike insurance covers the repatriation of the bike
@@JakeStrada alway best to check and double check . It may be that your insurance doesn’t cover you getting home. It’s a mine field to be honest ! I travel quite a lot , not as much as Steve though, and I go through the same every trip 👍
Had the same about a month ago, Reims, 2024 GSA, outside an air BNB, gone in the morning. I learnt not to leave bikes outside anymore in France… and to go a bit ott with the security. Feel your pain! Super unlucky it was on day 1, we were on the last day, had to hire a car. 🥳
Gutted for you mate. Have travelled throughout Europe on the bike for many years and having my bike stolen has always been a concern but thankfully never happened. One thing I always do however is book accommodation with secure parking, garaged if possible.
Hi Steve, so sorry to learn the bike has been stolen. I’m gutted for you. Not sure why Bennett’s is in the firing line though - they’re there to facilitate insurance for your bike. Travel insurance (which we bikers often forget when we nip abroad) is there to get you home when things hit the fan. Anyway, I hope the underwriter pays out promptly mate.
Hi Simon, I was in a state of confusion and shock and it took a while to realise my travel insurance would help with repatriation. I mention this later. Now home, my travel insurance are refusing to pay towards getting me home, apparently they will only do this if my passport had been stolen (thank goodness it hadn’t!), anyway, slowly sorting it all out and Bennett’s are actually being very good about it. Thanks 🙏
Such a 'difficult watch' this knowing what happened. Heartbreaking to watch even the first 5 minutes, to hear how much you were looking forward to the tour. I've had RAC 5* recovery thingy the couple of times I went to Spain (as well as holiday insurance) I never thought to check if they got you home if your bikes been stolen. 🤔 A stark reminder to all of us I think to secure your bike before you do anything. I usually stay in cheap hotels, but when I'm in large towns or cities I try to get accomodation with underground parking. (Although that is not always quite what you would expect)
Truly gutted for you, I am off to the Alps in 2 weeks and was only going to take my Hiplock wheel lock, now looking at an additional disk lock or even take my heavy chain after seeing this.
@@TwoWheeledDreamer Thanks for making this video and showing how quick bike theft is in broad daylight! By watching this I have purchased another Hiplok DX1000, I feel for the size and weight they offer a good security package. Hopefully you have stopped others being in this horrible situation. Looking forward to your future adventures.
Planned in advance same route as you, stayed in a private farm house with out of sight off road parking, all well n good on way home we didn't plan and got stuck in a shit hole in Saint Quentin bikes in open car park with loads of workers vans never again, hope you all sorted now, think positive and get a shiny ner 1250 👍
Gutted for you Steve and what a way to start a tour 😢 this is exactly the reason why I never stay anywhere overnight abroad that doesn’t have inside secure parking, you were shattered after a long days riding and just want to chill then this happens. Yeah you made a an error but we shouldn’t have to live like this but unfortunately we do. I always use the steering lock for what it’s worth even when I go and pay for fuel and fit my litelok X1 through my R1200 front wheel whenever the bike will be out of my sight for even a minute, yes it’s a pita but I’ve never had a bike stolen and I travel in France, Spain and Portugal a lot
That’s terrible news my wife and I have been on tour many times and like you unload our bikes and I don’t recall if we Lock them before we go to our room to be honest but we always use a bike cover and lock them together my wife hates carrying the bike chain and lock but I always carry mine and both have a disc lock. It’s difficult when you don’t know the area.when we go for coffee local together always sit where we can see the bikes and lock the steering but don’t always use the disc lock if we can see the bikes. At home heavy chain and lock and locked up in a garage. At work I was parked inside out of sight and steering lock on. Watch your trip home very sad to watch hope it all turns out ok with the insurance and bike replacement. Keep the videos coming when you can best wishes Malcolm and Diana from Melbourne
Hi Malcom and Dianna, thanks for your kind message, I really appreciate it. It was a difficult few days to say the least but I am getting there, the insurance is settled and a new bike is on the cards. Moving forward I will be locking it up at every opportunity! Thanks for watching and joining me on my adventures 😊
First time on your channel, so gut wrenching to lose your bike on a trip with your son. Hope insurance sorted quickly for you and definitely a lot of food for thought for my trips etc. 😢
Okay so when I had my motorcycle stolen It was a couple of blocks away ftom where I parked it. I wouldn't rush home. Have a look on foot in the area for a good while. Look for any places /alleyways etc first. At least then you can satisfy yourself that you tried to find. I wish you the very best of luck 👍🙏
Thank you… we hung around and searched the back streets alleyways etc. whilst it was unfolding Ben was talking to people to see if anyone had seen anything and looking in backyards etc. It was probably tucked away in a van somewhere close by.
Steve…I’m so sorry what’s happened to you being your first trip with Ben,I had my 1250 nicked off my drive in May this year but luckily it was recovered.My father got me into bikes and I never had the chance to take a tour with him before he passed away so please don’t let this experience put you off,life’s short so put it behind you and keep all the good memories of the GSA and your trips together (at least you have the videos 😢😅) keep your chin up mate and keep making the videos which we all enjoy 👍 Oh and I hope the French coppers catch the W*n**r !
Tough one. When I’m abroad first thing off the bike locks, alarms. As well as disc locks I use alarmed padlocks cheap as chips and effective. Always plan for the worse and hope for the best. Hope you get sorted
That's really awful... I've lived in Reims or surrounding area for over 25 years, my kids went to school there and I know the riding shop in front of which you bike was taken.. I agree with the guy who said you must have been followed and targeted, as Reims is in general a pretty low crime area. I hope this doesn't dissuade you from exploring France.. It is really a great country, and Reims is a lovely city.. I'm so sorry this happened to you..
Thank you Gareth, yes, I too think we must have been targeted. Thankfully the insurance is now settled and I have bought a new bike in which I will definitely be heading back to France on at some point. Thank you, once again.
So sorry that you and your son couldn’t do the trip he had planned for so long hopefully your insurance will pay for the bike and you might be able to plan it next year
Steve, Just viewed this episode!! - that's really bad, I'm so sorry that's happened to you and Ben. I know it's probably a short while ago it happened but is there any good news about recovering the GS. It seems that no matter what preventative measures are put in place there's always some scrote working hard to steal it off you. Do you think hou were targeted or just an opportunist robbery? Sincerely hope that things get sorted soon and perhaps you and Ben can finally get your trip in. Take care Mate. SteveD
Mate this is the most gut wrenching thing to happen to a biker. I remember when I had a bike stolen and I thought it was joke to start with and someone had hid it. I hope you get sorted soon.
Beware in France, I’ve had two attempts made on a van where I was carrying bikes home from France, both failed attempts because of the extra security I applied it’s not as it seems over there. Very sorry that happened to you, I couldn’t help thinking all that travelling and feeling really tired and knackered and then they had your bike away. I hope the payout from Bennett’s is a fair one, opportunists on the look out for easy thefts they’re everywhere! Good luck for the future👍
What an absolute nightmarish start of your trip. You only turned your back. In broad daylight. Guys with a van on the lookout following you, I reckon. I see all the tips people have. But bringing heavy chains on a trip, is something you’d like to avoid. I hope you will get some kind of compensation. Best of luck.
Hi Steve. Like so many other comments I cannot express the full sadness of hearing of the theft but more importantly how this well and truly ruined a true "father and son thing". Hope Bennetts don't hang about and give you a sensible price for your GSA. Best, Tim.
Just watched this video and couldn’t think of anything worse to happen at any point of any bike trip . Bet someone was watching your bike before you even got off it . Thieving c**ts . 😤😤Never lock mine while in Europe but think I will start on this years trip . Glad your insurance paid out and you back on two wheels again . 👍👍
So sorry you had a horrible end to what would have been a great trip with your lad! It really sucks, I had the same experience in Chambery in June , my 1250GSA was stolen from outside the hotel! I was insured with Avila and can say although I had to make my own way home they were great and I was paid out and had a new bike with in a couple of weeks, this one is tracked and I have audible disc and a litelok, looks like France is an unsafe place to be now ! 😢
that’s gutting. I spent some time in france last year and met a biker who suffered a similar fate. I also have a gs I am assuming the gs somewhere changed tech and the newer ones have a tracker? Mine can be tracked through the connected app. Just gutted for you I would probably flip or have a meltdown
Very sorry for you Buddy, it might be a terrible situation for you, I can't imagine it. I suppose France is not only the country you may have the same story, but, I want to apologise for the French Bikers. I hope you'll find a way to get your GSA back and/or having a better end of story. Keep your strength to bike again and share nice videos with us.
Watched your episode on your GS being stolen, devastated for you and your son. Travelled to Reims myself on 25th Aug booked into my hotel and popped out to McDonald’s for a burger. 2023 GSA gone in Secound’s, spoke to a local policeman who was also a biker and he said Reims is a hot spot for thefts of GS and Africa twins so much so that some French insurance companies won’t insure them if you live there . Very sad that police can’t set up sting operations
Hi Garry, I am so sorry to hear you suffered the same fate… Mine went on the 15th; Reims and the surrounding area is most definitely a hot spot, I’ve heard so many stories now… Hope you get sorted soon…
Was really enjoying your video then this 😩 sometimes camping is the better option as the bike is right next door . Hopefully everything turns out fine . 👍
Years ago I trained karate and commuted there on my motorbike, to avoid it being stolen they let me take the bike inside while I was there. Unfortunately if they want it they will turn up and chuck it in a van no matter how many locks you have. Glad to see you finally sorted.
That sucks. We just returned from a 3 week trip to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and I never thought that my bike was in danger of being stolen. Hope it all works out for you.
Bedankt
Thank you so, so much! 🙏
Hope you get back up and running soon mate👍
Thank you so, so much my friend! Fingers crossed… In the meanwhile I have borrowed a bike so that Ben and I can salvage a little of our time together (in the U.K.) 🙏
Hope things get sorted out and you are back on 2 wheels soon👍
Hi James, thank you so, so much! Fingers crossed it won’t take too long… in the mean time I have borrowed a bike so that Ben and I can salvage a little of our time together with a U.K. trip 🙏
@@TwoWheeledDreamergood on ya Steve, I hope you and Ben have an epic time in Scotland on with you on the Bonny (I’ve been reading through the comments and fire and ice has filled us in )😀👍
Wish I could give more!! It could happen to any of us. I just hope the support you get from others restores your faith 🙏🏻
Thank you so, so much! That is amazing, you are so kind and hopefully I’ll be up and running soon with another bike. I have managed to borrow a bike so Ben and I can salvage some of our time together (back in the U.K.). Thank you once again 🙏
@@TwoWheeledDreamer yay! Enjoy your magical adventures ✨️
What an incredibly kind gesture. This means so much to Steve and support like yours has motivated him even more to keep the channel going despite this setback increasing the large net loss it makes. Xxx
Thanks
Thank you James, so, so much! 🙏
Takk!
Thank you so much! 🙏
Truly Gutted watching that as it’s every bike traveler’s worst fear.
To continue with the recording to show what happened next showed a great sense of character and strength as it’s a lesson to us all so thanks for sharing. You have my respect.
From you previous posts I knew what was coming but still a very hard watch. Hope to see you producing more great videos soon Steve.
Thank you 🙏
I’m really sorry to hear that Steve. I am just shocked how quick things turned out bad for you on that first day of your trip… i hope you’ll get some better news in the coming hours/days/weeks.Stay safe and Greetings from Hamburg Germany (as a R1200GS owner i could feel the pain..)
Thank you 🙏
What an absolute pisser! I'm gutted for you Steve! I hope things have now slowly started to sort themselves out. Please keep us updated. All the best, G
Thank you 🙏
Thats terrible. So sorry this happened to you. Keep your head up and move forward. We love your videos. A real content creator with a lot to share.
Thank you 🙏
Been meaning to send you a note since seeing this vid when it first came out to say how gutted I am for you with some scumbags stealing your bike, I hope they get what they deserve, you clearly havent, that said, you must pick yourself up and go again, your channel is awesome mate, love it ..........this is a mere bump in the road fella
Thank you Steven, onwards and upwards from now on, thank you for your support 😊
So sorry to watch your pain. Its left me feeling sick. Hope things work out for you in the near future.
Thank you 🙏
So sorry to hear about this. Absolutely gutted for you! Thank you for documenting it and for spreading awareness and vigilance.
Thanks 🙏
Gutted for you - I’ve just done Cambridge to south of Spain through France - on a 2023. GS1250 fully loaded solo - I took my bike cover / disc lock - and used two chains front and back to secure the cover - I also made sure that all places where possible were under the hotels or car park gates where locked after 22:30 and if poss the bike was in view of reception or the place is in the middle of nowhere - fist thing I look at when booking a place to stay is how safe is the bike - I use street view and look at Reviews and comments - I know this doesn’t help you now - but don’t let this kick you in the balls bounce back - hope all goes well 👍🏻
Thanks 🙏
🏍️
Thank you so, so much! 🙏
Watched pretty much all of your videos, which are really good (thank you) and so really feel your loss, you’ve done so much together!! Absolutely gutted for you Steve, and hope Bennett’s get their act together and sort you out quickly, good luck mate and looking forward to your next video, stay strong brother 👍!
Really gutted for you Steve (& your lad, having both your holiday’s ruined) fingers crossed it won’t put you off your travels and everything crossed for a speedy resolution and possibly a new bike. Take care.
Thank you 🙏
Absolutely gutted for you Steve!! Nothing is safe anymore. I do a lot of touring in central Europe and im always fearful of this happening. Hope you get back on the road soon 🏍️🤞🏻
Thank you 🙏
Wow. Gone in such a short time! A lesson for us all there, who've done exactly the same as you many many times.
Was going to say the same thing the amount of times I’ve unloaded the bike putting the lock on is usually the last thing I do, it’ll be the first from now on
Yes, it was frightening how quickly it went…. A lesson learned!
Steve, am so sorry to hear about your pride and joy gsa being stolen, gutted for you, so many good memories on that bike for you. Having watched all your trips I feel like it's my bike those low lifes have taken. Hope you get home OK and keep your chin up , some bad things happen and it leads to good.
Thank you Jack 🙏
The first 5 mins is breaking my heart! You're buzzing.
Id happily donate to a go fund me type thing. A pint from each of us would make a difference.
I'll keep watching. 👍🏻
Thanks Jim, I really appreciate that 🙏
Thanks!
Thank you so much 🙏
Something tells me that you're big enough and strong enough to get through this. Keep the faith mate.
Thank you 🙏
There was an ominous looking character watching you both from the roof top of the apartments across the road
So sorry mate to ear that, Bennett's left me stranded as well, I go to black forest in 2 weeks it's a big worry, hop you get sorted 👍
Thank you my friend 🙏
So sad, can't wait to watch the next episode to find how you got home. 👍👍
So sorry to see this. I can't imagine how that felt. As bad as it is, you are both ok and its just a bike. Looking forward to new adventures on the next bike.
Very wise words
Hi, just watched the video with you and son, gutted that your bike got stolen just a day into your holiday.
I hope Bennetts sort out your insurance claim quickly,interested how you get on all the best wayne.
Thanks Wayne 🙏
Really sorry you had your bike stolen, it serves as a timely reminder to me to be very cautious about leaving my bike anywhere. I am doing a tour in France next week with my brother and his wife and am now thinking about how I can better secure the bikes. If it is possible to get some good out of a very bad experience, at least it can warn your subscribers that you need to be vigilant. Keep your chin up and eventually this will be just part of your back story and you will have moved on to new adventures.
Best of luck to you and your son.
I hope you enjoy your trip with no problems. I’ve been lucky, been touring Europe every year since 2006 & my bike has never been touched. I only use the steering lock, which is bit silly of me.
I live in France and rarely lock my bike unless I am leaving it somewhere outside overnight. It’s generally a safe place to park up. Take reasonable anti-theft precautions but don’t be paranoid on the back of this one unusual incident. Enjoy your trip.
Wise words. Take care in France ❤
Thank you 🙏
So sorry to hear about the theft of your bike Steve , like you, I was really looking forward to watching you’re trip with Ben . Hope the situation is resolved quickly with your insurance . Good luck with it all .👍
Thanks Chris 🙏
Gutted for you Steve. What a kick in the plumbs! Proper sickener… When you was tired, headache, they pounced. Absolute vermin.
Hope insurance is sorted quickly and you smash your next trip 👍🙏🏻
Thanks Paul 🙏
Good luck Steve!
Thank you so, so much! 🙏
So generous ❤
Bummer, Hopefully it will be settled quickly and your then able to purchase a new bike Steve, our Stuart had a R6 stolen in Amsterdam a few years back I was amazed how quickly it was all sorted out
Thanks Norrie 🙏
Jeezo, I’m gutted for you Steve. I’d grown affinity to your lovely bike after watching all you vids too. Hopefully by now you’ll have gotten over it a bit and well on the way to getting another bike or even by a miracle it’s recovery. It’s a lesson to us all to lock our bikes up immediately with good quality devices. There’s some real shits out there!
All the best matey.
Thank you my friend 🙏
Absolutely gutted for you. I love your videos, lots of envy as i cant tour as much as i want to at the moment. I hope this doesn't put you off getting another bike or touring. It coupd happen to anyone of us
That’s terrible, hope you’re back on the road soon
Thank you so, so much, I really appreciate that! Fingers crossed I’m up and running with my own bike very soon! Thank you so much! 🙏
A bit disappointing that other “viewers” haven’t contributed to try and help. Even eu1 would help I’m sure! Most people are takers rather than givers in modern society…there, I’ve got that off my chest!!
This is appalling and very sad news Steve. I feel for you mate, on the first day of a Father/son trip too.
I hope your insurance company will assist in the way we all expect them to do so and a new bike will be on the horizon soon.
Good luck pal and hope the journey back went ok.
So sorry so hear this news. Painful to watch given it was the first tour with Ben. Hope you got home safe and are back on a bike and having better travels soon
Thanks Mark 🙏
What a terrible thing that happened to you, I hope you can solve it in the best way possible.A hug from Spain and let's continue with even more strength.
Thank you, it is all sorted now and I have a replacement bike. Thank you for watching 😊
@TwoWheeledDreamer 😊💪💪💪
Absolutely gutted for you Steve, some really awful people around 😢
More than happy to donate , chin up the adventure of you and your son will be so worth the wait when it happens!
Insurance companies suck that’s for sure!
Best wishes and sorry again 😢
Thank you my friend 🙏
Sorry to here this I no what it's like getting your bike stole. Happen to me in March time this year. Keep your head up. U will be back on the the road soon 🤘
Thanks Paul 🙏
First time watching your vids, so bloody sorry for you, I got back last night from a tour of France, we always lock our bikes together so they can be dragged...hope you're on the road again soon...ps I'm with Carole Nash insurance, expensive, but you're fully covered to get home.
Gutted for you , toured Europe in August and irs always at the back of your mind how safe is your bike , hope you get sorted with the insurance and are back on the road soon , keep your head up ,👍
Thanks 🙏
Hi Steve, so sorry to hear this, it's everyone's worst nightmare. Hope you can get everything sorted soon.
Steve both my wife and I are absolutely gutted for you.
Having owned our GSA for only three months we dread this happening to us.
Living in France now for 17 years we are really surprised at the theft.
If ever you are stuck over here please get it touch.
We are in the Mayenne region 53.
Translation or a place to stay just shout.
We are looking forward to a positive outcome for you and in the meantime will miss your videos.
Good luck.
Thank you so much John 🙏
Although I already know your bike got stolen this has still been a shock to see. Horrible to watch and makes me even more mindful of my bike security that I told you I have upgraded in my earlier comments. I have spent so many nights staying around these areas in France without incident. We all need to be more aware of the potential threat of this occuring . Multiple security devices, trackers and a bike cover are necessity now I think. Sent you a donation Steve as the insurance will likely leave you out of pocket from my experience. hope you get back up and running very soon mate!
Thank you so much my friend! 🙏
good luck hope things get sorted out ASAP for you,
So sad to hear Steve, trust you will get home safely and all will be restored.
Thank you 🙏
What a sickening thing to happen. I hope by now you are getting things sorted. I would imagine it will take some time , but looking forward to seeing you back on a bike very soon.
Thanks Brian 🙏
I can hardly believe it Steve, absolutely gutted for you.
I hope the eventual outcome is OK, I have my fingers crossed for you 🤞
Thanks Peter 🙏
The disbelieve you must have felt once you noticed it was really gone, i hope you and your boy are doing ok and wish you all the best!
Thanks 🙏
I’ve just watched this and subscribed and how devastating for you and your son I had my gsa stolen and it made me so angry and there karma came to them🤬 but since then even touring on my new one my top box is full off locks and most importantly a tracker as been fitted I’ve learned a lot and even hotels I understand if your on your own to leave the bike but if there is 2 of you one stays with the bikes until sorted with the hotel with preferably with a lock up garage. I learned the hard way which changed my issues to leaving it please fit a tracker to your bike people it’s the way forward once again my heart feels the pain for you mate
Well that's a rotten bit of luck. I must admit I have left my bike in similar scenarios in Europe in the past but thankfully I have not suffered the same fate. I always try to find a place with off street parking but if it's not available then sometimes you have to make do with what is if it's a last minute thing. If I'm planning a night in advance then I never go for open parking. I always saw that as the best way to do it. Anyway, this is not a lecture - just a mention of how I do it, nothing more and nothing less. Hope you get it sorted very soon coz I flippin love your videos!
Thanks for the shout out 😂
I was a bit premature there I’m just up to the bit where your bike was stolen I’m so sorry
Thank you for the advice!!
Hey Steve I am gutted for you. So sorry and sad to see what happened with your first planned trip with your son. Sending best wishes for the future.
Thanks Wayne 🙏
What a blow. I hope things get sorted out quickly and you can enjoy hunting for a replacement bike.
Bloody hell Steve, I shed a tear for you dude .Hope everything gets sorted.
Thank you 8
Jez what a crappy thing to have happen to you. Hope you get sorted and are back on the road soon.
Thank you 🙏
I’ve already commiserated you on the loss of your bike Steve, but having seen this video feel the need to do so again mate. I hadn’t realised it had happened in broad daylight. In all your videos you are so relieved when you get back to your bike and it’s still there, but to think it could vanish so quickly in such a public place in daylight astounds me. I hope it’s all sorted out very soon so you can get back out in the road.
Hi Steve , absolutely gutted . Was looking forward to seeing the sights of the Black Forest .
Hopefully you have managed to sort things either Bennett’s too . That’s one to ask of insurance from now on. Nothing worse than finding out the lack of service from insurance company , in you hour of need too .
Chin up and hopefully you have something sorted soon
All the best
Mark
@@JakeStrada I think you’re misinformed .
My motorbike insurance covers me to get home if stolen. I have separate breakdown insurance.
I also have travel insurance, that if I’m the event of an accident that covers hospital fees and repatriation. The bike insurance covers the repatriation of the bike
@@motorbike-marra Thanks for the reply, I will have to look into my ins as planning a euro trip next year
@@JakeStrada alway best to check and double check . It may be that your insurance doesn’t cover you getting home. It’s a mine field to be honest !
I travel quite a lot , not as much as Steve though, and I go through the same every trip 👍
Thanks Mark 🙏
Absolutely gutted for you, hopefully the insurance company will sort it quickly, look forward to seeing what bike you choose as a replacement
Thanks Paul 🙏
Devastated for you. Hope you get everything sorted and get back out there with your son. 😢
Thanks Stephen 🙏
Had the same about a month ago, Reims, 2024 GSA, outside an air BNB, gone in the morning. I learnt not to leave bikes outside anymore in France… and to go a bit ott with the security. Feel your pain! Super unlucky it was on day 1, we were on the last day, had to hire a car. 🥳
Hi Mike, so sorry to hear you had to go through the same and I hope it all gets resolved soon…
@@TwoWheeledDreamer same for you, glad to see you both got away in the end! The memories will be worth more than any bike! 👍🏼
I’m in the same situation, my GSA was stolen just yesterday 6.9 in Reims
there is only 1 thing I can say here: what does not kill you, makes you stronger!
Gutted for you mate. Have travelled throughout Europe on the bike for many years and having my bike stolen has always been a concern but thankfully never happened. One thing I always do however is book accommodation with secure parking, garaged if possible.
Thanks Chris 🙏
@@TwoWheeledDreamer👍
Sorry to see this happen. Maybe we could all chip in a little and get you back on the road ASAP.
Thanks Steve, that’s very kind of you 🙏
Hi Steve, so sorry to learn the bike has been stolen. I’m gutted for you. Not sure why Bennett’s is in the firing line though - they’re there to facilitate insurance for your bike. Travel insurance (which we bikers often forget when we nip abroad) is there to get you home when things hit the fan. Anyway, I hope the underwriter pays out promptly mate.
Hi Simon, I was in a state of confusion and shock and it took a while to realise my travel insurance would help with repatriation. I mention this later. Now home, my travel insurance are refusing to pay towards getting me home, apparently they will only do this if my passport had been stolen (thank goodness it hadn’t!), anyway, slowly sorting it all out and Bennett’s are actually being very good about it. Thanks 🙏
Such a 'difficult watch' this knowing what happened. Heartbreaking to watch even the first 5 minutes, to hear how much you were looking forward to the tour. I've had RAC 5* recovery thingy the couple of times I went to Spain (as well as holiday insurance) I never thought to check if they got you home if your bikes been stolen. 🤔 A stark reminder to all of us I think to secure your bike before you do anything. I usually stay in cheap hotels, but when I'm in large towns or cities I try to get accomodation with underground parking. (Although that is not always quite what you would expect)
Thanks Paul, yes, I will always be looking for secure parking now if I can and always throwing a lock around whichever bike I end up on…
Truly gutted for you, I am off to the Alps in 2 weeks and was only going to take my Hiplock wheel lock, now looking at an additional disk lock or even take my heavy chain after seeing this.
Your hiplock will be fine as long as it’s a DX1000 👍
It is the DX1000 fits over the front wheel of the GS nicely, but now looking at an extra for the rear wheel, bit paranoid after watching this 🤦♂️
Thanks 🙏
@@TwoWheeledDreamer Thanks for making this video and showing how quick bike theft is in broad daylight! By watching this I have purchased another Hiplok DX1000, I feel for the size and weight they offer a good security package.
Hopefully you have stopped others being in this horrible situation. Looking forward to your future adventures.
Planned in advance same route as you, stayed in a private farm house with out of sight off road parking, all well n good on way home we didn't plan and got stuck in a shit hole in Saint Quentin bikes in open car park with loads of workers vans never again, hope you all sorted now, think positive and get a shiny ner 1250 👍
Thank you 🙏
Gutted for you Steve and what a way to start a tour 😢 this is exactly the reason why I never stay anywhere overnight abroad that doesn’t have inside secure parking, you were shattered after a long days riding and just want to chill then this happens. Yeah you made a an error but we shouldn’t have to live like this but unfortunately we do. I always use the steering lock for what it’s worth even when I go and pay for fuel and fit my litelok X1 through my R1200 front wheel whenever the bike will be out of my sight for even a minute, yes it’s a pita but I’ve never had a bike stolen and I travel in France, Spain and Portugal a lot
Thanks Gaz 🙏
That’s terrible news my wife and I have been on tour many times and like you unload our bikes and I don’t recall if we Lock them before we go to our room to be honest but we always use a bike cover and lock them together my wife hates carrying the bike chain and lock but I always carry mine and both have a disc lock. It’s difficult when you don’t know the area.when we go for coffee local together always sit where we can see the bikes and lock the steering but don’t always use the disc lock if we can see the bikes. At home heavy chain and lock and locked up in a garage. At work I was parked inside out of sight and steering lock on. Watch your trip home very sad to watch hope it all turns out ok with the insurance and bike replacement. Keep the videos coming when you can best wishes Malcolm and Diana from Melbourne
Hi Malcom and Dianna, thanks for your kind message, I really appreciate it. It was a difficult few days to say the least but I am getting there, the insurance is settled and a new bike is on the cards. Moving forward I will be locking it up at every opportunity! Thanks for watching and joining me on my adventures 😊
Gutted for you buddy, followed you through Morocco, hope you get sorted asp
First time on your channel, so gut wrenching to lose your bike on a trip with your son. Hope insurance sorted quickly for you and definitely a lot of food for thought for my trips etc. 😢
Okay so when I had my motorcycle stolen
It was a couple of blocks away ftom where I parked it. I wouldn't rush home. Have a look on foot in the area for a good while. Look for any places /alleyways etc first. At least then you can satisfy yourself that you tried to find.
I wish you the very best of luck 👍🙏
Thank you… we hung around and searched the back streets alleyways etc. whilst it was unfolding Ben was talking to people to see if anyone had seen anything and looking in backyards etc. It was probably tucked away in a van somewhere close by.
So sorry for you, this leaves a sick feeling in my stomach. All bikers understand and feel for you.
Thank you 🙏
Steve…I’m so sorry what’s happened to you being your first trip with Ben,I had my 1250 nicked off my drive in May this year but luckily it was recovered.My father got me into bikes and I never had the chance to take a tour with him before he passed away so please don’t let this experience put you off,life’s short so put it behind you and keep all the good memories of the GSA and your trips together (at least you have the videos 😢😅) keep your chin up mate and keep making the videos which we all enjoy 👍 Oh and I hope the French coppers catch the W*n**r !
Thank you 🙏
So sorry Steve hope you’ve got it all sorted now 🙏
Thank you 🙏
All the best. Good luck
Thank you 🙏
Hope this small donation will help.Bill & Jenny Crew.
Hi Bill and Jenny, thank you so, so much! 🙏
Bastards Steve! Gutted for you mate. Can't have anything nice these days without some scumbag trying to steal it. Keep ya chin up 👍
Thanks Andrew 🙏
Tough one. When I’m abroad first thing off the bike locks, alarms. As well as disc locks I use alarmed padlocks cheap as chips and effective. Always plan for the worse and hope for the best.
Hope you get sorted
That’s my routine for the U.K. I always lock my bike overnight in France and Germany but I’ve never been concerned.
Thanks 🙏
That's really awful... I've lived in Reims or surrounding area for over 25 years, my kids went to school there and I know the riding shop in front of which you bike was taken.. I agree with the guy who said you must have been followed and targeted, as Reims is in general a pretty low crime area.
I hope this doesn't dissuade you from exploring France.. It is really a great country, and Reims is a lovely city.. I'm so sorry this happened to you..
Thank you Gareth, yes, I too think we must have been targeted. Thankfully the insurance is now settled and I have bought a new bike in which I will definitely be heading back to France on at some point. Thank you, once again.
So sorry that you and your son couldn’t do the trip he had planned for so long hopefully your insurance will pay for the bike and you might be able to plan it next year
Steve, Just viewed this episode!! - that's really bad, I'm so sorry that's happened to you and Ben.
I know it's probably a short while ago it happened but is there any good news about recovering the GS.
It seems that no matter what preventative measures are put in place there's always some scrote working hard to steal it off you.
Do you think hou were targeted or just an opportunist robbery?
Sincerely hope that things get sorted soon and perhaps you and Ben can finally get your trip in.
Take care Mate.
SteveD
Thanks Steve 🙏
Mate this is the most gut wrenching thing to happen to a biker. I remember when I had a bike stolen and I thought it was joke to start with and someone had hid it. I hope you get sorted soon.
Thanks Craig, I felt exactly the same thing and wondered whether somebody had just moved it out of sight for a laugh. Then the realisation sank in…
Beware in France, I’ve had two attempts made on a van where I was carrying bikes home from France, both failed attempts because of the extra security I applied it’s not as it seems over there.
Very sorry that happened to you, I couldn’t help thinking all that travelling and feeling really tired and knackered and then they had your bike away. I hope the payout from Bennett’s is a fair one, opportunists on the look out for easy thefts they’re everywhere!
Good luck for the future👍
What an absolute nightmarish start of your trip. You only turned your back. In broad daylight. Guys with a van on the lookout following you, I reckon. I see all the tips people have. But bringing heavy chains on a trip, is something you’d like to avoid. I hope you will get some kind of compensation. Best of luck.
Steve, so disappointed that this happened to you -sincerely hope your get a fair outcome buddy 👍🏻
Thank you 🙏
Hi Steve. Like so many other comments I cannot express the full sadness of hearing of the theft but more importantly how this well and truly ruined a true "father and son thing". Hope Bennetts don't hang about and give you a sensible price for your GSA. Best, Tim.
Thanks Tim 🙏
Just watched this video and couldn’t think of anything worse to happen at any point of any bike trip . Bet someone was watching your bike before you even got off it . Thieving c**ts . 😤😤Never lock mine while in Europe but think I will start on this years trip . Glad your insurance paid out and you back on two wheels again . 👍👍
Thanks Dave, yes, moving forward I will be using multiple locks whenever I leave the bike unattended… 👍
So sorry you had a horrible end to what would have been a great trip with your lad! It really sucks, I had the same experience in Chambery in June , my 1250GSA was stolen from outside the hotel!
I was insured with Avila and can say although I had to make my own way home they were great and I was paid out and had a new bike with in a couple of weeks, this one is tracked and I have audible disc and a litelok, looks like France is an unsafe place to be now ! 😢
Thanks Mark, hopefully mine will be sorted soon 🙏
that’s gutting. I spent some time in france last year and met a biker who suffered a similar fate. I also have a gs I am assuming the gs somewhere changed tech and the newer ones have a tracker? Mine can be tracked through the connected app.
Just gutted for you I would probably flip or have a meltdown
Very sorry for you Buddy, it might be a terrible situation for you, I can't imagine it. I suppose France is not only the country you may have the same story, but, I want to apologise for the French Bikers. I hope you'll find a way to get your GSA back and/or having a better end of story. Keep your strength to bike again and share nice videos with us.
Thank you 🙏
Watched your episode on your GS being stolen, devastated for you and your son. Travelled to Reims myself on 25th Aug booked into my hotel and popped out to McDonald’s for a burger. 2023 GSA gone in Secound’s, spoke to a local policeman who was also a biker and he said Reims is a hot spot for thefts of GS and Africa twins so much so that some French insurance companies won’t insure them if you live there . Very sad that police can’t set up sting operations
Hi Garry, I am so sorry to hear you suffered the same fate… Mine went on the 15th; Reims and the surrounding area is most definitely a hot spot, I’ve heard so many stories now… Hope you get sorted soon…
Was really enjoying your video then this 😩 sometimes camping is the better option as the bike is right next door . Hopefully everything turns out fine . 👍
good point mate
Absolutely gutted for you fella. Having something stolen from you is a horrible feeling. Chin up.
Thanks Kev 🙏
Years ago I trained karate and commuted there on my motorbike, to avoid it being stolen they let me take the bike inside while I was there. Unfortunately if they want it they will turn up and chuck it in a van no matter how many locks you have. Glad to see you finally sorted.
Thank you, yes, it is sorted now… That’s interesting to hear the problem existed years ago.
That sucks.
We just returned from a 3 week trip to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and I never thought that my bike was in danger of being stolen.
Hope it all works out for you.
Thank you 🙏