Bike Security

[salty]

Hey folks, a small dilemma here, i am leaving for a four week tour of europe on Sunday the 1st of August and was wondering, is it worth while taking a dirty big lock and chain or take a chance and try to save a bit of weight and leave it at home, whats the general opinion for mainland europe, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France.

 

[david a hall]

are you camping or hotels?

 

[wessie]

I used to take an Oxford Magnum chain & padlock which comes with a nice pouch that clips onto the pillion seat.

I haven't taken it on the last 3 European trips which have included everywhere you mention. I fitted the pouched chain to the bike saddle a few weeks ago. Then I sat on the bike and lifted it off the side stand. I immediately got off the bike and removed the thing as it adds a lot of extra weight.

In 14 years of riding overseas I have not had a problem with people messing with the bike. I even leave the tankbag fitted when parked up for lunch nowadays.

Of course, my attitude may be coloured by the fact my bike is 10 years old, rusty & tarnished.

 

[salty]

are you camping or hotels?

Bit of both but probably more hotels to be fair ! The wife is coming !

 

[david a hall]

wont be wrong for chaining it to something solid if you are out of site and earshot in a hotel

 

[salty]

wont be wrong for chaining it to something solid if you are out of site and earshot in a hotel

yeah i know and thats where my dilemma comes, do i want to lug a chain around and know (just like here) if someone wants the bike they will take it whether there is a chain on it or not or take the chance and see if i can get away with it !

 

[salty]

In 14 years of riding overseas I have not had a problem with people messing with the bike. I even leave the tankbag fitted when parked up for lunch nowadays.

Lucky or sensible ? Think i will go for sensible unless someone can persuade me otherwise. Cheers mate

 

[John Armstrong]

The security you can take is only going to stop someone messing about and trying to move the bike. Have you thought about a U lock that fits under the 1200's seat to stop it being moved? One like this:

http://www.nippynormans.com/ABUS-Granit-X-Plus-54-300mm-shackle-length/productinfo/ABS-A22975/

 

[Timolgra]

Assume nothing, I've run trips abroad and riders have had all their gear nicked off the bike even in what appear quiet sleepy towns but never had actual bikes touched......other than some Spanish kids nicked my number plate right next to my tent!

To be safe, don't leave anything which can be taken or cut off the bike.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

I use a similar one of these in conjunction with a shackle lock in order to lock the bike to something solid.

A good compromise between weight and security. Dead light, takes up little room and mine has bolt cropper teeth marks in it to prove how good it is

Andres

 

[david a hall]

I use a similar one of these in conjunction with a shackle lock in order to lock the bike to something solid.

A good compromise between weight and security. Dead light, takes up little room and mine has bolt cropper teeth marks in it to prove how good it is

Andres

i have exactly this, use it also for helmet and jacket sleave, fairly reistant to bolt croppers but a junior hacksaw blade in the palm of your hand will see it through in a minute, i know cos i lost the key

 

[rob mac]

i have exactly this, use it also for helmet and jacket sleave, fairly reistant to bolt croppers but a junior hacksaw blade in the palm of your hand will see it through in a minute, i know cos i lost the key

Tell the truth, you cut the jacket sleeve and chin bar off first - doh!

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

15 years ago we were staying in Riano, in the Picos/Covadonga in the main hotel there in the town square, near the rebuilt Church

Bunch of trailbikes, XRs/RMX/KTMs/WR's etc all locked up and chained

The tour guide on his KLX250, never bothered to lock his, sleepy town lecture

Sunday morning, his was gone

2 local kids had 'used' it to get home on, after the late night disco

Conveniently they parked it about 2 miles away, right on the verge.............so we'd see it

No damage done...................but we laughed..................a lot

 

[majorbumsore]

I think adding a couple of kilos to the weight of a 2 up touring bike is hardly worth mentioning.
take a chain and put 2 litres less petrol in when ya fill up, if it bothers you that much (or leave the wife at home)
at least the bike will be there when you leave the hotel in the morning all excited about the days ride, sure beats spending the day at the local police station trying to file a crime report.
I've been unfortunate enough to have bikes nicked and its a really shit feeling, especially if you have a 30 quid chain hung on a hook in ya shed.

personal preference but I always lock it no matter where I am in the world.

enjoy the trip Salty. and dont forget some pics (hopfully of the bike) when ya get back.

 

[Timolgra]

15 years ago we were staying in Riano, in the Picos/Covadonga in the main hotel there in the town square, near the rebuilt Church

Bunch of trailbikes, XRs/RMX/KTMs/WR's etc all locked up and chained

The tour guide on his KLX250, never bothered to lock his, sleepy town lecture

Sunday morning, his was gone

2 local kids had 'used' it to get home on, after the late night disco

Conveniently they parked it about 2 miles away, right on the verge.............so we'd see it

No damage done...................but we laughed..................a lot

Just down the road from Riano, in a quiet cobbled street of Potes, GerryH left all his camping kit etc. on the back of his bike. In the morning it was all gone.

If you leave a kit bag on a bike use a Pacsafe

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Just down the road from Riano, in a quiet cobbled street of Potes, GerryH left all his camping kit etc. on the back of his bike. In the morning it was all gone.

If you leave a kit bag on a bike use a Pacsafe

Sleepy Picos...................not

 

[salty]

Thanks folks for all advice, pacsafe is bought and chain is getting packed, tried to leave the wife but she was having none of it, will post pics and report when im back with bike in September. Thanks again !