Super Basic Newbie Question - Locking
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Super Basic Newbie Question - Locking
I am a new rider - and I'm having a blast getting used to my bike - still on my first tank of gas!
How do you folks lock your bikes?
I've only ventured out for local neighborhood rides, then back in my garage. I am feeling more confident in general, so I am planning to cruise a main boulevard to a friends house. It will be my first outing where I'll need to park the bike.
I've got stock fork and ignition locks (and a helmet lock that I can't reach due to engine guards.)
So I should purchase some type of lock/chain/cable so I can lock it to a fixed object? What about in friends driveway? At the diner etc. What are the tried and true methods for this?
And keep that stuff in a saddlebag? Does it unbalance the bike at all? I sure appreciate your tips! Thanks!
How do you folks lock your bikes?
I've only ventured out for local neighborhood rides, then back in my garage. I am feeling more confident in general, so I am planning to cruise a main boulevard to a friends house. It will be my first outing where I'll need to park the bike.
I've got stock fork and ignition locks (and a helmet lock that I can't reach due to engine guards.)
So I should purchase some type of lock/chain/cable so I can lock it to a fixed object? What about in friends driveway? At the diner etc. What are the tried and true methods for this?
And keep that stuff in a saddlebag? Does it unbalance the bike at all? I sure appreciate your tips! Thanks!
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 381
Likes: 201
From: Minnesota
instead of really good locks, I invest in really good insurance. If someone wants your bike bad enough, 4 guys with 2 pipes can pick it up and walk off with it and I have yet to see a chain or cable that cannot be cut. If the ignition is off, at least they have to push it instead of riding it off. As far as fork locks, If you read this forum long enough you will hear from plenty of guys who dumped thier bikes when they forgot to unlock them.
Just my opinion, but ride it, enjoy it, and if the bad guys want it bad enough, get another one to play with.
Just my opinion, but ride it, enjoy it, and if the bad guys want it bad enough, get another one to play with.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
Use the fork lock and ignition lock and you will be good. I have been doing this since 1973 and have not had a bike stolen yet. As for the saddle bags, try to balance the weight but it is not necessary. Welcome to riding. May you enjoy it for the rest of a long life, and you probably will.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,477
Likes: 14
From: Western MD
locks are for honest people and keep'em honest.. otherwise if they want it they will get it, one way or another.
Trending Topics
i know its your new baby but dont worry so much
i have had 4 nice baggers driven them all over country and nobody has even take the 5 bucks i leave in my windshield pouch
i dont know you neighbor but i have parked everywhere from downtown chicago to downtown LA and every hotel along the way
enjoy
Mazz
i have had 4 nice baggers driven them all over country and nobody has even take the 5 bucks i leave in my windshield pouch
i dont know you neighbor but i have parked everywhere from downtown chicago to downtown LA and every hotel along the way
enjoy
Mazz
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,420
Likes: 1
From: W. CENT. IL
The locks and visible parking are best, many will look most wont touch theives will do what they do. A alarm system could be the thing you want to make you more atease but may not be needed. The opinions will vary on that subject alone. Good luck and enjoy!
