Questions about security on the road
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 727
From: South Austin Texas
Thank you for the advice, I hadn't thought about a cover or a cabin type situation, definitely going to look into both. Insurance is a great thing, if someone wants the bike bad enough they can have it. I really appreciate your guys' time & help. Now we wait for the new seat so I can blast off
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 196
From: Boise, ID
Don't stay in shady areas if you can at all help it.
Don't leave stuff loose on your bike (bags, helmets, etc.).
I have left helmets, Rok Straps etc. on my bike with zero issues. But I don't try & make a habit of it.
I typically lock up the ignition/forks. Put loose stuff in saddlebags & lock them. Helmet goes into the hotel. Usually needs to to clean it up a little anyway.
As others have said if you can get away with parking it up front in front of the office do that.
One time on the Oregon coast I asked the front desk if it was okay to park up front & they graciously said yes.
The next morning there were 4 other bikes there.
Don't leave stuff loose on your bike (bags, helmets, etc.).
I have left helmets, Rok Straps etc. on my bike with zero issues. But I don't try & make a habit of it.
I typically lock up the ignition/forks. Put loose stuff in saddlebags & lock them. Helmet goes into the hotel. Usually needs to to clean it up a little anyway.
As others have said if you can get away with parking it up front in front of the office do that.
One time on the Oregon coast I asked the front desk if it was okay to park up front & they graciously said yes.
The next morning there were 4 other bikes there.
Novice
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 24
Likes: 19
From: Haywood County,North Carolina
My wife and I took a 17 day road trip in August out west. I covered my bike every night, parked up front and stayed in good areas with no problems at all. Plan your trip and where to stay ahead of time and you shound'nt run into trying to find a place to stay on the fly.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,003
Likes: 11,441
Avoid the discount motel 6 in the hood. That might not go well for you.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,052
Likes: 2,863
From: IL
I have taken many long trips and at first I was concerned with theft. After a couple of trips I stopped worrying about it. Lock the bike, put a generic cover on it, make sure your insurance is paid and enjoy your trip!
I never took the seat off or the side bags. Then again I never stayed in any sketchy areas iether, thanks to my wife being at a minimum 3 star with 4 star hotel the preference.
I never took the seat off or the side bags. Then again I never stayed in any sketchy areas iether, thanks to my wife being at a minimum 3 star with 4 star hotel the preference.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,577
Likes: 7,955
From: Long Island, New York
I agree with all.
Oark out front under the roof in front of the hotel. Depending on the place, sometimes I ask, sometimes I just do it.
I will emphasize the cover. I have a plain black cover, I use it more for security than keeping the bike dry, though a dry seat in the AM is a plus. I feel that if there are 5 bikes parked in a row and only one has a cover on it, that is the hardest one to mess with and they will move along to the next one. Works for me, after that, leaving the bare minimum on the bike, I always take the electronics and helmets in the hotel with all of our gear. Very few things left on bike. Lock ignition and the saddle bags.
I do have a front rotor lock which is with me, the rare occasion that we wound up in a neighborhood a little more sketchy than expected, i will use it. Never had an issue, good luck.
Oark out front under the roof in front of the hotel. Depending on the place, sometimes I ask, sometimes I just do it.
I will emphasize the cover. I have a plain black cover, I use it more for security than keeping the bike dry, though a dry seat in the AM is a plus. I feel that if there are 5 bikes parked in a row and only one has a cover on it, that is the hardest one to mess with and they will move along to the next one. Works for me, after that, leaving the bare minimum on the bike, I always take the electronics and helmets in the hotel with all of our gear. Very few things left on bike. Lock ignition and the saddle bags.
I do have a front rotor lock which is with me, the rare occasion that we wound up in a neighborhood a little more sketchy than expected, i will use it. Never had an issue, good luck.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,064
Likes: 4,696
From: Fix'n 2 N, TX
Ha.. yep, told the wife a few places I've stayed and she said Hell No! Usually, bikers hotels and couples hotels are two entirely different things..
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 497
Likes: 187
From: Dallas area
Another overnight option is camping at a KOA or state/national park if you are into that. As mentioned above you could find places to stay with cabins other than a campground. If I camp I look for a KOA close to my route. Works well for me either tent or cabin plus having laundry facilities. Some have small cafes and food and all have a general store.
Last edited by gtmalone; Oct 1, 2020 at 12:55 PM.